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In this Update:

• New State Budget Protects Taxpayers and Funds Priorities
• PCN Budget Interview – On the Issues
• Urgent Action Needed to Keep PA Communities Safe
• PennDOT Required to Release Funds for Local Road Projects
• Cost of Living Adjustment for Retired Teachers, Police and Firefighters
• Protecting Pets from Excessive Heat
• Camping Reservations Available at State Parks

New State Budget Protects Taxpayers and Funds Priorities

After trimming excessive spending sought by the governor, the Senate approved a fiscally responsible state budget that stands up for taxpayers, doesn’t raise taxes on Pennsylvania families and supports affordability and job growth. You can watch my Senate Floor remarks on the budget here.

Gov. Josh Shapiro originally proposed a budget that would have increased spending by $2.7 billion (5.4% increase) and taken approximately $4.6 billion from the state’s emergency reserves in the Rainy Day Fund. His plan would have required massive tax increases as soon as next year.

The final agreement negotiated by Senate Republicans cut more than $1.1 billion from the governor’s spending request and will not require any withdrawals from the Rainy Day Fund, setting the state on a more sustainable path and avoiding potential bond downgrades and higher debt costs.

Over the last two years, Senate Republicans have pushed to reclaim $4.5 billion from prior-year budgets, special funds and other accounts, ensuring this money can be utilized to support state government programs instead of sitting idle in government accounts.

An additional $565 million is included for the Ready to Learn Block Grant program, and Basic Education Funding will see a $58 million increase. Funding for Special Education will also increase by $55 million.

The plan maintains funding for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program to empower parents looking for the best education option for their children. Read more about the 2026-27 state budget, including initiatives to create jobs and strengthen healthcare, here.

PCN Budget Interview – On the Issues

It was great to sit down with Francine Schertzer from Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) to talk about the completed 2026-27 state budget in an ‘On the Issues’ Interview. I’m proud of our work to stand up for Pennsylvania taxpayers and families.

You can watch the interview here.

Urgent Action Needed to Keep PA Communities Safe

PennDOT Required to Release Funds for Local Road Projects

Recognizing the need to support local roads, an additional $775 million is being directed to three- and four-digit road projects throughout Pennsylvania communities to quickly improve our highway infrastructure.

As part of our budget negotiations, PennDOT agreed to release an additional $500 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year and $275 million in 2027-28 from the Commonwealth’s Motor License Fund. The funds will be for local road projects only, not interstates, which are funded separately.

I’m excited about the impact this funding will have within our region, allowing for the paving and rehabilitation of roadways used by so many area residents on a daily basis.

Cost of Living Adjustment for Retired Teachers, Police and Firefighters

The newly enacted state budget includes a cost-of-living (COLA) increase for retired teachers, school district employees and state employees who retired prior to July 2, 2001, as well as certain retired municipal firefighters and police officers.

Many of these employees retired in the early 2000s at much lower salaries than current employees. In addition, they did not receive the pension benefit enhancements under Act 9 of 2001 and have now gone more than 20 years without a COLA.

The COLAs are fully funded through existing interactive gaming tax revenues, ensuring these benefit enhancements have no impact on state, school district or municipal taxes. The legislation directs a portion of those revenues to fund the pension increases and reimburse municipalities for the municipal benefit adjustments, with any remaining funding continuing to support an existing grant program. These men and women dedicated years to serving our communities, and I’m pleased to support this long-overdue increase in their pensions.

Protecting Pets from Excessive Heat

Hot weather reminder: Police and emergency responders in Pennsylvania are authorized to remove dogs and cats from unattended vehicles by force if they’re deemed to be in imminent danger.

Also, under Act 104 of 2018, dogs that are tethered outside and unattended can only be so for up to nine hours in temperatures up to 90 degrees, and only for 30 minutes above 90 degrees. The dog must have access to an area of shade to escape the direct rays of the sun, as well as clean water.

Watch for signs of heat stroke in animals, including heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting and red or purple gums. You can read more about PA’s “Hot Car Bill” here.

Camping Reservations Available at State Parks

State park campsites are open and ready to reserve, with options for tents, cabins and RVs. The commonwealth manages 125 parks covering more than 300,000 acres, so you’re bound to find one that has what you’re looking for.

Available activities include picnicking, swimming, boating and other outdoor recreation. Prices vary for specific park accommodations and activities.

Visit the Pennsylvania State Parks website to find a list of parks and features and to reserve accommodations.

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