Shapiro’s Budgeting Would Lead to Tax Hikes and No Reserve

Mar. 28, 2023 /

When Gov. Josh Shapiro presented his first state budget proposal in early March, he painted a rosier-than-reality picture of Pennsylvania’s financial future. The $45.8 spending plan for Fiscal Year 2023-24 is nearly 6% higher than the current year and he’s counting on using part of the budget surplus to balance it. Overburdened taxpayers should be worried, as it only gets worse from there.

Mehaffie to Highlight Children’s Miracle Network Fundraiser

Mar. 28, 2023 /

WHAT: Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin) will present a certificate recognizing the Penn State Health Sporting Clays Charity Event on surpassing $1.8 million raised for Children’s Miracle Network since the event’s inception. Mehaffie will make his presentation during the 27th annual fundraiser.

Cabell to Offer Satellite Office Hours at Nine Locations

Mar. 28, 2023 /

HARRISBURG – In an effort to provide convenient constituent services to all residents of the 117th Legislative District, Rep. Mike Cabell (R-Luzerne) will be offering satellite office hours at nine locations in Luzerne County every month starting in April.

Causer to Offer Veterans Services at Local Offices

Mar. 28, 2023 /

BRADFORD – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) is again offering area veterans the opportunity to work with a representative from the American Legion to ensure they get the services and support they need.

Department of Aging Budget Hearing Wrap

Mar. 27, 2023 /

Acting Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich along with Deputy Secretary Steven Horner, and PACE Program Director Tom Sneddon testified before the House Appropriations Committee. House Republicans focused their questions on how the department is going to control costs for seniors and the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania continues to face budgetary challenges given the significant growth in the elderly population and the contraction in the working -age population.

Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Budget Hearing Wrap

Mar. 27, 2023 /

Colonel Christopher Harris, Major Joanne Reed, Major George Bivens, Major Wayne Kline, and Ms. Brooke Mead of the Pennsylvania State Police testified before the House Appropriations Committee. House Republicans focused their questions on the staffing needs of the State Police, the functions of the State Police – such as background checks for gun purchases, aviation support, the Statewide Public Safety Radio System, and gaming enforcement. Additionally, House Republicans shared concerns with the creation of a new special fund, as proposed by the governor, to take all State Police funding offline, as well as the strain on the department in places like Philadelphia.

Kephart to Host Open House Events

Mar. 27, 2023 /

HARRISBURG – If you live in the 73rd Legislative district, state Rep. Dallas Kephart (R-Clearfield/Cambria) would like to see you in his office.

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Budget Hearing Wrap

Mar. 23, 2023 /

Acting Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection Rich Negrin, along with Jessica Shirley, Executive Deputy Secretary, Ian Harlow, Acting Deputy Sect of Administration, Ramez Ziadeh, Deputy Secretary for Field Operations, appeared before the House Appropriations Committee. Republican House members focused their questions on Governor Shapiro’s permitting reform proposal and how to ensure this process will produce results. Additionally, Republicans asked questions related to the Governor’s apparent change of policy on RGGI and its negative effects on Pennsylvania.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Budget Hearing Wrap

Mar. 23, 2023 /

Acting Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Cindy Dunn, along with Michael Walsh, Deputy Secretary for Administration, John Norbeck, Deputy Secretary for Parks and Forestry, and Lauren Imgrund, Deputy Secretary for Conservation and Technical Services. House Republicans focused on the fiscal health of DCNR and how to make the department sustainable. Additionally, Republicans asked questions covering the expansion of ATV trails in state parks, what the department is doing to address and prioritize its $1.4 billion maintenance backlog, drilling on state lands, the state of the timber industry, and how DCNR is partnering with private industry.

Gaydos Named to America250PA Commission

Mar. 23, 2023 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) today announced she was recently appointed by former Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) to be the House Republican Caucus designee for the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA). In addition, she was chosen to be a member of the Fundraising and Historical Preservation committees.

Department of Agriculture Budget Hearing Wrap

Mar. 23, 2023 /

Acting Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding appeared before the House Appropriations Committee along with Greg Hostetter, Executive Deputy Secretary. House Republicans asked questions beginning with agriculture concerns in Western Pennsylvania relating to the Norfolk Southern train derailment. Other questions focused on proposed cuts to the department’s Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission, fair market conditions for Pennsylvania dairy farmers, and support of the entire industry beyond organics.

Marcell to Host Senior Expo March 31

Mar. 23, 2023 /

HARRISBURG- Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks) is inviting area seniors, their families and their caregivers to attend her Senior Expo on Friday, March 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Spring Mill Manor, 171 Jacksonville Road in Ivyland.