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In this Update:
Gov. Shapiro’s Budget Proposal Spends Too Much
The process of enacting a state budget for fiscal year 2026-27 began on Tuesday, and one thing is certain: The $53.3 billion plan presented by Gov. Josh Shapiro would spend too much. Shapiro’s proposal would increase state spending by $2.7 billion, a 5.4% increase – which would set up the commonwealth for massive tax increases in the future. In fact, Senate Republicans’ work to limit spending increases and enact pro-growth policies over the past three years was the reason the governor’s budget did not include a broad-based tax increase this year. At our press conference this week, we took a stand and emphasized our ongoing commitment to protecting Pennsylvania families and taxpayers. My Senate colleagues and I will be working to reduce spending and produce a fiscally responsible 2026-27 state budget, starting with in-depth public hearings by the Senate Appropriations Committee, beginning Feb. 23. As we begin our work on this year’s budget, looking for more government efficiencies and respecting taxpayers by controlling the growth of state spending are key priorities. Gebhard Bill Benefiting Fort Indiantown Gap Police Almost Law
My legislation to allow Fort Indiantown Gap police officers to be Act 120 certified under the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) received final approval in the Senate today and now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. Currently, police officers at Fort Indiantown Gap complete the same certification requirements as other officers but are never assigned numbers by MPOETC. This can prevent them from transferring to another police department without retaking the exam. Senate Bill 327 would ensure Fort Indiantown Gap police officers receive automatic certification, eliminating a needless hurdle and providing the same opportunity already afforded to every other municipal police department, school police department and the Pennsylvania Capitol Police. The idea for this legislation came from a police officer at Fort Indiantown Gap. The bill received unanimous support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Career and Technical Education Month
Career and technical education (CTE) prepares students to enter high-demand fields, including health care, manufacturing, public safety, information technology, skilled trades and more. More than 75,000 Pennsylvania students are enrolled in CTE, where they can develop essential skills through a combination of classes and hands-on learning, allowing them to apply academics to real-world problems. It was a pleasure hearing directly from students of the Lebanon County Career & Technology Center who visited the Capitol this week to advocate for technical education. As demand for career and technical education continues to grow, I strongly support increased investment in these vital programs. Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
Eligible Pennsylvanians can now apply for a Grow PA Scholarship Grant for the 2026-27 academic year. Applications are available at pheaa.org/growpa. This program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs as approved by PHEAA. The full list is available here. To qualify, applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation for 12 months for each year they received the grant. Please note: Applicants who received this grant last year MUST reapply to receive the grant again for the upcoming academic year. Lebanon High School Honors Government Class Visits Harrisburg
This week, I had the pleasure of hosting more than 60 students from the Lebanon High School Honors Government class at the Capitol to learn more about state government. I really enjoyed the conversation with the students and educators and appreciated their thoughtful questions. I hope they enjoyed their visit! Pennsylvania FFA State Officer Team Visits Harrisburg
It was a pleasure to welcome the Pennsylvania FFA State Officer Team to the Senate to recognize National FFA Week. It was especially nice to meet State Vice President Sally Bollinger from Ephrata School District. After serving a gap year to serve FFA members across the Commonwealth, she plans to attend Oklahoma State University to study Agricultural Leadership. Senate Approves Measure to Prohibit Student Cellphone Use in PA Schools
To curb classroom distractions and improve academic performance and social development, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation to require Pennsylvania public schools to adopt policies prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day. Senate Bill 1014 ensures districts retain local control by giving them the flexibility to choose how to implement and enforce the standard in a way that works best for their communities, including deciding where phones must be stored. School administrators, teachers and parents across Pennsylvania have increasingly expressed concern about the proven link between smartphones and anxiety, depression, cyberbullying and reduced classroom engagement. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. 2026 Adult Trout Stocking Schedule Available
Looking forward to trout season? The 2026 adult trout stocking schedule is now available online from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. It’s searchable by county, lists the waterways in alphabetical order, and indicates stocking dates, meeting locations for volunteers and the species of trout that are planned to be stocked at each location. In 2026, Pennsylvania’s statewide Opening Day of Trout Season will be held on Saturday, April 4. A single, statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day will take place on Saturday, March 28. The commission will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 684 streams and 130 lakes open to public angling, about the same number as previously. Grants to Help Preserve History Ahead of America’s 250th
Communities across our district can apply now for state grants to help preserve historic places, strengthen local revitalization efforts and prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary this year. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will award Keystone Historic Preservation Grants to support projects that identify, preserve, promote and protect historic and archaeological resources. This year’s program prioritizes projects that align with the themes of America250, ensuring Pennsylvania’s rich history is preserved as the nation marks its semiquincentennial. More information is available at Keystone Planning Projects and Keystone Constructions Projects. Local Events
Saturday, February 7, 7:30-10:30am: National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day Saturday, February 7-8: PA State Rabbit Breeders Convention Saturday, February 7, 2:30pm: Spring Snow Goose Migration Hike Sunday, February 8, 10-11:30am: Shiver by the River 5k/10k Tuesday, February 10, 5-7pm: Take Heart Community Health Expo Friday, February 13-14: CLA Pie Sale at Farmers Market Friday, February 13-22: Lititz Fire & Ice Festival Saturday, February 28, 9am-1pm: Hamburg Marketplace
*Please do not reply to this email, as that mailbox is unattended. To better serve the constituents of the 48th District, I have set up a contact form on my website. Please email cgebhard@pasen.gov if you would like to send me a message. If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or visit https://senatorgebhard.com/ |
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