No tax-increase budget proposed

I was glad to hear Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget address on Tuesday and wanted to share what it means for families and communities in the Bristol-Levittown area. This proposal takes important steps to make life more affordable, strengthen schools, and support working families—all without raising taxes. Here are the key highlights:

  • No tax increases. This budget protects taxpayers while making smart investments in the services and programs that Pennsylvanians rely on every day.
  • Stronger support for public education. Funding for basic and special education is increased, and the budget continues to close long-standing adequacy gaps. Every child deserves a fair shot at success, and these investments help make that possible while easing the property tax burden at the local level.
  • Increased funding for mass transit, including SEPTA. Reliable transportation is essential for work, school, medical appointments, and daily life. This budget strengthens transit systems across Pennsylvania, supporting jobs and economic growth—without asking families to pay more.
  • A focus on everyday affordability. From housing and transportation to workforce development, this proposal tackles rising costs and helps families keep more of what they earn.
  • A responsible path forward. The plan invests in better schools, stronger communities, and a thriving economy while protecting taxpayer dollars and maintaining fiscal discipline.

This budget address is the first step in the budget process, and I look forward to working with members of both parties, both legislative chambers, and Governor Shapiro to review the proposal, have thoughtful discussions, and create a final budget that truly works for all Pennsylvanians.

 

Lowering electric bills through utility reforms

Building on the budget’s focus on affordability, Governor Shapiro also addressed rising energy costs and outlined reforms to hold electric utilities accountable and deliver real savings for consumers. After calling in Pennsylvania’s four largest electric utilities—PECO, Duquesne Light, FirstEnergy, and PPL—the Governor pushed for immediate action to rein in costs. As a result:

  • Utilities agreed to end “black box settlements” and move to transparent pricing, so customers can clearly see how rates are set and how their money is spent.

  • The Administration and General Assembly will pursue reforms to ban deceptive retail energy contracts, potentially saving consumers hundreds of millions of dollars.

  • Junk fees charged to low-income residents for service reconnection will be eliminated, saving families millions each year.

  • Protections for low-income and vulnerable households under Chapter 14 will be extended and expanded.

In addition, the Governor is directing the Public Utility Commission to scrutinize utility spending line by line, creating a new Special Counsel for Energy Affordability to challenge excessive rate hikes, and working with the legislature to curb excessive utility profits. Together, these actions are expected to save Pennsylvanians more than $500 million annually on their energy bills, with even greater savings possible through legislative action. Governor Shapiro also reaffirmed his commitment to expanding energy generation through his Lightning Plan—cutting costs, creating good-paying energy jobs, and strengthening Pennsylvania’s energy independence.

 

Free Tax Preparation

The Bucks County Opportunity Council offers free tax preparation provided by IRS-certified volunteers. Services are by appointment only.

 

How to request an appointment 👉

Visit www.bcoc.org or scan the QR code to complete the online request form. You will be contacted to schedule your appointment.

 

Local appointment locations and days 📍

  • Bristol – 721 Veterans Hwy. – Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
  • Bristol – Bucks County Community College - Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks, 1304 Veterans Hwy. – Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays

Other locations

  • Quakertown – 125 California Rd. – Wednesdays and Saturdays
  • Doylestown – Bailiwick Office Complex, 252 W. Swamp Rd. (Route 313), Suite 5 – Wednesdays and Saturdays
  • Newtown – Bucks County Community College, Newtown Campus – Saturdays only

Eligibility ✅

  • 2025 household income of $69,000 or less
  • Resident of Bucks County

What to bring 🧾📂

  • Photo ID 🪪
  • Social Security cards for everyone in the household
  • All 2025 income documents
  • 2024 tax return
  • Banking information for refund 💳
  • Last 2025 paycheck stub

Questions, contact Danielle Bush at 215-345-8175 ext. 209

 

Request an appointment or learn more at www.bcoc.org.

