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In this Update:
Senate Approves State Budget that Funds Essential Services Without Raising Taxes
For the second time this year, the Senate approved a state budget that respects taxpayers and protects the financial stability of our commonwealth while ensuring that counties, school districts and other state government partners receive needed funding. Click here to watch my Senate Floor remarks on our latest action to enact a fiscally responsible 2025-26 state budget. The amended budget bill, Senate Bill 160, totals $47.9 billion, a responsible spending level that continues to meet the Senate Republican requirement of imposing no tax hikes on Pennsylvania families and ensuring Pennsylvania’s credit rating remains strong. Leading by example, the Senate budget plan includes a 5% cut in spending for the General Assembly, reflecting the Senate Republican priority of right-sizing legislative spending. All 27 Senate Republicans voted in support of advancing the budget which pays the bills, pays our obligations, fulfills pension debt services, and relieves the immediate crisis in front of us. In one day and with one vote from House Democrats, this budget can get to the governor’s desk. The Democrats’ budget impasse should never have happened, and those who rely on government services and programs should not be facing hardship. Senate Republicans have and will continue to stand up for taxpayers and families. We welcome the governor and House Democrats to come back to Harrisburg and join us to enact this budget into law. Statement on Tragic Incident on Philadelphia Street in Indiana The tragic accident and horrific loss of lives on Philadelphia Street on Monday afternoon has left our community shocked and saddened. Gina and I are praying for all those involved in this distressing situation. With this being the second vehicular and pedestrian incident this year, a closer look is warranted to determine if any new safety initiatives are needed. While we have taken great steps in Indiana to make our community pedestrian friendly, I am dedicated to doing anything I can to support the borough and to further enhance safety for the traveling public, whether on foot, bike or in a vehicle. Indiana Veteran Bridge Designation Private First Class, John Tabacsko was honored last week with a memorial designation in his name on the bridge carrying State Route 1053 over the south branch of Bear Run in Banks Township, Indiana County. PFC Tabacsko was born on March 17, 1922 in Sidney within Banks Township and was one of nine children. He attended Lochvale Grade School and graduated with the Class of 1938. John enlisted in the United States Army on August 9, 1942 and reported for duty to New Cumberland, PA. He was transferred to Camp Gordon, Georgia where he trained with the 472nd Field Artillery Battalion. In October 1944, Private Tabacsko landed in the Phillipines and took part in several major battles of the Pacific Theater. He was killed in action on March 24, 1945 while serving with his unit on Lozon Island. At the time of his death he was survived by his wife, Shirley and their young son, John – both whom have since passed. His youngest sister, Margaret Clawson remains a living link to his memory at the age of 92. We are forever indebted to PFC Tabacsko and his family for his service and sacrifice for our great country. Jefferson County Senior Expo
It was great to co-host a Senior Expo in Punxsutawney with my colleague, PA State Rep. Brian Smith last week. I appreciated hearing many perspectives about current state government issues impacting our region. Thank you to all who attended and the vendors who provided information on their services and donated wonderful door prizes. It was nice to see a few familiar faces and talk to those who could stop by. Senate Again Acts to Repeal RGGI Electricity Tax
Bipartisan legislation preventing a new electricity tax by repealing Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) was approved by the Senate. Click here to watch my Senate Floor remarks on this important bill to help stop soaring energy costs. RGGI, a multi-state compact, would increase electricity rates on families and employers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs and cause Pennsylvania power plants to close. Senate Bill 1068 formally repeals Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI, ensuring that any decision to impose electricity taxes or emissions programs must go through the legislative process rather than being enacted unilaterally by the governor. The Commonwealth Court has ruled that RGGI is a tax and cannot be implemented without legislative approval. However, the governor appealed the decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. His action has deepened concerns about energy grid reliability and affordability, prolonged uncertainty for workers and businesses across the commonwealth – and caused electricity prices to go up for hardworking families. The bill passed the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 33 to 17 and was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Landmark Bill to Modernize PA’s Broken Permitting Process Approved by Senate
A sweeping permitting reform measure to bring greater accountability, transparency and efficiency to how state agencies handle permit applications was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 6 sets clear timelines for state agencies to review permit applications, creates a permit tracking system and ensures applicants receive timely, consistent answers not endless delays. The measure, which passed with bipartisan support, also requires regular performance reporting so Pennsylvanians can hold their government accountable. The bill builds on the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program that required the Department of Environmental Protection to implement a permit tracking system. This legislation expands those transparency and accountability measures to all state agencies. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Tuesday is the Deadline to Apply to Vote by Mail in the Nov. 4 Election
If you plan on voting by mail in Nov. 4 election, your application for a ballot must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28. You can apply online, by mail or at your county election office. Find details for each along with other useful information here. Military or overseas civilian voters can find information here on how to obtain a mail ballot. County election offices must receive completed mail ballots by 8 p.m., Nov. 4. Auditor General’s Activity Book Contest Accepting Submissions
Pennsylvania students in grades K-12 are invited to help the state Auditor General’s office design the cover of its new Be Money $mart activity book. The book will include coloring pages, word searches, word scrambles, crosswords and budgeting sheets – all focused on financial literacy. The deadline to submit a design online is Oct. 31. The winner’s artwork will be featured on the cover of the new activity book and recognized at the PA Farm Show, and will win their school a visit from Auditor General Tim DeFoor. The activity book will be distributed statewide through libraries, YMCAs and credit unions. Assessing Your Personal Breast Cancer Risk
The pink ribbon is a symbol of hope, strength and solidarity in the fight against breast cancer. It reminds us to support those affected, promote early detection and raise awareness about the importance of knowing your risks. You can assess your personal breast cancer risk using this free online risk calculator.
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