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| The Capitol Report |
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The latest news from the State Capitol |
Budget Crisis
Although we just belatedly passed this year’s state budget on November 12, 2025, the General Assembly is now starting work on the 2026-27 state budget. Last year’s budget was 135 days late in being adopted as we struggled to balance the budget since spending ultimately exceeded projected state revenue by $4 billion causing the depletion of our general reserves to balance last year’s budget.
Last year’s budget caused a fiscal crisis but this year’s budget process will likely result in a fiscal nightmare as we no longer have any general reserves to cover the deficit and we will start the new fiscal year $4 billion short in revenue. As a result, a protracted budget battle is looming.
You can listen to my analysis of the pending budget crisis here.
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2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show
The Pennsylvania Farm Show – the country’s largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof – started this past Saturday, Jan. 10, in Harrisburg.
This year’s theme is “Growing a Nation,” a nod to the Commonwealth’s role – and Pennsylvania’s agriculture role – in building our country as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America this year. To highlight that celebration, America250PA will have its interactive mobile unit on-site at the center of the Giant Expo Hall. Be sure to check it out!
The 2026 Farm Show also features fan-favorites like the 1,000-pound butter sculpture, the delicious Farm Show Food Court, thousands of competitive agricultural events, homegrown celebrity cooking demonstrations at the PA Preferred® Culinary Connection, and more than 1 million square feet of hands-on agriculture education opportunities and chances to engage with the people who are growing Pennsylvania and our nation through agriculture.
Admission to the show is free, but parking is $15 per vehicle. Shuttle service is provided.
For all the latest news about the Farm Show, follow it on Facebook or click here. The show closes on Saturday, Jan. 17.
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Defending Our Daughters: Make the Promise
Continuing our advocacy for fairness in women’s sports, I invite you to join the “Defending Our Daughters” campaign to show support for the Commonwealth’s female athletes.
All Pennsylvanians are invited to sign the “I Believe” promise to highlight the rights of girls to have a safe, fair and equal playing field; to compete to win games, championships and titles; to earn scholarships; and to have private locker rooms, without males being present.
The promise also reinforces the shared responsibility of all Pennsylvanians, and specifically the state’s leaders, to get off the sidelines to protect and defend female athletes. Since 2020 in Pennsylvania alone, girls have lost medals or placements to boys in at least 66 separate instances – from swimming to fencing to track. This intrusion into female sports by transgender males is unacceptable.
House Democrats refuse to consider three bills that would address this issue by ensuring only biological females can compete in sports designated for women and girls. If you believe allowing males to compete in women’s sports is wrong, please sign the “I Believe” promise at defendingdaughters.com
The United States Supreme Court will also be issuing a decision on this issue later this summer. Hopefully, Title IX of federal law will be given its full effect and protect women and girls as they participate in sports.
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Improving PA DUI Laws
Working to ensure that repeat DUI offenders are held accountable, a new state law which I supported creates the offense of “DUI Following Diversion.”
Act 58 of 2025 applies to a person who is convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) within 10 years of completing an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for a DUI offense. The change comes in response to a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision stating that it is unconstitutional for a trial court to treat a defendant’s prior acceptance into ARD for a DUI as a “prior offense” for the purpose of imposing an enhanced sentence on a subsequent DUI conviction. Act 58 will require that anyone in a pre-trial diversionary program for a DUI have that participation count as a first offense if there is a subsequent DUI conviction.
ARD is a longstanding and successful pretrial diversion program intended for low-level offenders with little or no prior criminal history and should not prevent the courts from holding repeat DUI offenders accountable for their actions and protecting public safety.
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High School Seniors Eligible for America250PA Scholarship
An application window is open for 25 scholarships of $10,000 each available to Pennsylvania high school seniors who will be attending a Pennsylvania college or university in the 2026-27 academic year. Recipients will be selected based on a demonstrated understanding of civic values as America marks 250 years of American independence.
The scholarships are available through the Semiquincentennial Scholarship Program. In addition, some educational institutions are offering to match America250PA scholarships with contributions up to $10,000. America250PA is Pennsylvania’s official commission to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States this year. It highlights how the Commonwealth helped shape American history and creates opportunities for residents to take part in this historic milestone.
More information can be found here. The deadline is Jan. 31.
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Looking for Summer Work?
PennDOT is looking to hire college students to supplement its permanent workforce from May through August.
The job typically entails seasonal maintenance work, crash system input and analysis, and maintenance and custodial services at roadside rest facilities. Many students also perform laboring and flagging duties in maintenance organizations and at highway worksites.
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be a Pennsylvania resident or currently enrolled full time or part time in a two-year degree, bachelor’s degree or advanced degree program at a Pennsylvania college or university. They also must be in good academic standing (as defined by a GPA of 2.0 or higher), and at least 18 years of age.
The hourly rate is $17.38. Interested applicants should apply online here.
Non-student summer positions may also be available.
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More People Can Save Through PA ABLE
The PA ABLE Savings Program, which provides a tax-free way for people with disabilities to save, now has expanded program eligibility, allowing more Pennsylvanians to open a PA ABLE account.
Individuals can now open an account if their disability began before age 46. Previously, the disability must have occurred prior to the age of 26. The expansion is the result of a change in federal law.
Since 2017, PA ABLE has helped provide financial security for Pennsylvanians with disabilities. It allows people to contribute up to $20,000 annually without impacting eligibility for important disability benefits like Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Savings can be used for a wide variety of disability-related expenses, and contributions can be deducted from PA state income taxes.
To learn more about saving with PA ABLE, visit paable.gov or call 855-529-ABLE (2253).
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Wreaths Across America
On Saturday, December 13, communities across the nation came together for the annual Wreaths Across America event. Volunteers gathered to lay wreaths on the graves of our nation’s fallen heroes, a tradition that began more than 30 years ago at Arlington National Cemetery.
The mission of Wreaths Across America is simple yet profound: “Remember. Honor. Teach.” This initiative strives to ensure that younger generations understand the price of freedom and the sacrifices made to preserve it.
Placing a wreath is more than a gesture of decoration—it is a moment to pause during the busy holiday season, to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of our veterans, and to appreciate the freedom we enjoy today. It is a time to honor those who paid the ultimate price and to recognize the service of those who continue to protect our nation.
This year, I was honored to participate in this special event in Harrisville. I am proud of our community’s commitment to remembering and honoring our heroes. This event was arranged by Crystal Arblaster, wife of deceased veteran Mark Arblaster and Marine veteran Michael Kearns, pictured with me in the photo.
I am pictured with Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel, Michael Kearns, Marine veteran, Crystal Arblaster, myself and Harrisville Borough Mayor Daniel Anschutz.
As we move through this season, let us all take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served and those who continue to serve. May God bless each member of our armed forces and their families.
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