PENNSYLVANIA - As 2025 comes to a close, Pennsylvania is preparing for a year of historic milestones and significant policy "resets." From the biggest global stage in sports to major changes in how we are paid, protected, and treated in the doctor's office, 2026 is set to be a transformative year for the Commonwealth.
Whether you’re a resident of the Philadelphia suburbs, the innovation hubs of Pittsburgh, or the rural heartlands, here are the five biggest trends and laws you will face in the new year.
1. The New Financial Lifeline: The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
One of the most anticipated shifts for 2026 is the rollout of the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit. For the first time, the state is offering a 10% match to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
- The Impact: Roughly 940,000 low-to-moderate-income workers will see their tax refunds grow. For many families, this translates to an extra $400 to $800 back in their pockets during the 2026 tax season.
- The Process: If you qualify for the federal credit, you are automatically eligible for the state boost, providing immediate relief as the cost of living continues to fluctuate.
2. The Healthcare Pivot: Medicaid Cuts and New Screenings
Healthcare in Pennsylvania is seeing a dual trend: narrowing access to "lifestyle" drugs while expanding life-saving diagnostic coverage.
- GLP-1 Narrowing: Starting January 1st, the state’s Medicaid program (Medical Assistance) will stop covering popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound solely for weight loss. Coverage will remain strictly for those with Type 2 diabetes or specific cardiovascular conditions.
- No-Cost Screenings: Conversely, Senate Bill 88 takes effect in late January, mandating that insurers cover supplemental breast cancer screenings (MRIs and ultrasounds) at zero cost for high-risk patients.
3. The "Summer of the Century": Pennsylvania Takes the World Stage
In 2026, Pennsylvania won't just be a state; it will be an international destination. A rare alignment of events is turning Philadelphia and the surrounding region into a global hub.
- America 250: As the birthplace of the nation, Pennsylvania will lead the Semiquincentennial celebrations, with massive historical festivals planned throughout the year.
- Global Sports: Between hosting FIFA World Cup matches and the MLB All-Star Game, the state is bracing for a multi-billion-dollar tourism surge that will redefine the local hospitality and transportation industries.
4. Safety & Identity: The CROWN Act and 24-Hour Alerts
Two major social shifts take effect in late January (Jan 23rd and 24th) that will change how we interact in schools and workplaces.
- The CROWN Act: Pennsylvania officially outlaws discrimination based on hair texture or protective hairstyles (like locs, braids, and twists). This new protection applies to all workplaces with four or more employees.
- School Weapon Alerts: Under Senate Bill 246, schools are now legally required to notify all parents within 24 hours if a weapon is found on campus, ending the era of delayed disclosures and prioritizing parental transparency.
5. Green Living: "Rewilding" the Keystone State
A growing environmental trend for 2026 is the move away from the "perfect" manicured lawn. Influenced by state-wide sustainability initiatives, more homeowners are embracing "Rewilding."
- The Trend: This involves replacing traditional grass with native Pennsylvania wildflowers and "gravel gardens" to support local pollinators.
- Eco-Sourcing: Sustainable design is also moving indoors, with a massive surge in demand for locally sourced "mass timber" and recycled materials in home renovations.
Looking Ahead
As Pennsylvania navigates these shifts, the overarching theme of 2026 is modernization. From our tax code to our civil rights laws, the Commonwealth is finally aligning its policies with the needs of a 21st-century workforce as it prepares to host the world.
Shapiro's Tax Credit Announcement
This video features Governor Josh Shapiro detailing how the new tax credit will provide a direct financial boost to nearly one million Pennsylvania households starting this year.
