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In this Update:
Special Olympics Polar Plunge!
What a fantastic day to be at Armstrong Junior-Senior High School for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge to support incredible Special Olympics athletes! Click on the image above to see my latest reel with more photos. The event was re-scheduled from a January date, and we were fortunate to have much warmer temperatures on Friday. My thanks to Armstrong County Commissioner, John Strate for challenging me to participate along with Rep. Abby Major, and Kittanning District Magistrate Ken Bussard. A really cool event! PASSHE Senate Budget Hearing
Thank you to Indiana University of Pennsylvania President Michael Driscoll for participating in the Senate Appropriations Committee PA State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) budget hearing this week. Presidents from Millersville, East Stroudsburg, West Chester and IUP testified at the hearing. Preparing the next generation for Pennsylvania’s workforce requires making sure they have the right tools and knowledge to succeed. We had a productive dialogue about how the universities are working to differentiate themselves from other educational institutions, competing with career and technical schools that are growing, addressing the footprint of universities in PA communities, and more. Gov. Shapiro’s budget proposal would fund PASSHE at the current year’s appropriation of more than $625 million. Saint Nicholas School Visit
On my way home from Harrisburg, it was great to stop by Saint Nicholas Catholic School. There were many thoughtful questions from this bright group of students about state government, including becoming an elected official and various career paths. Thank you for having me! Senate Budget Hearing with the Public Utility Commission
PA Senate Republicans know Pennsylvania being a leader in energy production is key to energy independence and national security. Pennsylvanians have no doubt been forced to deal with the realities and pressures of higher energy costs, which cannot stand. A strong, reliable, and cost-effective energy portfolio across our Commonwealth requires embracing an all-encompassing strategy when it comes to the generation and distribution of power. During the PA Public Utility Commission budget hearing, we took a closer look at the negative impacts of Gov. Shapiro’s energy policies. The PUC oversees more than 8,000 entities which provide utility services across the state. My colleagues and I raised concerns about Gov. Shapiro’s approach to energy leading to higher costs for Pennsylvania consumers, while subsidizing lower energy prices in other states in the region. PUC Commissioners testified that electricity generation is lagging well behind demand and more energy production for the grid is desperately needed. Transportation Funding Video
We took a closer look at many areas of transportation across the Commonwealth and the funding needs of our rural, urban, and suburban communities, during the PennDOT budget hearing with the Senate this week. Click above to watch the video clip. All Pennsylvanians deserve to have access to a safe and reliable transportation network and a strong transportation infrastructure in place. During the questioning of PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll, serious concerns were raised about the questionable management of public transit and infrastructure projects, as well as on the growth of funding held in certain accounts and the lack of transparency surrounding how those dollars are being spent. Before asking taxpayers for more of their tax dollars to be allocated to PennDOT, we need to have a clear accounting of how these billions of dollars are used. Two Weeks of Senate Budget Hearings Conclude
The Senate Appropriations Committee wrapped up two weeks of public hearings on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $53.3 billion proposed state budget, which would increase spending by $2.7 billion, or 5.4%. You can find complete recaps and videos of each hearing here. This week at the hearings with the Budget Office and Department of Revenue, committee members raised concerns about the level of spending, inefficiencies in state government and the potential consequences of irresponsible budgeting. Bill to Ease Shortage in Long-Term Care Workers Approved by Senate
To help alleviate Pennsylvania’s serious shortage of long-term care workers, the Senate approved legislation to allow high school juniors and seniors to earn graduation credit by working or volunteering in these settings so they can consider a career in this crucial field. Health care leaders and senior advocates strongly support Senate Bill 116 because while Pennsylvania’s population over the age of 65 is expected to nearly double by 2040, the number of long-term care professionals declined by 14% from 2019 to 2022. This bill is part of a bipartisan package aimed at strengthening the long-term care workforce. Along with Senate Bill 114 and Senate Bill 115, it awaits action in the House of Representatives. Family Caregivers Can Find Help Through State Support Program
Caring for a loved one is rewarding but also challenging. If you or someone you know could use some help, the state Caregiver Support Program could be the answer. The state Caregiver Support Program provides relief through respite care, education and financial assistance for eligible unpaid caregivers. Each caregiver is assigned a care manager who will come to the home, conduct a comprehensive assessment of the needs of the caregiver, provide support and work with them to develop a care plan. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply, and find other caregiver resources, from the Department of Aging. Online Filing Option Available for PA Personal Income Taxes
If you’re working on your taxes, keep in mind you can file your Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax return online for free through the myPATH portal. It includes automatic calculators, instant confirmation and secure payment options. You can access many features directly from the myPATH homepage without needing to create a username or password. Additional options are offered exclusively to users who opt to create an account. Learn more from the state Department of Revenue. Supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses
Pennsylvania is one of the top states in the nation for veteran-owned small businesses and Invest in Veterans Week (March 1-7) helps focus attention on these patriotic entrepreneurs. These men and women served our nation and are now providing jobs and economic vitality in our communities. Please keep an eye out for veteran-owned businesses in our area. If you’re a veteran looking to start or expand a business, you can find state and federal resources here.
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