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In this Update:
Celebrating Young Constitutional Orators
I was honored to join Representative Marci Mustello in recognizing the contestants of the Pennsylvania American Legion Western Section Oratorical Contest. Each participant delivered a powerful speech focused on the U.S. Constitution, demonstrating an impressive understanding of our nation’s founding principles and a deep appreciation for civic responsibility. Congratulations to overall winner Caleb Chapman, who will advance to the Department Competition in March for the opportunity to compete in the 86th American Legion National Oratorical Contest Finals at Hillsdale College on May 18. I also extend my sincere congratulations to second-place finisher Cooper Bentz and third-place finisher Tanner Raffeinner for their outstanding performances. All three young men represented their communities with distinction, and I wish them continued success as they use their voices to inspire others. Hearings on Proposed State Budget Set to Begin
Senate hearings begin next week on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 state budget, a plan that spends too much and steers the state ever closer to a massive tax increase. The Senate Appropriations Committee will question department heads as we seek to reduce the size of the $53.3 billion spending plan that would increase spending by $2.7 billion – a 5.4% increase. It would take $4.6 billion out of the state’s Rainy Day Fund, which is made up of emergency reserves that protect against future tax hikes. The committee begins two weeks of hearings on Monday. I’ll post recaps of each week’s hearings in this e-newsletter so you know what’s being planned for your tax dollars. Preventing Food Allergies and Cutting Costs for Taxpayers
Earlier this week, I joined my colleagues at a Senate Majority Policy Committee public hearing to examine strategies for preventing food allergies. We heard compelling testimony from medical experts and researchers highlighting the growing prevalence of food allergies and the promising role early intervention can play in reducing risk. Approximately 1.3 million Pennsylvanians are living with a food allergy today. Experts testified that the rate of children with food allergies has increased by 50 percent over the past two decades, with peanut and tree nut allergies rising by 300 percent. The average annual cost of managing a peanut allergy for one child exceeds $7,200, placing a significant burden on families and the health care system. One proposal discussed would require health insurers to provide no-cost coverage for early peanut and egg introduction dietary supplements for infants. According to testimony, making these preventive supplements widely available could prevent more than 80 percent of peanut and egg allergies while saving taxpayers millions in long-term health care costs. You can view the hearing video and read the written testimony here. Free Webinars Help Families Plan for Higher Education
For students and parents needing help with college financial aid, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency offers free webinars on applying for aid and reviewing offers, options for non-traditional students and other important topics. Upcoming webinars include:
Check the full list here for dates and times. The page includes past webinar recordings for topics you might have missed. Snowmobiling Opportunities in State Parks and Forests
For wintertime fun, our state parks and forests offer thousands of miles and hundreds of acres of designated snowmobile areas. Snowmobile trails are open until April 1 or earlier as determined by the district forester or park manager. It depends on having enough snow on the ground, so check the trail conditions page before you head out to see if trails are open and ready for riding. Riders must stay on roads and trails marked open for snowmobiles. Some trails used for snowmobiling may be open to vehicular traffic. Snowmobilers may also ride on state game lands on designated snowmobile areas, roads and trails.
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