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In this update:
Senate Continues to Dissect Shapiro’s Budget to Protect PA Consumers, Empower Parents
The Senate Appropriations Committee continued public hearings this 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. During the Department of Agriculture hearing, members raised concerns about the proposed $25 million cut to Avian Influenza and its potential impact on PA’s top industry. The Secretary noted the cut to Avian Influenza was intentional, the reallocation of resources away from Avian Influenza was criticized. The threat of the outbreak and transmission to other species and the response was explored. The governor is proposing $255 million in funding for the department, a $6 million cut from the current year. At the same time, the governor proposed increasing funding for his new Agriculture Innovation and Development program by $15 million. At the Department of Community and Economic Development hearing, members addressed that the governor’s budget would reduce funding for DCED to $430 million, a cut of nearly $70 million from the current year’s spending. Committee members raised concerns about numerous proposed cuts, including his $15 million reduction to highly successful workforce development programs. Find the hearings schedule, livestreams of budget hearings, daily recaps and video from prior hearings at PASenateGOP.com. 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. Connect with Employers at the Commonwealth Job Fair on March 5
The Commonwealth Job Fair offers the opportunity to connect with more than 30 Pennsylvania state agencies and to learn more about public service. There are openings in transportation, finance, health care, wildlife management, public safety and more. You can also learn about career growth and other benefits. It will be held Wednesday, March 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. See open positions, learn more and register here. Snowmobiling in State Forests and Parks
State parks and forests offer all sorts of recreational opportunities, including snowmobiling. There are thousands of miles and hundreds of acres of designated snowmobile areas for exploration. As long as there is enough snow cover, snowmobile trails open the day after the last day of Pennsylvania’s regular or extended rifle deer season and close April 1 or earlier as determined by the district forester or park manager. During snowmobiling season, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources posts snow and trail conditions three times per week. While riding your snowmobile, you must carry with you or on the vehicle a certificate of registration, proof of liability insurance, registration plate affixed to the vehicle, expiration stickers (does not apply to limited registration) and valid safety certificate (ages 10-15 if riding off of parent’s or guardian’s property). Learn more. Preventing Heart Attacks and Strokes
February is American Heart Month, which is a wonderful time for people of all ages to take steps to protect their hearts. Typically, we think of heart disease and stroke when we think of the challenges that can result from poor heart health. Maintaining healthy blood pressure and eating well can help to prevent a cardiac event. But heart health isn’t just for adults. More than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year. By learning CPR, you will be ready to respond in an emergency. 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. $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. Out and About in the 30th DistrictIUP and Conemaugh Nason Partner for College of Osteopathic Medicine What an exciting week for Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and Conemaugh Nason Medical Center as they formalized a clinical training affiliation agreement for students at IUP’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine. This initiative will be focused on training the next generation of high-quality physicians to provide care in our rural health care facilities. I look forward to seeing the future success of this partnership and how it will help those in Blair and its surrounding counties get the quality health care they need.
Huntingdon “State of the County” Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce hosted the County Commissioners, Jeff Thomas, Scott Walls and Patrick Reeder, for a “State of the County” update.
Boy Scout Merit Badge on Citizenship Happy to help my friend and neighbor, Will, with his Boy Scout Merit Badge on Citizenship.
Congratulations, Smithfield Volunteer Fire Company! I, along with Representative Rich Irvin, was happy to participate in the presentation of a grant for $3,146.85 from the PA Skills Charitable Giving to the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Company for an All-Surface Rescue (ASR) boat that will be used for swift water rescue and ice rescue emergencies. This equipment be a great asset to the department during water-related emergencies. Thank you to the PA Skills Charitable Giving for supporting our local fire departments and congratulations to the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Company on this grant award!
PA Fish & Boat Commission Hosts Local Legislators The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) hosted local legislators from District Four at its annual regional legislative briefing. PFBC staff offered updates on a variety of important topics, including 2025-26 legislative priorities, important dates and upcoming events, funding programs, and other timely topics. The event included an interesting tour of the PA Striped Bass Association (PSBA) Hatchery, where the PSBA does great work to help maintain a healthy striped bass fishery at Raystown Lake.
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