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In this Update:
Standing Up for Taxpayers with a Fiscally Responsible State Budget Agreement
Senate Republicans stood up for taxpayers by supporting a fiscally responsible state budget that doesn’t raise taxes on Pennsylvania families and supports affordability and job growth. Gov. Josh Shapiro originally proposed a budget that would have increased spending by $2.7 billion, a 5.4% increase, and withdrawn approximately $4.6 billion from the state’s Rainy Day Fund. His plan would have required massive tax increases as soon as next year. The final agreement negotiated by Senate Republicans reduced the governor’s proposed spending increase by more than $1.1 billion, requires no withdrawals from the Rainy Day Fund and keeps Pennsylvania on a more sustainable fiscal path while helping avoid potential bond downgrades and higher borrowing costs. The people of Pennsylvania expect us to treat their tax dollars with the same care they use to manage their own household budgets. That responsibility guided every decision I made during these negotiations.Bottom of Form Senate Passes Bill to Bring Life-saving Treatments to Market More Quickly
The Senate approved legislation to help get new life-saving treatments and devices to market more quickly while preserving safety standards. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Under current law, a pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturer must first complete a lengthy federal process before it can even begin the state licensure process in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1206 allows companies to gain temporary approval under Pennsylvania’s virtual manufacturers’ law, so that once federal approval is granted, these companies can quickly move forward without having to clear additional administrative roadblocks. Read more about Senate Bill 1206 here. Strengthening Medical Imaging Standards
Medical imaging – such as MRIs or x-rays – are essential to diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions and rely on radiation to do so. Performed incorrectly, these tests can cause serious harm to patients. Yet, Pennsylvania is one of only four states that do not have a licensure or certification framework for these professionals. The Senate approved Senate Bill 1334 to create a statewide licensing structure for professionals who perform medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures. The bill doesn’t require additional schooling or place unnecessary burdens on qualified professionals. It was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 1334 here. Empowering Patients to Make Care Decisions
Pennsylvania Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) spell out treatments a seriously ill patient does and does not want in an emergency or at the end of life. To empower patients, the Senate passed legislation creating the legal framework for their use across all healthcare settings. These differ from an advance directive, which generally identifies a surrogate decision-maker or provide broad guidance about future care preferences. POLST is a medical order that must be followed immediately, ensuring care aligns with the patient’s wishes in real time. POLST forms are not consistently recognized or applied across all care settings in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 730 provides statutory authority so that these forms are honored statewide by healthcare providers and emergency medical services. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Read more about Senate Bill 730 here. PA Trooper’s Death Highlights Urgent Need to Improve CDL Oversight
Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr. was recently killed in the line of duty during a Schuylkill County traffic stop when he was struck by a tractor trailer driven by a person who was in the country illegally. I mourn this heartbreaking tragedy and join the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association in asking why this person had been granted a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Massachusetts. I also urge the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass two bills approved by the Senate to help prevent similar tragedies in the future: Senate Bill 1294, which improves the training curriculum and strengthens penalties to shutdown unqualified “CDL Mills,” and Senate Bill 1295, which requires English proficiency in all testing applications to operate an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle on public highways. We must strengthen our laws and oversight governing non-domiciled CDLs to improve commercial vehicle safety and help protect lives across our commonwealth. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Extended to Dec. 31
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides rebates on property taxes or rent paid for the previous year by income-eligible seniors and people with disabilities. The deadline to apply has been extended to Dec. 31, 2026. Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, it benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Rebates range from $380 to $1,000. The income limit is currently $48,110 a year for homeowners and renters, however, half of Social Security income is excluded. Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that $224.4 million in rebates have already been sent to 372,291 Pennsylvanians. You can find more information and apply here. Contact my office for assistance in applying. State Police Cadet Selection Open Through July 31
Do you know someone who is considering a law enforcement career? The Pennsylvania State Police Cadet selection cycle is open through July 31. In addition to patrol services and policing residential areas, state troopers provide a variety of support services through specialized positions. The selection process consists of a written exam, background check and polygraph exam, physical readiness test, medical checkup and psychological evaluation. College internships are also available at participating schools. Learn more about the cadet selection process here. Honoring Reverend Gerald J. Gurka
Congratulations to Fr. Jerry Gurka upon his well-deserved retirement! I had the privilege of joining the community for a farewell dinner in recognition of his dedicated service as pastor of Saint John the Baptist Parish and distinguished ministry spanning more than forty-five years. During his tenure, he guided numerous renovation and improvement projects, organized parish operations, and welcomed parishioners from neighboring churches that had closed, strengthening the community as a whole. We offer our heartfelt best wishes as Fr. Gurka embarks on his next chapter. Northwell Health Ribbon Cutting
Medical services are expanding in Pike County as Northwell Health opens its second facility. The 2,750-square-foot facility brings much-needed services closer to home for Pike County families, offering both primary and immediate care under one roof. Expanding access in rural and growing communities is critical, and investments like this help ensure residents can receive timely, high-quality care where they live. Free License Plate Replacement Event July 23
Representative Brenda Pugh and I are hosting a replacement plate event on Thursday, July 23 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds, located at 3605 State Route 118 in Dallas. The event will provide constituents with the opportunity to have license plates checked for signs of damage, including loss of reflectivity, peeling, blistering or discoloration. Police will be in attendance to determine if plates need to be replaced and assist with appropriate paperwork. Once submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the new replacement plate will be mailed to the individual’s home address. The services provided at the event will be free. The only charge will be if a constituent wants to keep the same number configuration. For more information, please contact my Nanticoke office at 570-740-2432.
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