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In this Update:
Chat with Camera
The priorities I represent in Harrisburg are a result of conversations I have shared with residents throughout the district and knowing what matters to people helps me most effectively vote on their behalf. I am inviting residents of the 46th Senatorial District to participate in state-related chat NEXT Thursday, February 12 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Fresh From The Farm Juices in Peters Township – 4000 Washington Rd., Canonsburg, PA 15317. Baked goods will be provided and registration is not required. I will also be hosting discussions in Waynesburg from 3-5pm and another in the Mon Valley from 4-6pm very soon. I will share details on those events in the coming weeks. Gov. Shapiro’s Budget Proposal Spends Too Much
The process of enacting a state budget for fiscal year 2026-27 began on Tuesday, and one thing is certain: The $53.3 billion plan presented by Gov. Josh Shapiro would spend too much. Shapiro’s proposal would increase state spending by $2.7 billion, a 5.4% increase – which would set up the commonwealth for massive tax increases in the future. In fact, Senate Republicans’ work to limit spending increases and enact pro-growth policies over the past three years was the reason the governor’s budget did not include a broad-based tax increase this year. At our press conference this week, we took a stand and emphasized our ongoing commitment to protecting Pennsylvania families and taxpayers. My Senate colleagues and I will be working to reduce spending and produce a fiscally responsible 2026-27 state budget, starting with in-depth public hearings by the Senate Appropriations Committee, beginning Feb. 23. As we begin our work on this year’s budget, looking for more government efficiencies and respecting taxpayers by controlling the growth of state spending are key priorities. You can watch my response to the governor’s budget proposal by clicking or tapping the image. Harrisburg Happenings
The Senate passed legislation I introduced with Senator Gene Yaw to help Pennsylvania finally make real progress plugging abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells. For too long, unclear rules on what constitutes a fair and practical attempt to reach the bottom of a well have slowed this work and driven up costs, even when nearly $400 million in federal funding is available to get the job done. Our bill simply brings common-sense clarity to the process so skilled workers can plug more wells, more efficiently. The reality is Pennsylvania has hundreds of thousands of abandoned wells – some more than 150 years old – and many aren’t located in remote places, but in backyards, near schools and parks. By setting clear standards, we can protect communities, put people to work, and deliver results taxpayers expect. You can watch my remarks from the Senate floor by clicking or tapping the image above.
(Pictured left to right) It was a pleasure welcoming Aric Baker, president of IBEW Local 459; Travis Beck, president of UWUA System Local 102; and Josh Ewing, business manager of IBEW Local 29, to my Harrisburg office today. We had a good discussion about how to keep Pennsylvania’s electric system safe, reliable, and accountable for both workers and the people who rely on it every day. We talked about protecting families and businesses from rising costs and making sure the people who keep the lights on have the safety tools they need. These are important issues that deserve careful attention. I will soon be introducing legislation to require that Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) be readily available on electric utility worksites in Pennsylvania. You can read more about this by visiting my website.
My legislation to protect vehicle choice in Pennsylvania was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. Simply put, this bill would prevent the state from ever forcing Pennsylvanians to buy one specific type of vehicle. Whether you drive gas, diesel, a hybrid, an electric vehicle, or whatever new technology comes next, the choice should be yours and not the government’s. You can watch my remarks from the committee hearing by clicking or tapping the image above. Focus on the 46th
The major snowstorm that hit our area may have kept students home and remote learning all of last week, but it didn’t stop this community from showing up for one another. Thank you to Dr. Ed Zelich, Superintendent, for inviting me to help out at Charleroi Area School District as they handed out and delivered meals to families who rely on school breakfasts and lunches. A few different schools throughout the region made similar efforts. More than 2,200 breakfasts and lunches were prepared and distributed, five full days’ worth of meals for each child, thanks to an incredible team effort. From the food service staff, administrators, teachers, secretaries, and bus drivers volunteering their time, this was truly “all hands on deck”. When some families couldn’t safely reach the school, meals were delivered right to their doors. That’s what community looks like. For many children, these meals are not just helpful, they’re essential. Even in the middle of a tough week and brutal weather, Charleroi made sure its kids were fed, cared for, and not forgotten. You can watch the highlights from my visit to the school by clicking or tapping the image above.
