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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. 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. It’s past time for the House of Representatives to follow suit and bring this impasse to an end. 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. 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 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Committee Advances Workforce and Construction Reform Bills
The Pennsylvania Senate Labor & Industry Committee advanced three bills earlier this week – one establishing a Recovery-to-Work pilot program, another requiring a report on artificial intelligence in the workforce, and a third updating the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act to improve accessibility and training standards. You can click or tap the image above to watch my remarks on Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr.’s proposed pilot program to connect individuals in recovery with employment. You can also review the three bills by visiting these links: Senate Bill 69, Senate Bill 293, and Senate Bill 867. Recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic violence is an epidemic that knows no boundaries, and for those living in fear, safety and justice must always remain at the forefront of our work. I am proud to have sponsored laws like Tierne’s Law and legislation allowing victims in public housing to relocate and rebuild their lives in safety. By clicking or tapping the image above, you can watch my remarks from the Senate floor recognizing October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Focus on the 46th
The Greene County Association of Township Officials Annual Convention was held this week, and I was pleased to serve on a panel to answer questions about the issues facing our townships and share some updates from Harrisburg. I also enjoyed visiting the convention floor and meeting with the many vendors in attendance. It was an honor to present a Pennsylvania Senate citation of congratulations to Shirl Barnhart (wearing blue) in recognition of his amazing 36 years of dedicated service to the Morgan Township Board of Supervisors. I also had the privilege of recognizing Richard Tekavec (wearing maroon) on his retirement from the Jefferson Township Board of Supervisors, marking an incredible 53-year career of public service! In the group photo, pictured with me from left to right, are PA State Rep. Bud Cook; Jeff Sholtis, Morgan Township Supervisor; Paul Cook, Center Township Supervisor; Greene County Commissioner Jared Edgreen; Greene County Commissioner Betsy Rohanna McClure; and Greene County Commissioner Blair Zimmerman.
There’s no better way to brighten your day than spending time with the folks at the Burgettstown Senior Center! Aging Services of Washington County does an outstanding job supporting our older population, and I’m always impressed by the wide range of opportunities available at our Senior Centers. These centers play a vital role in enhancing the well-being of older adults by providing social, health, and educational programs that promote independence and help prevent isolation. From group activities and games to exercise classes, workshops, and access to nutrition and healthcare resources, Senior Centers truly enrich the lives of those they serve. A very special thank-you to Kristin Frazier for the warm welcome and for all the wonderful work she does to make every day special in Burgettstown.
I raced home after session this week so I wouldn’t miss the annual Monongahela Halloween Parade! These young helpers always bring the treats! Happy Halloween!
Last weekend I stopped by Eighty Four Agway for their Fall Fun Day and had the pleasure of meeting the newest (and furriest!) member of the Washington County Sheriff Office – K-9 Myya. Myya is an 8-month-old yellow Labrador Retriever who serves as a Facilities Dog, working alongside her partner, Deputy Madison Klempay. Together, they’ll be specializing in trauma and crisis support at the courthouse and throughout our community. It was wonderful to see how Myya is already bringing smiles to everyone she meets. A heartfelt thank you to VetPets of SWPA for helping make her addition to the team possible, and to the Sheriff’s Office for continuing to expand this important K-9 program.
I had the privilege of presenting a Senate citation recognizing the 125th anniversary of the historic Washington County Courthouse. The courthouse, designed by Frederick J. Osterling and inspired by Parisian architecture, has long stood as a symbol of justice and community pride in our county. Congratulations to the Washington County Bar Association and all who help preserve the courthouse’s rich history and legacy. 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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