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In this Update:
Budget Hearings Begin Next Week to Examine Shapiro’s Unrealistic Spending Plan
State spending would increase by $3.6 billion, or 7.5%, under Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new budget plan. 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 process of finding ways to rein in this spending includes three weeks of budget hearings held by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Hearings begin Tuesday with appearances by the Department of Revenue, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, State Police, Department of Health, Department of State and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. I will share updates on this important process each week. The hearings will be used to review Shapiro’s spending plan and ask administration officials about the need for any proposed expenses. From there, a budget that more appropriately reflects the needs of taxpayers can be developed. Get Ready for REAL ID
In preparation for the May 7, 2025, enforcement deadline, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering a special dedicated time to help Pennsylvanians get their REAL ID. Don’t miss out on this opportunity. As a reminder, getting a REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, but beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant license/identification card, or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board domestic commercial flights, enter a military base, or enter certain federal facilities that require a federally acceptable form of ID. In our area, the designated times and locations are set for: Monday, March 3, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M., at Altoona Driver License Center located at 1738A 9th Avenue in Altoona. Monday, March 24, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M., at Huntingdon Driver License Center located at 9048 William Penn Highway in Huntingdon. Monday, April 14, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M., at Altoona Driver License Center located at 1738A 9th Avenue in Altoona, and Lewistown Driver License Center located at 13217 Ferguson Valley Road in Yeagertown. “And the Beat Goes On” – Cardiac Rehabilitation Week
As a Cardiac Rehab Nurse, I understand the importance of heart health! I joined my colleague Senator Lisa Baker, to introduce Senate Resolution 23, to recognize Cardiac Rehabilitation Week, here in Pennsylvania. Cardiac Rehabilitation Week is February 9 through 15, and the theme for this year is “And the Beat Goes On”. Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in our nation and in this Commonwealth, with 22% of residents dying of coronary heart disease. The goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to help heart disease patients learn to reduce risk factors, including smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, diabetes and obesity, that increase the chance of future health problems. $1.3 Million Investment to Help Strengthen PA’s Agricultural Workforce
Agriculture is the backbone of Pennsylvania’s economy, and its future depends on a strong, skilled workforce. That is why the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry is investing $1.3 million in Penn State University’s Agricultural Workforce Development Project. Through the Farms and Agribusiness Workforce Engagement Grant, this initiative will make a big impact, connecting 1,000 farms and agribusinesses with PA CareerLink® services, technical assistance, and HR support. The grant performance period is June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2027. This initiative is 100% federally funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act’s (WIOA) Statewide set aside funding. For more information, click here. Senate Votes to Strengthen Penalties for Harming PA Public Transit Operators
Legislation strengthening penalties for people who harm public transit operators was approved by the Senate and now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 210 would create a new offense for interfering with the operation of a public transit vehicle. Offenders causing serious bodily injury or death would face a felony of the first degree, while interference resulting in bodily injury, or the fear of imminent harm would be classified as a felony of the third degree. The legislation aims to protect transit workers, passengers and the general public. It sends a strong message that violence against public transit operators will not be tolerated, and those responsible for putting others’ safety at risk will face severe consequences. This is an important step in safeguarding the well-being of public transit operators who serve communities across Pennsylvania. Bill Ensuring Great Care at State Veterans’ Homes Passes Senate
To ensure high-quality health care and well-being of veterans, the Senate unanimously passed legislation that would enhance oversight at Pennsylvania’s six state veterans’ homes. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. With passage of Senate Bill 129, advisory councils would have 15 members, including a family member of a current or past resident. Nominees would be veterans from the surrounding communities. Advisory councils would make recommendations about resident care, management, operations and compliance of facilities to the state adjutant general. The bill would also require the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to provide a subject matter expert for each of the advisory council’s meetings and an annual report to the General Assembly. To increase transparency, it would also stipulate that councils comply with open meeting requirements. 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 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 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. Mount Union FBLA Community Service Event
Mount Union FBLA recently completed their largest service project for the year. The goal was to collect at least 3,000 items to be donated to the local food bank, which were collected by members from Oct. to Dec. The event started with a “kick-off” event in which members reached out to local businesses and community organizations for food donations. As part of that event, members went trick-or-treating to local businesses but rather than ask for sweet treats, members went for canned food and boxed items that could be donated to the food bank. Members also reached out to family members and friends for donations, as well as to the elementary schools in the school district. They also held a food drive donation event at The Clifton 5 in Huntingdon and asked local churches for additional donations. Once items were collected, FBLA members had to organize and sort the items, check expiration dates, and then box the items for delivery to the food bank. By the end of the food drive project, FBLA members had surpassed their goal, collecting an amazing 3,544 items (over two tons of food!) All these items were delivered to the food pantry in Mount Union in early February. It was a very successful project for the Mount Union FBLA, one they hope to repeat in future years. The members of the FBLA thank everybody in the community for their generosity. Senate Passes Bill Providing Military Benefits to Korean Americans Who Served in Vietnam
Korean Americans who served in the Vietnam War with the Korean Armed Forces would receive the same state veterans benefits as their U.S. counterparts under legislation unanimously approved by the Senate. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 173 would grant the same rights, benefits and privileges of U.S. military veterans to Pennsylvania residents who are naturalized U.S. citizens and who served in the Vietnam War with the Korean Armed Forces. There are more than 3,000 naturalized Korean American citizens who served in the Vietnam War as a part of the Korean Armed Forces and hundreds now live in Pennsylvania. The bill would apply to any Pennsylvania resident who is an American citizen, was an active-duty member of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces in the Vietnam War between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, and received an honorable discharge or equivalent. Emergency Alerts Keep You Safe and Prepared
You can sign up to receive CodeRed alerts about severe weather and emergencies at your chosen locations, building alerts, health notifications and other timely updates from state and federal agencies. A CodeRed weather warning will automatically alert you if your address falls in the path of severe weather, as determined by the National Weather Service. Get alerts by phone, text or email and using your home address and/or work by signing up online. If you no longer wish to receive alerts, you may opt out of certain or all alerts from CodeRed at any time. 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 13. 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. Happy Presidents’ Day!
On Monday, Feb. 17, we recognize Presidents’ Day. The holiday initially honored the birth of President George Washington, who established many of the traditions and precedents of the presidency. Now, it gives us an opportunity to remember all United States presidents. Because of the holiday, my offices will be closed with normal business hours resuming on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
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