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Capitol Report
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#Listrak\DateStampLong#
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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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$2.44 Million Grant Awarded to Improve Drinking Water in Cumberland County
I'm pleased to share that Pennsylvania American Water has been awarded a $2.44 million PENNVEST grant to construct a new PFAS treatment facility in Silver Spring Township. This investment will help improve drinking water quality for more than 85,000 residents by enhancing the removal of PFAS and other contaminants from our local water supply.
The project will include 12 new carbon filters, upgraded pumps, a new water-transfer system, and improvements to the plant's monitoring technology to ensure our infrastructure continues meeting the highest standards.
Protecting public health and investing in critical infrastructure remain top priorities for me, and I'm proud to see this important funding coming to Cumberland County.
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Balanced State Budget Delivers for Cumberland County, Safeguards Reserves, and No New Taxes
On Sunday, the General Assembly approved a balanced 2026-27 state budget that strengthens our communities while protecting taxpayers.
Importantly, this budget is balanced, does not spend a dollar from the Rainy Day Fund, and does not raise taxes.
The budget provides meaningful increases in education funding for every Cumberland County school district, helping ensure our students have the resources they need to succeed.
In addition, the budget invests in roads and bridges, career and technical education, childcare staffing and access, school facilities, and efforts to combat human trafficking, all while preserving every dollar in Pennsylvania's Rainy Day Fund and avoiding any new taxes.
This budget was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and was a compromise by all parties to achieve the most good for Pennsylvania. Again, this budget does not raise taxes. The budget also uses conservative revenue estimates to balance, meaning the Commonwealth may receive more revenue than anticipated and put us in a stronger financial position.
While no budget is perfect and while spend numbers increase, although modestly and below Taxpayer Bill of Rights numbers, all reasonable members from both sides of the aisle agreed that this budget puts Pennsylvania on a good path forward.
I was proud to support a responsible budget that invests in our communities, our schools, and our first responders while protecting taxpayers and preparing Pennsylvania for the future.
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Enjoying Cumberland County Flavors
It was a pleasure to join friends and community leaders this week at the West Shore Chamber’s Taste of the Chamber event in Silver Spring Township! This event showcased local restaurants, caterers, and products all in one place. We have so many great local options and it was a great way to see the people and the faces behind some of our favorite tastes of the West Shore.
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Advancing Pennsylvania's Energy Future
Keeping energy reliable and affordable continues to be one of my top priorities.
House Republicans recently introduced a comprehensive legislative package designed to strengthen Pennsylvania's energy future by expanding reliable energy production, reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, streamlining permitting, and lowering costs for consumers.
I'm proud to serve as a co-prime sponsor of House Bill 2224, legislation that would eliminate the Gross Receipts Tax on electric utility service. Combined with the broader package, these proposals will help keep the lights on, strengthen our electric grid, encourage responsible energy development, and protect Pennsylvania families from rising energy costs.
I look forward to continuing this work to ensure Pennsylvania remains America's energy leader.
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Working Together for Cumberland County's Future
This week, I joined Cumberland County Commissioners and fellow members of our local legislative delegation for a presentation on the county's newly adopted Strategic Plan.
The discussion highlighted the county's vision for the future and reinforced the importance of strong partnerships between state and local government.
I appreciate the commissioners and county staff for sharing their work and look forward to continuing our collaboration on initiatives that continue to make Cumberland County the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
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Another Tool to Fight Human Trafficking
A bill aimed at helping the Pennsylvania attorney general and law enforcement more effectively target and prosecute human trafficking has been approved by the House and Senate and is awaiting the governor’s signature to become law.
Recognizing the proliferation of sex trafficking, Senate Bill 45 moves most of the state’s prostitution offenses to the human trafficking section of the state Crimes Code. It also enhances the penalties for several of those offenses and places them under the jurisdiction of the Office of Attorney General, giving it the ability to better combat prostitution and human trafficking across the Commonwealth.
The bill has been a top priority for the bipartisan, bicameral PA Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus, of which I am a member. The caucus aims to advance legislation to combat the crime and support victims, as well as educate elected officials and others about the signs of trafficking.
Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in the nation. If you or someone you know is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
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Join Us for a Free Shredding & Damaged License Plate Event
Sen. Dawn Keefer (R-Cumberland/York) and I invite you to join us for our Free Shredding and Damaged License Plate Replacement Event on Thursday, July 30, from 4-7 p.m. at Mechanicsburg Middle School, 1750 S. Market St., Mechanicsburg.
Bring your confidential documents for secure shredding, and if your Pennsylvania license plate is faded, peeling, damaged, or difficult to read, our staff will be available to help eligible motorists begin the free replacement process.
No RSVP or registration is required. Simply stop by anytime during the event. We hope to see you there!
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Stay Safe During Extreme Heat
With high temperatures and dangerous heat indices expected across our region, I encourage everyone to take precautions to stay safe.
Remember to drink plenty of water, limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, wear lightweight clothing, and check on older neighbors, young children, and anyone who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illness. Don't forget that pets need plenty of fresh water and shade, too.
If you don't have access to air conditioning, consider visiting a local cooling center, library, or other public building during the hottest part of the day.
A little preparation can go a long way toward helping you and your family stay safe this summer.
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New Law Aims to Stop Benefits Fraud
Legislation aimed at reducing theft of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits is now law.
Under Act 21 of 2026, the Department of Human Services will upgrade the state’s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to include chip-enabled technology. Chip cards are encrypted and more difficult for fraudsters to copy or hack into than standard cards. Recent reporting showed there were more than 5,000 cases of card skimming in Pennsylvania in the past year.
SNAP benefits help many families keep food on their tables. The law is a necessary step to both protect taxpayer dollars and ensure public assistance benefits reach those who truly need them.
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PennDOT Seeking Workers for Winter Maintenance Program
While we are still feeling the summer heat, PennDOT is preparing for cooler temperatures by gearing up for its winter maintenance program.
Positions available may include CDL equipment operators, mechanics, dispatchers, tradesman helpers and semi-skilled laborers. The positions pay between $17.73 per hour to $28.94 per hour. The winter maintenance program runs from September through April.
Anyone wishing to apply should visit www.employment.pa.gov and go to the PennDOT Winter Maintenance Program posting.
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Enjoying the Great Outdoors!
July is Outdoors for All Month in Pennsylvania, and no matter where you live in the Commonwealth, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy it!
Pennsylvania is home to 125 state parks and millions of acres of forestland, as well as county and local parks that provide everything from active adventures to peaceful walking trails and picnic areas.
Find your favorite activities or a nearby park or forest by visiting the outdoor recreation section of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.
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