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Why Is My Electric Bill So High, and What Can We Do About It?

I am often asked why electricity bills continue to rise, and I understand the frustration many Pennsylvania families face. It is a complex issue with several contributing factors, so I wanted to take a closer look at what is driving these costs higher and, more importantly, what we can do in Harrisburg to help make electricity more affordable.

At its core, it is a supply and demand issue. Electricy demand is growing, but new power plants are not being built quickly enough to replace retiring facilities to meet the demand. In fact, just this week, the Department of Energy issued an emergency order effective from Oct. 13 to Oct. 16 to authorize PJM Interconnection, which operates our regional grid, to use extra backup generation resources as needed to keep the power on.

We need to increase our electricity supply, reduce unnecessary taxes, and ensure large energy users are not receiving special advantages.

While free market supply and demand factors play a role, government policies and taxes also contribute to what consumers pay. This is why I opposed Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which would have imposed additional costs on electricity generation. This stagnated investment into energy production, limiting supply to our grid. The state’s impartial research agency estimated that implementation of RGGI in our Commonwealth would nearly quadruple electricity prices. In 2025, I voted to formally withdrawal Pennsylvania from RGGI.

This year, I voted to eliminate Pennsylvania’s Gross Receipts Tax (GRT) on electricity, a tax paid by electric utility companies that is passed along to consumers in their bills. Eliminating this tax would provide relief as energy expenses continue to rise. This bill is awaiting consideration in the House of Representatives.

I also voted to remove the sales tax exemption for data centers in House Bill 1667. Removing this exemption would ensure data centers pay sales tax on qualifying purchases rather than receiving a special tax break.

I will continue supporting commonsense policies that increase our energy supply, responsibly manage growing demand and ultimately help lower electricity costs for ratepayers.

What’s the Deal with Skill Games in Pennsylvania?

The debate surrounding skill games in Pennsylvania has been ongoing for more than a decade. To understand where things stand today, it is important to look at how these machines became part of the Commonwealth’s gaming landscape and the legal challenges that followed.

In 2004, Pennsylvania passed the Gaming Act, legalizing and regulating slot machines at licensed casinos. The law was expanded in 2010 to permit table games at these establishments.

Around 2014, skill-game machines began appearing in convenience stores, restaurants, bars and other businesses throughout Pennsylvania. Unlike traditional slot machines, manufacturers argued that these machines relied primarily on a player’s skill rather than chance. This distinction raised a significant legal question: Are skill games considered slot machines under Pennsylvania law, or are they a separate category of devices?

In 2017, law enforcement seized skill-game machines in Philadelphia, arguing that they were illegal gambling devices operating without the required gaming licenses. In 2019, Pennsylvania State Police took additional enforcement action against an establishment operating skill game.

These actions led to years of litigation and uncertainty, with courts examining whether the machines’ outcomes depended primarily on skill or chance and whether they were subject to Pennsylvania’s existing gaming laws.

In 2026, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ultimately ruled that the skill-game machines at issue qualify as slot machines and are subject to the Pennsylvania Gaming Act and Crimes Code. Therefore, unlicensed operation outside of an authorized facility is illegal. The Court issued a 120-day stay before its decision takes effect, providing businesses time to respond and giving the General Assembly an opportunity to consider potential legislative changes.

This brings us to where we are today. The General Assembly must now determine how to establish a legal framework for skill games, including licensing, regulation, taxation and enforcement requirements. While there is broad agreement that these games should operate under a clear regulatory framework, parties are still working to reach consensus on the specific details.

Recently, the Governor publicly proposed taxing skill games at 52%, with the revenue directed toward funding mass transit, primarily benefiting the Philadelphia region. In contrast, legislation I co-sponsor proposes a 35% tax rate, with revenue distributed more broadly to benefit residents and communities throughout Pennsylvania, rather than being concentrated to one region of the Commonwealth.

This is just one example of the differing approaches being considered, and I remain hopeful that all parties will reach a consensus that will finally bring clarity and resolution to this decade-long issue.

Brown to Host Veterans Appreciation Luncheon

I will once again be hosting my Veterans Appreciation & Informational Luncheon on November 15^th at Trout Lake. Join your fellow brothers and sisters in arms as we honor and support all veterans and families of the 40^th Senate District.

Veterans, their spouses or a guest are invited to attend this appreciation event.

RSVP is required!

Celebrating the 150^th Anniversary of Waymart Masonic Lodge

It was an honor to join the members of the Waymart Masonic Lodge 542 on Saturday to celebrate their 150^th anniversary and present a citation on behalf of the Senate of Pennsylvania!

Congratulations to the Lodge on 150 years of history, fellowship, and service to the community. Thank you to Chuck Grimm and all the members for the warm welcome and for the opportunity to celebrate this special occasion. Here’s to many more years of continued tradition and service!

Pocono Pony Shared Ride-Along

On Thursday, I appreciated the opportunity to join the Monroe County Transit Authority for its Shared Ride Ride-Along!

Hearing directly from riders about how dependable, accessible transportation in the 40th District impacts their daily lives is a valuable reminder of why these services matter.

Thank you to Pocono Pony, the Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association, COLTS (County of Lackawanna Transit System), and everyone who works to keep our communities connected and ensure residents can access the transportation they need!

Scenes from the 40^th Senate District

This week’s photo is courtesy of Linda of East Stroudsburg, with this curious buck in her backyard! This picture has been shared on my social media and posted to the 40^th Senatorial District Photo Gallery.

I am inviting residents of the 40^th Senatorial District to share their photography and help capture the beauty and character of our community. Whether it’s a stunning landscape, a lively community event, or a cherished historical landmark, I encourage you to submit photos that highlight the unique aspects of our district, which includes parts of Lackawanna and Wayne counties, and all of Monroe County.

Click here to submit your work and learn more.