My thoughts on the Governor's Budget Address

Rep. Leanne Krueger February 3, 2026

PA Representative Leanne Krueger banner image

Dear Neighbor,

Last week’s extreme cold and winter storm limited the House to a single voting session day on Wednesday. We’re back in Harrisburg this week, and today Governor Shapiro presented his proposed 2026–2027 state budget, officially starting this year’s budget process. I was proud to invite two local guests to join me on the House floor to watch the budget address in person: Wallingford-Swarthmore School District Superintendent Dr. Russell Johnston and Executive Director of the Domestic Abuse Project Michelle Brown.

The Governor’s budget address lays out his initial proposal for the year. It will now be examined in greater detail through budget hearings held by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees over the next few weeks, before being negotiated with the Legislature as we approach the June 30 end of the fiscal year. I always listen to the budget address with an ear toward what matters most to the people I represent in Delaware County.

One issue that really stood out to me this year came near the end of the Governor’s 83-minute remarks: his new plans to fight for energy affordability. My office has received many calls from neighbors shocked by how much their energy bills have increased over the past year. Some have asked for help applying for LIHEAP, but not everyone meets the income requirements. Many families are struggling to cover this essential expense, and many of our seniors are especially hard hit. I was glad to hear the Governor address this issue head-on in his remarks.

Here's an excerpt from his speech:

“First, I am calling on the PUC (Public Utilities Commission) to scrutinize utility spending.

I want the PUC to examine every single line of every single bill to ensure each customer dollar is being well spent.

We’re joined today by Chairman Steve DeFrank and members of the PUC, who’ve agreed to begin this work immediately.

Second, I’ve created a new watchdog within my Administration, a Special Counsel for Energy Affordability tasked with closely examining utility rate requests and taking legal action to stop utility companies from jacking up their rates and costing you more.

And third, we need to have a hard conversation about the amount of profit utilities and their investors can make on the backs of hardworking Pennsylvanians.

S&P Global Ratings currently ranks Pennsylvania as one of the top four states in the country for utilities to make a profit.

At a time when consumers are struggling with high costs, our utilities need to be more sensitive to the reality of their customers.

I’m working with the PUC to prevent excessive utility profits this year, but the General Assembly needs to take action to lower costs for consumers going forward, by giving the PUC a set of benchmarks to follow when determining how much utilities can make.

We grant these utilities a monopoly — and in exchange, they have a legal responsibility to keep their costs just and reasonable.

They shouldn’t get one dollar more than what they need to meet their customers’ needs.

Together, these steps will save Pennsylvanians over $500 million on their energy bills every year.”

I look forward to working alongside Governor Shapiro to make this a reality. Several bills are already moving through our House Energy Committee, and I will keep you updated on their progress.

You can read the full text of the Governor’s budget address here: Governor Shapiro’s 2026-27 Budget Address as Prepared for Delivery | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Know Your Rights

Last Saturday, I joined a training in Lansdowne called Neighbors Protecting Neighors for people who wanted to learn about their rights if ICE shows up in their communities and how to advocate for vulnerable neighbors. There was a huge response: 150 people signed up within 24 hours, another 300+ signed up to be notified of future trainings, and the room was packed. If you are interested in finding out about future trainings like this, sign up here: Delco F.I.R.E. Team — U.D.T.J.

While we aren’t seeing the kind of intense escalation that is happening in Minneapolis in Delco yet, there is already ICE activity here. The Delaware County Times reported over the weekend that up to 300 people have been detained by ICE in Upper Darby alone and last week our Congresswoman, Mary Gay Scanlon, visited the Philadelphia Detention Center to find out more about the death of Parady La, an Upper Darby resident who died last month while being held in custody in Philadelphia. La came to the United States from Cambodia with his family as a refugee when he was a toddler and he had permanent legal status.

There are other signs that ICE activity could be scaling up soon: the Delaware County Times reported today that ICE bought a 527,000-square-foot warehouse in Berks County for $87.4 million.

Meanwhile, the Shapiro administration put together a new list of resources for individuals and organizations/businesses to consider during immigration enforcement operations: Know Your Rights | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

PA House Legislative Fellowship Program

Applications for the Summer 2026 Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program are now being accepted!

The Fellowship Program is based in our magnificent Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Fellows are assigned to work in House Standing Committees or House Leadership offices, receive compensation (which may include college credit), and have the opportunity to draft and present legislation, attend meet-and-greets with public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic sites, among other experiences. The Summer Semester runs from Thursday, June 4, through Thursday, August 6, 2026.

