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In this Update:
State Budget Enacted
This week the General Assembly enacted a budget that is now signed into law. While I am glad that the final plan reduced Gov. Shapiro’s original proposal by roughly $1.4 billion, I ultimately could not support a spending level that still exceeds what I believe is responsible for Pennsylvania taxpayers. At $50.1 billion, this budget continues a pattern of elevated spending and relies too heavily on one-time dollars pulled from lapsed funds and special accounts. Using temporary money to support ongoing expenses extends a structural imbalance that will make future budgets far more difficult and could force tax increases on Pennsylvanians down the road. My vote reflected those concerns. That said, I am glad the budget adoption includes important permitting reform and removes the governor’s proposed electricity tax, changes that will protect families and job creators from higher energy costs. The final agreement also ensures funding will be distributed to maintain the core functions of government and includes targeted investments such as additional support for student achievement, including a $50 million expansion of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program to help families in struggling school districts. The plan also directs new funding to the Ready to Learn Block Grant program, Basic Education, Special Education, and Pre-K Counts. While these investments are important, they should be made within a sustainable, long-term fiscal framework, something this budget unfortunately does not achieve. For more information on the finalized 2025–26 state budget, you can find additional details here. Butler County Veteran of the Year
Last week, I was pleased to join Representative Mustello; Butler County Commissioners Guyer, Osche, and Boozel; Mayor Bob Dandoy of Butler; and Butler Township Commissioner Ed Natali to honor James A. McMullen as the Butler County Veteran of the Year Beyond military service, he is involved with veteran organizations, including both the American Legion Post No. 778 and the Christopher Gist Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Throughout his tenure, Mr. McMullen steadfastly demonstrated exceeding loyalty and dedication to the United States of America. Thank you to Mr. McMullen and to all our selfless veterans! RGGI Electricity Taxes Eliminated
As part of the budget agreement, the illegal regulation mandating Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) – a multi-state pact that would have added more than a billion dollars in new electricity taxes on Pennsylvania families and job creators – was eliminated. Preventing Pennsylvania from entering RGGI and stopping this tax protects consumers from dealing with even more severe consequences, including the closure of Pennsylvania power plants, job losses and the threat of rolling blackouts in the years ahead. Stopping the RGGI electricity tax is a huge win for every consumer of electricity in this commonwealth. At a time when families continue to feel the strain of inflationary pressure, we must look for ways to decrease, not increase, the cost of electricity. Sweeping Permitting Reform Makes PA More Competitive
The new budget includes new permitting reforms that will continue the significant progress we’ve made in recent years to cut red tape and prevent endless layers of bureaucracy from limiting business and job growth statewide. The reforms will require a wide variety of environmental permits to be deemed approved after a certain period of time, ensuring applicants will know the time frame for consideration of their application and can appeal any permits that are denied. This provides certainty to the process and ends the current practice of dragging out the permitting process for months without resolution. In addition, the reforms will require permit tracking for applicants across all state agencies, adding transparency to the process. Legislation Advances Cracking Down on AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material
Legislation to better protect young people against the serious threats posed by child abuse materials generated using artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing in the Senate. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 1050, which would require mandated reporters to report all instances of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) they become aware of, including those produced by a minor. This applies to teachers, child care workers, health care providers and other individuals responsible for caring for children. There has been a startling increase in the amount of AI-generated CSAM being created and shared in recent years, including troubling cases in school settings. Law enforcement officials and child advocacy organizations shared their support for the measure during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee. Keystone Scholars Offers November Incentive to Start Saving for College
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced a statewide incentive for Keystone Scholars this month which will give children a head start on education savings. Families who claim their child’s $100 scholarship from Keystone Scholars in November and open and link their own companion PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account will get an additional $50. Keystone Scholars provides a $100 scholarship for every child born in Pennsylvania since 2019. This money grows alongside the child and will be available to use after their 18th birthday to help pay for costs associated with four-year degrees, community college, technical training, apprenticeships and credential programs. To learn more, visit pa529.com/keystone. State Police Will Help Ensure Your Child Car Seat is Properly Installed
Throughout November, certified Pennsylvania State Police technicians are setting aside dates to help ensure child car seats are safe, secure and properly installed. Caregivers will receive instruction on the proper installation and have seats installed, learn how to properly harness a child in a seat and check seats for recalls. Find the nearest free car seat check here. If none are scheduled locally or you can’t make it, check your local state police station for free monthly child seat fittings. Oh Say, Can You Sing? The PA Farm Show National Anthem Contest
Think you’ve got what it takes to sing the National Anthem at the Farm Show? The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is looking for singers to kick off each day of the 2026 edition of the nation’s largest indoor agricultural exposition. Submit your original video entry by Nov. 24 to be considered. Winners will be selected by fan voting on Facebook. You must be available at least one day of the Farm Show, which runs from Jan. 10 through Jan. 17. You can find details about eligibility, video requirements, voting and how to apply here.
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