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Legislative Update |
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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Gov. Shapiro Addresses the House and Senate with his 2025-26 Budget
Last week, Gov. Josh Shapiro presented his 2025-26 budget proposal calling to increase spending by nearly 8% while state revenues are only expected to grow by 2.8%.
As part of his proposal, the governor is banking on:
• A 57% tax on “skill games.”
• The legalization and taxation of recreational marijuana at 20%.
• Personal income tax revenue being tied to raising the minimum wage to $15/hour.
Additionally, he is proposing to drain Pennsylvania’s Rainy Day Fund—money specifically set aside for economic downturns and emergencies.
Following the budget address, I shared my thoughts on my Facebook page and joined Sue Henry on her afternoon WILK Radio Talk Show. My message: Families and businesses can’t spend more than they earn, and our state government shouldn’t either.
While this highlights my analysis of the budget, there are thousands of pages more to it, some good and some bad. This budget address marks the beginning of the process and in the weeks ahead I will work with my colleagues as we look for any winning and losing policies within.
Budget hearings are expected to begin on Feb. 18, and the House will return to voting session March 17.
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Congratulations, EAGLES!
The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, and we are all Pennsylvania proud! Pennsylvania-raised Saquon Barkley broke the NFL’s single-season rushing record, and he did it on his birthday! Happy belated birthday Saquon, and congratulations to the Philadelphia Eagles!
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| Saquon and I at PSU’s 2021 White Out. |
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Ashley Borough’s Centennial Park to Receive a $220K Renovation!
Earlier this month, I joined my colleague Sen. Lisa Baker to announce a $125,000 grant for continuing improvements to Ashley Borough Centennial Park.
I shared with the local news that, “I am committed to investing in every corner of my community. Parks and green spaces are essential to our communities. Since 2018, Centennial Park has been a priority for the residents of Ashley Borough.
“In 2024, Sen. Lisa Baker and I advocated for $95,000 in the first round of funding for these improvements, and with the additional money this year, a total of $220,000 has been secured for Centennial Park. I am excited to bring these improvements to reality!”
Ashley Borough proposes demolishing and re-constructing portions of the park to enhance park amenities, including new drainage systems, rain gardens, new playground areas, inclusive playground equipment, new benches and picnic tables, fencing, landscaping, and new basketball courts. The proposed project will update the park for all individuals to use, including individuals with disabilities. The current park does not have such accommodations.
The investment is backed by funds from the Marcellus Legacy Fund, which is fueled by Pennsylvania's thriving natural gas industry.
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