Senator Keefer E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Hold the PA Budget Line at $47.9 Billion — Share Your Thoughts Survey
  • PA Recovers $11.3 Million in Medicaid Fraud
  • Honoring Pennsylvania’s Big 33 Team at the State Capitol
  • Creating Opportunity: YCEA’s Impact on York County
  • Connecting with Pennsylvania’s Restaurant and Lodging Leaders
  • Online Unclaimed Property Auction — March 26 and 27
  • Job Openings for Lifeguards at State Parks
  • Celebrating National Agriculture Week: Protecting PA’s Farmland
  • Stay Informed!

Hold the PA Budget Line at $47.9 Billion — Share Your Thoughts Survey

Gov. Josh Shapiro has unveiled a reckless $51.5 billion budget proposal for the commonwealth’s 2025-26 fiscal year, increasing state spending by 7.5% over the current fiscal year. This level of unsustainable spending would drain every dollar in Pennsylvania’s reserves — including the entire $7.3 billion Rainy Day Fund (savings account) — in just two years.

Pennsylvanians are already struggling with inflation and rising costs — why should they be forced to pay more in taxes to support government overspending?

We must hold the line at $47.9 billion to ensure a fiscally responsible budget that prioritizes taxpayer dollars, economic stability and the long-term financial well-being of our state.

Join me in rejecting this irresponsible $51.5 billion Democratic spending spree and demand a responsible, sustainable state budget that works for all Pennsylvanians.

I’m asking the General Assembly to “hold the line at 47.9!” Will you do the same? Take my survey. 

PA Recovers $11.3 Million in Medicaid Fraud

One of my top priorities is fighting fraud throughout state government, and I’m pleased that Attorney General Dave Sunday’s Medicaid Fraud Team recovered more than $11.3 million in misused Medicaid funding in fiscal year 2024.

In fact, a federal annual report ranked Pennsylvania first in the nation for number of Medicaid fraud charges filed against individuals and third in convictions secured. The report also states that Medicaid Fraud units across the country recover $3.46 for every $1 spent by the units. Retrieving this funding gave limited-income and vulnerable populations access to health care as intended.

The Medicaid Fraud Team prosecutes those who defraud the program through unlawful billing or failure to provide services. It also prosecutes those who neglect or abuse Pennsylvanians dependent on their care and those who financially exploit older adults or care-dependent persons.

Honoring Pennsylvania’s Big 33 Team at the State Capitol

On Monday, March 25, Pennsylvania’s Big 33 Football Classic players, cheerleaders, coaches and buddies were honored during a ceremony at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg. It was a special moment to recognize the hard work, dedication and talent of these top athletes and their supporters.

Beyond the game itself, athletes participate in the Buddy and Host Family Program, where players stay with gracious host families — a tradition that many have called one of their favorite parts of the Big 33 experience. Each player is paired with an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering relationships and bonds that leave a lasting positive impact.

This prestigious event, known as the “Super Bowl of High School Football,” featuring Pennsylvania vs. Maryland, will be hosted in our senatorial district at Cumberland Valley High School on May 25. I encourage everyone to come out and support these incredible athletes.

Creating Opportunity: YCEA’s Impact on York County

I recently met with the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) to learn about their ongoing development projects in the city of York and the southern portion of the 31st Senatorial District. Its efforts to revitalize the region and drive economic growth are essential to building a thriving business community.

Thank you to YCEA for its dedication to creating new opportunities and furthering prosperity. Its work is transforming York County into a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.

Connecting with Pennsylvania’s Restaurant and Lodging Leaders

Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association’s (PRLA) Legislative Roundtable.

This event brought together hospitality and tourism industry leaders to discuss the challenges facing their businesses and communities. We had a productive conversation about how government can remove regulations and roadblocks hindering opportunities.

Thank you to PRLA and all those who attended for the opportunity to connect and engage in these important discussions.

Online Unclaimed Property Auction March 26 and 27

Pennsylvania’s next auction of unclaimed property — including jewelry, collectible coins, currency and more — will take place on March 26 and 27. Treasurer Stacy Garrity said more than 5,500 items will hit the auction block, and anyone interested in bidding can register on the website of the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s auctioneer partner, Pook & Pook.

Unclaimed tangible property, like the items being auctioned, comes to Treasury most often from forgotten safe deposit boxes. Treasury works to find the rightful owner for at least three years before auctioning an item but holds auctions twice a year to make room for incoming property in Treasury’s vault — the largest working vault in the country. All items sold at auction are carefully documented, and net proceeds remain with Treasury until a rightful owner comes forward to claim the property — no matter how much time passes.

Treasury is working to return more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property that is owed to more than one in 10 Pennsylvanians. The average value of a claim is about $1,600. This money can belong to individuals, businesses, nonprofits, local government entities and other organizations. Anyone can search for unclaimed property online. My office is also always glad to help you file a claim or to answer any of your questions.

Job Openings for Lifeguards at State Parks

Applications are being accepted through March 31 for summer job opportunities at 13 of Pennsylvania’s state parks. Lifeguards will be paid $17 an hour and must have proper certifications. Full-time and part-time schedules are available.

Lifeguards are essential in safeguarding the health and safety of park visitors. Duties will include overseeing the swimming zones, upholding park policies and addressing emergencies.

Find information about required qualifications and apply online here.

Celebrating National Agriculture Week: Protecting PA’s Farmland

Agriculture — one of Pennsylvania’s top industries — directly impacts our health, economy, and communities. It also preserves open space.

Farmers work tirelessly to provide us with fresh produce and dairy products. Supporting them is as easy as enjoying the wonderful foods they offer. As the weather begins to improve, farmers markets will pop up all over the state. Read more about Pennsylvania’s farmers markets.

In addition to farming, many other jobs play an important role in our state’s agricultural success. Pennsylvania’s more than 500,000 jobs in agriculture also include the fields of business, technology, science, and more.

To protect our precious Pennsylvania farmland and agricultural industry, I introduced legislation — Senate Bill 386 — to prevent foreign entities from exploiting our local farms and communities. By securing our farmland for local farmers, the bill aims to strengthen Pennsylvania’s agricultural economy, safeguard our food supply and preserve our rural heritage for future generations.

Stay Informed!

I’m passionate about cutting wasteful spending, increasing transparency and making government work better for you. Stay informed with real-time updates, legislative news and what’s happening in our community. Together, we can work toward a stronger, more accountable government.

You can follow me @SenatorKeefer on:

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