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In this Update:
Senate Votes to Cut Taxes and Put PA Families First
The Senate approved legislation to dramatically decrease costs for Pennsylvania families by cutting taxes on electric bills and school supplies, strengthening the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program and eliminating the current sales tax exemption for data centers. Senate Republicans have taken action to deliver historic tax cuts to put families first. Earlier this week, the House passed House Bill 2632 which would have terminated the current EITC program as we know it leaving children stranded in failing schools. I was proud to offer an amendment to House Bill 1667 that would provide stability for our EITC program while increasing funding. This program empowers parents and students by providing the resources to choose the school that best meets a student’s educational needs. My colleagues and I remain committed to ensuring every child across the Commonwealth has the opportunity to succeed in the learning environment that is the best fit for them. Making up the largest tax cut in Pennsylvania history, the proposal would eliminate the gross receipts tax on electric bills and require utility companies to pass the reduction on to consumers, saving ratepayers more than $1.7 billion over the first year. It would also implement a two-week sales tax holiday in August for school supplies, such as book bags, crayons, textbooks and tablets. The highly successful EITC program, which provides scholarships to help families send children to schools that best meet student needs, would receive an additional $25 million under the legislation, bringing the total to $705 million. EITC scholarships remain one of our top priorities for empowering Pennsylvania parents. House Bill 1667, as amended by the Senate, would also respond to concerns being raised across the commonwealth by eliminating the existing sales tax exemption for data centers. The Senate action aims to provide greater affordability at a time when hardworking Pennsylvania families are feeling the strain of rising costs. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives. PTRR Program Application Deadline Extended
The deadline to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been extended to December 31, 2026. The Department of Revenue will begin issuing automated telephone calls to claimants in advance of rebate checks and direct deposit payments. These calls will notify claimants that their application has been approved and that no further action is required. The call will also provide information on how claimants can track the status of their rebate using the “Where’s My Rebate?” feature available through myPATH. More information on the program can be found here. Senate Votes to Support Victims Over Murderers
The Senate approved legislation to update Pennsylvania’s sentencing laws for second-degree murder following a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives, which must act quickly. Without legislative action, Pennsylvania’s existing sentencing structure for second-degree murder would be invalidated, creating uncertainty for victims, prosecutors and the courts. More than 1,150 individuals currently serving sentences for second-degree murder could be affected. Under Pennsylvania law, second-degree murder, often called felony murder, applies when someone dies during the commission of certain serious crimes, even if the defendant did not directly cause the death. In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the automatic life-without-parole sentence for second-degree murder was unconstitutional. The ruling takes effect July 24. Senate Bill 1400 creates a new sentencing framework that complies with the court’s ruling while ensuring those involved in serious crimes remain accountable. The bill allows judges to consider an individual’s role in the crime when determining a sentence, while maintaining strong penalties for offenders and protections for victims. Read more about this effort to safeguard communities here. Reducing the Backlog in PA Rape Kit Testing
For years, Pennsylvania has worked to reduce the backlog of untested rape kits and to ensure survivors of sexual assault are treated with the urgency and dignity they deserve. We passed a 2024 law to move forward with a statewide sexual assault evidence tracking system so survivors can better understand where their kit is in the process. During the implementation of the system, inconsistency on collection of kits were found from one jurisdiction to another. Senate Bill 1212 establishes a clear, statewide expectation that sexual assault evidence that has been collected should be treated consistently. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about the latest action to reduce the backlog in rape kit testing here. Cutting Red Tape for Charities
The Senate voted to update charitable financial reporting requirements to better reflect the resources of nonprofits. The change would ensure transparency without imposing an unnecessary burden that undermines the charity’s mission. Senate Bill 1183 would update the level of financial review required for charitable organizations based on the amount of annual contributions they receive. Reviews range from independent CPA audits for larger nonprofits to no reviews or audits for smaller ones. The thresholds have not been updated since 2017. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about updating charitable audit requirements here. Providing Discounted Fishing and Hunting Licenses to Law Enforcement
In gratitude for the service of police officers across our commonwealth, the Senate approved legislation to provide current and retired law enforcement with discounted hunting and fishing licenses. Under Senate Bill 469, law enforcement officials would be able to acquire each license for $1. It may be a small gesture, but discounted licenses can help the men and women patrolling our communities take a break from a stressful job and enjoy the outdoors. The measure now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 469 here. Why Do PA Energy Costs Remain High?
