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In this Update:
Senate Approves Bipartisan Budget that Strengthens Families, Education, and the Economy
The General Assembly approved a bipartisan, fiscally responsible state budget that protects taxpayers, strengthens education, and supports Pennsylvania families. The spending plan balances smart investments in people and communities without raising taxes. Included with the budget is the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, a measure I have championed since my time in the House. Modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, this new state program provides direct, refundable relief to more than 700,000 working households across Pennsylvania. It rewards work, strengthens financial stability, and helps families afford the essentials they need to thrive. Click here to read more. This budget also maintains the state’s Rainy Day Fund, reclaims unspent funds to balance the budget, and continues reducing the Corporate Net Income Tax to make Pennsylvania more competitive for employers and job creators. Signed by the governor soon after final passage by the legislature, the agreed-to budget represents practical, bipartisan progress that strengthens families, invests in students, and builds a stronger economy for the future. Watch video of my remarks following the passage of the budget here. Read a press release I issued regarding the budget here. Find more details about the final 2025-26 state budget plan here. Education Investments Remain a Priority in This Year’s Budget
As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I am proud that this year’s bipartisan budget continues to make significant investments in students, families, and schools throughout Pennsylvania. The budget increases funding for Basic and Special Education, Pre-K Counts, and the Ready to Learn Block Grant, while also expanding the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program to give more families in economically disadvantaged communities the opportunity to choose the best learning environment for their children. As part of the budget, the General Assembly approved a comprehensive School Code bill, Senate Bill 315 which the governor signed into law as Act 47 of 2025. I introduced the underlying bill to adjust the timing of equipment grant funding awards to our Career and Technical Education (CTE) schools. It was then amended to include measures that strengthen literacy, support teachers, expand career and technical education, and enhance school safety. SB 315 requires all Pennsylvania school districts to adopt evidence-based reading instruction by the 2027–28 school year, ensuring that every student learns to read using proven, structured literacy methods. This has been a top priority of mine since being appointed Chair of the Education Committee earlier this year. It also creates new pathways to certification for career and technical instructors, promotes FAFSA completion to help families access financial aid, increases funding for library programs, and builds on school safety initiatives. In addition, the budget increases funding for the Grow PA Scholarship Program and restores workforce development funding to help prepare students for high-demand jobs. These investments demonstrate our continued commitment to supporting schools, empowering families, and strengthening Pennsylvania’s workforce for the future. Click here to watch my remarks regarding education components of the budget. RGGI Electricity Taxes Eliminated from State Budget
As part of the budget agreement, the regulation mandating Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) – a multi-state pact that would have added more than a billion dollars in new electricity taxes on Pennsylvania families and job creators – was eliminated. Preventing Pennsylvania from entering RGGI and stopping this tax protects consumers from dealing with even more severe consequences, including the closure of Pennsylvania power plants, job losses and the threat of rolling blackouts in the years ahead. Stopping the RGGI electricity tax is a huge win for every consumer of electricity in this commonwealth. At a time when families continue to feel the strain of inflationary pressure, we must look for ways to decrease, not increase, the cost of electricity. Budget Makes PA Competitive Through Sweeping Permitting Reform
The new budget includes new permitting reforms that will continue the significant progress we’ve made in recent years to cut red tape and prevent endless layers of bureaucracy from limiting business and job growth statewide. The reforms will require a wide variety of environmental permits to be deemed approved after a certain period of time, ensuring applicants will know the time frame for consideration of their application and can appeal any permits that are denied. This provides certainty to the process and ends the current practice of dragging out the permitting process for months without resolution. In addition, the reforms will require permit tracking for applicants across all state agencies, adding transparency to the process. Recognizing Local Achievements Across the 27th District
On Monday, I was honored to present Senate Citations to two exceptional members of our community whose dedication and success exemplifies the best of Pennsylvania’s spirit. I had the privilege of recognizing Coach Jim Bell of Shikellamy High School, who recently achieved his 500th career win after more than 50 years leading the school’s cross country program. Coach Bell’s leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication have inspired generations of student-athletes and strengthened school pride throughout the community. Glick’s Garage Doors, Fireplaces & Awnings also celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Founded in 1975 by Roy Glick and purchased in 2018 by Scott and Betsy Karpinski, Glick’s has built a reputation for professional service, expert installation, and a strong commitment to community. The company provides 24-hour emergency services across central Pennsylvania and continues to give back to the region through local events and volunteer efforts. Congratulations to both recipients on these well-deserved honors and for your decades of contribution to the 27th District. Honoring Our Veterans and Those Who Served
