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In this update:
Shapiro Presents Unrealistic Spending Plan
Families across Southern York County are making tough choices to live within their means. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Gov. Josh Shapiro presented a $51.5 billion budget plan that would increase state spending by $3.6 billion, an increase of 7.5% compared to the current year’s budget. During the next five years, using realistic spending and revenue estimates, Shapiro’s spending plans would leave a $27.3 billion hole in the state’s finances. Pennsylvania families cannot afford to overspend, and their government should not either. Senate Republicans raised concerns that the governor’s overly optimistic future revenue projections and wildly inaccurate future expenditure assumptions could eliminate the state’s emergency savings (also known as the Rainy Day Fund) and create the need for a multi-billion-dollar tax increase on Pennsylvania families within a year and a half. Shapiro’s budget address is only the first step in the process. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will be directly involved in reviewing this budget and ensuring we take a fiscally responsible path forward in the weeks ahead. Budget hearings will begin Feb. 18 and run through March 6. You can find my full budget reaction here. A Victory for Women’s Sports on National Girls and Women in Sports Day!
This week, I had the honor of joining my colleague Sen. Judy Ward at the White House as President Donald Trump signed the Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports executive order. This landmark action reinforces the importance of fairness and equal opportunity in women’s and girls’ athletics. This landmark action reinforces the importance of fairness and equal opportunity in women’s and girls’ athletics. It was also great to stand alongside Riley Gaines, who has been a fearless advocate for protecting women’s sports. In Pennsylvania, we have been leading this fight through the newly introduced Senate Bill 9, the Save Women’s Sports Act, to protect female athletes and ensure a level playing field. Seeing this issue take center stage at the national level is a powerful moment in our ongoing efforts. Women and girls deserve fair competition and we took a stand for the integrity of women’s sports. You can find more photos from the day here. Repealing RGGI Electricity Tax Bill Receives Senate Support
To prevent a new electricity tax, the Senate passed legislation this week repealing Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI, a multi-state compact, would increase electricity rates for consumers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs and lead to the closure of Pennsylvania power plants. Senate Bill 186 would formally repeal Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI, ensuring that any decision to impose electricity taxes or emissions programs must go through the legislative process rather than being enacted unilaterally by the executive branch. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Despite bipartisan opposition from the General Assembly, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Quality Board pressed ahead with regulations to establish a CO₂ Budget Trading Program – effectively imposing a tax on electricity generation. In 2023, the Commonwealth Court ruled that RGGI is a tax and cannot be implemented without legislative approval. However, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s decision to continue to appeal this ruling to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has prolonged uncertainty for workers and businesses across the commonwealth and deepened concerns about energy grid reliability and affordability. Bill to Exempt Newer Vehicles from Emissions Testing Passes Senate
The Senate approved legislation this week to reform Pennsylvania’s outdated vehicle emissions testing program by reducing the number of vehicles covered by the requirement. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Currently, the federal Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program mandates that motorists in 25 Pennsylvania counties undergo annual emissions testing. Senate Bill 149 would exempt the five most recent model year vehicles from emissions testing requirements. The bill would align Pennsylvania with other states in the federally mandated Northeast Ozone Transport Region. Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Virginia have implemented similar exemptions with EPA approval. Join Us for a Special Farmers Appreciation Breakfast – Open Invitation!
