View this email in a browser

In this Update:

• New State Budget Protects Taxpayers and Funds Priorities
• Focus on the 46th
• 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.

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.

You can watch my response to this year’s state budget by tapping or clicking the image above with the play button.

Focus on the 46th

More than $6.6 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants has been awarded for six projects throughout the 46th Senatorial District to support economic development, expand healthcare access, strengthen community resources and improve local infrastructure.

RACP is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. Projects supported through the program are state-funded and are not eligible to receive primary funding through other state programs.

Projects receiving funding include:

– Cumberland Township (Greene County) – $1 million to construct the Greater Carmichaels Library and Community Center, a mixed-use facility that will house a public library, indoor recreation center and community kitchen serving residents of all ages.

– Jefferson Township (Greene County) – $1.25 million for Southwestern Pennsylvania Water Authority to extend a public water line to the Jackson Township Municipal Building to improve access to reliable drinking water, enhance fire protection capabilities and support future economic development in the area.

– Cecil Township (Washington County) – $2 million for the Attollo Medical Development project to construct a new medical office and ambulatory surgery center, expanding access to specialized healthcare services while redeveloping underutilized property.

– City of Washington (Washington County) – $727,114 to expand the Blueprints Community Welcome Center through demolition, site preparation and new construction, creating additional space for client services and community resources.

– East Washington Borough (Washington County) – $408,242 to expand the LeMoyne Community Center by adding a classroom, administrative offices, improved security features and additional restrooms to better serve area youth and families.

– City of Washington (Washington County) – $1.25 million to renovate Lazear Hall at Washington & Jefferson College into the future home of the college’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program.

State Representative Natalie Mihalek and I had a productive meeting with Peters Township Manager Paul Lauer and Assistant Township Manager Kyle Thauvette. It was a valuable opportunity to discuss some of the township’s concerns and challenges. Hearing directly from the municipalities I serve helps guide the decisions I make in Harrisburg and ensures local voices are part of the process.

This week marked the opening of the 161st Jacktown Fair and I am always thrilled to participate in the annual parade, opening ceremony, and Queen Contest. I was honored to congratulate Lewis and Deborah Crouse and present them with a Senate Citation recognizing their selection as this year’s Grand Marshals. The citation read, in part: “As devoted exhibitors for 50 years, Lew and Debbie have contributed countless hours to showcasing the best of Greene County agriculture.”

I would also like to thank the outgoing Jacktown Fair Queen, Ms. Madison Burns, whom I also presented with a Senate Citation. Over the past year, she has served as a proud ambassador for the Jacktown Fair and Greene County, and we are all grateful for her dedication to promoting agriculture and tourism. Madison passed the title to the newly crowned Jacktown Fair Queen, Ms. Kendra Tharp. Congratulations, Kendra! I look forward to seeing you at many events throughout the coming year.

Finally, I would like to thank the entire leadership team at the Jacktown Fair for their unwavering commitment to making this annual event such a success! The fair runs through this evening. A full schedule can be found at www.jacktownfair.org

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

Since taking office, I have greatly valued education, have supported teachers and strongly believed it was long over-due for retired teachers to receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). I have championed this initiative for years, sponsoring various bills during my tenure. As recently as this session, I co-prime sponsored with my colleagues on legislation (Senate Bill 721) to institute a COLA. I have even stood with retired teachers in support of this initiative.

That is why I’m thrilled that 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.

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://www.senatorbartolotta.com | Privacy Policy