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Kicking Off the 2026-2027 State Budget Cycle

One of my largest responsibilities as your legislator is to deliver a state budget that respects hardworking families and the taxpayers who fund it. The process of enacting a state budget for fiscal year 2026-27 began on Tuesday with the Governor’s budget address, and just like any legislation, the budget must pass the House, Senate, and then be signed into law by the Governor.

The Governor proposed a $53.3 billion that would increase state spending by $2.7 billion, a 5.4% increase from last year’s budget. Last year’s budget created a $4.8 billion structural deficit, requiring the use of nearly every available reserve fund to achieve balance. This year’s proposal increases spending by another 6 percent, placing even greater strain on resources that are already significantly depleted.

Simply put, this level of spending outpaces revenue. It’s just like a household budget – spending more than you earn and dipping into savings to cover recurring expenses. That’s not responsible budgeting, and it’s not sustainable for Pennsylvania.

The budget process will continue with in-depth public hearings by the Senate Appropriations Committee, beginning February 23^rd. As a member of the Committee, I look forward to working with my colleagues to focus on responsible spending and ensure Pennsylvania taxpayers are treated with the respect they deserve.

Brown To Hold Telephone Town Hall

I am hosting a Telephone Town Hall next week on February 11^th at 6 p.m.! You will have the opportunity to listen from the comfort of your own home and ask questions or share your concerns with me.

Sign up today!

Senate Approves Measure to Prohibit Student Cellphone Use in Schools

To curb classroom distractions and improve academic performance and social development, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation to require Pennsylvania public schools to adopt policies prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day.

Senate Bill 1014 ensures districts retain local control by giving them the flexibility to choose how to implement and enforce the standard in a way that works best for their communities, including deciding where phones must be stored.

School administrators, teachers and parents across Pennsylvania have increasingly expressed concern about the proven link between smartphones and anxiety, depression, cyberbullying and reduced classroom engagement. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Brown Welcomes Olyphant Pastor Jack Munley to the Senate

What an honor it was this morning to have Pastor Jack Munley down in Harrisburg to lead the Senate in our opening prayer. Jack is the leader of Rescue & Restore Church in Olyphant. We were also joined by Jack’s wife, Linda. A very special thank you to my friend Pastor Munley for sharing your faith with our chamber in such a meaningful way.

Scenes from the 40^th District

This week’s photo was once more courtesy of Susan from Stroudsburg with some more special nature shots. These photos have been shared on my social media and posted to the 40^th Senatorial District Photo Gallery.

Interested in showcasing your photography skills?

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.

Grow PA Scholarship Grants are Open!

Applications for the PHEAA Grow PA Scholarship Grants are now open! Both renewal and new applicants need to make sure they’re prepared by completing the following:

• Complete your FAFSA® at StudentAid.gov
• Create or make sure you can access your profile on PHEAA Account Access at pheaa.org/signin
• Gather the required information for your application:
  • Your Social Security number and date of birth
  • Personal contact information (address, phone, email)
  • Name of institution and enrollment status for 2026-27
  • Your program of study and applicable Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code

Bookmark pheaa.org/GrowPA now and get ready to 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸 your future!

February Legislative Report

My February Legislative Report is now live! This month, I sat down with Carl from Sonia’s Sweet Inspirations LLC. Thank you to Carl and Sonia both for allowing us to take a deeper dive into their business!

Take a look at our conversation on their story, business history, and community impact!

Honoring Stroudsburg Fire Department

Last weekend was the Annual Stroudsburg Fire Department Banquet at The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort! Alyssa from my staff presented certificates from the Senate of Pennsylvania to the following exemplary members:

• George Gass – 35 Years of Combined Active and Honorary Service
• Richard Doleiden – 50 Years of Combined Active and Honorary Service
• John Stevens – 55 years of Active Service
• David Schlorholtz – 50 Years of Active Service
• John Paul Lim III – 45 Years of Active Service
• Todd Martin – 45 Years of Active Service
• Michael Schroder – 35 Years of Active Service
• Charles Frantz – 30 Years of Active Service

Congratulations again to all and thank you for serving our community!

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