A topic I hear often about from constituents is skyrocketing electric rates. Here’s what’s driving this frustrating trend: Pennsylvania is the number one exporting state in the nation for net electricity. We’re the energy hub for the 13 states that are part of the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland grid, known as PJM. Without Pennsylvania’s reliable energy sources, including natural gas, coal and nuclear power, states like Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia would literally be in the dark. They don’t produce nearly enough reliable baseload power for their own needs. Last year, a lawsuit by Gov. Josh Shapiro led to a grid-wide price cap of $330 per megawatt day. Pennsylvania had been paying about $270 per megawatt day in the capacity market. Virginia was paying $444 and Maryland was paying $466 per megawatt day. With the Shapiro Price Cap in place, every state is paying the same: $330 per megawatt day, meaning Pennsylvania families and employers are paying MORE while people in Virginia and Maryland are paying LESS. If we want lower electricity rates, we must require other states to do their fair share or pay more to help keep the PJM grid viable. Click here to read more about why energy costs remain high for Pennsylvanians. Your Input Wanted on Statewide Transportation Improvement Program
The 2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), a list of transportation projects identified for funding statewide, is available for public review and comment through June 30. The STIP is made up of 24 regional Transportation Improvement Programs and a variety of additional programs. It is updated every two years after the regional programs are submitted and approved, and will be adopted as part of the 12-Year Program update by the State Transportation Commission in August. You can review the plan and submit your comments here. Out and About in the 30th DistrictHonoring Jon Zimmerman’s Legacy I had the honor of attending an event honoring the legacy of Jon C. Zimmerman at the Fountain Square Park located at “5 Points” in Downtown Lewistown. Jon provided many contributions as well as leadership to the Greater Lewistown Area Community. This event and park are a tribute to him and the many fine projects he was involved with throughout his years serving as the president of Downtown Lewistown, Inc. Jim Zubler, Downtown Lewistown Manager gave remarks covering a plethora of Jon’s projects. Mayor Deb Bargo and Commissioner Rob Postal also gave remarks and provided Jon’s widow, Candy a drawing of the Fountain designed and made by Jenna Hartzler. A plaque will be placed near the fountain which reads “In honor and recognition of Jon Zimmerman for the many contributions and leadership he proved to the Greater Lewistown Area Community”
Fulton County All-Sports 2026 Hall of Fame It was an honor to present certificates at the 2026 Fulton County All-Sports Hall of Fame ceremony. Inductees this year were Harry Lee Garland, Garey Sprowl, Jeff Garber, Angie Plessinger, Kim Spriggs Cameron, Barry L Spriggs, Ph.D., and Jordan Ott. Each remarkable inductee emphasized the vital role that coaches, teachers and the small-town values of Fulton County played in their success in sports as well as their lifelong achievements.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Visits PA U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy participated in a roundtable discussion with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator Derek Barrs, Congressman Scott Perry and transportation stakeholders on key federal-state transportation issues. Notably, Secretary Duffy has been focused on fixing problems at the federal level, including investment in critical highway infrastructure, improvements to outdated air traffic control systems and elimination of burdensome regulations.
Transportation Technology Showcase at the Capitol Advanced transportation technologies have been emerging throughout the nation to reduce crashes for all roadway users and expand options for enhanced mobility. These innovations were showcased at the Capitol, including highly automated vehicles, electric vehicles, advanced traffic control technologies and more. I got to learn first-hand about the challenges and opportunities with advanced transportation technologies, which must be thoroughly vetted to sustain the public’s safety, support and trust.
Port Royal Municipal Authorities Groundbreaking The Port Royal Municipal Authorities held a groundbreaking at its wastewater treatment plant facilities for two projects. The projects are a $500,000 UV disinfection upgrade, which was federally funded, and a $3.3 million pump station expansion/overflow elimination funded through PennVEST. These projects will permanently end sanitary sewer overflows into the Juniata River and provide a safer plant for the operators.
Altoona Symphony Orchestra The Altoona Symphony Orchestra held an indoor concert at Altoona Curve People’s Natural Gas Field as part of Blair County’s America 250 celebration. It was a great night filled with music, fireworks and friends.
Funicular Reopening Dedication It was an exciting day in Blair County as the Funicular reopening dedication was held at the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark. Now, visitors to the site will be able to access the trackside park at the top via this inclined plane railway just in time to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and the arrival of the Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive.
Horseshoe Curve Flagpole Dedication A ribbon cutting was held to celebrate the dedication of the new flagpole at the Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark honoring our nation’s semiquincentennial. This 85-foot flagpole, made possible through a grant from America250PA and local donations, replaces a previous one removed years ago and stands trackside to honor our country and local railroaders who served in the U.S. military.
Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce After-Hours Event The Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce held an after-hours event at Lincoln Caverns in Huntingdon County. June 25 marks the 95th Anniversary of the Caverns and guests were treated with tours of the facility as well as some history on the caverns.
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