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In this Update:
Fiscal Stability for Pennsylvania
This week, I joined with Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39) and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-13) to issue the following statement in reaction to the Shapiro Administration announcement of the refinancing of approximately $1.159 billion in General Obligation refunding bonds, touting responsible financial management: “It’s good news that Pennsylvania taxpayers will save $71 million due to the refinancing of state bonds. Our strong financial position today is because PA Senate Republicans have repeatedly fought the massive spending impulses of the Wolf Administration and Shapiro Administration over the past several years. In fact, the vast majority of the savings in our state’s fund balance and our Rainy Day Fund were built before Gov. Shapiro even took office. “Gov. Shapiro’s budget proposal this year totals nearly $51.5 billion – an increase of $3.6 billion from the current year’s budget – and does not include a realistic path to close the state’s multi-billion-dollar structural deficit. This unrealistic spending would ultimately lead to future tax increases for Pennsylvanians. “Senate Republicans have been honest with Pennsylvanians about the realities of Pennsylvania’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 throughout the Commonwealth. 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.” PA Bankers Association Advocacy Day
A group of constituents from S&T Bank and the Pennsylvania Bankers Association were in Harrisburg today to meet with legislators and staff to discuss a variety of legislative priorities as part of their annual advocacy day. I was pleased to sit down with them to discuss tax issues, elder financial abuse protections, proposed legislation and much more. Thank you all for taking the time travel to the Capitol! PA Chamber of Business and Industry Roundtable
I appreciated the opportunity to speak with business leaders from across the commonwealth at the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry’s 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. Visitors Welcomed in Harrisburg
Members from the hospitality and tourism industries were at the capitol this week as part of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association legislative day. I was pleased to meet with constituents who made the trip to Harrisburg, including Laura Herrington from Indiana County Tourist Bureau and Ann Nemanic from GO Laurel Highlands. It was helpful to understand the issues affecting the industry, as we work to enact pro-growth policies and legislation for Pennsylvania. Senate Votes to Preserve Prescription Assistance for Seniors
Legislation to protect thousands of Pennsylvania seniors from losing access to life-sustaining prescriptions passed the Senate unanimously. Senate Bill 731 would exclude Social Security cost-of-living adjustments from income eligibility calculations for the PACE and PACENET programs. The bill would extend the current exclusion from the end of this year to Dec. 31, 2027. Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, the PACE and PACENET programs have provided hundreds of thousands of adults 65 and older with low-cost prescriptions. It now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bill to Strengthen Enforcement of PFA Orders Passes Senate
The Senate unanimously approved legislation to improve the enforcement of Protection from Abuse (PFA) petitions and orders and properly reimburse law enforcement agencies. A longstanding imbalance in the law directs a portion of PFA-related court fees to county sheriffs, even when local police departments or state troopers process the paperwork. Senate Bill 302 would require sheriffs to transfer the $25 service fee collected through the existing surcharge to the agency completing the service. The bill would also address a critical safety concern and reinforce professional enforcement standards by authorizing only sheriffs or trained law enforcement officers – not private individuals – to serve PFAs. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Approves Bill to Improve Access to Stroke Resources
The Senate unanimously passed legislation that would improve access to stroke resources. Senate Bill 411 would establish a statewide stroke registry administered and maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The registry would improve patient outcomes by giving emergency medical service providers, hospital stroke teams and other health care providers additional resources. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States. Each year, more than 795,000 people experience a stroke. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Hand-Held Cell Phone Ban for Motorists Now in Effect
A law to increase safety on Pennsylvania roads passed by Senate Republicans that makes it illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving is now in effect. Use is also prohibited when a vehicle is stopped in traffic or at a red light. Drivers may talk using hands-free devices, but holding a phone to make a call, text, get driving directions or check social media is now a citable offense. For the next year, officers may issue written warnings. Formal citations will be issued beginning June 6, 2026. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, distracted drivers were involved in more than 11,000 crashes in Pennsylvania in 2023, outpacing the number of crashes caused by impaired drivers. 23andMe Consumers Can Still Protect Their Information
While 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, consumers should know they still have rights. Notably, if a consumer’s personal or genetic information was exposed in the 2023 data breach, they may file a claim electronically by July 14. People may also wish to delete their profiles and accounts to ensure their personal data is erased from the 23andMe system and not sold as part of the bankruptcy process. Attorney General Dave Sunday says consumers can learn how to delete their genetic data from 23andMe, destroy their 23andMe test sample and revoke permission for their genetic data to be used for research here. Remembering D-Day and Those Who Gave Everything
In one of the most important military actions in history, the Allies began the liberation of Western Europe on June 6, 1944. Each year, there are fewer surviving D-Day veterans, which makes it even more important that we preserve their legacy through education. We must never forget the more than 2,500 Americans who lost their lives turning the tide in World War II. The cost of freedom is high, and they gave everything to defend it for all of us.
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