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In this Update:

• Gov. Shapiro’s Budget Proposal Spends Too Much
• Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
• Senate Approves Measure to Prohibit Student Cellphone Use in PA Schools
• 2026 Adult Trout Stocking Schedule Available
• Career and Technical Education Month

Gov. Shapiro’s Budget Proposal Spends Too Much

The process of enacting a state budget for fiscal year 2026-27 began on Tuesday, and one thing is certain: The $53.3 billion plan presented by Gov. Josh Shapiro would spend too much. Shapiro’s proposal would increase state spending by $2.7 billion, a 5.4% increase – which would set up the commonwealth for massive tax increases in the future. In fact, Senate Republicans’ work to limit spending increases and enact pro-growth policies over the past three years was the reason the governor’s budget did not include a broad-based tax increase this year.

At our press conference this week, we took a stand and emphasized our ongoing commitment to protecting Pennsylvania families and taxpayers. My Senate colleagues and I will be working to reduce spending and produce a fiscally responsible 2026-27 state budget, starting with in-depth public hearings by the Senate Appropriations Committee, beginning Feb. 23.

As we begin our work on this year’s budget, looking for more government efficiencies and respecting taxpayers by controlling the growth of state spending are key priorities.

Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program Now Accepting Applications

Eligible Pennsylvanians can now apply for a Grow PA Scholarship Grant for the 2026-27 academic year. Applications are available at pheaa.org/growpa. 

This program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs as approved by PHEAA. The full list is available here.

To qualify, applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation for 12 months for each year they received the grant.

Please note: Applicants who received this grant last year MUST reapply to receive the grant again for the upcoming academic year.

Senate Approves Measure to Prohibit Student Cellphone Use in PA Schools

To curb classroom distractions and improve academic performance and social development, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation to require Pennsylvania public schools to adopt policies prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day.

Senate Bill 1014 ensures districts retain local control by giving them the flexibility to choose how to implement and enforce the standard in a way that works best for their communities, including deciding where phones must be stored.

School administrators, teachers and parents across Pennsylvania have increasingly expressed concern about the proven link between smartphones and anxiety, depression, cyberbullying and reduced classroom engagement. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

2026 Adult Trout Stocking Schedule Available

Looking forward to trout season? The 2026 adult trout stocking schedule is now available online from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

It’s searchable by county, lists the waterways in alphabetical order, and indicates stocking dates, meeting locations for volunteers and the species of trout that are planned to be stocked at each location. In 2026, Pennsylvania’s statewide Opening Day of Trout Season will be held on Saturday, April 4. A single, statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day will take place on Saturday, March 28.

The commission will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 684 streams and 130 lakes open to public angling, about the same number as previously.

Career and Technical Education Month

Career and technical education (CTE) prepares students to enter high-demand fields, including health care, manufacturing, public safety, information technology, skilled trades and more.

More than 75,000 Pennsylvania students are enrolled in CTE, where they can develop essential skills through a combination of classes and hands-on learning, allowing them to apply academics to real-world problems.

Career and Technical Education Month shines a spotlight on the importance of CTE programs, the opportunities they provide in crucial fields and their role in making the commonwealth more economically competitive and a place where young Pennsylvanians can settle and prosper.

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