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In this Update:
- New State Budget Protects Taxpayers and Funds Priorities
- PennDOT Required to Release Funds for Local Road Projects
- Urgent Action Needed to Keep PA Communities Safe
- Just Announced: Lancaster Senior Expo Set for August 27
- Protecting Pets from Excessive Heat
- Camping Reservations Available at State Parks
New State Budget Protects Taxpayers and Funds Priorities
After trimming excessive spending sought by the governor, the Senate approved a fiscally responsible state budget that stands up for taxpayers, 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 (5.4% increase) and taken approximately $4.6 billion from the state’s emergency reserves in the Rainy Day Fund. His plan would have required massive tax increases as soon as next year.
The final agreement negotiated by Senate Republicans cut more than $1.1 billion from the governor’s spending request and will not require any withdrawals from the Rainy Day Fund, setting the state on a more sustainable path and avoiding potential bond downgrades and higher debt costs.
Over the last two years, Senate Republicans have pushed to reclaim $4.5 billion from prior-year budgets, special funds and other accounts, ensuring this money can be utilized to support state government programs instead of sitting idle in government accounts.
An additional $565 million is included for the Ready to Learn Block Grant program, and Basic Education Funding will see a $58 million increase. Funding for Special Education will also increase by $55 million.
The plan maintains funding for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program to empower parents looking for the best education option for their children. Read more about the 2026-27 state budget, including initiatives to create jobs and strengthen healthcare, here.
PennDOT Required to Release Funds for Local Road Projects
Recognizing the need to support local roads, an additional $775 million is being directed to three- and four-digit road projects throughout Pennsylvania communities to quickly improve our highway infrastructure.
As part of our budget negotiations, PennDOT agreed to release an additional $500 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year and $275 million in 2027-28 from the Commonwealth’s Motor License Fund. The funds will be for local road projects only, not interstates, which are funded separately.
I’m excited about the impact this funding will have within our region, allowing for the paving and rehabilitation of roadways used by so many area residents on a daily basis.
Urgent Action Needed to Keep PA Communities Safe
Some of the 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.
Just Announced: Lancaster Senior Expo Set for August 27
More than 50 exhibitors will be available to offer information on programs and services for older community residents at my Senior Expo August 27. This free public event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Farm and Home Center, located at 1383 Arcadia Road in Lancaster.
State, county and local agencies will be on hand to provide information on a wide variety of benefits for older Pennsylvanians, including health and wellness, assistive technologies, consumer protection, income tax assistance, veteran benefits, traffic safety, utility assistance, and much more. Free health screenings, door prizes and light refreshments will also be available for visitors.
Some of the features of this year’s expo include:
- America250PA celebrating the nation’s 250th
- A secure drug take-back box to dispose of unused prescriptions (offered by the Lancaster District Attorney’s Office).
- Technology tutoring for seniors offered by Tech Buddies, a non-profit organization that encourages teenage volunteers to help older Pennsylvanians with cell phones and other devices.
Seniors can RSVP to attend the expo here.
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.
If you have a question about the information in this e-newsletter or other state related matters that you would like a response to, please click HERE to submit your inquiry through my website. This will help to ensure that we are able to respond to your question in a timely fashion due to the high volume of emails and the ever growing amount of computer generated spam mail we receive daily.
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