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In this Update:
Josh Shapiro’s Hypocrisy Runs Deep — And the Media Is Helping Him Hide It
On Tuesday, Gov. Josh Shapiro stood in the State Capitol and delivered a budget speech full of buzzwords: fairness, transparency, opportunity, justice. But behind every lofty phrase was a different reality — one that exposes the core of Shapiro’s leadership: chronic hypocrisy. This is a governor who talks about “fighting for working families,” but hands out billions in spending without a plan — while families suffer under record high electric bills and cost-of-living pressures. He claims to care about financial responsibility — while draining Pennsylvania’s Rainy Day Fund to fuel the unchecked growth of government. And perhaps most outrageously of all, he claims to stand for women. But here’s the truth he didn’t mention Tuesday: Shapiro’s administration quietly paid out nearly $300,000 in taxpayer money to settle a sexual harassment complaint involving a senior aide. There was no press conference. No apology. No accountability. The staffer stayed on the job for months after the allegations were known. It was business as usual — and the public was kept in the dark. How can a man who claims to fight for women’s rights justify keeping a known harasser in a position of power while using taxpayer dollars to make the problem go away? If any Republican had done the same, the press would have exploded with outrage. But because it was Shapiro, the story barely made a ripple. That’s not just hypocrisy — that’s protection by the political class and the media that props it up. And the contradictions don’t stop there. Josh Shapiro accepted over $1.6 million from billionaire Reid Hoffman, a known associate of Jeffrey Epstein. He never returned it. He never explained it. He just cashed the check and moved on. This is the same man who, as attorney general, fought to block a full investigation into the suspicious death of Ellen Greenberg — a woman found with 20 stab wounds, later ruled a “suicide.” Her parents are still fighting for answers. Shapiro turned his back on them. He talks about standing for women — and yet buried a harassment scandal, blocked a homicide investigation, and kept campaign cash from a man linked to the most notorious sex trafficker of our time. How many more red flags do we need? The media won’t ask. They’d rather celebrate his “tone” and “moderation.” But the people of Pennsylvania deserve more than a well-rehearsed speech. They deserve the truth. Josh Shapiro’s hypocrisy isn’t just a character flaw. It’s a pattern. He says the right things — then does the exact opposite. He claims to stand for women — then protects the powerful men who hurt them. He claims transparency — but settles scandals in the shadows. The budget speech may have been polished. But the record? It’s stained. It’s time for the media to stop protecting Josh Shapiro. And it’s time for the people of Pennsylvania to demand answers — not more empty words. Visit with Adams County Technical Institute Students
On Monday, an outstanding group of students from Adams County Technical Institute stopped by the capitol for a tour! We had a wonderful time together. ACTI in Gettysburg, PA, is helping students choose their path to a successful career. Through hands-on, industry-relevant programs, ACTI prepares high school juniors and seniors with the real-world skills, certifications, and experience they need to thrive after graduation. Visit with Pastors from the Church Ambassador Network
I was honored to welcome several pastors from the Church Ambassador Network for a tour of the Pennsylvania Senate Chamber. We reflected on the rich biblical foundations and historical principles woven throughout the artwork and architecture—powerful reminders that faith, freedom, and moral responsibility played a vital role in shaping our government. From Scripture-inspired imagery to symbols of justice and service, the Senate Chamber tells a story rooted in timeless truths. My Response to Shapiro’s Bloated Budget
This isn’t a budget — it’s a blueprint for bigger government, higher taxes and long-term financial pain for families already stretched thin. Shapiro wants more power, more programs and more of your money — and he expects zero pushback. He’s wrong. Right now, Pennsylvanians are getting hammered at every angle. Grocery prices are still sky-high. Rent and housing costs are breaking records. Gas isn’t cheap, and energy bills are crushing working families — especially electric bills, which have soared under Shapiro’s failure to lead. Instead of relief, Shapiro’s budget piles on $2.7 billion in new spending — while raiding $4.6 billion from our Rainy Day Fund like it’s his personal piggy bank. This is not leadership. It’s looting the future to cover his failures of the present. This budget increases state spending by 5.4%. That’s not a ‘tweak’ — that’s an explosion. Human Services gets a $1.4 billion bump. Corrections? Up by $142 million — even with prison closures. So, where’s the belt-tightening? There is none. Just more bureaucracy, more waste and more promises with no plan to pay for them. Pennsylvania doesn’t have a revenue problem. It has a spending addiction — and Shapiro’s the one feeding it. For the past three years, Senate Republicans have been the only force stopping reckless tax hikes and bloated budgets. To advance his selfish ambition to be president, Shapiro is spending $100 million to wage political war with the federal government — using taxpayer money to get his name in the news. Instead of fixing our roads, lowering your bills or investing in local needs, he’s picking fights to boost his national image. Let’s be blunt: Gov. Shapiro has a transparency problem — and not just with the budget. His office quietly paid out $295,000 to settle a sexual harassment complaint involving a top aide — and kept that person on the job for months. No real accountability. No public answers. Just cover-up politics. Even worse, Shapiro still refuses to do the right thing in the Ellen Greenberg case — a beautiful young woman found dead with 20 stab wounds, that he agreed was a suicide. As attorney general, he fought to block further investigation into her death. As governor, he’s still silent. Her parents have begged for answers. He’s turned his back on them. That’s not leadership. That’s cowardice. If you can’t tell the truth about a woman’s brutal death — or your own staff’s misconduct — how can anyone trust your budget? This budget is a disaster. It’s bloated, dishonest and dangerous to our long-term future. We need leadership that respects your paycheck, lowers your electric bill, restores accountability and tells the truth. Senate Republicans will stand firm — because Pennsylvania doesn’t need more government. It needs a government that works.” Condemning Antisemitic Rally in Philadelphia, And Urging Passage of Holocaust Education Bill
