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In this Update:
Working to Enact a Responsible State Budget
This past week, I spoke with abc27 News about Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2024-25 state budget. The governor wants to spend more than $48.3 billion, which would be an increase in expenditures of $3.2 billion, or about 7.1%. This would make it virtually impossible to balance future budgets without deep spending cuts AND massive tax increases within the next five-year planning period. Much of the money he wants to spend is one-time dollars. The minute you start using one-time dollars for recurring expenses you’re setting yourself up for a fiscal calamity. We must ensure the final state budget respects taxpayers and prepares for the future. The process of finding ways to rein in this spending includes three weeks of budget hearings held by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Hearings begin Tuesday, Feb. 24, with appearances by the Independent Fiscal Office, Department of Corrections and Pennsylvania Parole Board, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Department of Community and Economic Development, Department of Labor and Industry and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Livestreams of the hearings and daily recaps will be available here I will share updates on this important process each week. The hearings will review Gov. Shapiro’s spending plan and ask administration officials about the need for any proposed expenses. From there, a budget that more appropriately reflects the needs of taxpayers can be developed before the constitutional deadline of June 30. Shielding Pennsylvanians from Cybersecurity Attacks
The Senate approved legislation to improve cybersecurity defenses by setting cybersecurity standards for IT procurement within state government. Cyberattacks and data breaches – experienced by multiple state agencies – highlight the need for increased cybersecurity measures to protect the valuable data of every Pennsylvanian. The bill would require any acquisition of computer hardware by the state to adhere to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines for computer security. NIST’s comprehensive approach includes standards, guidelines and best practices to effectively manage cybersecurity-related risks. Grants Awarded to 41st Senatorial District Fire/EMS Companies
Fire companies and emergency medical service (EMS) providers throughout Pennsylvania, including those in the 41st Senatorial District, are receiving grants through the state’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program (FCEMSGP). A full list of the grant recipients can be found here. The FCEMSGP is administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner and makes annual grants available for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads. Eligible projects in accordance with the 2023-24 FCEMSGP include facility upgrades, equipment, debt reduction, training and certification, education and public outreach, and recruitment and retention efforts. Additionally, fire companies were permitted to apply for construction savings accounts for new facility construction. All fire companies, emergency medical services and volunteer rescue squads are eligible to apply for this annual grant program. AP Government Class at Armstrong Junior-Senior High School
I recently had the pleasure of visiting with students in an AP Government class at Armstrong Junior-Senior High School. We discussed my path into public service and being elected to serve as a member of the Pennsylvania Senate. The students had thoughtful questions about current affairs and various issues our state and country are currently facing. Thank you to my friend and teacher, Mr. Randy Cloak, for inviting me to visit his class – I enjoyed the time and conversations shared. PA Parks Offer Free Events for People of All Ages
As people start to feel a bit of cabin fever this time of year, it can be a great time to take advantage of recreational opportunities offered at Pennsylvania state parks. There are free or low-cost seminars to interest people of all ages. Some examples include a winter photography walk, an introduction to cross country skiing, make and take tree cookie crafts, a cast iron cooking lesson and even a full moon hike. Find a full calendar of events, including some that are virtual, and sign up here. Protect Your Money by Investing Wisely
Trying to research financial services, products or companies can be confusing, but investing without first investigating can be a costly mistake. The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) offers free information about how to research people, companies and investments. If you’re not sure where to start, call the department at 1-800-600-0007. Learn more about the free and confidential help DoBS provides. Student Art Contest Raises Lyme Disease Awareness
Pennsylvania has one of the highest counts of Lyme disease cases in the nation. Symptoms often initially include fever, headache and extreme tiredness. If the disease is untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system. First- through sixth-graders can help spread the word about preventing this tick-borne illness by entering the Pennsylvania Department of Health Lyme Art Contest. They are encouraged to submit a poster or video showing how to avoid exposure to ticks, check for ticks and/or remove ticks safely by March 15 at 5 p.m. Find more information, including how to apply, here. Happy Presidents Day!
On Monday, Feb. 19, we recognize Presidents Day and reflect on the effort it takes to guide our country in the right direction. Originally, the holiday was to honor our first president – George Washington – but it has since been expanded. Because of the holiday, my offices will be closed with normal business hours resuming on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
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