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In this Update:
Senate Approves State Budget that Funds Essential Services Without Raising Taxes
For the second time this year, the Senate approved a state budget that respects taxpayers and protects the financial stability of our commonwealth while ensuring that counties, school districts and other state government partners receive needed funding. The amended budget bill, Senate Bill 160, totals $47.9 billion, a responsible spending level that prevents the need for tax hikes on hardworking Pennsylvanians and ensures our state’s credit rating remains strong. Leading by example, the Senate budget plan includes a 5% cut for the General Assembly, recognizing the need to tighten our own spending, just as individuals, businesses, schools, and organizations must do to operate within their available funds. While fingers have been pointed at Senate Republicans for the budget impasse, the process requires all three branches of the government – the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Governor – to come to the table and reach a compromise. Pennsylvania cannot afford the more than $50 billion budget that the Governor proposed and the House approved. But we also can’t afford to delay this process further, especially when the federal shutdown is preventing much-needed federal funding from coming to the state, We have neighbors that rely on state and federally funded services, and it is past time for all sides to acknowledge our spending limits, pass a responsible budget, and bring this impasse to an end. Senate Education Committee Examines Cell Phone Use in Schools
As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I led a public hearing on Tuesday to examine how Pennsylvania schools are managing student cell phone use and how these policies impact learning, safety, and student well-being. The committee heard from educators, parents, students, and national policy experts who shared a wide range of perspectives on this important issue. Many emphasized the challenges of maintaining focus in classrooms where cell phones are present, while others discussed how technology can support communication and learning when used responsibly. Student testimony played a key role in the discussion. Students from the Danville Area and Milton Area School Districts provided firsthand accounts of how cell phone use affects their daily learning experiences, offering valuable insight into the need for balance between access and accountability. Educators and parents also shared differing views on whether schools should have more consistent guidance across the state or retain flexibility to craft their own local policies. All agreed on the importance of promoting student safety, minimizing distractions, and encouraging responsible technology use. I am grateful to all who participated and provided thoughtful testimony. The information shared will help guide our ongoing discussions about how to best support schools, teachers, and families in preparing students for success in an increasingly connected world. Video and written testimony from the hearing is available at education.pasenategop.com. Resources Available for Residents Affected by Possible SNAP Benefit Delays
Many families across Pennsylvania rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to help put food on the table. Due to ongoing federal funding issues, there is growing concern that SNAP benefits may not be distributed in November. My office is closely monitoring this situation and staying in contact with local partners who are preparing to assist those affected. Megan Bair, Executive Director of Central Susquehanna Opportunities (CSO), is coordinating additional food distributions and meeting with community stakeholders to address potential needs. We will share updates as more information becomes available. Residents who may experience a disruption in benefits can find local food assistance through the following resources:
No one should go hungry because of funding uncertainty. Please know that my offices are here to connect residents with assistance and provide guidance as this situation develops. Senate Again Acts to Repeal RGGI Electricity Tax
Bipartisan legislation preventing a new electricity tax by repealing Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) was approved by the Senate. RGGI, a multi-state compact, would increase electricity rates on families and employers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs and cause Pennsylvania power plants to close. Senate Bill 1068 formally repeals Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI, ensuring that any decision to impose electricity taxes or emissions programs must go through the legislative process rather than being enacted unilaterally by the governor. The Commonwealth Court has ruled that RGGI is a tax and cannot be implemented without legislative approval. However, the governor appealed the decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. His action has deepened concerns about energy grid reliability and affordability, prolonged uncertainty for workers and businesses across the commonwealth – and caused electricity prices to go up for hardworking families. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection Saves Lives
This week in the Senate, members and staff joined together to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to continue raising awareness about the importance of early detection and access to care. I was proud to co-sponsor Senate Resolution 160, which designates October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania and reaffirms our ongoing commitment to prevention, early screening, and research that saves lives. Breast cancer affects one in eight women, and nearly every family has been touched by it in some way. Thanks to ongoing bipartisan efforts, including the passage of Act 1 of 2023 and continued advocacy from organizations like the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, we are making progress in expanding access to early screenings and improving outcomes for patients across the Commonwealth. This week, my colleagues and I also took part in the “Rock the Ribbon” campaign with the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, coming together in pink to show support for survivors, families, and advocates. It was a powerful reminder that awareness and education remain key tools in the fight against breast cancer. As we honor those who have battled this disease and remember the lives lost, I encourage everyone to stay informed, schedule regular screenings, and continue to share the message that early detection saves lives. Learn more about breast cancer prevention and screening resources at PABreastCancer.org. Honoring Girl Scout Gold Award Recipient Ashlee Kreamer
