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Capitol Report
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#Listrak\DateStampLong#
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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Our District Video Tours continue.... Check out my visit with Action Bikes.
Click here to watch the video.
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District and Harrisburg Happenings
Be sure to check out my Facebook page for a recap of district events and celebrations, including:
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Attending the Mass Casualty Incident training at the Wayne County Office of Emergency Management. |
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Stopping by the Volunteer Recruitment and Expo. |
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Visiting with Isabelle Ems at the Capitol. |
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Welcoming The Bresnavan mobile constituent services office to the district. If you missed the opportunity to speak to a member of Congressman Rob Bresnahan, don’t fret. They will visit my office on the third Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.! |
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House Prepares for Budget Negotiations
In a largely procedural vote, the House advanced to the Senate a $53.3 billion state budget proposal for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The action helps set the stage for real, substantive budget negotiations; however, I could not in good conscience vote for the bill, as it is essentially the same fiscally irresponsible and unaffordable plan outlined by Gov. Josh Shapiro in February. It represents an increase of $2.72 billion over the current year’s spending. Current state revenues are projected to be $48.95 billion, showing this budget spends too much and it must include policies to grow our economy before any compromise can be reached.
I look forward to the opportunity to vote on a negotiated plan that funds the core functions of government while respecting our taxpayers.
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2026-27 Hunting, Trapping Seasons Set
The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) met recently and gave final approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for the 2026-27 hunting season. According to the announcement from the PGC, all 2026-27 seasons include Sundays that fall within their listed start and end dates. Also, seasons that previously ended on Saturdays largely will end on Sundays, providing additional days of opportunity throughout the year. The lone exception is for migratory game birds. There will be no Sunday hunting for migratory game birds – including waterfowl, woodcock and mourning doves – this coming season.
Detailed information about the new seasons and bag limits, as well as notable changes, is available here.
Did you know that I send a Sportsmen’s Report? Sign up to receive your copy.
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Savings Snapshot: House Republicans Work to Create Economic Opportunity for PA Families
To help alleviate the strain of rising costs, last month House Republicans launched the “Freedom Through Affordability” initiative. This package of bills is aimed at reducing costs in key areas, creating financial flexibility and stability for families across the Commonwealth. The initiative includes bills that would suspend the gas tax; exempt cell phone and energy bills from the Gross Receipts Tax; lower the Personal Income Tax from 3.07% to 2.99%; and more. All proposals would be effective for six months and, when combined, are estimated to save families up to $1,100.
We are working to make the Commonwealth a place where families can afford to plant strong roots. We know that when Pennsylvanians keep more of what they earn, they have the freedom and flexibility to make investments in their future. The Freedom Through Affordability initiative intends to provide relief and increase economic opportunities for our constituents from Erie to Philadelphia and everywhere in between.
While temporary, House Republicans are hopeful these tax relief proposals will facilitate discussion about creating permanent tax relief for Pennsylvanians.
Stay tuned as we continue to delve into more tax relief proposals in the coming weeks.
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Aspiring Teachers Take Note
A state program that provides stipends to qualified student teachers in the Commonwealth is now accepting applications, according to the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).
The PA Student Teacher Support Program provides $10,000 to eligible student teachers and up to $2,500 to cooperating teachers who will be working with and mentoring student teachers throughout the student teacher experience. Program recipients must commit to teaching in Pennsylvania for three years following the completion of their teaching certification.
Pennsylvanians who will be student teaching in the fall and spring semesters of the 2026-27 academic year are encouraged to apply. Stipends are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date and time a completed application is received.
Learn more at pheaa.org/StudentTeacher.
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Stay Alert in Work Zones
Next week, April 20-24, is National Work Zone Awareness Week, a time to remind drivers to be cautious, alert and respectful while traveling through areas of roadway and bridge construction. This year’s theme is “Safe Actions Save Lives.”
When you encounter work zones, PennDOT offers the following tips: drive the posted work zone speed limit; stay alert and pay attention to signs and flaggers; maintain a safe distance around vehicles; use flashers if traveling slowly; avoid distractions; and be patient.
State law requires motorists to travel with their headlights on in all posted work zones, not just active work zones. Daytime running lights are not sufficient; drivers must have their headlights on to also activate their taillights.
Drivers also should be aware that interstate work zones with a project cost exceeding $300,000 will have a speed-monitoring device to alert motorists of their speed prior to entering the work zone.
For more information about work zone safety, click here.
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Protecting Children from Abuse
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. While state laws have identified people, such as teachers, health care providers and clergy members, who are mandated to report suspected cases of abuse, we all have a role to play in protecting our children.
Signs of potential physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect may include sudden changes in a child’s behavior or school performance; being overly compliant, passive or withdrawn; always being watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen; and a reluctance to be around a particular person or to return home from school or activities.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call PA ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.
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Upcoming District Event
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