|
||||
|
In this Update:
Pro-Growth 2025-26 State Budget Now Complete
The Senate approved a bipartisan state budget plan, now signed into law, that will help grow Pennsylvania’s economy and make key improvements to the spending plan Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed earlier this year. The $50.1 billion budget approved by the Senate and the House cuts nearly $1.4 billion in spending from Shapiro’s proposal, utilizes billions in lapsed funding in state agencies and special funds in the best interests of taxpayers, protects Pennsylvanians from the devastating consequences of Shapiro’s proposed electricity tax and incentivizes job growth across the commonwealth by implementing key reforms to the permitting process and maintaining important tax cuts. Additional funding is also included for the Ready to Learn Block Grant program ($562 million increase), Basic Education ($105 million increase), Special Education ($40 million increase) and Pre-K Counts ($9.5 million increase). Find more details about the final 2025-26 state budget plan here. You can watch my reaction to the state budget by tapping or clicking this image with the play button.
RGGI Electricity Taxes Eliminated from State Budget
As part of the budget agreement, the illegal regulation mandating Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) – a multi-state pact that would have added more than a billion dollars in new electricity taxes on Pennsylvania families and job creators – was eliminated. Preventing Pennsylvania from entering RGGI and stopping this tax protects consumers from dealing with even more severe consequences, including the closure of Pennsylvania power plants, job losses and the threat of rolling blackouts in the years ahead. Stopping the RGGI electricity tax is a huge win for every consumer of electricity in this commonwealth. At a time when families continue to feel the strain of inflationary pressure, we must look for ways to decrease, not increase, the cost of electricity. Budget Makes PA Competitive Through Sweeping Permitting Reform
The new budget includes new permitting reforms that will continue the significant progress we’ve made in recent years to cut red tape and prevent endless layers of bureaucracy from limiting business and job growth statewide. The reforms will require a wide variety of environmental permits to be deemed approved after a certain period of time, ensuring applicants will know the time frame for consideration of their application and can appeal any permits that are denied. This provides certainty to the process and ends the current practice of dragging out the permitting process for months without resolution. In addition, the reforms will require permit tracking for applicants across all state agencies, adding transparency to the process. Celebrating Veterans Day
Veterans Day Weekend began with a truly inspiring gathering at the Greene County Veterans Day Parade, where our community came together to honor the courageous men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform. It was a privilege to celebrate Grand Marshal Zhane Mitchell, whose distinguished service in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars – and his years as an aircraft mechanic with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds – continue to set an example of patriotism and devotion. His commitment to our nation is matched only by his dedication to his wife of 66 years, Dolores, and their family. My sincere thanks go to the entire Veterans Council and the parade committee for their tireless work in organizing this event each year. Their efforts ensure that our veterans receive the respect and recognition they so deeply deserve.
I was pleased to join the community for the Mon Valley Veterans Day Parade, where residents from across the region gathered to honor those who have served our nation. The turnout was remarkable, reflecting the enduring gratitude and unity of the Mon Valley. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Roscoe American Legion Auxiliary Unit 801 Family and the entire American Legion Family for organizing such a meaningful event. Their commitment to bringing the community together to support our veterans is truly commendable.
On Veterans Day, I had the honor of attending the AP Delsandro Veterans Memorial Rededication Ceremony in Donora – a deeply moving tribute to the men and women who sacrificed so much for our country. As we celebrated our veterans, we also paused to remember the 86 Donora citizens who gave their lives in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Their names, now beautifully restored and displayed, remain forever at the heart of this community. The memorial, originally built through the vision of Anthony “AP” Delsandro, has been transformed after a decade of planning, fundraising, and dedicated volunteer work. The newly rededicated memorial ensures that Donora’s heroes will be honored for generations to come. Congratulations and sincere thanks to the AP Delsandro Veterans Memorial Committee, the Delsandro family, the American Legion, the Mon Valley Alliance, and all the volunteers, donors, and community partners whose commitment made this project a reality. Donora has once again shown that remembrance and gratitude remain at the core of the Mon Valley spirit. You can watch highlights from the event by tapping or clicking the image above.
