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Dear Friends, As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, we concluded a three-week review of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal. Below for your information, is video of the hearings by department. The governor’s $51.5 billion spending plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26 features a 7.5% spending increase over the current year. The Senate projected that Shapiro’s spending plan would create a funding shortfall of more than $27 billion over the next five years. Members highlighted the Administration’s unrealistic new revenues, suppressing future human services and education costs, overstating baseline revenue growth, program eliminations, tax credit revisions and other concerns. The current budget has a $3 billion structural deficit, and Shapiro’s plan would grow this deficit to $6 billion next year. As your Senator, I am committed to holding the line on new taxes and using realistic projections on revenue and expenditures to ensure Pennsylvania’s fiscal strength for years to come. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Poll Question
As we approach the start of Daylight-Saving Time this weekend, we are revisiting an important issue. Last session, Pennsylvania introduced a resolution to eliminate the biannual time change, but it did not pass. A similar resolution has been reintroduced in the current session. Do you support taking action to permanently end Daylight Saving Time? Take my poll here. Senate Finishes Review of Shapiro’s Massive Spending Proposal
The Senate Appropriations Committee concluded the third week of its examination of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal, which totals $51.5 billion and would increase state spending by 7.5% over the current year’s budget. Despite a huge increase overall, Shapiro proposes cutting important initiatives that serve Pennsylvanians and the employers that provide their jobs. The Department of Agriculture hearing focused on Avian Influenza, including its threat to the state economy and the effect it has already had on egg prices. Despite these serious problems, Shapiro proposed cutting the funding for programs to fight Avian Influenza by $25 million. The governor’s proposed cuts to agriculture threaten a top industry in Pennsylvania that supports more than 593,000 jobs. Budget Hearing Q&A: Agriculture (Part 1) The committee discussed a decision by Shapiro at the Department of Community and Economic Development hearing to cut $15 million earmarked for highly successful workforce development programs. The programs meet the needs of Pennsylvanians and prepare them to fill roles for in-demand industries. Making cuts that impact the ability of people to secure family-sustaining jobs and contribute to our economy doesn’t make sense. Budget Hearing Q&A: Community & Economic Development During the Department of Corrections and Pennsylvania Parole Board hearing, committee members discussed the financial impacts of prison closures. The Shapiro Administration wants to close two prisons and two community corrections centers. Yet, Shapiro still wants to increase overall spending for the state correctional institution system by $143 million to a total of $3.3 billion. Then, he uses completely unrealistic spending estimates and claims there won’t be any increases for the next four budget years. It’s his attempt to make it look like his budget balances for the next four years – nothing more than a budget gimmick that masks the true challenges in the years ahead. Budget Hearing Q&A: Corrections/Parole Board (Part 1) The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and Office of the State Fire Commissioner hearing highlighted Shapiro’s poor budget projections for PEMA. His budget would slash funding for the agency by nearly $13.5 million, a reduction of 29%. Among the proposed cuts was the elimination of $6 million for Urban Search and Rescue, an initiative the governor just signed into law in October 2024. Budget Hearing Q&A: PEMA/Fire Commissioner At the Department of Human Services (DHS) hearing, committee members shared concerns about Shapiro’s plan to increase DHS spending by approximately $2 billion, a jump of more than 10% compared to this budget year. In addition to the rapid growth of the department, discussion also covered excessive Medicaid expenses for GLP-1 medications like Ozempic for weight loss and a waiver that allows able-bodied Pennsylvanians without dependents to receive food assistance without meeting work requirements. Budget Hearing Q&A: Human Services (Part 1) At the hearing for the Budget Secretary and Executive Offices, members highlighted the Shapiro Administration’s unrealistic new revenues; suppression of future human services and education costs; and overstatement of baseline revenue growth. Using realistic projections for revenue and expenditures, Shapiro’s budget would eliminate the state’s $3 billion fund balance and take an additional $1.6 billion from the state’s emergency savings, also known as the Rainy Day Fund. Budget Hearing Q&A: Budget Secretary/Executive Offices (Part 1) Having completed the official review of Shapiro’s budget proposal, the Senate will use its findings from the hearings to craft its own spending plan, with the goal of enacting a final 2025-26 state budget. Find video and recaps of every budget hearing at PASenateGOP.com. Consumer Protection Week
This week, March 2nd through March 8th, marks National Consumer Protection Week, a time dedicated to educating consumers about their rights and helping them avoid scams and fraud. To highlight this important initiative, I joined Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday to discuss common scams and ways to stay protected. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Assistance at Boyertown Area Multi-Service