As we observed Veterans Day this week, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all who have served and sacrificed for our nation. Their courage, dedication, and service continue to safeguard the freedoms we enjoy every day. I had the privilege of attending several Veterans Day events across our district, including the Masonic Temple in Sunbury’s annual First Responders and Veterans Breakfast and a Bless Our Vets Ceremony hosted jointly by St. Joseph Catholic Parish and St. Mary’s in Berwick. On Saturday, I joined in celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps at the Marine Corps Ball hosted by the Lewisburg Legion. I presented a copy of Senate Resolution 182, which the Senate adopted in honor of the 250th Anniversary. At the ball, I met James Hostetler, a 97-year-old World War II veteran. Meeting veterans like James is a powerful reminder of the generations who have served with honor and integrity, both at home and abroad. To all veterans across the 27th District and beyond, thank you for your service, your strength, and your commitment to our nation. Monday: Talen Energy to Hold Virtual Meeting on Montour County Rezoning
Talen Energy will host a virtual community meeting on Monday, November 17, at 7 p.m. to discuss its request to rezone land around the Montour Power Plant. Residents can submit questions through talenmontour.com through the weekend, and company representatives plan to address questions during the event. This meeting precedes Talen’s appearance before the Montour County Planning Commission on November 19. Toys for Tots Collection Underway at District Offices
My offices are proud to serve as collection sites for the annual Toys for Tots campaign. Each year, this program brings holiday joy to children and families in need across our region. Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at any of our district office locations through Thursday, December 12.
To learn more about the program, donation guidelines, or volunteer opportunities, visit the Toys for Tots FAQ page at www.toysfortots.org/faq. Thank you to everyone who helps make this season brighter for local families. State Police Will Help Ensure Your Child Car Seat is Properly Installed
Throughout November, certified Pennsylvania State Police technicians are setting aside dates to help ensure child car seats are safe, secure and properly installed. Caregivers will receive instruction on the proper installation of their car seat, learn how to properly harness a child in a seat and have their seats checked for recalls. Find the nearest free car seat check here – some in our district are on Monday, November 17th so be sure to check for details, so you don’t miss this opportunity If none are scheduled locally or you can’t make it, check your local state police station for free monthly child seat fittings. Legislation Advances Cracking Down on AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material
Legislation to better protect young people against the serious threats posed by child abuse materials generated using artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing in the Senate. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 1050, which would require mandated reporters to report all instances of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) they become aware of, including those produced by a minor. This applies to teachers, child care workers, health care providers and other individuals responsible for caring for children. There has been a startling increase in the amount of AI-generated CSAM being created and shared in recent years, including troubling cases in school settings. Law enforcement officials and child advocacy organizations shared their support for the measure during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee. Keystone Scholars Offers November Incentive to Start Saving for College
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced a statewide incentive for Keystone Scholars this month, which will give children a head start on education savings. Families who claim their child’s $100 scholarship from Keystone Scholars in November and open and link their own companion PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account will get an additional $50. Keystone Scholars provides a $100 scholarship for every child born in Pennsylvania since 2019. This money grows alongside the child and will be available to use after their 18th birthday to help pay for costs associated with four-year degrees, community college, technical training, apprenticeships and credential programs. To learn more, visit pa529.com/keystone. Oh Say, Can You Sing? The PA Farm Show National Anthem Contest
Think you’ve got what it takes to sing the National Anthem at the Farm Show? The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is looking for singers to kick off each day of the 2026 edition of the nation’s largest indoor agricultural exposition. Submit your original video entry by Nov. 24 to be considered. Winners will be selected by fan voting on Facebook. You must be available at least one day of the Farm Show, which runs from Jan. 10 through Jan. 17. You can find details about eligibility, video requirements, voting and how to apply here.
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