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In this Update:
- State Budget Update
- Highlighting Regional Transportation Projects at the GSVCC Summit
- PennDOT to Host Luzerne County Hiring Event for Winter Maintenance Positions
- Public Comment Open for Proposed Archery Hunting at Shikellamy State Park
- Expanding Access to Lifesaving Naloxone, Making Prescription Drug Costs More Transparent
- New Law Will Improve Stroke Care Across PA
- Legislation to Address Pennsylvania’s Shortage of CPAs Signed into Law
- Watch Out for Scammers Posing as State Employees
- July is Independent Retailer Month
State Budget Update
The Senate convened for session in Harrisburg this week as work on the 2025-26 state budget progresses. Our discussions with the House of Representatives and the governor continue to advance.
We remain committed to reaching a final budget agreement that protects taxpayers, supports essential services, and addresses the long-term financial challenges facing our commonwealth.
Earlier this year, the Governor introduced a $51.5 billion spending plan, representing a 7.5% increase from last year’s budget. Independent analysts, including the IFO, have warned that this level of spending could deplete the state’s Rainy Day Fund within two years and lead to pressure for new taxes or fees.
At the same time, Pennsylvania is already facing a $3 billion structural deficit that could grow to $6 billion if not addressed. That is why we continue to advocate for a responsible, sustainable budget that invests in education, public safety, and infrastructure without putting future stability at risk.
Negotiations with the House and Governor are ongoing, and I remain focused on working together to deliver a final agreement that supports our communities and ensures fiscal responsibility for years to come.
Highlighting Regional Transportation Projects at the GSVCC Summit
I recently had the opportunity to join the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce (GSVCC) for their inaugural Transportation Summit, a day dedicated to exploring the infrastructure projects that are shaping the future of our region.
From site visits to rail corridor discussions, the summit offered a unique, on-the-ground look at the transportation investments moving our communities forward. Whether it’s improving roadways, enhancing freight movement, or planning for pedestrian and public transit needs, each project plays a vital role in supporting our economy and daily lives.
Thank you to the Chamber for organizing such a valuable and informative day and to former Secretary of Transportation Brad Mallory for lending his insight and expertise to the conversations. To read more about the summit from GSVCC President and CEO Bob Garrett, click here.
PennDOT to Host Luzerne County Hiring Event for Winter Maintenance Positions
PennDOT will be holding a Winter Maintenance Program (WMP) hiring event in Luzerne County on Tuesday, August 12, to recruit individuals interested in supporting local snow removal and road maintenance during the winter months.
The event will run from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the Luzerne County Maintenance Office, located at 381 South Main Street, Ashley, PA 18706.
Participants are encouraged to bring two forms of ID, as there may be on-the-spot interviews and conditional offers extended for select positions. These seasonal roles play an important part in keeping our roads safe during winter weather.
I encourage anyone looking for seasonal work or a way to support their community to attend and learn more about opportunities with PennDOT.
More information about available jobs can be found at www.penndot.pa.gov.
Public Comment Open for Proposed Archery Hunting at Shikellamy State Park
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is seeking public feedback on a proposal to permit archery hunting in the Overlook section of Shikellamy State Park in Union and Northumberland counties.
The plan would open roughly 107 acres near County Line Road and George Lane to archery hunting. All DCNR and Game Commission rules would apply, and safety zones near day-use areas would remain in place.
Residents can share their input now through August 13, 2025, by emailing ra-nrspshik@pa.gov, hand delivering written comments to the park office, or by mailing them to Shikellamy State Park, 401 Bridge Avenue, Sunbury, PA 17801.
Expanding Access to Lifesaving Naloxone, Making Prescription Drug Costs More Transparent
Legislation has been signed into law to give EMS personnel permanent authority to leave behind naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, at the scene of an overdose. This will offer families a critical tool to prevent future emergencies.
Act 34 of 2025 ensures that families and caregivers are equipped to respond immediately to another overdose if needed. It also improves transparency and access within Pennsylvania’s health care system by:
- Increasing clarity around prescription drug costs.
- Enhancing communication between pharmacists and patients.
- Allowing out-of-state pharmacists to receive temporary licenses to practice in Pennsylvania for the next six months, which is aimed at addressing pharmacy deserts created by the widespread closure of Rite Aid locations.
New Law Will Improve Stroke Care Across PA
Strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States. Legislation passed by the general assembly and signed into law aims to save lives by providing critical information to health care providers.
Senate Bill 411, which I co-sponsored and is now Act 24 of 2025, will establish a statewide stroke registry, administered by the state Department of Health, to deliver resources to emergency medical service providers, hospital stroke teams and other health care providers to ensure high quality stroke care for patients.
It includes a confidentiality clause ensuring any submitted registry data will not include an individual’s confidential or personally identifiable information.
Legislation to Address Pennsylvania’s Shortage of CPAs Signed into Law
A Senate measure aimed at alleviating the growing shortage of certified public accountants (CPAs) in Pennsylvania has been signed into law to ensure the commonwealth has enough of these professionals so critical to the everyday economy.
Senate Bill 719, now Act 27 of 2025, provides an alternative pathway to CPA licensure by allowing candidates to qualify with 120 credit hours of education and two years of professional experience, rather than the current 150-credit-hour requirement and one year of experience.
Candidates must still pass the CPA exam to be licensed. The new pathway is designed to reduce financial and time burdens on aspiring accountants without compromising professional standards. The law also streamlines the process for qualified out-of-state accountants to practice in Pennsylvania without obtaining a separate state certificate or permit.
Watch Out for Scammers Posing as State Employees
Older Pennsylvanians are being targeted by emails from scammers posing as state employees requesting payments necessary to access a non-existent inheritance.
In an incident reported to commonwealth officials, an older Pennsylvanian received an email from a generic account resembling an official state email address and claiming to be a representative of a credit union.
Don’t respond or click on any links! Report any incidents like this by phone at 1-866-PAComplaint or online.
July is Independent Retailer Month
Independent Retailer Month reminds us to shop at locally owned businesses, appreciating their positive social and economic impact in our communities.
While we often think of our small merchants when shopping local, Independent Retailer Month also recognizes those businesses such as franchises that are owned by and employ our neighbors and make significant contributions for the areas where they are located.
Please keep all of our Independent Retailers in mind when making your purchases this month and all year.
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