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In this Update:
Standing Up for PA Taxpayers
With the state budget more than 100 days overdue, we are continuing to push for a balanced budget that respects taxpayers and will not lead to massive tax increases just a year or two from now. Unfortunately, Democrats in the House of Representatives have again proposed an irresponsible plan that seeks to spend billions more than taxpayers can afford by using one-time dollars. The most prudent action for the House to take would be to immediately pass the budget approved by the Senate back on August 12 – that would get money flowing to counties, schools and social service agencies. It’s time to put people above politics. Senate Republican leaders discussed the impasse here. Senate Acts to Waive Interest on Short-Term Budget Impasse Loans
Pennsylvania counties, early education programs, rape prevention and domestic violence prevention centers could pay no interest on loans from the Pennsylvania Treasury under legislation approved by the Senate. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Under current law, the Pennsylvania Treasurer may provide investment loans during a budget impasse but must charge interest on those loans. Treasury’s Budget Bridge Loan program would provide up to $500 million in low-interest loans from the Liquid Asset Pool Investment Fund for county governments, domestic violence and rape crisis centers, Head Start agencies and approved providers under the Pre-K Counts program. Those investment loans would cover up to 25% of a recipient’s state budget appropriation from the previous fiscal year. Senate Bill 1040 would authorize the state treasurer to waive interest charges on loans issued during a budget impasse and help prevent additional costs for taxpayers and communities. Measure Approved to Support Mental Health Services with Specialty License Plate
Pennsylvania’s lifesaving 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline would receive new support through the sale of specialty license plates under legislation approved by the Senate. Under Senate Bill 955, $15 from each plate will be deposited into the Mental Health Restricted Account, helping to fund the 988 service. The lifeline offers confidential, one-to-one support from a trained crisis responder. You can read more about this legislation, and the story that inspired it, here. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Ensuring U.S. and Pennsylvania Flags Are Made in America
Reflecting a growing effort to support American manufacturing, the Senate approved legislation ensuring every U.S. and Pennsylvania flag purchased by the commonwealth is made entirely in the U.S. using American materials. Senate Bill 784 requires the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to procure only flags that are both produced and constructed from materials sourced within the U.S. Each flag must also carry a label reading “Made in America.” The measure not only promotes American-made products within state procurement practices, it prevents the use of taxpayer dollars to purchase flags from nations that do not share the values of Pennsylvania citizens. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Examining the Use of AI in Education and Workforce Development
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom and how schools are adapting programs to prepare students for changing workforce demands were the topics of a public hearing held by the Senate Education Committee and the Senate Communications and Technology Committee. The joint panel heard from educators as well as workforce development and policy experts who discussed the need to embrace AI responsibly, in a manner that retains student critical thinking, ensures ethical and safe use, and prepares students to fill in-demand jobs. Hearing video and written testimony can be found on the Senate Communications and Technology Committee and Senate Education Committee websites. Center for Effective Lawmaking Issues Report
I am deeply honored to have been recognized by the Center for Effective Lawmaking as one of Pennsylvania’s most effective legislators. Successful lawmaking means more than introducing bills—it’s about building consensus, navigating the legislative process and getting results that make a difference in people’s lives. I am grateful for this acknowledgement and for the opportunity to continue serving the residents of the 20th District with dedication and purpose. PA Chamber Holds Government Affairs Roundtable
I appreciated the opportunity to provide a legislative update at the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry Government Affairs Roundtable. As the “statewide voice of business,” its membership includes businesses of all sizes and industry sectors throughout the state. Employers discussed their priorities and job creation efforts and shared the workforce challenges they are facing. Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball Team Visits Capitol
There are many athletes who travel to Harrisburg as ambassadors for their sport, but last week was especially exciting as the Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball team paid a visit. We spent some time on the Senate floor, where all of the players took a turn in my seat, and they presented me with a signed ball. We are proud to have such an amazing group of competitors representing our community! Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection Saves Lives
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. But when detected at its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is over 90%. The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition turned the State Capitol East Wing Fountain pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The action honors survivors, remembers those lost and encourages early detection through annual mammograms. Learn more about breast cancer and the tools available for early detection here. Reminder: 2025 Senior Expo
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