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In this Update:
Video Interview: This Week in Pennsylvania
It was great to stop by the abc27 News studio for a conversation with Dennis Owens about the state budget and key issues impacting Pennsylvania. Click the photo above to watch this short interview. Senate Republicans have been honest with Pennsylvanians about the realities of the Commonwealth’s current fiscal position, because we believe taxpayers deserve an authentic accounting and a clear picture of what the governor’s spending plans would mean for hardworking families. We will continue to stand up for Pennsylvania taxpayers and families as we work to reach a responsible budget agreement and keep our state in a strong fiscal position. Urging Approval of Key-Con Consent Decree to Protect Jobs and Grid Reliability I recently joined with my colleagues to submit public comments in strong support of the proposed consent decree between the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Keystone-Conemaugh Projects, LLC (Key-Con), operator of the Keystone and Conemaugh Generating Stations. The decree is currently under public review in the Court of Common Pleas of Indiana County. For decades, the Keystone and Conemaugh Generating Stations have been cornerstones of Pennsylvania’s economy and energy security. These plants directly employ over 1,000 workers and sustain thousands more in supply chains, including coal mining and transportation. They contribute nearly $5 million annually in property taxes alone, supporting local schools, governments, and communities in Armstrong and Indiana Counties. Approving this decree and allowing the continued operation of these plants will safeguard jobs and bolster grid stability, while also ensuring protection of our natural resources. Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
Eligible Pennsylvanians can now apply for a Grow PA Scholarship Grant for the 2026-27 academic year. Applications are available at pheaa.org/growpa. This program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs as approved by PHEAA. The full list is available here. To qualify, applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation for 12 months for each year they received the grant. Please note: Applicants who received this grant last year MUST reapply to receive the grant again for the upcoming academic year. Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Economy and Creating More Jobs
As we prepare to examine Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new state budget proposal, one of the things I’ll be most focused on is improving our state’s economy and laying the groundwork to allow businesses to create more family-sustaining jobs. Over the past several years, we’ve steadily improved the tax climate in Pennsylvania by, for example, reducing the corporate net income tax, which used to be second-highest in the nation. We’ve also positioned Pennsylvania to be a national leader in the emerging field of drone research and deployment, protected seasonal workers from unemployment compensation benefit cuts (UC), improved the systems for training barbers and cosmetologists, and much more. One of the most important things we can do to make our state’s economy work better is to enact a state budget that includes responsible state spending. We must also take steps to make Pennsylvania a better place for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses, bringing more jobs to the commonwealth and strengthening our communities. Concerned About Winter Energy Bills? Call Utilities Now
January and February are usually the months when home energy bills tend to peak, due largely to increased heating demand. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission encourages consumers who are concerned about their utility bills to call their utility company to discuss available options. Utilities can help customers explore payment arrangements, budget billing and assistance programs that may help manage winter energy costs before a bill becomes unmanageable. Utility representatives can also help direct consumers to additional state and local resources. Read more about reducing energy use and how to find help with bills here. The Dangers of Walking on Frozen Bodies of Water
Cold weather means more frozen bodies of water and the risk that comes with walking on them, especially rivers and streams. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers this safety advice:
Look for new ice, which is clear or has a blue tint, and remember that ice thickness is not consistent across the surface of a lake or pond. Learn more about ice fishing and ice safety, including an ice thickness and safety chart, here. Celebrating Presidents’ Day
Monday is Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday that began as a celebration of George Washington’s Feb. 22 birthday and was expanded to cover Abraham Lincoln’s on Feb. 12. While it’s now considered an occasion to honor all the nation’s chief executives, the first and 16th presidents hold a special place in the hearts of Americans. General George Washington led the Continental Army and became the nation’s first president, stepping aside after two terms. President Lincoln guided the country through a horrific Civil War, holding the United States together when victory was not assured, and setting the tone for unity by declaring “malice toward none.”
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