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In this Update:
- New State Budget Protects Taxpayers and Funds Priorities
- More than $12 Million for Fredericksburg, Womelsdorf-Robesonia Water System Improvements
- PennDOT Required to Release Funds for Local Road Projects
- Touring REGUPOL’s Manufacturing Facility with High School Seniors
- Urgent Action Needed to Keep PA Communities Safe
- Congratulations to Chief William Reigle on his Retirement
- Protecting Pets from Excessive Heat
- Camping Reservations Available at State Parks
- Local Events
New State Budget Protects Taxpayers and Funds Priorities
After trimming excessive spending sought by the governor, the Senate approved a fiscally responsible state budget that stands up for taxpayers, doesn’t raise taxes on Pennsylvania families and supports affordability and job growth.
Gov. Josh Shapiro originally proposed a budget that would have increased spending by $2.7 billion (5.4% increase) and taken approximately $4.6 billion from the state’s emergency reserves in the Rainy Day Fund. His plan would have required massive tax increases as soon as next year.
The final agreement negotiated by Senate Republicans cut more than $1.1 billion from the governor’s spending request and will not require any withdrawals from the Rainy Day Fund, setting the state on a more sustainable path and avoiding potential bond downgrades and higher debt costs.
Over the last two years, Senate Republicans have pushed to reclaim $4.5 billion from prior-year budgets, special funds and other accounts, ensuring this money can be utilized to support state government programs instead of sitting idle in government accounts.
An additional $565 million is included for the Ready to Learn Block Grant program, and Basic Education Funding will see a $58 million increase. Funding for Special Education will also increase by $55 million.
The plan maintains funding for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program to empower parents looking for the best education option for their children. Read more about the 2026-27 state budget, including initiatives to create jobs and strengthen healthcare, here.
More Than $12 Million for Fredericksburg, Womelsdorf-Robesonia Water System Improvements
I was happy to join Rep. Russ Diamond (R-102) in announcing the approval of more than $12 million in state funding for two water and sewer service improvement projects in Lebanon and Berks counties.
- Fredericksburg Sewer and Water Authority was awarded a grant of more than $6.4 million and a low-interest loan of almost $4.6 million to build a new centralized water filtration plant at the site of a decommissioned wastewater treatment plant.
- Womelsdorf-Robesonia Joint Authority was awarded a low-interest loan of almost $1.2 million to rehabilitate the Furnace Creek tank, which has reached the end of its useful life.
The funding was awarded by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). PENNVEST is a financing authority that provides low-cost financial assistance to address water, wastewater, stormwater and nonpoint source pollution problems.
PennDOT Required to Release Funds for Local Road Projects
Recognizing the need to support local roads, an additional $775 million is being directed to three- and four-digit road projects throughout Pennsylvania communities to quickly improve our highway infrastructure.
As part of our budget negotiations, PennDOT agreed to release an additional $500 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year and $275 million in 2027-28 from the Commonwealth’s Motor License Fund. The funds will be for local road projects only, not interstates, which are funded separately.
I’m excited about the impact this funding will have within our region, allowing for the paving and rehabilitation of roadways used by so many area residents on a daily basis.
Touring REGUPOL’s Manufacturing Facility with High School Seniors
I had the opportunity join high school students from across south-central PA to tour REGUPOL’s manufacturing facility in South Lebanon’s business park.
MANTEC runs a program designed to engage high school seniors in opportunities for careers in manufacturing in STEM related fields. The camps are a combination of hands-on learning, in class learning, and tours like these to see firsthand how the learning applies in the real world.
REGUPOL uses recycled rubber to produce flooring for commercial spaces, including schools, fitness centers, retail spaces, playgrounds, and more.
We need to continue encouraging more manufacturing here in Pennsylvania, while also supporting practical, hands-on learning to help prepare the next generation for good-paying careers.
Urgent Action Needed to Keep PA Communities Safe
Nearly 1,200 people convicted of second-degree murder in Pennsylvania could be released if the state House of Representatives doesn’t act by Friday, July 24.
In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the current sentencing structure for second-degree murder is unconstitutional and gave the General Assembly 120 days to enact legislation correcting the situation. The Senate has successfully passed bipartisan legislation to address this issue – legislation supported by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania District Attorneys and the Pennsylvania State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police.
In Pennsylvania, second-degree murder (also known as felony murder) involves a homicide committed when the defendant engaged as a principal or an accomplice in the perpetration of a felony. In other words, homicides committed while the defendant was also committing another crime such as rape, arson, robbery, burglary or kidnapping.
These are serious and horrific crimes, and the safety of our communities is at stake. It’s time for the House to join us in taking urgent action.
Congratulations to Chief William Reigle
Congratulations to Chief William Reigle on his retirement from the South Londonderry Township after more than 30 years of service to our community.
I was happy to stop by his retirement luncheon and present him with a Senate citation. Chief Reigle began his career with Annville Township in 1991 before joining South Londonderry Township in 2001. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2006 and Chief of Police in 2012.
Thank you, Chief Reigle, for your many years of service. Wishing you all the best in your well-deserved retirement.
Protecting Pets from Excessive Heat
Hot weather reminder: Police and emergency responders in Pennsylvania are authorized to remove dogs and cats from unattended vehicles by force if they’re deemed to be in imminent danger.
Also, under Act 104 of 2018, dogs that are tethered outside and unattended can only be so for up to nine hours in temperatures up to 90 degrees, and only for 30 minutes above 90 degrees. The dog must have access to an area of shade to escape the direct rays of the sun, as well as clean water.
Watch for signs of heat stroke in animals, including heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting and red or purple gums. You can read more about PA’s “Hot Car Bill” here.
Camping Reservations Available at State Parks
State park campsites are open and ready to reserve, with options for tents, cabins and RVs. The commonwealth manages 125 parks covering more than 300,000 acres, so you’re bound to find one that has what you’re looking for.
Available activities include picnicking, swimming, boating and other outdoor recreation. Prices vary for specific park accommodations and activities.
Visit the Pennsylvania State Parks website to find a list of parks and features and to reserve accommodations.
Local Events
Saturday, July 11 & 18: Washington Boro Tomato Festival
Washington Boro Community Park (Lancaster, PA)
Thursday, July 16, 6-10pm: Fifth Annual Sevco Basketball Tournament
512 South Sixth St, Lebanon (Lebanon, PA)
Saturday, July 18, 10am: Backpack Giveaway
18 Hahnstown Rd, Ephrata (Lancaster, PA)
Saturday, July 18, 9:30am: Flutter Through The Flowers Hike
575 St. Bernardine St., Reading (Berks, PA)
Saturday, July 25-Aug 1: The Lebanon Area Fair
80 Rocherty Rd, Lebanon (Lebanon, PA)
Saturday, August 1, 3-9pm: One Love Reggae Festival
Coleman Memorial Park (Lebanon, PA)
Satruday, August 1-2: Nord Mead Fest
Lebanon Valley Mall (Lebanon, PA)
Saturday, August 15-16: Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show
Mount Gretna (Lebanon, PA)
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