|
|||||
|
In this update:
Shapiro Presents Unrealistic Spending Plan
On Tuesday, Gov. Josh Shapiro presented a $51.5 billion budget plan that would increase state spending by $3.6 billion, an increase of 7.5% compared to the current year’s budget. During the next five years, using realistic spending and revenue estimates, Shapiro’s spending plans would leave a $27.3 billion hole in the state’s finances. The budget proposed by Governor Shapiro is short-sighted and irresponsible. Instead of a budget that puts us on sound financial footing, we were given one that spends more than it makes, is based on unrealistic estimates, and leaves our Rainy-Day Fund and General Fund balance completely empty in less than two short years. We cannot continue on this path, expecting taxpayers to bail us out through increased taxes. Rather, we need to get to the work of tightening our belt and living within our means just like the hard-working families that I am proud to represent. Shapiro’s budget address is only the first step in the process. In the weeks ahead, the Senate Appropriations Committee will hold a series of budget hearings to closely examine the spending plan to determine how it can be improved. The hearings will begin Feb. 18 and run through March 6. Proud to Lead the Charge to Save Women’s Sports
On Wednesday, marking the 39th National Girls and Women in Sports Day, I was honored to accept the invitation and join President Donald Trump as he signed his executive order, Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports. In Pennsylvania, I have joined with each female Republican Senator, to introduce Senate Bill 9, the Save Women’s Sports Act, to ensure that school athletic teams designated for girls and women are exclusively for biological females in Pennsylvania. Today we are sadly seeing the landmark protections that Title IX initially provided to women being eroded by unelected bureaucrats, as men claiming to be women unfairly compete in women’s sports. The physiological advantages that men possess are clear and unquestionable, and the inclusion of men in women’s sports has come at the expense of opportunity for so many women. We must stand up and defend the protections clearly outlined in Title IX and the rights that women fought so hard for. I am proud to join my colleagues here in the Senate to save women’s sports! I am grateful to the President for taking swift action to ensure the protection of women in sports! My colleague, Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill, who has joined in introducing the legislation is photographed with me, along with Rep. Barb Gleim, who has introduced the companion bill in the House. Additionally, photographed with us is Riley Gaines, an NCAA Championship swimmer from the University of Kentucky who rose to fame when her championship was stolen from her by a male athlete. Riley has fought for this issue across the nation to provide for opportunities of the next generation. What an amazing day for girls and women across our nation.
Bill Repealing RGGI Electricity Tax Receives Senate Support
To prevent a new electricity tax, the Senate passed legislation this week repealing Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI, a multi-state compact, would increase electricity rates for consumers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs and lead to the closure of Pennsylvania power plants. Senate Bill 186 would formally repeal Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI, ensuring that any decision to impose electricity taxes or emissions programs must go through the legislative process rather than being enacted unilaterally by the executive branch. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Despite bipartisan opposition from the General Assembly, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Quality Board pressed ahead with regulations to establish a CO₂ Budget Trading Program – effectively imposing a tax on electricity generation. In 2023, the Commonwealth Court ruled that RGGI is a tax and cannot be implemented without legislative approval. However, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s decision to continue to appeal this ruling to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has prolonged uncertainty for workers and businesses across the commonwealth and deepened concerns about energy grid reliability and affordability. PA Forward Student Loan Program Webinars Available for February
During the month of February, PHEAA will be offering webinars that will provide students and families with the borrowing information that is right for them. You can register and find more information here. Advance Planning for Financing Higher Education Tuesday, February 11, at Noon and Tuesday, February 25, at 6:30 P.M. The thought of higher education costs can be overwhelming; however, planning and identifying what you can do to help lessen those costs is an important step. It’s never too early or too late to start understanding what those costs are and what is available to help maintain, plan, and help you make affordable decisions. Join Daniel Wray, Suzanne Sparrow, and William McGinley of PHEAA’s PA Forward and Keystone Student Loan programs in a 1-hour webinar to begin that process and become prepared. Improve Your Credit—Get Your Loan Thursday, February 13, at 6:30 P.M. and Thursday, February 27, at Noon. For most families, borrowing for education is part of the equation and can be confusing as families look for the best options to fit their needs. Join Daniel Wray, Suzanne Sparrow, and William McGinley of PHEAA for a 1-hour webinar to increase your financial literacy and knowledge on the process of credit, how to maintain or improve ratings, and comparison points to help make informed and affordable education borrowing decisions. Game Commission Provides Avian Influenza Information
Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Game Commission announced that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was the cause of death for wild waterfowl in northeastern Pennsylvania. To best protect the health of wildlife, domestic animals and humans, the Game Commission asks the public to assist them by doing the following:
Because HPAI impacts more than just wildlife, please also report any sick or dead domestic bird to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852. Anyone who isn’t feeling well after having contact with sick or dead birds is encouraged to contact their primary care physician or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724-3258. Bill to Exempt Newer Vehicles from Emissions Testing Passes Senate
