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Dear Friends, It’s been a busy week in Harrisburg! Governor Shapiro unveiled his $51.5 billion budget plan, which calls for a $3.6 billion increase in spending—about a 7.5% jump. However, there are concerns that his projections may be too optimistic. If his numbers don’t add up, we could face a $27.3 billion shortfall over the next five years, risking the depletion of our Rainy-Day Fund and potentially leading to tax hikes for Pennsylvania families. The Senate Appropriations Committee, which I am a member, will begin hearings on February 18 to carefully review the plan and ensure we take the right approach moving forward. I’ll keep you informed as we continue working through this proposal. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Super Bowl Bet: Supporting Animals Across State Lines
Two Tracys. Two 24th Districts. One Super Bowl showdown. I teamed up with 24th District Missouri State Senator Tracy McCreery for a friendly bet—because while we might be rivals on Sunday, we’re on the same team when it comes to supporting animals. If the Kansas City Chiefs win, I’ll donate to the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation. If the Philadelphia Eagles win, Missouri Tracy will donate to Finding Shelter Animal Rescue. Game on! Shapiro Presents Unrealistic Spending Plan
On Tuesday, Gov. Josh Shapiro presented a $51.5 billion budget plan that would increase state spending by $3.6 billion, an increase of 7.5% compared to the current year’s budget. During the next five years, using realistic spending and revenue estimates, Shapiro’s spending plans would leave a $27.3 billion hole in the state’s finances. Senate Republicans raised concerns that the governor’s overly optimistic future revenue projections and wildly inaccurate future expenditure assumptions could eliminate the state’s emergency savings (also known as the Rainy Day Fund) and create the need for a multi-billion-dollar tax increase on Pennsylvania families within a year and a half. Shapiro’s budget address is only the first step in the process. In the weeks ahead, the Senate Appropriations Committee will hold a series of budget hearings to closely examine the spending plan to determine how it can be improved. The hearings will begin Feb. 18 and run through March 6. Senate Passes Bill to Honor Korean American Veterans
The Senate has passed my bill, Senate Bill 173, to ensure that Korean Americans who served in the Vietnam War alongside the U.S. military receive the same veterans benefits as their American counterparts. These veterans served with distinction in one of the most challenging conflicts of the 20th century, and their sacrifice deserves to be recognized and supported. This bill is a critical step toward righting the wrongs of the past, ensuring that those who fought for freedom and democracy alongside American forces receive the benefits they have earned. The legislation would extend the same veterans services—such as healthcare, education benefits, and financial support—that U.S. veterans receive. Now that the bill has passed the Senate, we look to the House of Representatives to act and bring it to the finish line. It’s time to give these brave men and women the recognition and support they deserve. Full release here. Save Women’s Sports Act
In honor of National Women and Girls in Sports Day, the White House signed an Executive Order reaffirming the principles of Title IX—ensuring equal access and eliminating discrimination in sports for female athletes. As a cosponsor of legislation to protect women athletes in Pennsylvania, I applaud this important step. I am calling on my colleagues in the Senate to act and pass the Save Women’s Sports Act, which is critical to safeguarding fairness and opportunity for women in sports. The fight for equal treatment and fair competition in women’s sports is far from over, and we must ensure that future generations of female athletes are protected and celebrated. Introducing Voter ID Legislation to Secure PA Elections
I’m introducing legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s election security by requiring voters to present identification when voting in person. This constitutional amendment will ensure the integrity of our elections by making sure only eligible voters can cast ballots. While 36 states already have some form of voter ID requirement, Pennsylvania is one of 14 states that does not. My proposal will provide 15 approved ID options, and anyone without a valid ID will be able to obtain one at no cost, ensuring that no eligible voter is turned away. Polling shows 74% of Pennsylvanians support voter ID, with 77% of Independents in favor. Requiring ID is an effective way to prevent voter impersonation, noncitizens voting, and other types of election fraud. This constitutional amendment will need to pass both chambers in two consecutive legislative sessions before it can be put on the ballot for voters to decide. Full release here. Legislation to Strengthen Penalties for Harming PA Public Transit Operators
In honor of Bernard Gribbin, a SEPTA bus operator who tragically lost his life in 2023, my fellow colleagues and I are proud to announce the passage of Senate Bill 210 in the Senate. This important legislation strengthens penalties for those who harm public transit operators. The bill creates a new offense for interference with public transit vehicles, with penalties ranging from a third-degree felony for bodily injury to a first-degree felony for causing serious injury or death. SEPTA fully supports this bill, which aims to protect transit workers, passengers, and the public from violence. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Full release here. Brigadier General John Pippy Confirmed as Pennsylvania’s Adjutant General
This week I had the honor to be a part of Brigadier General John Pippy’s confirmation hearing and to witness his official confirmation as Pennsylvania’s Adjutant General. It’s always a privilege to connect with General Pippy, whose leadership and dedication to our military community continue to inspire. His commitment to our service members, veterans, and their families is unwavering, and I know he will lead with integrity and strength. Looking forward to all the great things he will accomplish for our state and those who serve. 162 Million Wasted at Vacant State Properties in White Haven, Pittsburgh, Hamburg and Beyond– When Will it End?
