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In this Update:
Honoring Fallen Police Officer Andrew Duarte
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of fallen Police Office Andrew Duarte of the West York Borough Police Department. Duarte tragically lost his life in the line of duty responding to a mass shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York on Feb. 22. In honor of his commitment to public safety, West York Borough has set up a memorial donation site. His bravery and dedication to duty have left an indelible mark on the community he served. Join Us to Discuss Right-Sizing Government
Join PA State Rep. Joe D’Orsie and me on Thursday, March 13, from 9-10:30 a.m. at Leg Up Farm as we discuss right-sizing government. Learn how slashing government regulations and cutting spending can make government work better for you. Mark your calendar and bring your questions. We look forward to seeing you! Senate Continues to Dissect Shapiro’s Budget to Protect PA Consumers, Empower Parents
The Senate Appropriations Committee continued public hearings last 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. Last Thursday’s hearings included the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Community and Economic Development. Find the hearings schedule, livestreams of budget hearings, daily recaps and video from prior hearings at PASenateGOP.com. CFA Grant Awarded for York County Traffic Safety Improvements
The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) has awarded $700,000 in grant funding to Conewago Township, York County, through the Multimodal Transportation Fund to improve traffic safety on Locust Point Road. I’m glad to see these traffic improvements are going to be made. This road has increased in traffic usage and prioritizing the safety of those using our York County roads is important. CFA’s Multimodal Transportation Fund program helps to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to commonwealth residents. Girl Scout Cookie Mega Drop in York County
Saturday, Feb. 22, I joined the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania for their annual York County Cookie Mega Drop at the York Water Authority. Dedicated staff and volunteers gathered to unload, sort and distribute 8,732 cases of Girl Scout cookies. That’s more than 104,000 packages of cookies coming to a Girl Scout Troop near you. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support our local Girl Scout Troops and their mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character in young leaders across York County. Tour of New Hope Ministries’ West Shore Center
I recently had the opportunity to visit New Hope Ministries’ West Shore Center where I toured the facility, met with dedicated staff and volunteers and learned about the services provided to our community. During my visit, I had the chance to hear about the challenges that not only our community is facing, but New Hope as it looks to meet the growing need. It was truly inspiring to see the impact of their work firsthand. The dedication of their team, combined with the generosity of volunteers and donors, makes a difference in the lives of so many. 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.
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