Recent News
E-news Updates – June 14, 2025
In this Update: Realizing the Promise of Pennsylvania Leechburg Borough Celebrates 175th Anniversary ALS Association Day on the Hill Letโs Talk Transit Facts Maximum Wage โ Family Sustaining Jobs Senate Approves Bill to Secure and Modernize PAโs IT Infrastructure Bill to Expand Naloxone Access, Support EMS Providers Passes Senate Senate Committee Votes to Expand No-Cost […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – June 7, 2025
In this Update: Fiscal Stability for Pennsylvania PA Bankers Association Advocacy Day PA Chamber of Business and Industry Roundtable Visitors Welcomed in Harrisburg Senate Votes to Preserve Prescription Assistance for Seniors Bill to Strengthen Enforcement of PFA Orders Passes Senate Senate Approves Bill to Improve Access to Stroke Resources Hand-held Cell Phone Ban […] [Read More]
PA Senate Leaders Issue Statement on Pennsylvaniaโs Fiscal Stability
Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39), Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-13) issued the following statement today in reaction to the Shapiro Administration announcement of the refinancing of approximately $1.159 billion in General Obligation refunding bonds, touting responsible financial management: [Read More]
E-news Updates – May 31, 2025
In this Update: Memorial Day Parade and Service Indiana Office Summer Intern Indiana County Association of Township Officials Westmoreland County Senior Housing Grand Opening Meeting with PennAEYC in Harrisburg Bill to Increase Firefighters in PA Receives Senate Support Prevent Surprises on the Road with PennDOTโs Construction Plans Beware of Counterfeit Weight Loss and Diabetes Drugs […] [Read More]
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Pennsylvanians deserve an honest accounting of the stateโs financial position and a clear picture of what the governorโs spending plans would mean for hardworking #families throughout the Commonwealth. Gov. Shapiroโs budget proposal this year totals nearly $51.5 billion โ an increase of $3.6 billion from the current yearโs budget โ and does not include a realistic path to close the stateโs multi-billion-dollar structural deficit.
We continue to engage in substantive work to reach consensus on a fiscally responsible 2025-26 state budget. Our @pasenategop vision for #pennsylvania remains focused on pro-growth initiatives that respect #taxpayers and their hard-earned money.

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We are actively engaged in our work to complete a fiscally responsible 2025-26 state budget, but in this current fiscal year #Pennsylvania is faced with a $3 billion structural deficit. I am encouraged that all parties understand we have a structural deficit and know we must figure out a way to deal with it.
The functional reality is that once an agreement on a budget framework is reached, there is a substantial amount of time needed for all pieces to be implemented. Given there is not yet an agreed-to framework, there is not enough time to have a budget in place by June 30th. Our work on the #budget continues and there is an opportunity in the several days and weeks after June 30th to put a product together without any discernable impact.
Senate Republicans are focused on completing a budget that respects #taxpayers and addresses the needs of organizations and individuals who rely on state resources and services.

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Congratulations to Indiana on the incredible PIAA Class 4A #baseball championship win! Our community is so proud of your determination and drive throughout the season! #indianaproud @indianaareasd

Making sure working families have access to good, family sustaining jobs is key to helping our commonwealth grow and thrive.
Maximum wage jobs continue to be our focus and is why we value permitting reform and other efforts, such as stopping the RGGI Electricity Tax.
Implementing policies which help to create more maximum wage jobs will help to grow our economy.

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I was honored to be invited to take part in an ecumenical prayer service to kickoff Leechburg Boroughโs weeklong 175th Anniversary celebration.
Leechburg was founded in 1850 by David Leech. Mr. Leech built one of two canals which connected the Harrisburg area with Pittsburgh and transformed the area into a small industrial center. Throughout its rich history, the Borough has been blessed with dedicated civic leaders who have helped it to grow and flourish.
My thanks to Mayor Doreen Smeal and a team of volunteers who worked hard to put together numerous events & activities for all ages throughout the week. Best wishes for another 175 years!

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Transit already receives billions in state tax dollars annually. Yet on top of that, they are asking for a quarter billion more this year.
We know the value of transit โ but the infrastructure of roads & bridges across PA is also a vital consideration.

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I appreciated the opportunity to speak with business leaders from across the commonwealth at the @pachamber roundtable briefing.
We are seeing some exciting developments here in #Pennsylvania and It was great to talk about how the Homer City Generating Station will soon be the largest natural gas plant in the country. The recent U.S. Steel news is also tremendous. Increasing access to maximum wage, family-sustaining #jobs is key to creating greater growth and opportunities across Pennsylvania.
As we continue working this month to address significant policy issues and the 2025-26 state budget, Pennsylvania Senate Republicans are committed to keeping our state on a path of fiscal responsibility.

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Members from the #hospitality and #tourism industries were at the capitol this week as part of the @prlaorg legislative day.
I was pleased to meet with constituents who made the trip to Harrisburg, including Laura Herrington from @indianacountytouristbureau and Ann Nemanic from @go_laurelhighlands. It was helpful to understand the issues affecting the industry, as we work to enact pro-growth policies and legislation for Pennsylvania.