The Senate approved legislation this week to reform Pennsylvania’s outdated vehicle emissions testing program by reducing the number of vehicles covered by the requirement. The bills now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. Currently, the federal Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program mandates that motorists in 25 Pennsylvania counties undergo annual emissions testing. However, a Joint State Government Commission study has shown that removing seven of these counties from the program would have minimal impact on maintaining federal air quality standards. Senate Bill 35 would remove Blair, Cambria, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer and Westmoreland counties from the I/M program. Already, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata and Mifflin Counties are exempt from these emissions standards and Senate Bill 35, when passed would remove Blair County as well. Senate Bill 149 would exempt the five most recent model year vehicles from emissions testing requirements. The bill would align Pennsylvania with other states in the federally mandated Northeast Ozone Transport Region. Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Virginia have implemented similar exemptions with EPA approval. Trout Stocking Schedule Announced
Local anglers can find out when their favorite fishing hole will be stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission using the annual Trout Stocking Guides available online now. The commission stocks approximately 3.2 million adult trout in nearly 700 streams and 130 lakes open to public angling each year. These figures include approximately 2.4 million rainbow trout; 693,000 brown trout; and 125,000 brook trout. The average size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length. Additionally, 72,000 trophy trout, sized from 14-20 inches, are 70% stocked before opening day. The statewide opening day for trout season is Saturday, April 5. Additionally, the Fish and Boat Commission will host Mentored Youth Trout Day on Saturday, March 29. Youth under the age of 16 can join a mentor (adult) angler who has a current fishing license and trout permit to fish for trout the Saturday before the regular opening days. Learn more about the program. Recognizing National Cancer Prevention Month
February is National Cancer Prevention Month, an observance that aims to raise awareness about how impactful cancer can be for those who are affected and their loved ones. It’s also a time to celebrate the significant milestones people in treatment have achieved. While this legislative session has just begun, Senate Republicans last session passed landmark legislation that eliminated out-of-pocket costs for genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes and supplemental breast screenings for women at high risk of developing breast cancer. The law, which was the first of its kind in the nation, eliminated costs including co-pays, deductibles, or co-insurance for breast MRIs and ultrasounds for women with high-risk factors. It also eliminated costs for BRCA-related genetic testing and counseling for those women. Senate Confirms Judicial Appointments
This week in session, the Senate took action to confirm certain judicial appointments. Attorney Ray Gahner of Huntingdon County was nominated to fill a position on the Court of Common Pleas. I want to Congratulate Attorney Gahner on his appointment to Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He was confirmed this week as a part of a judicial nominations package that filled numerous positions across the states. I am certain he will do an outstanding job for the good people of Huntingdon County! Out and About in the 30th DistrictHuntingdon County Dairy Princess Visits the Capitol I enjoyed meeting up with Madison Mowrer this week during her visit to the Capitol. Madison is the Huntingdon County Dairy Princess and a great representative for her county!
Huntingdon-Bedford-Fulton Area Agency on Aging Legislative Day I appreciated being invited to participate in the Huntingdon-Bedford-Fulton Area Agency on Aging Legislative Day, where the HBFAAA Citizens Advisory Council and members of the public discussed concerns and asked questions. Joining me on the panel was Representative Jesse Topper, Representative Rich Irvin, and staff member for Senator Pat Stefano, Allyson Link. Also pictured is the Huntingdon-Bedford-Fulton Area Agency Director, Connie Brode.
Grane Hospice Provides Care for Community I enjoyed meeting with the Grane Hospice leadership team and learning about all of their services that they provide to communities across the state.
McConnellsburg Volunteer Fire Company Installs Safe Haven Baby Box My staff had the opportunity to attend the blessing of the Safe Haven Baby Box that was installed at the McConnellsburg Volunteer Fire Company. Speakers were MVFC Chief Pete Lynch, Fulton County Coroner Berley Souders, and Safe Haven Baby Box founder Monica Kelsey. The box was dedicated in memory of Zadkiel, the name given to the infant boy who was tragically found on a McConnellsburg street after allegedly having been tossed out a second story window shortly after his birth. Prayers and blessings were offered by Pastors Jeremy Fletcher and Brandon Hill. The project was spearheaded by Kris and Deb Sheffield of McConnellsburg who led the fundraising efforts. This is the third box installed in PA and the first to be installed at a fire department. The initial investment for the box was $15,000 which was generously and anonymously donated. Additional funds have been raised to cover expenses related to installation, annual maintenance, future upgrades and advertising.
2nd Annual Mid Atlantic Sports Kids Cash Bash I attended the 2nd Annual Mid Atlantic Sports Kids Cash Bash at the East Freedom Fire Hall, which is a great event to raise money to support young athletes in our community and assist with travel expenses. It was a packed house with great food!
Future Farmers of America Stop by the Capitol I had the opportunity to catch up with Emily Kerstetter, the Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Future Farmers of America. Emily, who graduated from East Juniata High School, joined many of her fellow FFA officers at the Capitol this week as we honored the upcoming National FFA Week here in Pennsylvania. FFA Week is February 15 through the 22. The FFA is a national organization that seeks to engage our youth, while promoting the future of agriculture through education. Pennsylvania’s four FFA regions are comprised of nearly 16,000 student members. Trademarked by their traditional blue corduroy jackets, young men and women with diverse backgrounds serve their chapters, their communities and their country through this exemplary youth organization.
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. |
|||||
|
|||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorjudyward.com | Privacy Policy |
