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In this Update:
A Spending Plan to Fund Critical Needs
On Tuesday, I joined my colleagues in the Senate Republican Caucus to deliver a budget plan that is fiscally responsible, respects all taxpayers and meets the Commonwealth’s core needs. While others would rather continue to play politics and push for endless spending, the Senate has taken action to place forward a responsible spending plan for all Pennsylvanians. Senate Bill 160 prevents tax hikes and funds our most vulnerable communities, including our students and non-profits. Just like our folks back home, we too, should be spending within our means. As negotiations continue a final 2025-26 state budget, this plan would provide funding at the levels included in the final 2024-25 budget. Unfortunately, the House of Representatives and Governor continue to delay the process and withhold delivering for Pennsylvanians these necessary funds. Passage of this proposal would allow the state to immediately begin disbursing nearly $47.6 billion, without the need for any new taxes. Passage of this measure marks an important step forward in this year’s budget process, putting people above politics as budget discussions continue. Many of the line items in the budget are not in dispute, so this is a responsible way to ensure that counties, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, social service providers and other entities would receive immediate funding to meet their fiscal needs. Transportation Bill Addressing Funding, Safety, Accountability Approved by Senate
A bill to fund transportation infrastructure and help improve the safety, accountability and stability of Pennsylvania’s mass transit systems was approved by the Senate. As amended by the Senate, House Bill 257 provides necessary additional funding in a way that protects taxpayers, improves safety on transit systems and implements new accountability measures. Importantly, the plan does this without impacting the General Fund, ensuring other critical programs aren’t threatened in the future. The legislation matches and exceeds the governor’s own funding proposal by providing $292.5 million to mass transit this year and another $300 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year. The plan provides the same amount of funding for roadway reconstruction, including for many rural roads the governor and PennDOT have overlooked. Free Financial Aid Workshops for Educators
PHEAA’s Higher Education Access Partners provide workshops both virtually and in-person throughout the Commonwealth. The workshops provide you with up-to-date information on financial aid for postsecondary education, give a general understanding of the financial aid process, and examine the available financial aid programs that make higher education more affordable for families. Join PHEAA for a free workshop to learn more about:
Please register at least 1 week prior to the date of the workshop you wish to attend. Upon registration, you will receive an email confirmation with workshop location, directions and parking information. At the end of the workshop, they will provide a link to the quiz that is required to receive Act 48 credits. To qualify, you must complete the quiz within 10 days of the workshop. If you meet the workshop attendance requirements and successfully complete the quiz, they will submit your hours to the PA Department of Education. On Wednesday, September 24, at Penn State Altoona, there will be an in-person workshop from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. For more details, click here. Public Hearing Examines Data Centers Development in Pennsylvania
As the development of new data centers accelerates across Pennsylvania, the Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing to review the potential impacts for communities and the economy. The hearing brought together economic development organizations, utilities, environmental commissions, municipal associations and other groups for a discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of establishing data centers. Some testifiers discussed the increased local tax revenue these centers would bring, boosting support for schools and fire departments. Others addressed two widely cited concerns with operating data centers – the demands on local electrical grids and watersheds. You can find a hearing summary, testimony and video here. Assistance Available to Support PA Rail Freight Infrastructure
With 65 railroads and more than 5,600 track miles, Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of operating railroads and ranks near the top in total track mileage. To preserve this essential service and stimulate job creation, the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program provide financial and technical assistance to rail operators and businesses served by rail for investment in freight infrastructure, through new or expanded service. The application period is open until August 29. Eligible applicants can find details and application information here. STEM-Related Activities Available from PennDOT
Summertime or anytime, you can find STEM-related activities for children of all levels with resources from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The material includes a PennDOT-themed coloring book, traffic safety activity book, word searches and crossword puzzles (with answer keys), hands-on activities to help children to think like an engineer and fun games teaching bicycle safety. Help PA Celebrate Your Barn
The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office invites you to contribute to the effort of documenting and celebrating the barns that define our state’s rural traditions. Barns represent the agricultural heritage, craftsmanship and local pride found throughout the commonwealth. You can go here to find out how to submit your photos and background information and have your barn added to the Pennsylvania Inventory of Historic Places. Out and About the 30th DistrictBlair County Youth Livestock Sale This week I purchased a market hog at the Blair County Youth Livestock Sale! Pictured is my staff member Amanda Walker with Ty Uplinger of Williamsburg, who had two hogs at the sale, Snoop Hogg and Lil Pork Chop. Ty is a great kid who puts a lot of effort into raising his animals.
Penn State Ag Progress Days There is always so much to see and so many great folks to talk to at Penn State’s Annual AG Progress Days. I ran into my good friend Chanin Rotz-Mountz, who is the PA Farm Bureau Region 3 Director, which covers Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Juniata, Mifflin, and Perry Counties. I also chatted with several of my district’s FFA students and stopped by to say hello to the Hershey Family at the Hoober booth.
Huntingdon County Fair It has been a busy fair season, and I have really enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new ones! I had the pleasure of meeting all the lovely gals representing Huntingdon County as Fair Queens, Dairy Princess, and Ambassadors.
Pomona Grange Breakfast In conjunction with the Huntingdon County Fair each year is the Pomona Grange breakfast and recognition of the Community Service Award recipient, which was presented to Rebecca Donnelly this year. I was pleased to present Rebecca with a Senate citation.
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