|
||
|
Dear Friends, Last year, as part of Act 89 of 2024, Pennsylvania launched the Grow PA Grant Scholarship Program to help students reduce college debt while filling critically needed jobs across the Commonwealth. This program provides $5,000 per year to eligible students pursuing careers in high-demand fields like nursing, STEM, education, agriculture, and more. To qualify, students must live in Pennsylvania, attend a PA post-secondary institution, and commit to working in the state for one year per year of scholarship received. If a recipient does not fulfill the agreement, the scholarship converts into a loan. This is a great opportunity for students to receive financial support while preparing for a career that benefits Pennsylvania’s workforce. Applications open in March 2025. Learn more at PHEAA website. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Poll QuestionLast week we asked the question of “Do you support taxing skill games in Pennsylvania?” Below are the results. Yes: 69% There are roughly 70,000 unregulated skill game terminals all across Pennsylvania in bars, VFWs, and convenience stores to name a few locations. The Governor is proposing a 52% tax rate, similar to casino slot machines. It is unclear how much revenue the state will receive if this tax is enacted. Pennsylvania is facing a $3.2 billion deficit for fiscal year 2025-2026. Senate Continues to Dissect Shapiro’s Budget to Protect PA Consumers, Empower Parents
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, we continued public hearings this week on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed $51.5 billion spending plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26. His plan would increase state spending by more than 7.5% above the current year’s budget. Shapiro’s spending plan would create a funding shortfall of more than $27 billion in the next five years, so Senate Republicans are carefully reviewing proposed expenses to avoid big financial issues. Among the highlights of recent budget hearings: During the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) budget hearing, discussion centered on inefficient government and delays people experience when trying to get permits. The governor’s continued pursuit of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax on Pennsylvania consumers and the hidden cost of Shapiro’s new “Lightning” energy plan were also discussed, including the fact that both plans would raise energy prices for consumers, limit job growth, and make our electric grid less reliable. The Department of Aging hearing highlighted concerns about the accountability, oversight and costs of court-appointed guardians. The viability of the Lottery Fund, which pays for new initiatives benefiting older Pennsylvanians, and helping seniors avoid financial scams were also part of the conversation. At the Department of Education budget hearing, committee members shared problems regarding education funding and declining student proficiency in basics like reading and math. While Shapiro calls for an increase of $860 million, Senate Republicans are focused on the need for greater accountability in education. The importance of career and technical centers, apprenticeships and other job-training programs was also discussed. Members of the committee also highlighted the importance of school choice programs, including Lifeline Scholarships to support choice options in low-performing schools. Thursday’s hearings include the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Community and Economic Development. Budget Hearing Q&A: Agriculture (Part 1) Find the hearings schedule, livestreams of budget hearings, daily recaps and video from prior hearings at PASenateGOP.com. Over $1 Million in Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Grants Awarded to Montgomery and Berks Counties
I am pleased to announce that several municipalities in the 24th Senate District will benefit from over $1 million in grants for traffic and pedestrian safety projects, courtesy of the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s (CFA) Multimodal Transportation Fund. Here are the awarded projects:
These investments will have a lasting impact on the safety and reliability of our transportation infrastructure. Scam Jam – March 20
Join me, along with PA Banking and Securities, Eastern Berks Regional Police, Berks County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and AARP Pennsylvania Office, on March 20 at 9:30 AM at Boyertown Area Multi-Service for yet another important Scam Jam event! Learn how to spot fraud, protect your finances, and keep yourself and your loved ones safe. We’ll have experts sharing the latest scam tactics and real tips to avoid becoming a victim. Don’t miss this chance to stay one step ahead! Register here. 4th Annual Youth Fishing Derby – April 12
I’m pleased to invite you to my 4th Annual Youth Fishing Derby on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Camp Wawa Park in Schwenksville! This event promises to be a day of fun and learning for all ages, with activities designed to engage the community and educate participants about the rich diversity of Pennsylvania’s wildlife. You’ll have the chance to learn about our native birds, mammals, and the importance of environmental conservation, while enjoying some time on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to fishing, everyone is welcome to join in on the fun! Don’t forget to bring your own fishing poles and bait to make the most of the experience. This event is open to all youth, and I encourage families to come out, explore the outdoors, and connect with others in the community. For more information or to register, please visit my website or contact my Red Hill office at (215) 541-2388. I look forward to seeing you there for a morning of fishing, fun, and learning! Nonprofit Grant Seminar – April 24
I am pleased to announce my upcoming Nonprofit Grant Seminar, hosted in partnership with TriCounty Community Network (TCN), on April 24, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The event will take place at the Copperfield Inn at Lakeside, located at 594 W Ridge Pike, Limerick, PA. This seminar offers a valuable opportunity for regional nonprofit organizations to enhance their grant application skills for securing federal, state, and private funding resources. We are excited to offer this resource to help your organization succeed in navigating the grant process. I look forward to seeing you there and working together to strengthen our local nonprofits! To register, please visit here. Reporting State Fraud and Waste
Commonwealth employees and private citizens can take action to stop fraud and misconduct in Pennsylvania state government. Complaints can be made online with the Office of the State Inspector General (OSIG) against a commonwealth employee, agency or contractor regarding an issue related to an executive agency of the commonwealth. The OSIG works to maintain public confidence in government by combating fraud, waste, misconduct and abuse in commonwealth programs, operations and contracts. Connect with Employers at the Commonwealth Job Fair on March 5
The Commonwealth Job Fair offers the opportunity to connect with more than 30 Pennsylvania state agencies and to learn more about public service. There are openings in transportation, finance, health care, wildlife management, public safety and more. You can also learn about career growth and other benefits. It will be held Wednesday, March 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. See open positions, learn more and register here. Snowmobiling in State Forests and Parks
State parks and forests offer all sorts of recreational opportunities, including snowmobiling. There are thousands of miles and hundreds of acres of designated snowmobile areas for exploration. As long as there is enough snow cover, snowmobile trails open the day after the last day of Pennsylvania’s regular or extended rifle deer season and close April 1 or earlier as determined by the district forester or park manager. During snowmobiling season, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources posts snow and trail conditions three times per week. While riding your snowmobile, you must carry with you or on the vehicle a certificate of registration, proof of liability insurance, registration plate affixed to the vehicle, expiration stickers (does not apply to limited registration) and valid safety certificate (ages 10-15 if riding off of parent’s or guardian’s property). Learn more. Preventing Heart Attacks and Strokes
February is American Heart Month, which is a wonderful time for people of all ages to take steps to protect their hearts. Typically, we think of heart disease and stroke when we think of the challenges that can result from poor heart health. Maintaining healthy blood pressure and eating well can help to prevent a cardiac event. But heart health isn’t just for adults. More than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year. By learning CPR, you will be ready to respond in an emergency.
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. |
||
|
||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorpennycuick.com | Privacy Policy |