 

Hook, line and sinker

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has released its 2026 adult trout stocking schedule online: https://fbweb.pa.gov/TroutStocking

 

📅 Opening Day of Trout Season: Saturday, April 4
🐟 Mentored Youth Trout Day: Saturday, March 28
🎣 Fish for Free Days: May 24 & July 4

 

Levittown Lake Stocking Dates: March 26, April 8, April 29

 

Trout stocking operations begin the week of February 16. Please remember, fishing is not permitted on Stocked Trout Waters until 8 a.m. on Opening Day (April 4), except for the Mentored Youth Trout Day or on waters included in the year-round Stocked Trout Waters program.

 

⚠️ Safety Reminder: The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has a Do Not Eat advisory for all fish in the Neshaminy Creek.

 

Keystone Elementary School collecting canned goods

Thank you to Bristol Cares Coalition and Keystone Elementary for launching a new food pantry to support families in need.

 

Keystone Elementary is now collecting donations of non-perishable, nutrient-dense items, with the greatest need for:

  • Peanut butter 🥜
  • Canned proteins (tuna, chicken) 🐟🍗
  • Canned soups and stews 🥣
  • Pasta and rice 🍝
  • Canned fruits and vegetables 🥫🍎🥦
  • Boxed cereals 🥣
  • Please ensure all donations are unopened and not expired ✅

 

Items can be dropped off at Keystone Elementary’s main office while school is open, or you can reach out to coordinate a pickup. The goal is to stock the pantry by February 13.

 

Keystone Elementary

1800 Keystone St., Croydon, PA 19021

 

Thank you for helping support the community.

 

Act now to continue receiving my emails

I hope you find my occasional emails to be informative and helpful. I strive to keep the people I represent up to date about what’s going on in Harrisburg and the local area.

 

That’s why I’d like to remind you that Pennsylvania House rules direct when I can contact you leading up to an election.

 

We’re nearing the 60-day restricted period that will begin on March 20 and last until the May 19 primary election. If you aren’t opted in, I will be unable to keep you informed about important issues that affect all of us, including:

  • Updates on legislation
  • News and events in the district
  • Government programs and services

 To continue receiving my emails without interruption, click here.

 

Upcoming events

My office is hosting two upcoming events, and we would be glad to see you at either one. An RSVP is requested for both events at RepDavis@pahouse.net.


💓 Heart Health Fair

  • When: 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, Feb. 26
  • Where: Bristol Twp. Senior Center, 2501 Bath Rd., Bristol, PA 19007

Take some time to focus on your heart health. Free health screenings will be available, and a variety of exhibitors will provide information and resources. 🩺 Light refreshments will be served.

 

🗂️ Spring Shred Event

  • When: 10 a.m.–noon Saturday, May 16
  • Where: Bucks County Technical High School, 610 Wistar Rd., Fairless Hills, PA 19030

Bring up to five boxes or bags of personal financial documents or other paper containing confidential information for secure shredding. 🖨️ It’s an easy way to protect your identity and declutter your home.

 

🥫 Non-perishable food donations will be accepted to benefit local food pantries.

 

Help picking a Medicare Advantage plan

Medicare Advantage’s open enrollment period runs through March 31, and eligible Pennsylvanians can take advantage of the Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight  program (formerly APPRISE).

 

MEDI is a free program run by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging that helps older Pennsylvanians choose a plan based on their income and medical needs.

 

MEDI counselors from Bucks County Area Agency on Aging will be in my Levittown office every Thursday through the end of open enrollment. Please call (267) 880-5700 Prompt #5 to schedule an appointment.

 

Rep. Tina Davis
141st Legislative District

Office: RepDavis@pahouse.net
Office: (267) 580-2660


Proudly serving Bucks County, including  Bristol Township and Bristol Borough

Pennsylvania State Capitol

331 Main Capitol Building

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-4903

District Office

3611 Green Lane
Levittown, PA 19057

(267) 580-2660

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