HARRISBURG, PA – February 3, 2026 – Following Governor Shapiro’s budget address, Senator Lisa M. Boscola highlighted several areas where the General Assembly can build on existing work to strengthen the economy, protect consumers, and support Pennsylvania’s workforce.
“Budget addresses are always hopeful, and this one reinforced that Pennsylvania is moving in the right direction without raising taxes,” Boscola said. “I’m encouraged by the priorities the Governor outlined and look forward to working with him to turn those goals into results.”
Boscola pointed to the Governor’s emphasis on economic development and workforce investment, highlighting the recent $3.5 billion Eli Lilly announcement in the Lehigh Valley. The project, supported in part by EDGE tax credits, PA Sites grants, and workforce development funding totaling roughly $100 million, will create 850 permanent jobs and approximately 2,000 construction jobs. It represents the largest economic development investment in Lehigh Valley history and the largest life sciences investment in Pennsylvania.
“I appreciated the Governor mentioning me during that part of the address,” Boscola said. “I was smiling because this project means jobs, opportunity, and long-term growth for the Lehigh Valley. The Eli Lilly investment shows what is possible when the Commonwealth works closely with local communities and the private sector to deliver real results.”
Boscola also noted the Governor’s continued focus on workforce issues, including the need to address Pennsylvania’s stagnant minimum wage, which has remained at $7.25 an hour. She emphasized the importance of finding a responsible increase that can pass both chambers and be tied to a cost-of-living adjustment.
Building on the workforce theme, Boscola highlighted the Governor’s emphasis on professional licensure reform, including faster approval timelines and a directive to identify additional improvements.
“Streamlining licensure is critical to keeping skilled workers in Pennsylvania,” Boscola said. “As Chair of the Senate committee overseeing professional licensure, I am ready to work with the Governor to turn these recommendations into commonsense reforms that help qualified professionals get to work faster.”
Turning to affordability, Boscola welcomed the Governor’s renewed focus on reenacting Chapter 14, the Responsible Utility Customer Protection Act, which expired after legislative inaction in 2024.
“When Chapter 14 expired, families lost critical statutory protections, including safeguards for medically vulnerable households and clear rules around shut-off notices,” Boscola said. “I commend the Governor for re-energizing this issue and engaging utilities on reenacting these protections.”
Boscola also addressed the Governor’s comments on managing the rapid growth of data centers, stressing the need to protect ratepayers and preserve local decision-making.
“Data centers bring real economic opportunity, but that growth cannot come at the expense of families and small businesses,” Boscola said. “Ratepayers should not be footing the bill for grid upgrades driven by massive new demand. That is why I am advancing the Protecting Pennsylvanians’ Power Act, to ensure these projects pay their fair share and communities have a voice.”
Boscola concluded by emphasizing the importance of follow-through.
“The Governor put important issues on the table,” Boscola said. “Now it is up to the General Assembly to act, work together, and deliver real results for Pennsylvania families.”
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