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In this update:
Do You Agree with the Governor’s Budget Proposal?
On Feb. 3, Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled his proposed 2026-27 state budget, launching the months-long process of hearings and review before a final spending plan is adopted. The proposal would spend approximately $6 billion more than the state is projected to collect in revenue (taxes), raising serious concerns about long-term sustainability and the potential for future tax increases. While Pennsylvania must support core services and invest wisely, we must also live within our means – just as families, small businesses, and farmers across southern York County do every day. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will be carefully reviewing this proposal. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to catch all of the hearings and follow me on X to get the latest updates on YOUR state budget. Before that work begins, I want to hear from you! Do you agree with the governor’s budget proposal for Pennsylvania? Let me know. Please take a moment to complete my brief survey for residents of the 28th Senatorial District. Your input will help guide my work as we pursue a fiscally responsible final budget. Great American Outdoor Show Underway
The Great American Outdoor Show is officially underway at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and there is still time to attend before it wraps up on Sunday, Feb. 15. It was a pleasure to join organizers and exhibitors for the opening ribbon cutting last weekend to kick off “the world’s largest outdoor show.” Hosted by the National Rifle Association of America, the nine-day event features more than 1,000 exhibitors covering 650,000 square feet. From shooting manufacturers and outfitters to fishing boats, RVs, archery, artwork and more, the show highlights the very best of the outdoor industry. In addition to the exhibits, attendees can enjoy a packed schedule of competitions, seminars, demonstrations and special events for sportsmen and families alike. If you haven’t had the chance to attend yet, there is still time to stop in this weekend and experience everything the Great American Outdoor Show has to offer! Honoring Ron Tombesi’s 40 Years of Service
After four decades of dedicated service to Loganville Borough, Ron Tombesi is retiring, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership and commitment to our community. Ron began his service to the borough in January 1986. Over the past 40 years, he has played an instrumental role in supporting borough operations, strengthening community development, and enhancing quality of life for residents. His steady leadership and thoughtful approach earned him the deep respect of colleagues and neighbors alike. One of the most remarkable aspects of Ron’s tenure is his commitment to fiscal responsibility. Throughout his entire time in office, he never once raised taxes – a testament to his careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars and dedication to the residents he served. It was my honor to present Ron with a Senate citation recognizing his extraordinary service and unwavering loyalty to Loganville Borough. Congratulations to Ron on his well-earned retirement! 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 is 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. Concerned About Winter Energy Bills? Call Utilities Now
January and February are usually the months when home energy bills tend to peak, due largely to increased heating demand. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission encourages consumers who are concerned about their utility bills to call their utility company to discuss available options. Utilities can help customers explore payment arrangements, budget billing and assistance programs that may help manage winter energy costs before a bill becomes unmanageable. Utility representatives can also help direct consumers to additional state and local resources. Read more about reducing energy use and how to find help with bills here. I recently called out utilities for excessive transmission line costs paid by Pennsylvania ratepayers, which are feeding energy negligent neighbors like Maryland electricity from the commonwealth. You can read my op-ed here. The Dangers of Walking on Frozen Bodies of Water
Cold weather means more frozen bodies of water and the risk that comes with walking on them, especially rivers and streams. Please exercise caution at popular recreation spots like Lake Marburg and Lake Redman. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers this safety advice:
Look for new ice, which is clear or has a blue tint, and remember that ice thickness is not consistent across the surface of a lake or pond. Learn more about ice fishing and ice safety, including an ice thickness and safety chart, here. Celebrating Presidents’ Day
Monday is Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday that began as a celebration of George Washington’s Feb. 22 birthday and was expanded to cover Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, which is today (Feb. 12). While it’s now considered an occasion to honor all the nation’s chief executives, the first and 16th presidents hold a special place in the hearts of Americans. General George Washington led the Continental Army and became the nation’s first president, stepping aside after two terms. President Lincoln guided the country through a horrific Civil War, holding the United States together when victory was not assured, and setting the tone for unity by declaring “malice toward none.” Mobile Office Hours with York County Area Agency on Aging
Join us next week in Penn Township on Thursday, Feb. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for mobile office hours with representatives from the York County Area Agency on Aging! Stop in the Penn Township Municipal Building, located at 20 Wayne Ave. in Hanover for assistance with Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications and the many programs and services the York County Area Agency on Aging offers to support older adults and their families. 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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