Qualified applicants will be:

College undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students;
Enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university, or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and
Pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

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.

Scholarship Opportunities

Applications are now being accepted for the PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program. Administered through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, the program is open to graduating high school seniors who reside in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

TFEC awards two four-year scholarships to high school seniors each year. Each scholarship covers the cost of one semester of tuition at the State System of Higher Education for each of the four years. 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.

In the District

Discovering History and Culture at the American Swedish Historical Museum

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to visit the American Swedish Historical Museum in Philadelphia’s FDR Park, at the invitation of a local resident who serves on their Board of Directors. This beautiful museum features permanent collections, rotating exhibitions, and engaging programs that have shared history and culture for nearly 100 years.

As we look ahead to our nation’s 250th anniversary, the museum underscores the important role that immigration and diverse cultures have played in shaping America’s story.

It is truly a hidden gem close to home and definitely a place worth visiting! To find out more about the museum and programs visit: https://www.americanswedish.org/

Visit to Upland Fire Company

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting the Upland Fire Company and spending time with the volunteers who serve our community every day.

During my visit, I met with Chief Joseph Taylor, President Ann Marie Wehe, and many members of their volunteer leadership team. We discussed the day-to-day challenges volunteer fire companies face, from recruiting new members to managing the rising costs of equipment and facility needs. We also talked in depth about state grant programs that support fire and emergency services and the critical role these resources play in helping them do their work.

Upland Fire Company also provides fire and EMS assistance through mutual aid relationships with Parkside, Brookhaven, and Chester when neighboring communities need support.

Ensuring that our local first responders have the funding, tools, and support they need is a top priority. Visits like this give me the chance to hear directly from those on the front lines so I can continue advocating for programs and investments that strengthen public safety in our community.

Chelsea Tank Farm Gasoline Release Public Meeting

Wednesday, February 4

Lia’s Catering

1405 Meetinghouse Rd.

Upper Chichester, PA 19061

MIPC will host a public meeting to provide information about an underground gasoline release at the Chelsea Tank Farm in Aston Township, which was reported just before Christmas, and to discuss ongoing cleanup efforts. Representatives from MIPC will be on hand to explain the remediation process and answer questions from the community

Important Programs & Services

Good news for working families

With tax season underway, I want to make sure eligible residents know about new state tax credits that can put real money back into the pockets of working families.

Last year, I voted for the creation of the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit as part of the state budget. Modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), this new credit can provide up to $805 in tax relief for eligible workers.

If you qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), you’ll automatically receive the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit when you file both your federal and PA state tax returns online at the same time. This tax cut builds on the expansion of the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit, continuing our work to make like more affordable for Pennsylvania families.

The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit is expected to deliver $193 million in tax savings to approximately 940,000 Pennsylvanians this year.

Visit pa.gov/wptc for more information and to check eligibility using an online calculator

Anglers Get Ready!

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has posted its 2026 trout stocking schedule!

The full stocking schedule, where you can search by county, can be found here: https://fbweb.pa.gov/TroutStocking

Here are some key dates for the season.

March 28 marks the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day.
April 4 kicks off the statewide Opening Day of Trout Season.
Sunday, May 24 and Saturday, July 4 are Fish for Free Days.

Our Events

Need Help Navigating Medicare?

Medicare coverage can be confusing – but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our office offers FREE, one-on-one Medicare counseling through PA MEDI.

Whether you’re new to Medicare, need help during open enrollment, have questions about Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans (Part D), or want to understand Medigap supplemental insurance, a trained PA MEDI counselor can guide you every step of the way.

PA MEDI provides clear, unbiased information for people on Medicare, their families, and caregivers. They do not sell or recommend Medicare insurance products, agents, or brokers.

Appointments fill up quickly. Contact my office today to schedule yours.

For year-round Medicare assistance call your local PA MEDI program or the toll-free PA MEDI Helpline at 1-800-783-7067 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer within Pennsylvania’s Aging Services Network? To find out more about opportunities check HERE or contact Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging.

Upcoming PA MEDI Webinars

Preregistration is required to receive the Zoom link.

Call 610-534-6880 or email RepKrueger@pahouse.net

Medicare Updates for 2026

Thursday, February 26

6 PM – 7 PM

Learn about Original Medicare Premiums, Deductibles, Copays, NEW plans, and more.

Medicare: Cost Sharing

Tuesday, May 19

10 AM – 11 AM

Learn about Savings Programs, Extra Help Programs, and PACE/PACENET to help you offset your costs.

Medicare: Supplemental Plans