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In this Update:
Working to Finalize the State Budget
Good progress is being made as we work on finalizing the state budget for fiscal year 2026-27. This week, we received needed clarity on a number of issues which were delaying the budget’s completion. We’re now well on our way to reaching a full budget agreement in the coming days. In a divided government, all parties must work together to find common ground, and I’m confident that agreement can be reached and a responsible new state budget enacted soon. My focus remains on controlling the growth of state spending and implementing pro-growth policies to protect taxpayers. Fairness in Women’s Sports
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that states can take action to protect fairness in women’s sports, specifically holding that states “may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females.” Here in Pennsylvania, we’ve already taken big steps in this direction. The Senate has passed both Senate Bill 9 and Senate Bill 1293 to protect female athletes by requiring public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female, or coed. Both bills state that only biological females can join teams designated for women, and the bills would allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. Given the recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, it’s certainly time for the PA House of Representatives to allow a vote on this important legislation. Increasing Accountability of Taxpayer-Funded Childcare Programs
To combat the kind of fraud and abuse uncovered in other states, the Senate approved legislation to strengthen oversight of Pennsylvania’s taxpayer-funded childcare programs. Senate Bill 1372 would require the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to provide annual reports detailing inspections, investigations, enforcement actions and financial oversight activities related to childcare facilities and programs receiving public funding. The reports would cover facility inspections, violations, complaints, investigations and enforcement actions. It would also require reporting on taxpayer-funded childcare payments, improper payments identified and efforts to recover misspent funds. More than a billion taxpayer dollars are spent annually on childcare in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1372 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Votes to Improve PA Amber Alert Response
The Senate passed legislation to help law enforcement respond more effectively during Amber Alerts and missing person investigations. Senate Bill 1273 clarifies that the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission may share time-sensitive information collected through its automated tolling system with law enforcement in specific situations. This includes cases involving Amber Alerts and Missing Endangered Person Advisory System alerts, where rapid access to vehicle data can be critical. This commonsense measure improves coordination between agencies to help a citizen in danger when every minute counts. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 1273 here. Providing Pennsylvanians with Information on Long-Term Care Options
Legislation to ensure older Pennsylvanians receive complete information about long-term care options was approved by the Senate. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 482 strengthens outreach and accountability surrounding Pennsylvania’s Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) Program, which helps eligible seniors remain in their homes and communities while receiving comprehensive healthcare and support services. Currently, individuals enrolling in Medicaid managed care may not receive information about the LIFE Program during the enrollment process. Senate Bill 482 requires the state’s Independent Enrollment Broker to include information about the LIFE Program with enrollment materials provided to eligible individuals. Read more about Senate Bill 482 and the LIFE Program here. Body Cameras Possible for County Probation & Parole Officers
This week, the Judiciary Committee approved House Bill 2299 to include county probation and parole officers among the law enforcement personnel authorized to use body-worn cameras while performing their official duties, ensuring they can enhance accountability and improve public safety. Last session, the General Assembly expanded the use of body-worn cameras for several categories of law enforcement officers, recognizing the value these devices provide in promoting transparency and safety. County probation and parole officers face many of the same risks while carrying out their duties in our communities. This legislation is a logical next step to ensure they have access to the same tools that protect officers, strengthen public confidence and provide an objective record of encounters. House Bill 2299 now advances to the full Senate for consideration. Staying Cool When the Weather Turns Hot
Summer heat waves can be merely uncomfortable or worse depending on how we react. Drink plenty of water, limit time outside and cool off with AC. Call 211 or visit here for a list of cooling centers by county. And check on older family and neighbors. Never leave kids or pets in a vehicle. Most vehicle heatstroke deaths involving children are a result of a parent or caregiver forgetting a child in a car. Check the back seat before walking away from your car. Read more about preventing hot car deaths. The PA Public Utility Commission offers these tips on staying cool and cutting energy costs:
I hope you stay safe and cool and have a fantastic summer. New Savings Plan for Children in 2026
Families have a new way to save for kids in 2026 with the 530A IRA, also known as a Trump Account. A Trump Account is an investment account for kids under 18. Families and others can contribute up to $5,000 per year, and employers may be able to contribute up to $2,500 per year toward that same limit. Eligible children born between 2025-2028 may receive a one-time $1,000 federal deposit. Funds are generally inaccessible until your child turns 18, when the account converts into a traditional IRA. The money will be invested in a suite of low-cost index funds, where the initial $1,000 deposit could grow to an estimated half a million dollars or more by retirement age. Learn more and download the app at the official Trump Accounts webpage. Celebrating 250 Years of American Freedom
250 years ago – on July 4, 1776 – our nation’s founders gathered in Philadelphia and signed the Declaration of Independence. President Abraham Lincoln once described the Declaration as “an apple of gold” and said it gave “liberty, not alone to the people of this country, but hope to the world for all future time.” I am proud of my ancestor, Lieutenant Henry Stover, a true American patriot who served in the 5th Battalion of the Lancaster County Militia during the Revolutionary War. He and others set their lives aside to fight for independence. We are so lucky to live in a nation where the freedoms sought remain a core of our nation’s strength. As we gather in our communities to celebrate Independence Day this year, and to mark our nation’s semiquincentennial, may we all take time to reflect on the many blessings of being Americans and recommit to honoring the character, courage, and conviction of those who founded our great United States.
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