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In this Update:
Statement on the 2026-27 State Budget
PA Senate Republicans continue working toward a more fiscally responsible 2026-27 budget than the $53.3 billion proposal introduced by Gov. Josh Shapiro and advanced by the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives. Check out my latest video reel here. Earlier this week, Senator Kim Ward, Senator Scott Martin, and I issued the following statement on the state budget process: “We continue to have profound concerns about the level of spending in the budget proposed by Governor Shapiro and passed by the House today. Moving a budget plan forward is an important step in the process, but much work remains to reach a final agreement which respects taxpayers both now and in the future. We will continue to fight for a more fiscally responsible spending plan that better positions our Commonwealth to grow and prosper, without placing unreasonable financial burdens on Pennsylvania families and taxpayers.” Casino Theater – Vandergrift
It was a pleasure to visit the historical Casino Theatre & Library, Southwestern Pennsylvania’s Oldest Active Operating Theatre! At 125 years old, the building is grand both inside and out and serves as a standout landmark in the Borough. Even more impressive is the dedication, time and talent that has been put into the ongoing restoration efforts – mostly done by volunteers from the community. I greatly appreciated local officials taking the time to provide an informative update along with great stories of the rich history of the theater. Pictured with me are Tom Holmes, council member; Anthony Ferrante, Casino Theater Restoration and Management President; Mayor Lenny Collini; and Cynthia Conte, Vandergrift Library Director. A Closer Look: Protecting Children from Harmful AI Chat Interactions
The PA Senate overwhelmingly approved bi-partisan legislation sponsored by my colleague Senator Tracy Pennycuick to establish commonsense safeguards for children interacting with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. Senate Bill 1090 requires robust, age-appropriate safeguards to prevent content generation that encourages self-harm, suicide, or violence against others, and directs users to appropriate self-harm crisis resources whenever high-risk language is detected. Heartbreaking stories have been reported of vulnerable individuals, including minors, who have used AI chatbots to cope with trauma, mental health, depression, and anxiety. Multiple families have alleged in lawsuits that chatbot responses contributed to their teen’s death by suicide. This bill was sent to the House of Representatives, and we hope our colleagues will join us to quickly move the legislation to further protect our children. European Commission Visit
It was a pleasure to join my friend, Rep. Jim Struzzi for a meeting with a group of individuals representing the Zasavje region of Slovenia. The meeting & visit was coordinated by Ben Franklin Technology Partners-CNP. We had a robust discussion of how Indiana County, in partnership with the Commonwealth, is embracing growth initiatives through economic development, education and workforce perspectives. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has been in existence since the 1960’s and includes member nations from Europe, North America, South America, and Asia-Pacific. Our county/region is one of seven North American regions twinned with a European region as part of this study of industrial transition. Partnerships such as these support regions in taking a forward-looking approach, focusing on what works and how they can build on strengths to achieve sustainable and inclusive transformation. We look forward to a continued partnership! Hearing Explores Approaches to Expanding Access to Dental Care Across PA
Efforts to expand access to dental education and reduce barriers to entry to address severe workforce shortages in dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants were the focus of a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee. Almost a third of Pennsylvanians already don’t receive regular dental care and more than 22% of the commonwealth’s dentists are age 65 and older and nearing retirement. The hearing featured dental professionals, educators, insurance companies and other advocates who gave their perspectives on how dental workforce shortages harm public health and shared successful strategies that encouraged more people to pursue these careers. Video of the hearing and written testimony can be found here. Keeping Our Families and Communities Safe
A year ago this month, the Senate took decisive action on several bills to keep our families and communities safe. Among the bills we passed are Senate Bill 92, known as Tyler’s Law, to impose tougher penalties on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose; Senate Bill 490 to prohibit non-monetary bail for the most dangerous individuals; and Senate Bill 347 to prohibit so-called “safe injection sites” – which endanger our neighborhoods in Pennsylvania. I voted for these bills because there is a clear and urgent need to give our law enforcement community new tools to combat these serious issues. Unfortunately, although the Senate passed all three bills with bipartisan votes, they continue to sit in the state House of Representatives waiting for action. It’s time for the House Democrats to advance these bills, and I will continue pushing for strong legislation to make our communities safer. Student Teachers Can Apply for Assistance Through PA Support Program
Planning to be a student teacher in 2026-27? The Student Teacher Support Program provides financial assistance in return for help alleviating Pennsylvania’s pressing teacher shortage. It provides $10,000 to eligible student teachers and up to $2,500 to teachers who mentor them. Recipients must commit to teaching in Pennsylvania for three years following the completion of their teaching certification. Selection will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis based on when the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency receives a completed student application. Learn more and apply here. New Specialty Plate Helps Preserve Pennsylvania’s Heritage
Pennsylvania drivers have another special fund license plate to put on the back of their vehicles: the Preserve Our Heritage plate featuring the Liberty Bell and Pennsylvania Bank Barn. Built from about 1790 to 1900, these barns were banked and set into a hillside and became symbols of Pennsylvania’s agricultural roots. The plates are available for cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of 14,000 pounds or less. Each plate costs $64, with $23 going directly to support the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s education and exhibit programs. You can find the plate and order it here. You Can Help Deliver Senior Services in Our Area
Delivering meals, being a senior companion and other roles are open to volunteers of all ages and abilities with the state Aging Services Network. You can learn new skills, make friends and help others through these programs:
Find out more and apply online here or contact the local Area Agency on Aging to see where help is needed in our area. National Donate Life Month
You can save up to eight lives through organ donation, restore sight to two people through cornea donation and heal more than 75 people through tissue donation. While the vast majority of Americans support donation, many overlook the important step of registering their decision to be a donor. Donate Life America has plenty of useful information on this lifesaving topic. Find out how to add the Organ Donor designation to your driver’s license or ID card here.
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