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In this Update:
Senate Budget Hearings Examine Spending Details, Transportation Issues and More
The Senate Appropriations Committee wrapped up two weeks of public hearings on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $53.3 billion proposed state budget, which would increase spending by $2.7 billion, or 5.4%. At the hearings with the Budget Office and Department of Revenue, committee members raised concerns about the level of spending, inefficiencies in state government and the potential consequences of irresponsible budgeting. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s questionable management of public transit and infrastructure projects was the focus of its hearing with the committee, which I participated in as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. Lawmakers pressed the agency not only on project oversight but also on the growth of funding held in certain accounts and the lack of transparency surrounding how those dollars are being spent. The Public Utility Commission oversees more than 8,000 entities which provide utility services across the state. Committee members raised concerns that Gov. Shapiro’s approach to energy is leading to higher costs for Pennsylvania consumers, while subsidizing lower energy prices in other states in the region. Committee members focused on how State System of Higher Education universities are working to improve enrollment and efficiency. The panel took testimony from the presidents of Millersville, East Stroudsburg and West Chester universities and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. You can find complete recaps and videos of each hearing here. Bill to Ease Shortage in Long-Term Care Workers Approved by Senate
To help alleviate Pennsylvania’s serious shortage of long-term care workers, the Senate approved legislation to allow high school juniors and seniors to earn graduation credit by working or volunteering in these settings so they can consider a career in this crucial field. Health care leaders and senior advocates strongly support Senate Bill 116 because while Pennsylvania’s population over the age of 65 is expected to nearly double by 2040, the number of long-term care professionals declined by 14% from 2019 to 2022. This bill is part of a bipartisan package aimed at strengthening the long-term care workforce. Along with Senate Bill 114 and Senate Bill 115, it awaits action in the House of Representatives. Suddenly Sleepy Saturday in Pennsylvania Resolution
I introduced Senate Resolution 235 designating March 7, as “Suddenly Sleepy Saturday for Narcolepsy Awareness” in Pennsylvania. Suddenly Sleepy Saturday was established in 2012 to generate public awareness of Narcolepsy. Each year, Suddenly Sleepy Saturday falls on the day before we turn our clock ahead for Daylight Saving Time. This one-hour change in the day can lead many without Narcolepsy to experience some of Narcolepsy’s classic symptoms, such as excessive daytime sleepiness. As an under-recognized and underdiagnosed condition, estimated to affect 1 in 2,000 Americans, this resolution brings much needed attention to the symptoms and disorders associated with Narcolepsy. Shooting Range Improvement Program Now Open
The 2026 Shooting Range Improvement Program (SRIP) application period is open now through May 8. The program provides grants to sportsmen’s clubs to fund projects that will positively impact Pennsylvania hunters and recreational shooters. Projects eligible for SRIP grants include development and renovation of facilities, construction of backstops and safety berms, lead remediation, and more. Applicants must show that their current facilities are open for public use such as public range hours, educational outreach or training programs, or organized shooting competitions. Projects that best reflect the goals of the program will be selected by July 1. We recognize the important role of Pennsylvania hunters and recreational shooters and the value of safe and accessible ranges. Set your sights downrange and apply here today! “Inhale Confidence, Exhale Limits” – Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week
I joined my colleague, Senator Lisa Baker, to introduce Senate Resolution 232, recognizing Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week, here in Pennsylvania. Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week is March 8 through 14, and the theme this year is “Inhale Confidence, Exhale Limits.” Pulmonary disease is the third leading cause of death in our nation and the fifth leading cause of death in the Commonwealth. Family Caregivers Can Find Help Through State Support Program
Caring for a loved one is rewarding but also challenging. If you or someone you know could use some help, the state Caregiver Support Program could be the answer. The state Caregiver Support Program provides relief through respite care, education and financial assistance for eligible unpaid caregivers. Each caregiver is assigned a care manager who will come to the home, conduct a comprehensive assessment of the needs of the caregiver, provide support and work with them to develop a care plan. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply, and find other caregiver resources, from the Department of Aging. Online Filing Option Available for PA Personal Income Taxes
If you’re working on your taxes, keep in mind you can file your Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax return online for free through the myPATH portal. It includes automatic calculators, instant confirmation and secure payment options. You can access many features directly from the myPATH homepage without needing to create a username or password. Additional options are offered exclusively to users who opt to create an account. Learn more from the state Department of Revenue. Supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses
Pennsylvania is one of the top states in the nation for veteran-owned small businesses, and Invest in Veterans Week (March 1-7) helps focus attention on these patriotic entrepreneurs. These men and women served our nation and are now providing jobs and economic vitality in our communities. Please keep an eye out for veteran-owned businesses in our area. If you’re a veteran looking to start or expand a business, you can find state and federal resources here. Out and About in the 30th DistrictAnnual Huntingdon County Planning Commission & Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner The Huntingdon County Planning Commission (HCPC) and Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce (HCCC) hosted their Annual Dinner and Awards Presentation at Greenland’s Lodge of Spruce Creek. Following the presentation of the HCPC’s 2025 Annual Report presentation, Community Improvement and Community Impact Awards were presented. Congratulations to all the recipients!
Central Blair Recreation and Park Commission Dinner A wonderful evening at Central Blair Recreation and Park Commission Dinner. Their 2026 Respected Citizen Award was presented to Scott Filler, CEO at Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital. Scott’s two children, Jenna Orr and Jacob, gave a beautiful tribute to their father. The keynote speaker for the dinner was Chris Hoke, former Pittsburgh Steeler.
Rep. Stambaugh’s Annual Farmers’ Breakfast Great turnout in Juniata County for Rep. Perry Stambaugh’s annual Farmers’ Breakfast. Sam Parks is an FFA officer and resides in Williamsburg, Blair County. Chris Hoffman, Farm Bureau President, also was one of the guest speakers.
Keystone Family Alliance Annual Banquet This week, I attended the Keystone Family Alliance annual fundraising banquet, where Julie Henning gave her personal story of growing up in South Korea in poverty and was eventually rescued by a woman who took her to America. Julie is the author of A Rose in the Ditch, an account of her life, the trials of adversity and ultimately her story of survival through the love of God. Keystone Family Alliance aims to educate, motivate, and equip individuals in the state of Pennsylvania on the needs of orphans and vulnerable children, both locally and globally. You can learn more about Keystone Family Alliance here.
Read Across America Week In celebration of Read Across America Week, I had the pleasure of being invited to read to the Bearcat Institute of Learning and Development (BILD) classroom within the Huntingdon Area School District. This program offers a unique educational hybrid opportunity that allows students to succeed in a variety of blended models; virtual, homeschool, traditional classroom, and on the job training. I read my favorite book, The Giving Tree, to the 1st-6th graders.
Continuing with our celebration of Read Across America Week, I read a story, “Mousetronaut” by Mark Kelly, to a virtual classroom through PA Virtual Charter School. The 4th grade students had lots of questions for me!
Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania Workshop This week, I had a chance to sit down with representatives of private colleges and universities at the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) Regional Advocacy Workshop at Juniata College. Representative Rich Irvin and I were able to share information about the upcoming budget. The school representatives shared some concerns and questions with us, and we discussed ways we can partner for the good of the Commonwealth.
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