Join me on Monday, Feb. 24, from 7:30-9 a.m. at Eureka Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Company in Stewartstown for a special Farmers Appreciation Breakfast! We’re honored to welcome Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, as our keynote speaker, along with special guests who will share their insights. Please RSVP by Feb. 14 to reserve your sport. Pennsylvania’s farmers are the backbone of our agricultural heritage, and this breakfast is a small way to express our gratitude for their hard work and dedication. I look forward to seeing you there as we come together to celebrate their contributions! Honoring the Four Chaplains’ Sacrifice on Feb. 3
On Feb. 3, we observed Four Chaplains Day and remembered the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of Rabbi Alexander Goode, Reverend George Fox, Reverend Clark Poling, and Father John Washington. These four chaplains gave their lives to save others when the U.S.A.T. Dorchester was attacked during World War II. Their selflessness and unwavering faith in the face of danger continue to inspire us. As we reflect on their heroism, we honor their legacy and the values they embodied: courage, unity, and sacrifice. I had the privilege of speaking on the Senate floor to pay tribute to these incredible men. You can watch my full remarks on my YouTube. Trout Stocking Schedule Announced
Local anglers can find out when their favorite fishing hole will be stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission using the annual Trout Stocking Guides available online now. The commission stocks approximately 3.2 million adult trout in nearly 700 streams and 130 lakes open to public angling each year. These figures include approximately 2.4 million rainbow trout; 693,000 brown trout; and 125,000 brook trout. The average size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length. Additionally, 72,000 trophy trout, sized from 14-20 inches, are 70% stocked before opening day. The statewide opening day for trout season is Saturday, April 5. Additionally, the Fish and Boat Commission will host Mentored Youth Trout Day on Saturday, March 29. Youth under the age of 16 can join a mentor (adult) angler who has a current fishing license and trout permit to fish for trout the Saturday before the regular opening days. Learn more about the program. 38th Annual York County Agricultural Recognition Banquet
It was a pleasure to attend the 38th Annual York County Agricultural Recognition Banquet, where we celebrated the dedication, innovation, and leadership within our local agricultural community. Congratulations to the 2025 Outstanding Ag Industry Award winner, Twin Pine Country Store! Dennis and Neta Ilyes’ commitment to York County agriculture, community support, and local business development is inspiring. Their farm and store serve as a model for excellence in ag industry leadership. We also recognized several outstanding youth who are making a difference in agriculture. Their hard work and passion ensure that the future of agriculture in York County remains bright. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible, and congratulations again to all of the honorees! Upcoming Financial Aid Webinars
Planning for college can be overwhelming, but understanding your financial aid options can help make it more manageable. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is offering free virtual webinars in February to help students and families navigate credit, loans, and financial planning for higher education. The Improve Your Credit – Get Your Loan webinar will cover the credit process, maintaining or improving credit ratings, and making informed borrowing decisions. This session will be held on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 27, at noon. The Advance Planning for Financing Higher Education webinar will explore strategies to manage college costs and maximize financial aid opportunities. This session will take place on Tuesday, Feb.11, at noon and Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 6:30 p.m. Register here. Recognizing National Cancer Prevention Month
February is National Cancer Prevention Month, an observance that aims to raise awareness about how impactful cancer can be for those who are affected and their loved ones. It’s also a time to celebrate the significant milestones people in treatment have achieved. While this legislative session has just begun, Senate Republicans last session passed landmark legislation that eliminated out-of-pocket costs for genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes and supplemental breast screenings for women at high risk of developing breast cancer. The law, which was the first of its kind in the nation, eliminated costs including co-pays, deductibles, or co-insurance for breast MRIs and ultrasounds for women with high-risk factors. It also eliminated costs for BRCA-related genetic testing and counseling for those women. Encouraging Future Leaders in York County
This week I joined Troop PA and met future leaders from York County with the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania. It was a pleasure to encourage them to pursue their dreams! Flatout Sim Racing New in Glen Rock
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? I recently celebrated the official ribbon cutting for Flatout Sim Racing in Glen Rock. This exciting new racing simulator shop offers 10 state-of-the-art simulators where you can test your skills on nearly any car and track, whether it is asphalt, dirt, or a mix of both. Upcoming PennDOT Maintenance Projects
Most weeks, PennDOT provides me with its upcoming maintenance schedule. While my team and I aim to keep this information up to date, please note that the page may not always reflect the latest changes. For the most accurate details, I recommend checking back on Friday afternoons or over the weekend, as we usually receive updates from PennDOT on Fridays. You can view the full list here to see if any roadwork might impact you and your family. |
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