I also visited Charleroi Elementary Center, where the students organized their own Veterans Parade through the school’s halls. Watching these young students greet our veterans with handmade signs, patriotic songs, and heartfelt enthusiasm was truly moving. The sincerity and joy these children brought to the celebration made a lasting impression on everyone present. Many eyes were filled with tears – mine included – as the veterans were welcomed with gratitude, admiration, and warmth. It was an extraordinary gesture of appreciation, and one that will undoubtedly remain a cherished memory for both the children and the veterans they honored. I extend my appreciation to the dedicated staff at Charleroi Elementary and the Charleroi Area School District leadership for coordinating such a meaningful and heartfelt tribute. Their efforts provided a beautiful reminder that honoring our veterans begins with teaching the next generation the value of service and sacrifice.
To conclude celebrating Veterans Day, I had the pleasure of presenting a special Senate Certificate to a remarkable group of veterans in attendance at Harveys-Aleppo Grange No. 1444 for their Veterans Day Ceremony. The certificate featured the iconic World War I poem “In Flanders Fields” by soldier and poet John McCrae. His words, written amid the hardship of war, describe the red poppies that sprang up over the graves of fallen soldiers – an image that has endured for generations. Those poppies went on to become one of the world’s most recognized symbols of remembrance for those who gave their lives in conflict. Focus on the 46th
It was a remarkable turnout for this year’s “Thanks for Giving Community Day” at the Greene County Fairgrounds that helped address food insecurity issues for veterans and the aging population. Thank you to everyone who attended.
Last week, I was pleased to speak at the Pittsburgh Technology Council’s Whiskey and Watts event – an excellent gathering of leaders from the energy and technology sectors. It was a fun and insightful evening, and I was honored to help kick things off. I highlighted Pennsylvania’s long history as an energy powerhouse and how that strength positions us to lead the next frontier: powering AI data infrastructure. Events like Whiskey and Watts bring together exactly the right voices as we shape Pennsylvania’s future. Thank you to the Pittsburgh Technology Council for hosting a great evening and to everyone who joined us. Keystone Scholars Offers November Incentive to Start Saving for College
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced a statewide incentive for Keystone Scholars this month which will give children a head start on education savings. Families who claim their child’s $100 scholarship from Keystone Scholars in November and open and link their own companion PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account will get an additional $50. Keystone Scholars provides a $100 scholarship for every child born in Pennsylvania since 2019. This money grows alongside the child and will be available to use after their 18th birthday to help pay for costs associated with four-year degrees, community college, technical training, apprenticeships and credential programs. To learn more, visit pa529.com/keystone. State Police Will Help Ensure Your Child Car Seat is Properly Installed
Throughout November, certified Pennsylvania State Police technicians are setting aside dates to help ensure child car seats are safe, secure and properly installed. Caregivers will receive instruction on the proper installation and have seats installed, learn how to properly harness a child in a seat and check seats for recalls. There will be an event in Beaver County at the Independence Township Fire Department on November 19 from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. Located at 116 School Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001 There will be an event in Greene County at the Carmichaels Fire Department on November 26 from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Located at 500 West George Street, Carmichaels, PA 15320 Find other free car seat check events here. If none are scheduled locally or you can’t make it, check your local state police station for free monthly child seat fittings. Oh Say, Can You Sing? The PA Farm Show National Anthem Contest
Think you’ve got what it takes to sing the National Anthem at the Farm Show? The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is looking for singers to kick off each day of the 2026 edition of the nation’s largest indoor agricultural exposition. Submit your original video entry by Nov. 24 to be considered. Winners will be selected by fan voting on Facebook. You must be available at least one day of the Farm Show, which runs from Jan. 10 through Jan. 17. You can find details about eligibility, video requirements, voting and how to apply here.
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://www.senatorbartolotta.com | Privacy Policy |
