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In this Update:
Stopping the Shapiro Shutdown
This week, Senate Republicans, recognizing the impact the Shapiro Shutdown has had on Pennsylvanians, have again passed a fiscally responsible, commonsense budget that funded critical services and protected taxpayers. Pennsylvania is facing a multi-billion-dollar structural deficit. Instead of passing the House’s proposal that continues the governor’s out-of-control spending and would lead the state to a fiscal crisis in the near future, the Senate once again led with a budget that recognizes the seriousness of the challenges we face. It is a budget of needs, not wants. The Democrats in the House must stop delaying, come to the table with reasonable requests, and finalize the budget to get money out to those state funded agencies and individuals that desperately need it. Veterans Appreciation Luncheon
Veterans and their family members are invited to an appreciation luncheon on Thursday, November 6th at the American Legion Social Hall in Blair County. This is a FREE event, but RSVPs are required, so please call my office at 814-695-8386 to register. National School Bus Safety Week
This week, I joined my colleagues, Senators Scott Martin, Lisa Baker and Rosemary Brown, along with industry stakeholders to recognize National School Bus Safety Week. Senator Martin and I, introduced Senate Resolution 179, designating October 20 through 24, 2025 as School Bus Safety Week in Pennsylvania. There is nothing more important than stopping for children approaching and exiting school buses. It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus in every state. I urge all Pennsylvania drivers to end the practice of passing stopped school buses and obey all traffic devices, including the school bus stop signs and flashing lights. Senate Resolution 179 aims to spotlight critical safety measures and acknowledge the vital role of school bus drivers in ensuring the safe and timely travel of Pennsylvania children. You can view the full press conference here.
Senate Again Acts to Repeal RGGI Electricity Tax
Bipartisan legislation preventing a new electricity tax by repealing Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) was approved by the Senate. RGGI, a multi-state compact, would increase electricity rates on families and employers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs and cause Pennsylvania power plants to close. Senate Bill 1068 formally repeals Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI, ensuring that any decision to impose electricity taxes or emissions programs must go through the legislative process rather than being enacted unilaterally by the governor. The Commonwealth Court has ruled that RGGI is a tax and cannot be implemented without legislative approval. However, the governor appealed the decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. His action has deepened concerns about energy grid reliability and affordability, prolonged uncertainty for workers and businesses across the commonwealth – and caused electricity prices to go up for hardworking families. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Landmark Bill to Modernize PA’s Broken Permitting Process Approved by Senate
A sweeping permitting reform measure to bring greater accountability, transparency and efficiency to how state agencies handle permit applications was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 6 sets clear timelines for state agencies to review permit applications, creates a permit tracking system and ensures applicants receive timely, consistent answers not endless delays. The measure, which passed with bipartisan support, also requires regular performance reporting so Pennsylvanians can hold their government accountable. The bill builds on the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program that required the Department of Environmental Protection to implement a permit tracking system. This legislation expands those transparency and accountability measures to all state agencies. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Tuesday is the Deadline to Apply to Vote by Mail in the Nov. 4 Election
If you plan on voting by mail in Nov. 4 election, your application for a ballot must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28. You can apply online, by mail or at your county election office. Find details for each along with other useful information here. Military or overseas civilian voters can find information here on how to obtain a mail ballot. County election offices must receive completed mail ballots by 8 p.m., Nov. 4. Auditor General’s Activity Book Contest Accepting Submissions
Pennsylvania students in grades K-12 are invited to help the state Auditor General’s office design the cover of its new Be Money $mart activity book. The book will include coloring pages, word searches, word scrambles, crosswords and budgeting sheets – all focused on financial literacy. The deadline to submit a design online is Oct. 31. The winner’s artwork will be featured on the cover of the new activity book and recognized at the PA Farm Show, and will win their school a visit from Auditor General Tim DeFoor. The activity book will be distributed statewide through libraries, YMCAs and credit unions. Assessing Your Personal Breast Cancer Risk
The pink ribbon is a symbol of hope, strength and solidarity in the fight against breast cancer. It reminds us to support those affected, promote early detection and raise awareness about the importance of knowing your risks. You can assess your personal breast cancer risk using this free online risk calculator. Out and About in the 30th DistrictBlair County Conservation District Annual Banquet The Blair County Conservation District (BCCD) held its 2025 Annual Banquet to highlight district activities and accomplishments. I was pleased to present a citation to Blaine Smith, BCCD board member who has served the district for 31 years. Congratulations to Blaine for his many years of dedicated service and the BCCD for a successful year! Also, I ran into the Blair County Dairy Princess, Rylee Stultz. She is a great advocate for agriculture.
Huntingdon County EMS Town Hall Meeting The Huntingdon County Commissioners and Southern Alleghenies EMS Council (SAEMS) held a Townhall Meeting at the Smithfield Fire Department to discuss EMS coverage in Huntingdon County. Jordan Anthony from SAEMS presented updates on EMS coverage in Huntingdon County, and the providers and local elected officials discussed concerns related to recruitment, retention and education. It was very informative and is the start of a collaborative effort to ensure that residents have access to quality EMS services.
Juniata River Valley Chamber After-Hours Event The Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce After-Hours Event was held at Let-Us-Grow Greenhouses located at 5340 East Back Mountain Road in Belleville. Let-Us-Grow is a local hydroponic greenhouse and farm which specializes in a wide variety of chemical free nutrient rich lettuces and herbs. They also offer farm raised beef and pork.
Blair County Prayer Breakfast We had a spirit filled time this week at the Leaders of Faith Prayer Breakfast of the Alleghenies. The breakfast was held in Blair County with Keynote Speaker, Rev. Dr. Ed Glover from Urban Impact in Pittsburgh. Pastor Ed or “PED” has a ministry on the North side of Pittsburgh helping at risk children. Pictured with me are State Rep. Scott Barger and Pastor Ed.
51st Annual Folk Festival Fulton County held their 51st Annual Folk Festival. The parade showcases what a great community this is! I enjoyed participating in the festivities!
7th Annual Workplace Equality Celebration The Huntingdon Mifflin Juniata Employment Coalition held their 7th Annual Workplace Equality Celebration highlighting employers and employees who demonstrate an inclusive culture that is the cornerstone of a high-performing winning team. This employer-employee recognition event was held at Juniata Valley Behavioral and Developmental Services in downtown Lewistown.
Mifflin County Elected Officials 100th Fall Convention Mifflin County held their Elected Officials 100th Fall Convention with a variety of vendors and speakers. 100th Recognitions were presented to the Association by John Breneman from my Lewistown District Office and Dan Auker from Rep. David Rowe’s Office.
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