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Senate Votes to Cut Taxes and Put PA Families First

The Senate approved legislation to dramatically decrease costs for Pennsylvania families by cutting taxes on electric bills and school supplies, strengthening the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program and eliminating the current sales tax exemption for data centers.

Making up the largest tax cut in Pennsylvania history, the proposal would eliminate the gross receipts tax on electric bills and require utility companies to pass the reduction on to consumers, saving ratepayers more than $1.7 billion over the first year. It would also implement a two-week sales tax holiday in August for school supplies, such as book bags, crayons, textbooks and tablets.

The highly successful EITC program, which provides scholarships to help families send children to schools that best meet student needs, would receive an additional $25 million under the legislation, bringing the total to $705 million. EITC scholarships remain one of our top priorities for empowering Pennsylvania parents.

House Bill 1667, as amended by the Senate, would also respond to concerns being raised across the commonwealth by eliminating the existing sales tax exemption for data centers.

The Senate action aims to provide greater affordability at a time when hardworking Pennsylvania families are feeling the strain of rising costs. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives.

Natural Gas and Oil Day Showcases Pennsylvania Energy

On Tuesday, American Petroleum Institute Pennsylvania (API PA) hosted “Natural Gas and Oil Day” at the State Capitol to spotlight Pennsylvania’s energy sector and advocate for policies that strengthen our robust natural gas and oil industry.

The overwhelming message was that Pennsylvania has a proud history of powering our region. We need more energy and we need to make sure the states that rely on our power pay their fair share so we can keep the lights on and rates affordable.

API was joined by legislators, energy companies and business and labor leaders for a press conference to kick off the day’s events.

Watch the full event on my website.                     

You May Have Money Waiting for You

My office, working with PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity, has identified constituents in the 23rd District who are owed $2,000 or more through Pennsylvania’s Unclaimed Property Program.

If you are one of those individuals, you should receive a letter from my office soon with more information.

Unclaimed property can include:

• Dormant bank accounts
• Uncashed checks
• Estate funds
• Refunds that were never claimed

My staff is happy to help you file a claim — free of charge. We can walk you through the process and help gather any required documents.

Anyone can also search for property at: patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property

America250PA Bell Unveiled in Lycoming County

Lycoming County recently unveiled its “Legacy of Lycoming” America250PA Bell, a beautiful tribute celebrating the county’s rich history, culture and community ahead of America’s 250^th birthday. Designed by local artist Mandi Engel, the bell highlights many of the people, places and traditions that have shaped Lycoming County over the years.

Matt Wise and Elizabeth Vollman of my Williamsport office attended the ceremony along with many others who helped make this meaningful project possible.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Application Deadline Extended to Dec. 31

The deadline to file for the state Property Tax Rent/Rebate Program has been extended to Dec. 31, 2026, allowing eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older more time to apply for rebates on property taxes and rent paid.

The maximum eligible income is $48,110 and the maximum standard rebate is $1,000, depending on the income level of the homeowner or renter.

Check income, age and other eligibility details on the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s website.

Please contact my office if you need help filling out your application.

PennDOT Accepting Applications for Winter Maintenance Program

PennDOT will again sponsor a Winter Maintenance Program (WMP). This program runs from September through April to supplement the permanent workforce.

Learn more and apply on their website.

Senate Votes to Support Victims Over Murderers

The Senate approved legislation to update Pennsylvania’s sentencing laws for second-degree murder following a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives, which must act quickly.

Without legislative action, Pennsylvania’s existing sentencing structure for second-degree murder would be invalidated, creating uncertainty for victims, prosecutors and the courts. More than 1,150 individuals currently serving sentences for second-degree murder could be affected.

Under Pennsylvania law, second-degree murder, often called felony murder, applies when someone dies during the commission of certain serious crimes, even if the defendant did not directly cause the death. In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the automatic life-without-parole sentence for second-degree murder was unconstitutional. The ruling takes effect July 24.

Senate Bill 1400 creates a new sentencing framework that complies with the court’s ruling while ensuring those involved in serious crimes remain accountable. The bill allows judges to consider an individual’s role in the crime when determining a sentence, while maintaining strong penalties for offenders and protections for victims. Read more about this effort to safeguard communities here.

Reducing the Backlog in PA Rape Kit Testing

For years, Pennsylvania has worked to reduce the backlog of untested rape kits and to ensure survivors of sexual assault are treated with the urgency and dignity they deserve.

We passed a 2024 law to move forward with a statewide sexual assault evidence tracking system so survivors can better understand where their kit is in the process. However, language in the law allows a local law enforcement agency to determine whether a kit should undergo DNA or other forensic analysis. This creates inconsistency from one jurisdiction to another.

Senate Bill 1212 removes that discretionary language and helps establish a clear, statewide expectation that sexual assault evidence that has been collected and has not yet received DNA or other appropriate forensic analysis should be treated consistently. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about the latest action to reduce the backlog in rape kit testing here.

Cutting Red Tape for Charities

The Senate voted to update charitable financial reporting requirements to better reflect the resources of nonprofits. The change would ensure transparency without imposing an unnecessary burden that undermines the charity’s mission.

Senate Bill 1183 would update the level of financial review required for charitable organizations based on the amount of annual contributions they receive. Reviews range from independent CPA audits for larger nonprofits to no reviews or audits for smaller ones. The thresholds have not been updated since 2017.

The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about updating charitable audit requirements here.

Providing Discounted Fishing and Hunting Licenses to Law Enforcement

In gratitude for the service of police officers across our commonwealth, the Senate approved legislation to provide current and retired law enforcement with discounted hunting and fishing licenses.

Under Senate Bill 469, law enforcement officials would be able to acquire each license for $1.

It may be a small gesture, but discounted licenses can help the men and women patrolling our communities take a break from a stressful job and enjoy the outdoors. The measure now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 469 here.

Why Do PA Energy Costs Remain High?

A topic I hear often about from constituents is skyrocketing electric rates. Here’s what’s driving this frustrating trend:

Pennsylvania is the number one exporting state in the nation for net electricity. We’re the energy hub for the 13 states that are part of the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland grid, known as PJM.

Without Pennsylvania’s reliable energy sources, including natural gas, coal and nuclear power, states like Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia would literally be in the dark. They don’t produce nearly enough reliable baseload power for their own needs.

The Shapiro Price Cap
Last year, a lawsuit by Gov. Josh Shapiro led to a grid-wide price cap of $330 per megawatt day. Pennsylvania had been paying about $270 per megawatt day in the capacity market. Virginia was paying $444 and Maryland was paying $466 per megawatt day.

With the Shapiro Price Cap in place, every state is paying the same: $330 per megawatt day, meaning Pennsylvania families and employers are paying MORE while people in Virginia and Maryland are paying LESS.

If we want lower electricity rates, we must require other states to do their fair share or pay more to help keep the PJM grid viable. Click here to read more about why energy costs remain high for Pennsylvanians.

Your Input Wanted on Statewide Transportation Improvement Program

The 2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), a list of transportation projects identified for funding statewide, is available for public review and comment through June 30.

The STIP is made up of 24 regional Transportation Improvement Programs and a variety of additional programs. It is updated every two years after the regional programs are submitted and approved, and will be adopted as part of the 12-Year Program update by the State Transportation Commission in August.

You can review the plan and submit your comments here.

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