Thank you to Canonsburg Mayor David Rhome and Borough Council President Eric Chandler for visiting my Coffee with Camera event last week. We also paused to celebrate their Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program grant award. This funding will go towards the Canonsburg Town Park Restroom Project, helping to improve the restrooms so they better serve everyone who uses the park and make the park more useful for the community.
I was proud to partner with State Rep. Jason Ortitay on this important investment for Houston Borough, helping fund a project to repair and stabilize erosion of Chartiers Creek near Houston Ballfield Park. Kudos to the Houston Borough officials for making this project a priority for their community. When state and local leaders work together, we can achieve real results for the people we serve.
I recently joined Senate Labor & Industry Committee Chair Senator Devlin Robinson in his district at the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 57 to host a public hearing on his legislation, Senate Bill 1076. This bill aims to strengthen local-hire requirements for public works projects. As Vice Chair of the committee, I appreciate Senator Robinson’s leadership and his commitment to keeping Pennsylvania jobs and tax dollars in our state. During the hearing, I expressed my concern not only about out-of-state workers being funded by our taxpayers but also about how we can determine whether these workers are trained at a level comparable to Pennsylvania union workers. You can watch my question by clicking or tapping the image above.
I had the honor of presenting a Pennsylvania Senate Citation of Congratulations to Alex Weaver as he attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Scouting and one earned through years of dedication, leadership, and service. Alex is a member of Troop 1005, sponsored by Saint Michael Byzantine Catholic Church in Canonsburg, and has served as an Outdoor Ethics Guide, Scribe, and Patrol Leader. For his Eagle Scout community service project, Alex took on the significant task of refurbishing the Hoge Memorial Burial Ground in Washington. The ceremony was held at Washington City Hall, and it was especially meaningful to celebrate alongside Alex’s very proud parents, James and Amy.
Before the snowstorm hit two weeks ago, we gathered at the Greene County Courthouse to rally for something truly special: to kickoff of the Semiquincentennial celebration with America250PA and Greene County’s important role in the founding of our nation. Thank you to all the folks who braved the cold to join us for this special occasion. It was great to see our community gather to honor our history and the values that still shape Pennsylvania and our country. It was also wonderful to see PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity at the kickoff and a special thank you to Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director at America250PA, and her team for spearheading this campaign! Senate Approves Measure to Prohibit Student Cellphone Use in PA Schools
To curb classroom distractions and improve academic performance and social development, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation to require Pennsylvania public schools to adopt policies prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day. Senate Bill 1014 ensures districts retain local control by giving them the flexibility to choose how to implement and enforce the standard in a way that works best for their communities, including deciding where phones must be stored. School administrators, teachers and parents across Pennsylvania have increasingly expressed concern about the proven link between smartphones and anxiety, depression, cyberbullying and reduced classroom engagement. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Grants to Help Preserve History Ahead of America’s 250th
Communities across our district can apply now for state grants to help preserve historic places, strengthen local revitalization efforts and prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary this year. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will award Keystone Historic Preservation Grants to support projects that identify, preserve, promote and protect historic and archaeological resources. This year’s program prioritizes projects that align with the themes of America250, ensuring Pennsylvania’s rich history is preserved as the nation marks its semiquincentennial. More information is available at Keystone Planning Projects and Keystone Constructions Projects. Career and Technical Education Month
Career and technical education (CTE) prepares students to enter high-demand fields, including health care, manufacturing, public safety, information technology, skilled trades and more. More than 75,000 Pennsylvania students are enrolled in CTE, where they can develop essential skills through a combination of classes and hands-on learning, allowing them to apply academics to real-world problems. Career and Technical Education Month shines a spotlight on the importance of CTE programs, the opportunities they provide in crucial fields and their role in making the commonwealth more economically competitive and a place where young Pennsylvanians can settle and prosper.
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