My office will be providing in-person assistance for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program at the Boyertown Area Multi-Service (The Center at Spring Street), located at 200 W. Spring Street, Boyertown. This assistance will be available every Thursday from March 13 to April 10. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program helps eligible Pennsylvanians receive rebates on property taxes or rent they paid in the previous year. The program benefits seniors aged 65 and older, widows and widowers aged 50 and older, and individuals with disabilities aged 18 and older. In 2024, the income limits were raised to $46,520 per year for both homeowners and renters, which means more people may now qualify for this valuable assistance. Applications for 2024 Property Tax/Rent Rebates are due by June 30, 2025. To schedule an appointment, please call my Red Hill office at (215) 541-2388. For more information on the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, visit here. 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 thrilled 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. Help Shape the Future of PA Transportation
The State Transportation Commission (STC) and PennDOT are excited to announce the start of the 2025 Public Comment Period for the update of the 12-Year Program, now through April 30, 2025. Your feedback is important! Please take a few minutes to complete the Transportation Survey online or call (717) 783-2262 to request a paper copy or to complete the Survey over the phone. The STC recently released the 2025 Transportation Performance Report (TPR) which contains information about how Pennsylvania’s transportation system performed over the last two years. We also encourage you to join the Online Public Forum on Thursday, April 10, 2025, featuring a presentation from PennDOT Secretary of Transportation Michael Carroll as well as a live Q&A session with PennDOT personnel and State Transportation Commission members. Register for the Forum today and submit your transportation questions for the Q&A session by filling out the registration form or emailing them to RA-PennDOTSTC@pa.gov. Beware: Rise in Scams Involving Bitcoin ATMs
Attorney General Dave Sunday is warning Pennsylvanians that scammers are now using Bitcoin ATMs, or “BTMs,” to gain access to other people’s money. This scam starts with messages that sound urgent, like “protect your money” or “take care of any criminal charges.” Unsuspecting consumers may also be persuaded to act because scammers have personal information, such as their bank or financial situation. After coercing a consumer into making large cash withdrawals, the cyber criminals tell the consumer to deposit the funds into a BTM. Following that deposit, the criminals ask the consumer to scan and send a QR code, which gives the criminal access to the funds. It also, in most cases, makes it impossible to get the money back. Financial scams typically start with a telephone call, text message, email, social media message or an alert on your computer. Avoid falling prey by never responding directly to unexpected calls or withdrawing cash in response to an unexpected call or message. Learn more ways to protect yourself from scammers. Open Now: PennDOT Survey About Your Transportation Needs
Motorists are encouraged to share feedback regarding their transportation needs and concerns with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) via its Transportation Survey before April 30. Responses will impact the 12-Year Program, which lists statewide planned projects and assigns funding to them. You may also call 717-783-2262 to request a paper copy or to complete the survey over the phone. Before filling out the survey, you may wish to review the 2025 Transportation Performance Report. Recently released by the State Transportation Commission (STC), the report contains information about how Pennsylvania’s transportation system performed in the last two years. There will also be an online public forum on Thursday, April 10, featuring a presentation from Secretary of Transportation Michael Carroll, as well as a live question-and-answer session with PennDOT personnel and STC members. Register for the forum and submit your transportation questions for the Q&A session by filling out the registration form or emailing them to RA-PennDOTSTC@pa.gov. New Recommendations for PA Poultry Producers to Prevent Spread of HPAI The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has issued new recommendations for poultry producers to combat the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The department is recommending heightened biosecurity focusing on preventing contact of poultry with wild birds and dairy cattle. It also recommends maintaining poultry indoors if possible during this period of heightened risk. HPAI has been circulating in the wild bird population in the United States and was identified in commercial poultry in early 2022. In addition, 17 new cases have been confirmed in dairy herds in four states in the past 30 days. No cases have been reported in PA dairies to date. Poultry producers can find more information and contacts for assistance here. Daylight Saving Time Begins This Weekend
Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. While cell phone and computer clocks usually change automatically, most people move their standard clocks and appliances ahead one hour on Saturday night. It’s also a good time to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. If the devices are more than a decade old, experts suggest upgrading to 10-year, sealed battery alarms. They don’t require any battery replacement throughout their lifetime. However, it’s still a good idea to press the test button on the alarms at least once a month. Find more tips here.
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