Recently, I joined my fellow state legislators and local officials from across Pennsylvania called on the Governor and his Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) to end the wasteful delays and act on repurposing the long-vacant Hamburg, White Haven, and Polk centers. During the first public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee, the discussion centered on the high taxpayer burden of maintaining these empty state properties instead of quickly returning them to productive use. It’s been nearly 2,000 days since former DGS Secretary Curt Topper testified that reselling state properties was about “Time is Money.” However, the ongoing vacancy of these centers is a clear example of bureaucratic failure. Governor Shapiro’s administration often claims to be “working to move at the speed of business,” but no private employer would waste millions maintaining empty properties year after year. These properties need to be repurposed now. Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve better, and the communities affected deserve answers after enduring these long and costly delays. PA Money Match
The Pennsylvania Treasury has returned a record $505 million in unclaimed property over the past two years. Thanks to Acts 65 and 81 of 2024, we’ve expanded how we help Pennsylvanians reclaim property. Act 65 allows more heirs to claim a deceased family member’s property, while Pennsylvania Money Match will automatically return properties under $500 to their rightful owners. More than 8,000 Pennsylvanians will soon receive letters about their property being returned. Learn more at patreasury.gov/MoneyMatch. Additionally, financial institutions are sending due diligence letters to warn of unclaimed assets. I look forward to continuing our work together to help Pennsylvanians recover what’s rightfully theirs. Keystone Contractors Association Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications
The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) Scholarship Program is excited to offer $40,000 in scholarships annually to Pennsylvania residents attending colleges within the state. The program aims to support students with aspirations to contribute to Pennsylvania’s construction industry and build the future of our state. This scholarship is ideal for high school seniors and current college students who are pursuing a construction-related degree. Now in its fourth year, the KCA has already received applications from students attending a wide range of institutions across Pennsylvania, including Scranton University, Carnegie Mellon University, Erie Community College, Temple University, and Penn State University, among others. The deadline to apply for this year’s scholarship program is March 1, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the KCA Scholarship Page. Bill Repealing RGGI Electricity Tax Receives Senate Support
To prevent a new electricity tax, the Senate passed legislation this week repealing Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI, a multi-state compact, would increase electricity rates for consumers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs and lead to the closure of Pennsylvania power plants. Senate Bill 186 would formally repeal 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 executive branch. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Despite bipartisan opposition from the General Assembly, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Quality Board pressed ahead with regulations to establish a CO₂ Budget Trading Program – effectively imposing a tax on electricity generation. In 2023, the Commonwealth Court ruled that RGGI is a tax and cannot be implemented without legislative approval. However, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s decision to continue to appeal this ruling to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has prolonged uncertainty for workers and businesses across the commonwealth and deepened concerns about energy grid reliability and affordability. Senate Supports Bill to Combat High Egg Prices, HPAI
In response to recent outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and skyrocketing egg prices, the Senate passed legislation to expand the number of certified poultry technicians in Pennsylvania. It now advances to the governor to be signed into law. At the request of the state’s egg farmers, House Bill 324 would offer flexibility to farmers and their employees to test poultry for dangerous transmittable diseases that have the potential to decimate poultry flocks. This measure would equip trained technicians to more quickly detect HPAI and contain any further spread. It would also update the outdated blood testing provision to modernize and expand testing to more accurately reflect the various types of dangerous transmittable diseases of poultry. House Bill 324 would safeguard the health of poultry flocks and protect the state’s $7 billion poultry industry. Bill to Exempt Newer Vehicles from Emissions Testing Passes Senate
The Senate approved legislation this week to reform Pennsylvania’s outdated vehicle emissions testing program by reducing the number of vehicles covered by the requirement. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Currently, the federal Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program mandates that motorists in 25 Pennsylvania counties undergo annual emissions testing. Senate Bill 149 would exempt the five most recent model year vehicles from emissions testing requirements. The bill would align Pennsylvania with other states in the federally mandated Northeast Ozone Transport Region. Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Virginia have implemented similar exemptions with EPA approval. Trout Stocking Schedule Announced
Local anglers can find out when their favorite fishing hole will be stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission using the annual Trout Stocking Guides available online now. The commission stocks approximately 3.2 million adult trout in nearly 700 streams and 130 lakes open to public angling each year. These figures include approximately 2.4 million rainbow trout; 693,000 brown trout; and 125,000 brook trout. The average size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length. Additionally, 72,000 trophy trout, sized from 14-20 inches, are 70% stocked before opening day. The statewide opening day for trout season is Saturday, April 5. Additionally, the Fish and Boat Commission will host Mentored Youth Trout Day on Saturday, March 29. Youth under the age of 16 can join a mentor (adult) angler who has a current fishing license and trout permit to fish for trout the Saturday before the regular opening days. Learn more about the program. Recognizing National Cancer Prevention Month
February is National Cancer Prevention Month, an observance that aims to raise awareness about how impactful cancer can be for those who are affected and their loved ones. It’s also a time to celebrate the significant milestones people in treatment have achieved. While this legislative session has just begun, Senate Republicans last session passed landmark legislation that eliminated out-of-pocket costs for genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes and supplemental breast screenings for women at high risk of developing breast cancer. The law, which was the first of its kind in the nation, eliminated costs including co-pays, deductibles, or co-insurance for breast MRIs and ultrasounds for women with high-risk factors. It also eliminated costs for BRCA-related genetic testing and counseling for those women.
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