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In this Update:
Protecting Pennsylvania’s Farmland from Foreign Entities
This week, I introduced Senate Bill 386 to address the growing concern over increased foreign ownership of Pennsylvania’s farmland. Today more than 400,000 acres of our agricultural land are owned by foreign entities, many of which restrict American citizens from purchasing land in their countries — a troubling double standard. Senate Bill 386 would ensure that foreign entities — particularly from countries like China, Russia, and Iran — are prohibited from buying Pennsylvania farmland unless they practice reciprocity. It’s a simple principle: mutual respect. Our land isn’t up for grabs to those who won’t offer the same in return. As your senator, I am committed to protecting the interests of hardworking Pennsylvanians, our farmers, and the fields that feed us all. With your support of Senate Bill 386, we can keep our farmland in the hands of those who care about it the most — Pennsylvanians like you. 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 Farmers Market as we discuss right-sizing government. Learn how slashing regulations and cutting spending can make government work better for you. Mark your calendar and bring your questions. We look forward to seeing you! Building a Safer York County
On March 6, York County Safety Collab held an informational meeting with elected officials throughout York County to present recent findings and share success stories on its work to build trusting relationships between law enforcement and the people they serve. During the meeting, leaders provided data showing declines in violent crime rates, increased community engagement and the success of intervention programs to support at-risk youth and families. The group also discussed next steps focusing on expanding community outreach and identifying funding sources to support community initiatives. I am encouraged to see the progress made through collaborative working relationships with residents, law enforcement and local leaders. Thank you to all those who have invested their time, energy and expertise into creating a safer, stronger York County! Connecting with Local Businesses
Last week I joined the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC for a discussion with local business owners about the state budget, economic growth and my legislative priorities including regulatory reform and cutting government spending. This was a great opportunity to connect with the business community and give them an opportunity to ask questions, address concerns and be a part of a healthy dialog on legislative issues. 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. The committee discussed another shocking decision by Shapiro at the Department of Community and Economic Development hearing. He wants 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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