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In this Update:
Unprecedented Spending at Governor’s Private Home Sparks Subpoena Action
In response to months of stonewalling and incomplete answers from state agencies and local officials, the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee has issued subpoenas demanding documentation related to the unprecedented $1 million in taxpayer-funded modifications to the Governor’s private residence. These entities are required to submit the requested records to the committee by noon on Friday, January 16, 2026. Through thoughtful and efficient review, I believe we can ensure our laws and procedures protect both the Governor and the taxpayers. Legislative oversight isn’t optional It’s a constitutional responsibility. We need to evaluate if our laws as they are written today are enough to protect the governor and the taxpayers of Pennsylvania at the same time. I believe there is a place where those both can exist. As chair of the committee, I took the lead on this issue because the lack of transparency surrounding the use of public funds is unacceptable. One million dollars was quietly spent on the Governor’s Montgomery County home; without notice, approval, or legislative oversight. No administration, Republican or Democrat, should have the power to operate in the shadows. To view full details of the subpoenas issued by my committee, click here. Senate Votes to Make State Funds Available for Local Bridge Projects
Legislation to make state funding available for local bridge projects was approved by the Senate. Counties receive dollars through the Highway Bridge Improvement Restricted Account within the state Motor License Fund to pay for repair and replacement of county-owned bridges. However, current law does not allow for further practical uses of leftover funds. Senate Bill 1070 would give counties the flexibility they need to improve local, municipal-owned bridges before they become at-risk. Senate Bill 1070 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. PA 529 is the Gift of Education
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced a new, easy way to give the gift of education this holiday season – Gift of College gift cards. Friends and families can buy these digital gift cards, available at pa529.com/gift, for recipients to deposit into their PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account. Anyone, including parents, grandparents, other relatives and family friends, can contribute to a PA 529 account. Savings can be used for qualified education expenses for K-12, higher education, credential programs and apprenticeship programs. The person giving the gift also gets something – a PA state tax deduction for the amount of the PA 529 contribution. In November, PA 529 was ranked one of the best college savings plans in the nation. To learn more about PA 529, visit pa529.com or call 800-440-4000. Dec. 19 Deadline to Apply for Veterans Services Grants
Nonprofits, counties and other groups that provide services to veterans have until Dec. 19 to apply for Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) grants to help fulfill their missions. Administered by the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the VTF supports programs that improve services to veterans at the county, regional or state level. For nonprofit and veterans’ organizations, funding priorities include mental and behavioral health, transportation and employment. These applicants may request up to $40,000. County directors and their association may apply for up to $15,000 per county. Their funding priorities must include outreach initiatives, enhancing veteran service officer and advocate capabilities and addressing emerging needs such as transportation, food insecurity, suicide prevention and legal assistance. Celebrating the Bill of Rights
Monday, Dec. 15 is national Bill of Rights Day, when we celebrate the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution in 1791. The Bill of Rights guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual – like freedom of speech, press and religion – and limits the power of government. This document forever enshrined the fundamental rights and liberties we hold sacred as Americans and set in motion the greatest self-governance experiment in the history of the world.
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