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In this Update:
New State Budget Protects Taxpayers and Funds Priorities
After trimming excessive spending sought by the governor, the Senate approved a fiscally responsible state budget that stands up for taxpayers, doesn’t raise taxes on Pennsylvania families, provides critical road and bridge infrastructure funding and supports affordability and job growth. Gov. Josh Shapiro originally proposed a budget that would have increased spending by $2.7 billion (5.4% increase) and taken approximately $4.6 billion from the state’s emergency reserves in the Rainy-Day Fund. His plan would have required massive tax increases as soon as next year. The final agreement negotiated by Senate Republicans cut more than $1.1 billion from the governor’s spending request and will not require any withdrawals from the Rainy-Day Fund or tax increases, setting the state on a more sustainable path and avoiding potential bond downgrades and higher debt costs. Over the last two years, Senate Republicans have pushed to reclaim $4.5 billion from prior-year budgets, special funds and other accounts, ensuring this money can be utilized to support state government programs instead of sitting idle in government accounts. An additional $565 million is included for the Ready to Learn Block Grant program, and Basic Education Funding will see a $58 million increase. Funding for Special Education will also increase by $55 million. The plan maintains funding for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program to empower parents looking for the best education option for their children. Read more about the 2026-27 state budget, including initiatives to create jobs and strengthen healthcare, here. PennDOT Required to Release Funds for Road and Bridge Projects
Recognizing the need to support roads and bridges, an additional $775 million is being directed to three- and four-digit road projects throughout Pennsylvania communities to quickly improve our highway infrastructure. As part of budget negotiations, PennDOT agreed to release an additional $500 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year and $275 million in 2027-28 from the commonwealth’s Motor License Fund. The funds will be for small bridge and road paving projects on PennDOT routes, excluding interstates. This funding will have an immense impact within our region, allowing for the paving and rehabilitation of roadways and bridges used by so many area residents on a daily basis. Within the 30th Senatorial District, Blair County is slated to receive about $10.01 million, Huntingdon County $6.64 million, Juniata County $3.97 million, Mifflin County $3.77 million and Fulton County $2.88 million. Urgent Action Needed to Keep PA Communities Safe
Nearly 1,200 people convicted of second-degree murder in Pennsylvania could be released if the state House of Representatives doesn’t act by Friday, July 24. In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the current sentencing structure for second-degree murder is unconstitutional and gave the General Assembly 120 days to enact legislation correcting the situation. The Senate has successfully passed bipartisan legislation to address this issue – legislation supported by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania District Attorneys and the Pennsylvania State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police. In Pennsylvania, second-degree murder (also known as felony murder) involves a homicide committed when the defendant engaged as a principal or an accomplice in the perpetration of a felony. In other words, homicides committed while the defendant was also committing another crime such as rape, arson, robbery, burglary or kidnapping. These are serious and horrific crimes, and the safety of our communities is at stake. It’s time for the House to join us in taking urgent action. Cost of Living Adjustment for Retired Teachers, Police and Firefighters
The newly enacted state budget includes a cost-of-living (COLA) increase for retired teachers, school district employees and state employees who retired prior to July 2, 2001, as well as certain retired municipal firefighters and police officers. Many of these employees retired in the early 2000s at much lower salaries than current employees. In addition, they did not receive the pension benefit enhancements under Act 9 of 2001 and have now gone more than 20 years without a COLA. The COLAs are fully funded through existing interactive gaming tax revenues, ensuring these benefit enhancements have no impact on state, school district or municipal taxes. The legislation directs a portion of those revenues to fund the pension increases and reimburse municipalities for the municipal benefit adjustments, with any remaining funding continuing to support an existing grant program. Protecting Pets from Excessive Heat
Hot weather reminder: Police and emergency responders in Pennsylvania are authorized to remove dogs and cats from unattended vehicles by force if they’re deemed to be in imminent danger. Also, under Act 104 of 2018, dogs that are tethered outside and unattended can only be so for up to nine hours in temperatures up to 90 degrees, and only for 30 minutes above 90 degrees. The dog must have access to an area of shade to escape the direct rays of the sun, as well as clean water. Watch for signs of heat stroke in animals, including heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting and red or purple gums. You can read more about PA’s “Hot Car Bill” here. Camping Reservations Available at State Parks
State park campsites are open and ready to reserve, with options for tents, cabins and RVs. The commonwealth manages 125 parks covering more than 300,000 acres, so you’re bound to find one that has what you’re looking for. Available activities include picnicking, swimming, boating and other outdoor recreation. Prices vary for specific park accommodations and activities. Visit the Pennsylvania State Parks website to find a list of parks and features and to reserve accommodations. Mifflin County Senior Expo
I will be holding my annual Mifflin County senior expo on Tuesday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Reedsville Fire Company, 16 PA 655, Reedsville. Attendees will be able to learn from participating vendors about the services and resources that are available to them, receive health screenings and enter into door prize drawings. Admission is free and there will be light refreshments provided. I hope to see you there! Out and About in the 30th DistrictJuniata Valley Bank Grand Opening The Juniata Valley Bank recently held a ribbon cutting and grand opening. The newest branch office is in Belleville and is now open. Marcie Barber, CEO and President, welcomed everyone to the event and mentioned how happy they were to finally have a branch office at this location. Congratulations on the new location!
Fulton County Women’s Pistol Shoot I had a “blast” at the Fulton County Pistol and Rifle Club Ladies’ Night. Special thanks to RSO John Daniels and the always helpful staff at Buchanan Trail Sporters.
Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit Senator Dave McCormick held the Pennsylvania Defense & Innovation Summit at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle. We got to hear from senior Trump Administration and military officials, along with leading defense executives, investors, researchers and manufacturers on how Pennsylvania can be a cornerstone for America’s defense industrial base. The summit closed with a roundtable discussion and keynote remarks from President Trump.
Multi-Agency Resource Center Community Outreach Event PEMA Director Randy Padfield, along with other regional and local leaders, visited Tyrone this week to assess the flood damage from the heavy rains on July 5 and 6. Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) held a community outreach event, where flood victims could find resources and financial assistance for home repairs.
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