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Progress Update for 2025-26 State Budget
This week marked the deadline to pass the 2025–2026 state budget in Harrisburg. While progress has been made, critical pieces needed to fully fund essential government operations remain under negotiation as work continues toward a final agreement. The Governor’s $51.5 billion proposal represents a 7.5% increase in state spending—$3.6 billion more than last year—without a clear, long-term plan to address our structural deficit. It relies heavily on optimistic revenue projections while drawing down reserves that are critical to our financial stability. Pennsylvania is currently facing a structural deficit of over $3 billion, which could grow to $6 billion if spending continues unchecked. Without responsible budgeting, projections show the Commonwealth could face a $27.3 billion shortfall within five years—with our Rainy Day Fund and savings fully depleted. This year’s budget also leaves a $4 billion gap next year, raising serious concerns about future tax increases and service cuts. Despite the challenges of a divided legislature, I remain committed to advocating for a responsible, transparent budget that invests in core services, protects taxpayers, and avoids a fiscal cliff. I’ll continue working with my colleagues to finalize a plan that supports our communities while keeping Pennsylvania on solid financial footing. Expanding Rooftop Solar to Cut Costs and Strengthen Our Energy Future
As energy costs continue to rise and demand increases across Pennsylvania, we must take smart, strategic steps to expand our energy capacity without putting additional burdens on taxpayers or sacrificing open space. Senator Nick Miller and I have partnered on bipartisan legislation to establish a Commercial and Industrial Rooftop Solar Program here in Pennsylvania. This bill would allow us to tap into the unused potential of warehouse rooftops across the Commonwealth, using infrastructure that already exists to generate clean, reliable energy. By streamlining the development of front-of-the-meter solar projects, where energy is generated and fed directly into the grid, we can help reduce electricity costs for consumers while strengthening our energy system for the future. Our approach focuses on preferred siting, this means, putting solar panels on commercial rooftops and infrastructure instead of farmland or undeveloped land. It’s a practical solution that helps preserve our natural resources while still meeting the needs of a growing population and economy. This legislation also ensures that eligible solar generators can qualify for state alternative energy credits, creating further savings and investment opportunities. And for those already working to get solar projects connected, our bill includes a provision that allows those applications to move forward without delay. I believe this is a forward-thinking, cost-effective way to expand our energy portfolio, support job creation, and improve grid reliability. Senator Brown and Pocono Township hosting Shredding Event
On Saturday July 12th, please join us at the Pocono Township Municipal Building for a free paper shredding event designed to help you safely dispose of sensitive documents and prevent identity theft. The Shred & Protect: Community Shredding Event will take place from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. at 12 Township Dr., Tannersville, PA 18372. Safeguard your personal information! Bring your old bills, bank statements, and other confidential documents for secure on-site shredding. This event is free and open to the public. Residential documents only, please. No businesses. A Moment of Reflection
Before each Senate session, we begin with a prayer. This is a time to pause, reflect, and unify in service. This past week, I had the honor of offering the opening prayer. It was a reminder that our work must always be guided by wisdom, compassion, and a shared commitment to the people of Pennsylvania. Concealed Carry Reciprocity Agreement Between PA & VA
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that a reciprocity agreement was finalized which allows holders of Licenses to Carry Firearms to do so in both states. This agreement makes Virginia the 30th state for which Pennsylvania has concealed carry reciprocity agreements. The MOU is only applicable to handguns and requires permit holders to:
Happy Independence Day!
Let the freedom fought for us by the heroes of this country never be in vain. May we always live each day, in our thoughts and in our actions, with a grateful heart to live in the United States of America. God bless the USA! America is one year away from its 250th birthday. I hope the next year sees us come together as citizens to appreciate the great blessings of our nation. I hope you all have an enjoyable, safe and patriotic Fourth of July weekend with friends and family celebrating the birth of this great nation! Fireworks Safety Tips: Be Careful!
Fireworks started 31,302 fires in 2022 and were involved in 9,700 emergency room injuries nationwide in 2023, with children younger than 15 accounting for nearly one third of fireworks injuries. Here are some safety tips from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner:
Find more fireworks safety tips here to avoid injury. Alzheimer’s Association Walk – Kickoff Event
Las week, Kristine attended the Pocono Area Senior Alliance and Monroe County Alzheimer’s Association Walk – Kickoff event. Pocono Area Senior Alliance (PASA) launched in January of this year, aims to improve the care and well-being of seniors in our communities while increasing awareness of available services. Mark your calendars: the walk this year is on September 6th at Northampton Community College in Tannersville.
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