This week, I was proud to recognize Ashlee Kreamer of Snyder County on earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve. For her Gold Award project, Ashlee partnered with River Christian Fellowship to design and build a prayer garden and free-standing community library. She organized volunteers, gathered materials, and coordinated community donations to create a space that encourages reflection, connection, and learning. The project will continue to serve local families, with church members maintaining the garden and library for years to come. Ashlee’s leadership, creativity, and commitment to serving others truly represent the best of Pennsylvania’s youth. It was an honor to present her with a Senate Citation and to welcome her, along with her mother, as my guests in the Senate chamber. The Girl Scout Gold Award is earned by fewer than 5.5 percent of all Girl Scouts and recognizes those who make a sustainable impact in their communities. Ashlee’s achievement is an inspiring example of what can be accomplished through hard work, compassion, and a heart for service. STEM Event Encourages Students to Explore Science and Innovation
I was thrilled to host our STEM Event this past weekend in Danville, where students and families from across the region came together to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through fun, hands-on learning. The event was a wonderful success, thanks to the enthusiasm of participating students and the many community partners who helped make the day possible. Together, we created an environment where curiosity, creativity, and innovation could shine. Students had the opportunity to take part in a variety of interactive activities and demonstrations, including: Events like this are about more than just hands-on learning. They are about sparking new interests, connecting classroom lessons to real-world opportunities, and helping young people imagine themselves in the careers that will shape our future. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of the partners, educators, and families who participated and helped make this day such a success. Together, we are inspiring the next generation of Pennsylvania’s innovators. PennDOT Invites High School Students to Join Annual Innovations Challenge
High school students across Pennsylvania are invited to participate in the 2025–26 PennDOT Innovations Challenge, an annual competition that encourages creative thinking and problem-solving to address real-world transportation issues. This year’s challenge asks students to develop a concept for how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in work zones to dramatically improve safety for both road crews and motorists. Participants will design a plan showing how PennDOT could use smarter systems to prevent accidents and protect workers who keep Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges in good condition. The competition is open to all students in grades 9 through 12, and submissions are due January 30, 2026. More details about the challenge, including guidelines and submission information, are available here. Landmark Bill to Modernize PA’s Broken Permitting Process Approved by Senate
A sweeping permitting reform measure to bring greater accountability, transparency and efficiency to how state agencies handle permit applications was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 6 sets clear timelines for state agencies to review permit applications, creates a permit tracking system and ensures applicants receive timely, consistent answers not endless delays. The measure, which passed with bipartisan support, also requires regular performance reporting so Pennsylvanians can hold their government accountable. The bill builds on the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program that required the Department of Environmental Protection to implement a permit tracking system. This legislation expands those transparency and accountability measures to all state agencies. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Tuesday is the Deadline to Apply to Vote by Mail in the Nov. 4 Election
If you plan on voting by mail in the Nov. 4 election, your application for a ballot must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28. You can apply online, by mail or at your county election office. Find details for each along with other useful information here. Military or overseas civilian voters can find information here on how to obtain a mail ballot. County election offices must receive completed mail ballots by 8 p.m., Nov. 4. Auditor General’s Activity Book Contest Accepting Submissions through Oct. 31
Pennsylvania students in grades K-12 are invited to help the state Auditor General’s office design the cover of its new Be Money $mart activity book. The book will include coloring pages, word searches, word scrambles, crosswords and budgeting sheets – all focused on financial literacy. The deadline to submit a design online is Oct. 31. The winner’s artwork will be featured on the cover of the new activity book and recognized at the PA Farm Show, Additionally, the winning student will earn their school a visit from Auditor General Tim DeFoor. The activity book will be distributed statewide through libraries, YMCAs and credit unions.
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