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In this Update:
- Urban Agriculture Week
- Unclaimed Property Event
- Rolling Up Our Sleeves
- How I Can Help
- New State Budget Protects Taxpayers and Funds Priorities
- PennDOT Required to Release Funds for Local Road Projects
- Urgent Action Needed to Keep PA Communities Safe
- Cost of Living Adjustment for Retired Teachers, Police and Firefighters
- Protecting Pets from Excessive Heat
- Camping Reservations Available at State Parks
Urban Agriculture Week
It was great to welcome Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding to Erie for Urban Agriculture Week and showcase the work of GrowErie and the Minority Community Investment Coalition (MCIC). Through innovative aquaponics and hydroponics, this initiative is creating jobs, expanding access to fresh, locally grown food, and reinvesting in the revitalization of Erie’s east side. It’s an exciting example of how innovation and community partnerships help build a stronger future for our neighborhoods.
Unclaimed Property Event
You could have money waiting for you. Join my office on Thursday, July 30, for a free Unclaimed Property Event where staff from the Pennsylvania Treasury will help residents search for and file claims for unclaimed property. Whether it’s forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payments, or other assets, we’ll help you determine if any funds belong to you. No appointment is necessary—we look forward to helping you reclaim what’s rightfully yours.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Erie County Public Library, 160 E. Front St., Erie, PA 16507.
Rolling Up Our Sleeves
It was great to join members of the community and help roll meatballs in preparation for the upcoming St. Paul’s Italian Festival, taking place August 7-9. This annual tradition brings people together to celebrate Erie’s rich Italian heritage, great food, and the strong community spirit that makes our region special.
How I Can Help
If you or someone you know is having trouble accessing state programs or services, or if you have questions about a law or government program and aren’t sure where to turn, my team and I are here to help. We can guide you through the process, connect you with the right resources, and provide support on a wide range of issues to make things easier for you.
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.
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.
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.
Cost of Living Adjustment for Retired Teachers, Police and Firefighters
The newly enacted state budget includes a cost-of-living (COLA) increase for retired teachers, school district employees and state employees who retired prior to July 2, 2001, as well as certain retired municipal firefighters and police officers.
Many of these employees retired in the early 2000s at much lower salaries than current employees. In addition, they did not receive the pension benefit enhancements under Act 9 of 2001 and have now gone more than 20 years without a 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.
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.
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