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Dear Neighbor, As promised, I am sharing my perspective on Gov. Shapiro’s 2026–2027 budget. Overall, I am impressed by how this budget not only builds on the significant progress made by the Shapiro Administration but also charts a clear path forward for all Pennsylvanians. In this e-newsletter:
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100th Anniversary of Black History Month |
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This month, we mark 100 years of celebrating Black history. We remember the contributions of Black Americans’ whose lived experiences and contributions made America great. Black History Month serves as a powerful reminder that our lived reality often falls short of the ideals upon which our nation was founded. During this month, we honor the sacrifices of Black individuals—some whose names are widely known, and many whose contributions have been lost to history—whose courage and resilience have driven us to pursue those ideals more fully. President Trump wants us to forget the world-changing sacrifices Black folk made to make this country more equal. The work is yet unfinished. And that is what President Trump wants us to forget this, too. This month, let us recommit ourselves to fully realizing the dream of equality and liberty declared that day on July 4, 1776. |
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The 2026-2027 Shapiro Budget Proposal |
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This Tuesday, Gov. Shapiro gave his proposed budget for 2026-2027 before the General Assembly. Highlights: There are no tax increases. This budget protects taxpayers while making smart investments in the services and programs that Pennsylvanians rely on every day.
I am pleased that this year’s budget continues to make historic investments in our schools, including $8.31 billion for Basic Education Funding (a $50 million increase), $1.58 billion for Special Education Funding (also a $50 million increase), and $1.95 billion to fulfill the court-mandated third installment aimed at closing the funding gap between wealthy and underfunded districts—a $565 million increase. It also increases support for career and technical education, apprenticeships and STEM programs so our students are well-prepared for family-supporting jobs in Pennsylvania.
The governor has put forward an ambitious plan to address Pennsylvania’s housing shortage, which is driving high rent costs. His proposal includes legislation to limit rent increases on manufactured homes, statewide caps on rental application fees, and $1 billion—funded through bond issuance—for large, transformative infrastructure projects across the commonwealth. These projects would support building and preserving housing, upgrading school and municipal facilities, and adding new energy generation to the grid. As you know, I’ve been deeply concerned by the excessive practices of utility companies that unfairly burden our residents. Standard & Poor’s has even ranked Pennsylvania as one of the most profitable states for these companies. Governor Shapiro is taking the right steps by calling on the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to closely review utility spending and by establishing a new energy affordability watchdog in his office. This initiative will hold utility companies accountable and push them to:
We can build more housing and lower utility rates, but that won’t be enough for millions of Pennsylvanians if we don’t raise the minimum wage. No one should have to work three or four jobs just to afford a roof over their heads. In fact, the state ends up paying roughly $300 million a year in entitlement programs like Medicaid to make up for the low wages it allows. My fellow Democrats and I strongly support Governor Shapiro’s call to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, tied to inflation for regular increases. The House has already passed legislation to raise the minimum wage twice, only to see the bills die in the Senate—just like HB 1250, which would limit rent increases on manufactured homes. By failing to raise the minimum wage since 2009, we’re losing businesses and talent, while straining social services. It’s long past time to do right by Pennsylvania’s workers. |
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PTRR for 2025 Is Now Open |
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2025 PTRR application filing period is now open. You may be eligible for a rebate of up to $1,000. Please contact my office if you require assistance applying for this program. |
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Applications for home heating help |
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Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are now open. The program provides cash grants to help pay your heating bills, ranging from $200 to $1,000, depending on your household size, income, and fuel type. For more information, click here. You can also contact my office if you need help applying for LIHEAP or need help with any utility-related issues. |
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The KCA Scholarship Award |
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The Keystone Contractors Association is committed to providing quality educational programs designed to enhance the success of the construction industry. Its Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) Scholarship Program awards up to $10,000 yearly to a deserving student. The program’s goal is to provide the Pennsylvania construction industry with a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates to fulfill its employment needs in areas such as Project Managers, Project Engineers, Estimators and Field Supervisors. Assuming the recipient maintains career ambitions and excels in school, this scholarship is renewable for up to three years. Qualifications:
The scholarship is an investment in Pennsylvania’s workforce, the construction industry, and the next generation of leaders who will design, build, and maintain our homes and buildings. The deadline for this year’s KCA Scholarship Program is March 1. |
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Anti-Litter Photo Contest |
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The Pennsylvania Resources Council is holding the Gene Capaldi Lens on Litter Photo Contest to bring awareness to litter in PA. Contestants may enter up to five original images that highlight an anti-litter message. The contest is specifically open to amateur photographers, who can send their photos to the Pennsylvania Resources Council. Top prize is $500, second is $250, and third is $100. Submit your photos here. |
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Multimodal transportation grants available |
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PennDOT announced recently that they are accepting applications for a new round of Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) grants. Applications are due by February 13. The MTF provides grants to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transit agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets that strengthen communities, enhance pedestrian safety, and expand transit access. More information about applying for the MTF grants is available by clicking here. |
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State Grant Program Funding Available |
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The latest state grant opportunities are now available on my website! My office is happy to help you connect with government funding, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need a letter of support. |
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College Financial Aid Webinars |
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Interested in attending college? Check out these helpful webinars. |
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Student Scholarships
James R. Roebuck PLBC Scholarship 2026 |
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This prestigious scholarship is named in honor of Mr. James R. Roebuck, a former member of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) and a tireless champion for education. Mr. Roebuck served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1985 to 2020 and held leadership roles as chair of both the House Education Committee and the PLBC. Successful applicants will receive a $1,500 scholarship, made possible by the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, to support educational expenses. Students are encouraged to use the award for tuition, fees, books, or other school-related supplies and equipment. Eligibility: Applicants must be a:
Instructions: Applicants must complete three (3) sections: the Online Student Application (Section I), an essay (Section II), and email supporting documents (Section III). The Deadline for registration is 5pm on Friday, February 20, 2026. Applicants are responsible for submitting all material to the PLBC on time. Incomplete applications will not be evaluated. |
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Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program |
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Applications for the Summer 2026 Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program are now being accepted!
The Fellowship Program is based in the historic Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Fellows are assigned to House Standing Committees or House Leadership offices, receive compensation (which may include college credit), and gain hands-on experience, including drafting and presenting legislation, attending meet-and-greets with public officials and staff, and touring some of the Commonwealth’s historic sites. The Summer Semester runs from Thursday, June 4, through Thursday, August 6, 2026.
Qualified applicants will be:
If you know of any college students who would benefit from the Fellowship Program, please invite them to visit the website. Applications can be submitted via email to: pahousefellowship@pabmc.net
Applications for the Summer Semester are due on Monday, March 2. |
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The PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program |
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Applications are now open for the PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program. Administered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), the program is available to graduating high school seniors who reside in Pennsylvania. Each year, TFEC awards two four-year scholarships. Each scholarship covers the cost of one semester of tuition per year at the State System of Higher Education. Students must continue to meet eligibility requirements throughout all four years to maintain the award. Applications are due April 15. Requirements and the application form can be found here. |
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Upcoming Events 5th Annual Black and Diverse Business Forum |
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Pennsylvania CareerLink Spring Jobs Fair |
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District Office 624 Avenue of States |
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Pennsylvania State Capitol 26 A East Wing |
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