HARRISBURG – Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) issued the following statement on the passage of the FY26-27 budget and its implementing legislation.
“Today, the General Assembly passed a budget after months of meetings, negotiations and ultimately compromise. As Pennsylvania has a divided government, it requires compromise from both sides for passage.
“As Pennsylvanians are dealing with the affordability crisis, this budget does not raise taxes, preserves the rainy day fund, and is significantly less than what the governor proposed in February.
“This budget still invests in the commonwealth in a responsible manner by increasing funds for nursing homes, ensuring our older population receives the care it deserves. It also increases support for rape crisis centers, which is the first increase in six years. In addition, it establishes the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods Grant Program, which will deliver additional state funding to local law enforcement to improve their ability to investigate violent crimes. It deploys funding at a rapid pace for local road projects which will result in $10.5 million in Cambria County, $9.3 million in Centre County and $10 million for Clearfield County.
“The legislation recovers billions stuck in the bureaucracy of state government and reinvests it in the commonwealth’s operation. Over the last two years, Senate Republicans have returned over $4.5 billion in special funds back to the General Fund.
“Locally, I am proud to have negotiated alongside Majority Leader Joe Pittman, Senators Pat Stefano and Judy Ward to ensure local constituents will have access to their local pharmacies, including Martella’s Pharmacy. This provision will help strengthen healthcare access and provide a responsible, timely path forward for pharmacies that have been impacted by PBM practices. It’s an important step toward ensuring that residents can continue to rely on their local pharmacies for care close to home.”