I strongly and unequivocally condemn the antisemitic rally held in Philadelphia. What took place was not peaceful protest or legitimate political expression — it was the open glorification of terrorism, explicit incitement to violence and the intimidation of an entire religious community. The event, organized by the Philly Palestine Coalition in Rittenhouse Square, promoted extremist ideology and invoked figures and slogans directly tied to Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization responsible for the brutal murder, rape and kidnapping of Israeli and American civilians. Accounts from the rally describe chants calling for violent uprising, speakers urging fear and intimidation, the display of terrorist symbols and grotesque imagery depicting people in nooses. Most disturbing were direct calls encouraging violent attacks — language that was deliberate, explicit and dangerous. At a time when antisemitism is rising at an alarming rate across our nation, events like this do nothing but stoke the flames of hate. Jewish communities are facing increased harassment, threats and violence simply because of who they are. Rhetoric that glorifies terrorism, calls for ‘martyrdom’ or dehumanizes Jews fuels extremism, emboldens bad actors and creates a climate of fear. This must stop. History teaches us that when antisemitism is tolerated, minimized or met with silence, it spreads. Silence in moments like this is not neutrality. It is acquiescence. I call on elected officials at every level of government to speak with clarity and conviction against what occurred. Pennsylvania must stand firmly and without hesitation against antisemitism, political violence and extremist hatred. Our values — and the safety of our communities — demand nothing less. This is why we must act now and pass Senate Bill 127 — the Holocaust Education Bill. Education is the most powerful tool we have to eliminate ignorance, foster understanding and prevent hatred from taking root. The bill ensures that future generations learn the truth about the Holocaust and the devastating consequences of unchecked antisemitism. This is not a Democrat or Republican issue — it is a human rights issue. Every Pennsylvanian deserves to live free from fear, harassment and hate. By teaching history accurately and comprehensively, we equip our children to reject extremism and embrace tolerance. I urge my colleagues in the General Assembly to join me in supporting Senate Bill 127. Let us send a clear message: Pennsylvania will not tolerate antisemitism, terrorism glorification or threats to our communities. Together, we can take meaningful action to protect our citizens and uphold the values that define us.” Reminder: Slow Down, Move Over
With winter weather creating hazardous road conditions, please remember Pennsylvania’s “Slow Down, Move Over” Law ( ACT 105 of 2020). When approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or highway crews working to clear snow and ice, slow down and move over when safe to do so. This simple step helps protect our road workers, law enforcement, tow truck operators, and all those working to keep our streets safe this winter Throwback
In a place filled with uncertainty, I shared one last moment with Diesel before the mission. A soldier, a map, and a cat who never missed a send-off. Senate Approves Measure to Prohibit Student Cellphone Use in PA Schools
To curb classroom distractions and improve academic performance and social development, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation to require Pennsylvania public schools to adopt policies prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day. Senate Bill 1014 ensures districts retain local control by giving them the flexibility to choose how to implement and enforce the standard in a way that works best for their communities, including deciding where phones must be stored. School administrators, teachers and parents across Pennsylvania have increasingly expressed concern about the proven link between smartphones and anxiety, depression, cyberbullying and reduced classroom engagement. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. 2026 Adult Trout Stocking Schedule Available
Looking forward to trout season? The 2026 adult trout stocking schedule is now available online from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. It’s searchable by county, lists the waterways in alphabetical order, and indicates stocking dates, meeting locations for volunteers and the species of trout that are planned to be stocked at each location. In 2026, Pennsylvania’s statewide Opening Day of Trout Season will be held on Saturday, April 4. A single, statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day will take place on Saturday, March 28. The commission will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 684 streams and 130 lakes open to public angling, about the same number as previously. Grants to Help Preserve History Ahead of America’s 250th
Communities across our district can apply now for state grants to help preserve historic places, strengthen local revitalization efforts and prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary this year. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will award Keystone Historic Preservation Grants to support projects that identify, preserve, promote and protect historic and archaeological resources. This year’s program prioritizes projects that align with the themes of America250, ensuring Pennsylvania’s rich history is preserved as the nation marks its semiquincentennial. More information is available at Keystone Planning Projects and Keystone Constructions Projects. Career and Technical Education Month
Career and technical education (CTE) prepares students to enter high-demand fields, including health care, manufacturing, public safety, information technology, skilled trades and more. More than 75,000 Pennsylvania students are enrolled in CTE, where they can develop essential skills through a combination of classes and hands-on learning, allowing them to apply academics to real-world problems. Career and Technical Education Month shines a spotlight on the importance of CTE programs, the opportunities they provide in crucial fields and their role in making the commonwealth more economically competitive and a place where young Pennsylvanians can settle and prosper.
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