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In this Update:
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. 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 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. Blair County Job Fair on April 17
The Pennsylvania CareerLink of Blair County will be hosting their Spring Job Fair on April 17, from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. There is a reserved time for veterans from 9:30 A.M. to 10 A.M. This is a free event to attend. If you are looking for a new job or a career change, this is your chance. There will be over 80 hiring employers, with on-the-spot interviews and job fair workshops. The job fair will be held at Jaffa Shrine, located at 2200 Broad Ave., in Altoona. If you have questions, please call at 814-940-6201. You can register here. New Annual Report Requirement for Business Owners Starting in 2025
As of January 1, there were new annual report requirements for businesses. Types of domestic and foreign businesses that must now file annual reports with the Pennsylvania Department of State include business corporations, nonprofit corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, limited liability general partnerships, professional associations and business trusts. The information required includes the business name, jurisdiction, registered office address, principal office address, name of at least one governor (director, member, partner, etc.), officer names (if any), and Department of State file number. The filing fee is $7, which is waived for nonprofits. Reports can be updated during the reporting year for no additional charge. Businesses are encouraged to file the annual report online to avoid any delays or backlogs. The filing window is based on the entity type: corporations Jan. 1 – June 30; limited liability companies Jan. 1 – Sept. 30; and all others Jan. 1 – Dec. 31. The Department of State will notify entities via email (if an email address has been provided) and postcard before their deadline. Failure to file an annual report will result in the administrative dissolution, termination, or cancellation of the business registration, starting in 2027. Business owners can find a step-by-step filing guide and other resources regarding annual reports here. They can also call the Department’s dedicated telephone line for questions about annual reports: 717-787-1057, option 5. 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. New Recommendations for PA Poultry Producers to Prevent Spread of HPAI The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has issued new recommendations for poultry producers to combat the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The department is recommending heightened biosecurity focusing on preventing contact of poultry with wild birds and dairy cattle. It also recommends maintaining poultry indoors if possible during this period of heightened risk. HPAI has been circulating in the wild bird population in the United States and was identified in commercial poultry in early 2022. In addition, 17 new cases have been confirmed in dairy herds in four states in the past 30 days. No cases have been reported in PA dairies to date. Poultry producers can find more information and contacts for assistance here. Daylight Saving Time Begins This Weekend
Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. While cell phone and computer clocks usually change automatically, most people move their standard clocks and appliances ahead one hour on Saturday night. It’s also a good time to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. If the devices are more than a decade old, experts suggest upgrading to 10-year, sealed battery alarms. They don’t require any battery replacement throughout their lifetime. However, it’s still a good idea to press the test button on the alarms at least once a month. Find more tips here. Out and About in the 30th DistrictMifflin County Library Ribbon Cutting Mifflin County Library celebrated their lengthy renovation and closure with a grand re-opening and ribbon cutting, recently. There were about 100 in attendance for this event.
Presbyterian Village of Hollidaysburg Celebrates 100 Years I had the privilege of presenting a Senate citation to the Presbyterian Village of Hollidaysburg on its momentous occasion of 100 years of serving the community. Pictured with me is my dear friend, John Faulds, Executive Director Stephanie Aspinall, and Barry Barnhart.
National Read Across America Week To help celebrate Read Across America Week, I read a story to Mrs. Jeffries 4th grade PA Virtual Charter School virtual classroom. What a great group of kids! They asked me lots of interesting questions.
What a fun time we had reading at Bishop Guilfoyle Academy’s Hollidaysburg location to continue celebrating Read Across America Week. I appreciate the invitation from Mrs. Matteson and sharing some time with my little friends!
Central Blair Recreation & Park Commission 15th Annual Community Classic Dinner Recently, I attended the 15th Annual Community Classic Dinner hosted by Central Blair Recreation & Park Commission with special guest speaker, Rocky Bleier. This year, the Respected Citizen Award, was presented to Bernie Chatman, and the Booker T. Washington Foundation President’s Award, was presented to Hymie Antikol. I was honored to present Senate citations to both deserving men.
Keystone Family Alliance Annual Banquet I am grateful for organizations like Keystone Family Alliance, that raise awareness of the difficult reality that children face in foster care and pending adoptions, and the adults who are working to give these children the best care possible. The Alliance had its annual fundraising banquet this week with special guest speaker Pastor Patrick Hoffman, who was a foster child and eventually adopted into a great, loving family.
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