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In this Update:
Governor’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. The governor’s proposal would increase state spending by $2.7 billion, a 5.4% increase – which leads the Commonwealth down a path for massive tax increases. 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. You can view my comments here. A Tribute to My Father-In-Law, George William Ward
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. A Tribute to Stephen Girard Sheetz
“The MVP of Heart Health” – Cardiac Rehabilitation Week
As a Cardiac Rehab Nurse, I understand the importance of heart health! I joined my colleague, Senator Lisa Baker, to introduce Senate Resolution 220, to recognize Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, here in Pennsylvania. Cardiac Rehabilitation Week is February 8 through 14, and the theme for this year is “The MVP of Heart Health.” Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in our nation and in this Commonwealth, with 22% of residents dying of coronary heart disease. The goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to help heart disease patients learn to reduce risk factors, including smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, diabetes and obesity, that increase the chance of future health problems. A special thank you to all the Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurses for all they do to keep our loved ones healthy and strong! Bill Addressing “F-Stops” Heads to Governor’s Desk
As Majority Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I fast-tracked House Bill 710 this week in the Senate. Sponsored by Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, H.B. 710 authorizes the online verification of financial responsibility, or car insurance, between the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and insurers. Current law requires every motor vehicle to be insured, and there are strict penalties for driving uninsured vehicles, such as a registration suspension (“f-stop”). Unfortunately, penalties have been imposed on drivers who never had a lapse in car insurance since PennDOT never received proof of car insurance upon request. In general, PennDOT will ask for proof of car insurance if you cancelled or switched car insurance after holding the policy for six months or less. The committee held a public hearing last October to investigate these unfair penalties on drivers, and H.B. 710 was determined to provide the most effective resolution. On Wednesday, H.B. 710 passed the Senate without opposition, which was the same case when the bill was considered by the House of Representatives. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk. Until this legislation becomes effective, PennDOT will continue to mail notices to the vehicle owner’s address on file to provide proof of financial responsibility upon request. For more information, please visit PennDOT’s website. 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. Senior Independence Month
Senior Independence Month is a vital reminder of the importance of empowering older adults to live with dignity, autonomy and purpose. Which is why I sponsored Senate Resolution 221 with Sen. Maria Collett, recognizing February as Senior Independence Month. Independence is not just about physical ability. It’s about ensuring access to resources, supportive communities, and opportunities for engagement. By promoting independence, we help older adults maintain their quality of life, reduce isolation, and celebrate their contributions to our society. This month encourages us all to advocate for older adults across Pennsylvania and promotes programs and policies that enable them to age with confidence and respect. National Wear Red Day
February 6, 2026, is National Wear Red Day in Pennsylvania to raise awareness for women’s heart health here in the Commonwealth. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women, responsible for 1 in 3 deaths each year. Nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented yet not enough women take the necessary steps to prevent, detect and treat this disease. Cardiovascular disease kills more women than all forms of cancer combined yet only 44% of women recognize cardiovascular disease as the greatest threat to their health. The AHA’s Go Red for Women movement and National Wear Red Day encourages women to be open and knowledgeable about their heart health. 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. Out and About in the 30th DistrictHuntingdon, Bedford and Fulton Area Agency on Aging Legislative Panel Recently, I participated in a legislative panel, along with my colleagues, Reps. Jesse Topper and Rich Irvin, at the Huntingdon, Bedford and Fulton Area Agency on Aging (AAA) citizen advisory council meeting. Pictured with me is Connie Brode, executive director of AAA of Huntingdon, Bedford and Fulton Counties.
Girl Scouts of Pennsylvania Day at the Capitol A bright young group of Girl Scouts stopped by my Harrisburg office this week to speak about the importance of Girl Scouting, what scouting means to them and what it is like to be a state legislator. There were even three scouts from Fulton County!
Grand Opening of James E. Van Zandt Medical Center – Total Joint Replacement Department Congratulations to the James E. Van Zandt Medical Center team on the grand opening of their first outpatient Total Joint Replacement Department. This exciting development will significantly enhance the healthcare services provided to our veterans within our community. Pictured is the dedicated surgical services team, under the leadership of Dr. Angela Rowe, Chief of Staff.
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