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In this update:
Keeping My Promise to YOU
I believe that if I’m going to ask state government to be more responsible with your tax dollars, I have to hold myself to the same standard. That’s why I once again have returned my automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to the state Treasury, for the fifth time. I cannot oppose spending hikes in Harrisburg while taking an automatic pay increase myself. Returning the COLA is one way I keep my promise to you: to respect your hard-earned money and act with fiscal responsibility. I also do not participate in the state pension system, do not accept legislative health insurance benefits, and do not seek mileage reimbursement for travel within our district or to the Capitol. In addition, I publicly post my office expenses each month and have supported bipartisan reforms to make government spending more transparent. In the Senate, I co-led the effort to require all individual senator expenditures to be posted online instead of forcing taxpayers to file Right-to-Know requests about how YOUR money is spent. You expect accountability from your elected officials, and you deserve it. It’s one thing to talk about fiscal responsibility, but I choose to lead by example. Survey: Should Taxpayers Pay?
In April 2025, Pennsylvanians were shaken by a violent and unprecedented attack on the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg. The individual responsible scaled a security fence, broke into the residence, and set a fire before fleeing. He was later apprehended and pleaded guilty to attempted murder and aggravated arson. Following that attack, the Pennsylvania State Police recommended significant security upgrades to the public Governor’s Residence, where the crime occurred. In addition to insurance coverage, taxpayers have already spent more than $30 million to repair fire damage and implement enhanced security measures with costs that are still ongoing. What has raised serious concerns, however, is the discovery that more than $1 million in taxpayer funds was also spent on security upgrades to the personal residence of Josh Shapiro, located roughly 100 miles away from the site of the attack. According to findings by Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16), these upgrades total approximately $1.3 million, exceeding the estimated value of the home itself. Taxpayer-funded upgrades to a governor’s private residence are unprecedented. For comparison, former Gov. Tom Wolf personally paid for security upgrades to his private home when he chose not to live in the Governor’s Residence. That’s why I’m working with Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) on the Safeguard Act, legislation designed to protect both public safety and taxpayer dollars. This proposal would place a lien on a governor’s personal property if taxpayer-funded security upgrades are made, ensuring those improvements cannot be used for personal financial gain when the property is sold or transferred. We can, and must, keep our public officials safe. But we also owe taxpayers transparency, accountability, and fairness. Before additional funds leave the Treasury, I believe it’s reasonable to ask: Should taxpayers be required to subsidize $1.3 million in security upgrades to a governor’s personal home? First Session Day of 2026
As required by the Pennsylvania Constitution, the Senate convenes on the first Tuesday of each year. This week, we were in Harrisburg for the first session day of 2026. Congratulations to Sen. Kim Ward on her re-election to serve as the President Pro Tempore of the Senate of Pennsylvania. 2025 Review: Reform Measures Targeting Fraud, Waste, and Inefficiency
As we begin the second year of the 2025-26 legislative session, here’s a brief look at what we did last year to target fraud and waste, fix Pennsylvania’s broken system for issuing permits, and more. Enacted with the state budget was sweeping permitting reform that sets clear timelines for state agencies to review permit applications and creates a permit tracking system, benefiting citizens and job creators. The budget also included measures ensuring individuals receiving Medical Assistance and SNAP benefits qualify for these taxpayer dollars and preventing dead people from receiving benefits. The Senate also passed legislation to eliminate 13 unnecessary boards, commissions and advisory committees and require automatic review of costly regulations after three years to ensure they remain in the public interest. You can find information on more government reform bills and other notable Senate-passed legislation here. Saying NO to YES – The Fight for Cuffs Run
Over the holidays, I signed on to a bipartisan, bicameral amicus brief opposing the preliminary permit for a pumped storage facility along the Susquehanna River in Chanceford Township. This project, proposed by York Energy Storage LLC (YES), would take preserved farmland only to benefit our energy negligent neighbors to the south – Maryland. I will continue to do everything in my power to fight this proposed project that provides no benefit to the citizens of southern York County. You can learn more here. More Pennsylvanians Now Eligible for PA ABLE Savings Accounts
More Pennsylvanians are eligible to participate in the PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program in 2026, Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced recently. Pennsylvanians with a qualifying disability occurring prior to age 46 are now eligible to open a PA ABLE account. Previously, eligibility required the disability to occur before age 26. PA ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities and their families to save up to $19,000 per year tax-free without impacting important benefits. For veterans, savings and investments in PA ABLE accounts do not impact VA benefits. Funds can be used for expenses such as housing, health care, transportation, and assistive technology. Contributions are deductible on state income taxes, and qualified withdrawals are exempt from state and federal income taxes Food, Fun, and Farming: PA Farm Show Set for Jan. 10-17
Hundreds of exhibits and an array of delicious food will be featured at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show, Jan. 10-17 in Harrisburg. It’s a celebration of our commonwealth’s rich farming tradition and a lot of fun for families. In line with America’s 250th birthday, this year’s Farm Show “Growing a Nation” theme recognizes Pennsylvania’s leading role in our nation’s founding and future. Information is available to plan your visit, view the daily schedule and maps, and more. If you’ve never been to the Farm Show, check out the Frequently Asked Questions page. General admission is free. Jan. 31 Deadline for High School Seniors to Apply for America250PA Scholarships
High school seniors have until Jan. 31 to apply for $10,000 scholarships as part of the America250PA celebration. Twenty-five scholarships will be awarded throughout six regions to commonwealth high school seniors planning to attend a Pennsylvania college or university in the 2026-27 academic year. More than three dozen schools will match the $10,000 if the student chooses their institution. You can learn more and apply here. AARP Offering Free Income Tax Prep
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is offering free income tax preparation services for York County residents during the 2025 tax season, with a special focus on adults 50 and older with low or moderate income. Last year alone, nearly 100 trained volunteers helped file more than 4,300 federal, Pennsylvania, and local tax returns at 12 locations across York County. There is no fee, and AARP membership is not required. Appointments can be scheduled beginning Monday, Jan. 12, either by calling participating locations directly or by visiting the website here. During your appointment time, make sure to bring:
Volunteers can assist with most personal income tax returns, including basic self-employment income. Business, rental, farm, partnership, or corporate returns are outside the scope of the program. For more information, contact York County AARP Foundation Tax-Aide by phone (717-640-5006), email, or its website. National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the top 10 states for reported human trafficking cases. Over the past five years, 1,235 human-trafficking offenses were filed in 366 cases. The General Assembly has enacted several laws in recent years to combat this abuse in which people profit from the exploitation of others. Jan. 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. I encourage you to learn ways to identify possible human trafficking in your community and more here. ICYMI: 2026 Mobile Office Hours
In case you missed it, we announced the continuation of our mobile office hours in Springettsbury and Penn townships for 2026. Our mobile office hours are as follows: York Area United Fire & Rescue Station Penn Township Municipal Building My team will be in Penn Township next Thursday, Jan. 15, from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to assist with any state-related matters. Additionally, we will have special guests throughout the year assisting with various state-related services. I will keep you updated on specifics throughout the year. You can find additional details here. These mobile offices, which are at no additional cost to taxpayers, provide what citizens expect of their government – efficient and reliable constituent service. |
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