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Mobile Office Hours – Times & Locations! Dear Friends, As you may be aware, Pennsylvania’s deadline to pass a budget is June 30th. I wanted to let you know that we have been meeting regularly to determine the 2026-27 state budget. As we move forward, we must ensure that any final budget is fiscally responsible, respects taxpayers and positions Pennsylvania for growth and prosperity. I am encouraged by the progress to date and believe we will come to an agreement soon. I’ll be sure to keep you updated. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Senate Votes to Protect Your Right to Know About Government Actions
The Senate approved legislation to strengthen government transparency and protect the public’s right to know. Senate Bill 1150 would clarify Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act to ensure public agencies provide meaningful notice before acting on important matters. The bill reinforces the 24-hour agenda posting requirement and ensures exceptions for emergencies and small-scale matters remain limited. The legislation follows a state Supreme Court ruling allowing agencies to add agenda items and take official action on them with a simple majority vote, even when those items were not included on a publicly posted agenda. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about legislation to strengthen the Sunshine Act here. Making it Easier for Fire Companies, EMS Agencies to Access Funding
Our fire fighters and EMS agencies play such an important role in our communities. I’m pleased to report that legislation to make it easier for fire and EMS agencies to access state funding through the Fire and EMS Grant program was approved by the Senate last week. Senate Bill 1261 streamlines the application process, including eliminating outdated wording and incentives, using the state’s Single Application for Assistance instead of having a separate, redundant system, and asking fire companies to provide additional contact information to ensure lines of communication are open. The bill also increases the amount fire and EMS agencies can borrow through the State Fire Commissioner’s low-interest loan program, freeing up more funding opportunities for first responder agencies. Senate Bill 1261 now advances to the House of Representatives. Read more about these proposed improvements here. If you serve as an emergency responder and need additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Flying the POW/MIA Flag at Public Schools
The POW/MIA flag is a powerful symbol recognizing and honoring the courageous men and women of our Armed Forces who remain prisoners of war or missing in action. I introduced Senate Bill 835, which passed the Senate to require the POW MIA flag be displayed at any public school. The measure requires the POW/MIA flag be displayed at any public school in the commonwealth that already displays the American flag, provided the school can reasonably accommodate it. By meeting the requirement of Senate Bill 835 schools can help ensure the sacrifices of prisoners of war and those missing in action are never forgotten and demonstrate their commitment to supporting military families and educating students about the importance of service. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 835 here. Quarantine Order Issued to Protect PA Farms from Screwworm
Heightened risk of New World Screwworm (NWS) following confirmed cases in Texas and New Mexico has prompted the state Department of Agriculture to issue a quarantine order limiting the movements of livestock and pets. There are currently no cases in Pennsylvania, but NWS is a devastating pest. Its fly larvae can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and in rare cases, people. The quarantine order establishes movement restrictions and enhanced animal health requirements for susceptible domestic animals entering Pennsylvania from affected areas. The order includes provisions for veterinary inspection, animal health certification and preventative measures designed to reduce the risk of NWS entering the commonwealth through animal movements. Read the NWS quarantine order here. Find more information about the NWS outbreak here. |
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