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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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New District Video Drops!
Join me for a tour of Paupack Hills Golf Course!
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Upcoming District Events
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District Highlights
Be sure to check out my Facebook page for a recap of District happenings, including:
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Announcing federal funding for the Wallenpaupack Creek Bridge. |
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Participating in Greene Dreher Historical Society’s “Stars and Stripes” flag raising ceremony. |
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Getting nourishment at the Gouldsboro United Methodist Church Pancake Breakfast. |
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Attending the 2nd Annual Duck Derby. |
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Checking out the Newfoundland Farmers Market. |
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2026-27 State Budget Enacted
While I still believe the budget is too high and inflated, I was glad to see we were able to find savings without needing to raise taxes or tap the Rainy Day Fund. In particular, the spending plan we passed today is $2.5 billion less than the spending plan Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed earlier this year.
I was pleased we won’t be implementing combined reporting for the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT), as it would negatively impact the investment and economic growth of our small businesses. Likewise, legalizing recreational marijuana and the governor’s cruel cuts to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), an educational scholarship program for middle class families, also was not included.
On the flip side, positive wins included in the budget are funding for the Rapid Bridge and Road Deployment Program, which improves critical infrastructure across the Commonwealth; performance-based metrics to fund our state-related universities; and additional money to address the waitlist issues for students wishing to enroll in our career and technology centers.
In any budget process there needs to be compromise. And while not everyone will agree with every part of this budget, I believe that what we passed will benefit all Pennsylvanians.
You can watch my full comments here.
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New Law Aims to Stop Benefits Fraud
Legislation aimed at reducing theft of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is now law.
Under Act 21 of 2026, the Department of Human Services will upgrade the state’s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to include chip-enabled technology. Chip cards are encrypted and more difficult for fraudsters to copy or hack into than standard cards. Recent reporting showed there were more than 5,000 cases of card skimming in Pennsylvania in the past year.
SNAP benefits help many families keep food on their tables. The law is a necessary step to both protect taxpayer dollars and ensure public assistance benefits reach those who truly need them.
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Another Tool to Fight Human Trafficking
A bill aimed at helping the Pennsylvania attorney general and law enforcement more effectively target and prosecute human trafficking has been approved by the House and Senate and is awaiting the governor’s signature to become law.
Recognizing the proliferation of sex trafficking, Senate Bill 45 moves most of the state’s prostitution offenses to the human trafficking section of the state Crimes Code. It also enhances the penalties for several of those offenses and places them under the jurisdiction of the Office of Attorney General, giving it the ability to better combat prostitution and human trafficking across the Commonwealth.
The bill has been a top priority for the bipartisan, bicameral PA Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus. The caucus aims to advance legislation to combat the crime and support victims, as well as educate elected officials and others about the signs of trafficking.
Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in the nation. If you or someone you know is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
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PennDOT Seeking Workers for Winter Maintenance Program
While we are still feeling the summer heat, PennDOT is preparing for cooler temperatures by gearing up for its winter maintenance program.
Positions available may include CDL equipment operators, mechanics, dispatchers, tradesman helpers and semi-skilled laborers. The positions pay between $17.73 per hour to $28.94 per hour. The winter maintenance program runs from September through April.
Anyone wishing to apply should visit www.employment.pa.gov and go to the PennDOT Winter Maintenance Program posting.
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Enjoying the Great Outdoors!
July is Outdoors for All Month in Pennsylvania, and no matter where you live in the Commonwealth, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy it!
Pennsylvania is home to 125 state parks and millions of acres of forestland, as well as county and local parks that provide everything from active adventures to peaceful walking trails and picnic areas.
Find your favorite activities or a nearby park or forest by visiting the outdoor recreation section of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.
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