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| The Barb Wire |
| #Listrak\DateStampLong# |
The latest news from the State Capitol |
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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Governor’s Proposed $53.26 Billion Budget More Than PA Can Afford
The 2026-27 state budget process got underway this week when Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered his budget address Tuesday before a joint session of the General Assembly.
His $53.26 billion proposal is a 6.3% increase over last year’s spending. With current revenues projected to increase by just 1.9% to nearly $48 billion, the governor is once again looking to balance his budget with one-time revenue sources by using nearly 60% ($4.58 billion) from the Rainy Day Fund and one-time licensing gains from the legalization of recreational marijuana.
To generate additional revenue, the governor is also recycling his proposals to legalize and tax recreational marijuana, as well as tax skill games at a rate of more than 50%.
The budget proposed by the governor is a slow walk toward state insolvency. The good news is this is not the final product and there will be ongoing budget negotiations to reduce this tax-and- spend proposal. As taxpayers, the amount of money this administration has spent over the last three years offends many of my constituents. The state budget in 2022-23 was $45.3 billion and we are now looking at $53.26 billion in this governor’s fourth budget, with an end general fund balance of $0. In the coming weeks, the House and Senate Appropriations committees will conduct hearings to take a closer look at the details of the plan. The House hearings get underway on Monday, Feb. 23, with the Judiciary and Department of Corrections.
Additional information about the governor’s proposal is available at PABudget.com.
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Hosting Carlisle CTC Students in Harrisburg
Carlisle CTC students recently met with me in Harrisburg to discuss barriers to entering the workforce, reflecting the school’s commitment to preparing students for success in an ever-changing labor market. They shared their future ambitions and frustrations with local businesses not opening co-ops in the area. Sharing their stories was a highlight of my week, and I thank Carlisle CTC for sharing their time with me.
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ABC Economic Breakfast
Earlier this week, I joined other legislators at the ABC Keystone Economic Outlook Breakfast.
Thank you to Dr. Anirban Basu for sharing valuable insights into economic trends and what they mean for Pennsylvania’s construction industry and broader economy. Events like this help us make informed economic decisions to strengthen our communities and support local businesses. He forecasted growth in 2026 but also explained the risks. Thank you to Leer Electric for attending and being a host of the event.
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Barb’s Briefing: Pennsylvania’s Death Tax
Did you know that Pennsylvania taxes you even after you’re DEAD
We are one of the only states in the nation that imposes an inheritance tax. If you are the direct descendent or heir of a deceased person, you are forced to hand over TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS of your family’s savings to the government.
When you lose a loved one, you deserve time to grieve - NOT a tax bill.
I am a proud cosponsor of House Bill 1394, bipartisan legislation which would eliminate our inheritance tax.
It’s time to deliver much-needed financial relief to struggling Pennsylvanians. I call on PA House Democrats to bring our bill up for a vote!
Click here to learn more.
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Legislation Bill Has Potential To Help Data Center Development
State Rep. Jose Giral has introduced legislation (House Bill 2017) related to small modular nuclear reactors that could change the environmental landscape for data center development for the better. Doing away with water and electric concerns, these microreactors, which fit on the back of a tractor trailer, are capable of being a clean energy source to force cold air for data centers. It’s policy to keep an eye on as we take steps forward toward data center expansion within the Commonwealth.
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Community Conservation Partnerships Program Now Accepting Grant Applications
Communities across Pennsylvania can now apply for state grants to fund parks, recreation and conservation projects, as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) opens its latest round of Community Conservation Partnerships Program funding. Applications are open now through April 30 at 4 p.m.
Eligible applicants include county and municipal governments, municipal agencies and nonprofit organizations. The grants fund projects such as park and recreation projects, conservation planning, trail planning, land and river conservation, community and streamside tree planting, and more.
Grant applications are only accepted through DCNR’s Grants Customer Service Portal.
Before starting an application, potential applicants should contact a regional advisor who serves the county where their project will be located. Contact information is available on the Regional Staff Assignment map (PDF).
Learn more here.
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Students Invited to Participate in Lyme Disease Awareness Campaign
Pennsylvania students in first through sixth grades are invited to enter the 2026 Lyme Art Contest by creating a short video or poster focusing on the theme: “Protect. Check. Remove.”
The annual contest helps students, Scout troops and community youth programs learn how to prevent Lyme disease by educating them about ticks, including where they live, how to prevent bites and how to remove ticks that do bite.
Pennsylvania has one of the highest annual counts of Lyme disease cases in the nation, which further emphasizes the importance of teaching children about tick awareness and prevention measures.
The deadline for entries is Friday, March 13. Click here for details.
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Pizza & Policy
Next Thursday, Feb. 12, I’ll be hosting Pizza and Policy from 6-7 p.m. at Newburg Hopewell Fire Company, 121 Lovers Lane, Newburg.
This is a legislative event and an opportunity for you to catch up on the latest news from Harrisburg, as well as ask questions on various topics.
If you plan to attend, please click here to register for the event.
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| Office Locations |
| District Office: 437 E North Street | Carlisle, PA 17013 | Phone: 717-249-1990 |
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| 427 Irvis Office Building | House Box 202199 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2199 | 717-772-2280 |
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