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In this Update:
Newly Enacted State Budget Protects Taxpayers and Funds Allegheny County 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 on families and businesses as soon as next year. The final agreement 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 fiscal path. I am glad to announce several priorities important to Allegheny County were included in the finalized 2026-27 state budget including:
COLA for Retired Teachers, Police, and Firefighters
I am glad to see the newly enacted state budget include a long-awaited cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Pennsylvania teachers and state employees who retired before Act 9 of 2001, a proposal I’ve sponsored alongside Sen. Frank Farry (R-6), and other Republican senators. Additionally, the final budget agreement provided a COLA to eligible municipal police and firefighters. All of these retirees – commonly known as the ‘pre-Act 9’ class – retired in the early 2000s at much lower salaries than current employees. In fact, their average pension benefit is less than $20,000. Further, they did not receive the pension benefit enhancements under Act 9 of 2001 and have now gone more than 20 years without a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The COLAs are fully funded through existing interactive gaming tax revenues, ensuring these benefit enhancements have no impact on state, school district, or municipal taxes. The legislation directs a portion of those revenues to fund the pension increases and reimburse municipalities for the municipal benefit adjustments, with any remaining funding continuing to support an existing grant program. These men and women dedicated years to serving our communities, and I’m pleased to support this long-overdue increase in their pensions. Learn more about this COLA and the newly enacted state budget here. New Screening Recommendations Can Help Detect Colorectal Cancer EarlyLast month, I offered an amendment to House Bill 1123, legislation to improve access to colorectal cancer screening in Pennsylvania. My amendment, which was approved unanimously in the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee, strengthens the intent of HB 1123 by ensuring it reflects the most recent guidance on approved testing. This guidance outlines coverage for blood-based testing and stool-based RNA testing, as well as the proper and important use of cell-free DNA testing as a screening method. Updated clinical guidelines help doctors and patients understand how screening is changing and improving. Coupled with the existing provisions in HB 1123 to increase access to new screening options, the amended language of the bill can help more Pennsylvanians get screened earlier, when cancer is more treatable. When more people get screened, more cancers are caught early. Improved screening can help reduce late-stage diagnoses, improve colorectal cancer outcomes, save money by preventing the need for costly treatments of cancer that wasn’t caught early, and most importantly, save lives across Pennsylvania. And over time, closing screening gaps will help improve cancer rates in the commonwealth by reducing the number of cases found after the disease has already progressed. More Pennsylvanians need to understand their options so they can act before it is too late; and, they deserve access to the latest advancements available today that make it easier to do so. HB 1123, with my bipartisan amendment, makes that possible. Read my full op-ed in the Tribune Review here. CBS Pittsburgh: “Pittsburgh-Area Lawmakers and Organizations Aim to Raise Awareness About Prostate Cancer Risks”
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in PA, and it impacts one in seven men. My family has a history of prostate cancer, so this issue is personal to me. I’m proud to sponsor legislation that removes cost barriers to screening for Pennsylvanians at high risk of developing prostate cancer, and grateful to CBS Pittsburgh for highlighting local efforts to combat this deadly disease. Read the full article from CBS Pittsburgh here. $3.5 Million in State Funding for Economic Development Projects in Our District
Yesterday, I was pleased to announce that $3.5 million in state funding has been awarded to four local improvement projects. These projects will have a lasting impact on our region by improving infrastructure, supporting employers, and creating an environment where businesses can continue to invest and grow. I appreciate the collaboration of our local partners and elected officials who worked to secure this funding, and I look forward to seeing these projects move forward. Projects receiving funding include:
The funding was awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), which is administered by the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget and provides grants for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are intended to have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact while generating or sustaining economic activity, employment, and tax revenue. Learn more about these local projects here. Veterans Breakfast Club
Last week, I joined several veterans at a Veterans Breakfast Club USA event in Warrendale. Thank you to all who attended and to the veterans who shared their stories! See more photos from the event here. 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 looking forward to seeing 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. 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. Team Terrabridges Wins the 2026 Western Edge Premier Event
Congratulations to Upper St. Clair School District’s “Team Terrabridges” who won the overall tournament championship at the 2026 Western Edge Premier Event! They entered their prize-winning robot – “Oracle” – to beat 88 other teams from around the world. They also worked with a team from Kazakhstan for the division title. Congratulations on this incredible achievement and keep up the great work! See more photos from the citation presentation here. Pleasant Hills Diabetes Clinics
Leah M. Lebder, RDN, CDCES, is hosting a clinic on July 25, at 1:00 p.m., at the Pleasant Hills Borough Building to teach constituents how to handle their diet with a diabetes diagnosis. The clinic will teach people practical tips for managing their diet, discover health food choices, and answer questions people may have about diabetes. Learn more about the event here. Totem Training and Performance Grand Opening
Congratulations to Totem Training and Performance on the grand opening of their newly renovated space in Bridgeville! Totem is a place where community members can receive physical therapy, personal training, massage therapy, and Muay Thai training. We’re so glad to have you in our community! See more photos from the opening 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.
I’m proud to represent you in Harrisburg. Please contact me if my team can assist you with any state-level issues or services, including PennDOT, PA Department of Revenue, PA Department of Aging, PA State Treasury, etc. I’m always happy to hear from constituents, but if you need assistance or have concerns regarding a federal issue, you may want to contact your U.S. Senators and/or your member in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank you. |
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