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In this Update:
Pennsylvania Budget Impasse EndsAfter months of negotiations, the General Assembly has passed, and Governor Shapiro signed into law a $50.1 billion state budget. I ultimately voted no on the budget, and here’s why: Throughout this budget impasse, I’ve been hearing from Pennsylvanians who are asking for one thing: fiscal responsibility. They want a government that lives within its means, just like they do at home. They don’t want to be hit with higher taxes because Harrisburg can’t control its spending. I have said since the budget process started that I would only support a budget that put Pennsylvania on a sustainable fiscal path. The spending plan signed into law increases expenditures at a rate significantly higher than inflation. At this pace, Pennsylvania is projected to exhaust its reserves within two years. To be clear, our state “savings accounts” will be empty by June of 2027 under the best case scenario created by this budget. I believe we must take a more sustainable approach—one that aligns spending with actual revenues and ensures long-term fiscal stability. As always, I appreciate hearing your thoughts and will continue working to bring greater transparency and accountability to Harrisburg. Legislation Advances Cracking Down on AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material
Legislation to better protect young people against the serious threats posed by child abuse materials generated using artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing in the Senate. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 1050, which would require mandated reporters to report all instances of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) they become aware of, including those produced by a minor. This applies to teachers, child care workers, health care providers and other individuals responsible for caring for children. There has been a startling increase in the amount of AI-generated CSAM being created and shared in recent years, including troubling cases in school settings. Law enforcement officials and child advocacy organizations shared their support for the measure during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee. Keystone Scholars Offers November Incentive to Start Saving for College
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced a statewide incentive for Keystone Scholars this month which will give children a head start on education savings. Families who claim their child’s $100 scholarship from Keystone Scholars in November and open and link their own companion PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account will get an additional $50. Keystone Scholars provides a $100 scholarship for every child born in Pennsylvania since 2019. This money grows alongside the child and will be available to use after their 18th birthday to help pay for costs associated with four-year degrees, community college, technical training, apprenticeships and credential programs. To learn more, visit pa529.com/keystone. State Police Will Help Ensure Your Child Car Seat is Properly Installed
Throughout November, certified Pennsylvania State Police technicians are setting aside dates to help ensure child car seats are safe, secure and properly installed. Caregivers will receive instruction on the proper installation and have seats installed, learn how to properly harness a child in a seat and check seats for recalls. Find the nearest free car seat check here. If none are scheduled locally or you can’t make it, check your local state police station for free monthly child seat fittings. Oh Say, Can You Sing? The PA Farm Show National Anthem Contest
Think you’ve got what it takes to sing the National Anthem at the Farm Show? The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is looking for singers to kick off each day of the 2026 edition of the nation’s largest indoor agricultural exposition. Submit your original video entry by Nov. 24 to be considered. Winners will be selected by fan voting on Facebook. You must be available at least one day of the Farm Show, which runs from Jan. 10 through Jan. 17. You can find details about eligibility, video requirements, voting and how to apply here.
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