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New State Budget Protects Taxpayers and Funds Key Priorities

After trimming excessive spending sought by the governor, the Senate approved a state budget that stands up for taxpayers, doesn’t raise taxes on Pennsylvania families, supports affordability and job growth and does not require any withdrawals from the Rainy-Day Fund.

Read more about the 2026-27 state budget, including initiatives to create jobs and strengthen healthcare, here.

State Budget Includes Long-Overdue COLA

The newly enacted state budget includes a cost-of-living (COLA) increase for retired teachers, school district employees and state employees who retired prior to July 2, 2001, as well as certain retired municipal firefighters and police officers.

I was proud to support this measure because these retirees dedicated their careers to serving our communities and have gone decades without an increase in their pensions.

Just as importantly, this COLA is fully funded by reallocating existing funding, meaning there is no impact on the state’s General Fund, school districts or municipalities.

Budget Delivers Major Energy Wins

Several major energy policy initiatives I sponsored were included in the passage of the 2026-27 state budget. These measures will help strengthen Pennsylvania’s energy future and improve grid reliability:

⚡ Better Grid Planning – Requires PJM to share electricity demand forecasts with Pennsylvania utilities so we can better prepare for growing energy needs.

⛽ Modernized Natural Gas Development – Updates Pennsylvania’s Oil and Gas Conservation Law to reflect today’s drilling practices, reduce permitting delays and support responsible Utica Shale development.

🛢️ Plugging More Legacy Wells – Clarifies well-plugging requirements to eliminate regulatory confusion and help Pennsylvania maximize nearly $400 million in federal funding to address abandoned wells.

🌞 Solar Accountability – Establishes statewide decommissioning and financial assurance requirements so property owners aren’t left paying to remove a solar facility at the end of its lifespan.

Read more about these commonsense reforms on my website.

EITC Program Remains Unchanged

The final budget protects Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, preserving an important resource that helps expand educational opportunities for students across the Commonwealth.

I supported preserving the EITC program because it continues to give students access to educational opportunities while encouraging private investment in our schools and communities.

$6.4 Million Secured for Projects in Lycoming, Tioga Counties

Great news! A total of $6.4 million has been awarded to projects in Lycoming and Tioga counties through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP).

These investments will support workforce training, advanced manufacturing, public safety improvements and school athletic facility upgrades, helping to strengthen local communities and expand opportunities across the region.

Read more from Rep. Flick and I on the Lycoming County projects on my website.

Read more from Rep. Owlett and I on the Tioga County project on my website.

$5.8 Million for New Albany Borough Wastewater Project

Reliable wastewater infrastructure is essential to our communities. That’s why I was pleased to join Rep. Tina Pickett in announcing more than $5.8 million to construct a new wastewater treatment plant in New Albany Borough, Bradford County.

This investment will replace aging infrastructure, improve water quality, support future growth and help ensure residents have a modern, dependable wastewater system for years to come.

Read more about this project on my website.

Urban Ag Week Makes Stop in Williamsport

July 13 -17 was ‘Urban Ag Week,’ in Pennsylvania and Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and his team traveled across PA to visit urban agriculture operations directly addressing food insecurity, improving quality of life and bringing revenue to cities across the state.

During their time in Williamsport on Wednesday, I joined them for a stop at the Trinity Episcopal Church Garden. With its beehives and community garden, the church has created a thriving ecosystem that enhances the neighborhood, provides educational opportunities and supplies fresh food to families in need.

Urgent Action Needed to Keep PA Communities Safe

Nearly 1,200 people convicted of second-degree murder in Pennsylvania could be released if the state House of Representatives doesn’t act by Friday, July 24.

In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the current sentencing structure for second-degree murder is unconstitutional and gave the General Assembly 120 days to enact legislation correcting the situation. The Senate has successfully passed bipartisan legislation to address this issue – legislation supported by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania District Attorneys and the Pennsylvania State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police.

In Pennsylvania, second-degree murder (also known as felony murder) involves a homicide committed when the defendant engaged as a principal or an accomplice in the perpetration of a felony. In other words, homicides committed while the defendant was also committing another crime such as rape, arson, robbery, burglary or kidnapping.

These are serious and horrific crimes, and the safety of our communities is at stake. It’s time for the House to join us in taking urgent action.

Protecting Pets from Excessive Heat

Hot weather reminder: Police and emergency responders in Pennsylvania are authorized to remove dogs and cats from unattended vehicles by force if they’re deemed to be in imminent danger.

Also, under Act 104 of 2018, dogs that are tethered outside and unattended can only be so for up to nine hours in temperatures up to 90 degrees, and only for 30 minutes above 90 degrees. The dog must have access to an area of shade to escape the direct rays of the sun, as well as clean water.

Watch for signs of heat stroke in animals, including heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting and red or purple gums. You can read more about PA’s “Hot Car Bill” here.

Camping Reservations Available at State Parks

State Park campsites are open and ready to reserve, with options for tents, cabins and RVs. The commonwealth manages 125 parks covering more than 300,000 acres, so you’re bound to find one that has what you’re looking for.

Available activities include picnicking, swimming, boating and other outdoor recreation. Prices vary for specific park accommodations and activities.

Visit the Pennsylvania State Parks website to find a list of parks and features and to reserve accommodations.

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