Governor’s 2026–27 Budget Preview and Team 151 Internships

Rep. Melissa Cerrato February 6, 2026

Dear Friends,

I hope this message finds you well. As I do each week, I wanted to take a moment to share several important updates from Harrisburg and our community.

Team 151 Is Looking for New Interns This March

We’re excited to share that mid-March, our office will be opening applications for one full-time intern (30 hours/week) or two part-time interns (splitting 38 hours/week) to join Team 151.

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be 18 or older
Live within the 151st District
Be available for a 10-week internship session (Most interns choose to renew and stay with us for up to a year)

This is an excellent opportunity for political science majors, students exploring careers in public service, or anyone interested in learning how state government and district offices serve their constituents. Interns gain hands-on experience with community outreach, constituent services, legislative support, and the day-to-day operations that keep a district office running.

If you or someone you know is passionate about civic engagement and eager to make a difference locally, feel free to reach out to my office repcerrato@pahouse.net, call (267) 282-6695 or stop in to speak with Rafia.

We can’t wait to welcome the next members of Team 151.

Governor Shapiro’s 2026–27 Budget Proposal

On Tuesday, Gov. Josh Shapiro presented his 2026–27 budget proposal to the General Assembly. As always, this address marks the beginning of the budget process — nothing in the proposal is final, guaranteed, or set in stone. Still, it’s important for you to know where these conversations start as we prepare for negotiations with the Senate.

The governor outlined a plan focused on affordability, economic opportunity, and strong communities. His proposal aims to cut costs for working families without raising taxes, while making targeted investments designed to help every Pennsylvanian succeed. The plan emphasizes several key priorities:

Ensuring every student in every school has a real chance to succeed through hard work.
Giving local businesses the tools they need to compete, innovate, and create jobs.
Putting money back into the pockets of working Pennsylvanians to help with everyday essentials like groceries, housing, and healthcare.
Strengthening safe, thriving communities and expanding economic development opportunities across the Commonwealth.

Over the next several months, I will participate in budget hearings in Harrisburg to examine the details behind each proposal. These hearings are essential to ensure that the final budget reflects the needs and priorities of our district.

I will also be meeting regularly with my regional delegation, our appropriations team, and caucus leadership. As these discussions move forward, I look forward to advocating for our community and making sure our voices are heard at every step of the process.

National Wear Red Day: Raising Awareness for Women’s Heart Health

Today, we proudly recognize National Wear Red Day, a moment dedicated to raising awareness about women’s heart health. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women. It claims more lives than all forms of cancer combined. In the United States, a woman loses her life to heart disease every eighty seconds.

These statistics underscore the importance of education, prevention, and early detection. By supporting the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, we can help shine a light on this critical issue and encourage women to prioritize their heart health through regular checkups and healthy habits.

Let’s keep this conversation going within our community. If you have heart-healthy tips or resources that have helped you or your loved ones, I welcome you to share them.

Upcoming Events

Attention Seniors! ??

We're hosting a Property Tax/Rent Rebate Assistance Event to help you file your Pennsylvania PTRR for the 2025 tax year! ???Join us and get the assistance you need.

?? Date: February 23rd, 2026 ??Time: 2 PM - 4:30 PM ??Location: Neshaminy Falls Club House (195 Stump Rd., Montgomeryville, PA 18936)

Our team will be there to guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have. Make sure to bring the necessary documents:

2025 Proof of Income (SSA-1099, W2s, Pension 1099-R, etc.)
2025 Proof of Property Taxes showing paid in full
If you rent, a completed and signed Rent Certificate (RC-1000)

For more information, contact us at 267-282-6695 or RepCerrato@pahouse.net. Don't miss out on this opportunity!

Blood Drive

The Ukrainian American Sports Center is hosting a Blood Drive on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 2 PM to 7 PM at 1 Lower State Road, North Wales, PA.

Blood donations are critical for people undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, trauma care, and unexpected emergencies. By donating, you help ensure hospitals have the lifesaving blood supply they rely on every day.

Blood Drive Details

?? Ukrainian American Sports Center

?? Monday, February 23, 2026

? 2 PM to 7 PM

?? 1 Lower State Road, North Wales, PA

?? Make an appointment

Visit RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code uasc.

Or call 1 800 RED CROSS (1 800 733 2767)

Shredding & Electronics Recycling – All at One Event!

Ready to declutter and protect your personal information? Join us for our FREE Shredding and Electronics Recycling Event – the perfect way to safely dispose of old documents and unwanted electronics.

? Protect Your Privacy: Shred sensitive documents securely.

? Go Green: Recycle electronics responsibly and help the environment.

? Give Back: Bring non-perishable food items to support local food banks.

Don’t miss this chance to clear out clutter, safeguard your information, and make a positive impact on your community, all in one event!

Let’s work together for a cleaner, safer, and stronger community!