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In this Update:
Our Rochester District Office Offers Free Notary ServicesResidents in need of notary services can come to our Rochester district office where we offer these services for free. These services are available by appointment only, which can be done by calling the office at 724-774-0444. Senate Budget Hearings Have Concluded: Here are the Key Take Aways
The Senate Appropriations Committee wrapped up two weeks of public hearings on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $53.3 billion proposed state budget, which would increase spending by $2.7 billion, or 5.4%. I, and the other members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, focused on containing the growing cost of Medicaid and other entitlement programs and how to identify and eliminate fraud during the hearing with the Department of Human Services, the highest-spending agency in the state budget. The department requests a 6.6% increase for 2026-27. We also questioned officials from the Department of General Services (DGS) and the Pennsylvania State Police about missing revenue, funding projections, cracking down on new, more sophisticated fake IDs and more. DGS seeks an 11.8% spending increase for 2026-27 and the State Police’s proposed budget is more than 9% higher than the current fiscal year. At the hearings with the Budget Office and Department of Revenue, we raised concerns about the level of spending, inefficiencies in state government and the potential consequences of irresponsible budgeting. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s questionable management of public transit and infrastructure projects was the focus of its hearing with the committee. We pressed the agency not only on project oversight but also on the growth of funding held in certain accounts and the lack of transparency surrounding how those dollars are being spent. The Public Utility Commission oversees more than 8,000 entities which provide utility services across the state. We raised concerns that Gov. Shapiro’s approach to energy is leading to higher costs for Pennsylvania consumers, while subsidizing lower energy prices in other states in the region. We also focused on how State System of Higher Education universities are working to improve enrollment and efficiency. The panel took testimony from the presidents of Millersville, East Stroudsburg and West Chester universities and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. You can find complete recaps and videos of each hearing here. Our Elder Scams & Prevention Seminar is Tomorrow, March 9
Tomorrow, March 9, at 11 a.m., my office, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, is hosting an Elder Scams & Prevention seminar at the Cranberry Township Senior Center, 2525 Rochester Rd. in Cranberry Township. Representatives from the state attorney general’s office will be covering topics like fraud, scams and signs of nursing home abuse. Those interested in attending this free, public event can register here. RSVPs are encouraged but not mandatory to attend. Any questions or concerns about this seminar can be addressed by calling my Rochester District Office at 724-774-0444. Highlights in the 47th
Shoutout to HBO’s The Pitt for highlighting the importance of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) in our hospitals, and the critical role they play in providing specialized care for rape survivors and collecting evidence. I am proud to have sponsored PA’s Sexual Assault Emergency Services Law which opened the door to expanding SANE access in PA hospitals. Currently, more than 60 PA hospitals have dedicated SANE programs. Bill to Ease Shortage in Long-Term Care Workers Approved by Senate
To help alleviate Pennsylvania’s serious shortage of long-term care workers, the Senate approved legislation to allow high school juniors and seniors to earn graduation credit by working or volunteering in these settings so they can consider a career in this crucial field. Health care leaders and senior advocates strongly support Senate Bill 116 because while Pennsylvania’s population over the age of 65 is expected to nearly double by 2040, the number of long-term care professionals declined by 14% from 2019 to 2022. This bill is part of a bipartisan package aimed at strengthening the long-term care workforce. Along with Senate Bill 114 and Senate Bill 115, it awaits action in the House of Representatives. Family Caregivers Can Find Help Through State Support Program
Caring for a loved one is rewarding but also challenging. If you or someone you know could use some help, the state Caregiver Support Program could be the answer. The state Caregiver Support Program provides relief through respite care, education and financial assistance for eligible unpaid caregivers. Each caregiver is assigned a care manager who will come to the home, conduct a comprehensive assessment of the needs of the caregiver, provide support and work with them to develop a care plan. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply, and find other caregiver resources, from the Department of Aging. Mark Your Calendars for Our 15th Annual Kids Expo!
My office will be hosting its 15th Annual Kids Expo on Saturday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Community College of Beaver County, 1 Campus Dr. in Monaca. Plenty of fun activities will be offered for kids to enjoy, including face painting, a bounce house, a balloon artist, a photo booth/selfie station, a coloring contest and sports-themed games, while parents can learn more about available local family services. You are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item as you will receive five extra tickets for the raffle table! We are also hosting two senior expos in the following locations later this year:
All events are free and open to the public. These are great opportunities to connect with local resources and neighbors. Reach out to my Rochester district office at 724-774-0444 with any questions you may have. We hope to see you there! Online Filing Option Available for PA Personal Income Taxes
If you’re working on your taxes, keep in mind you can file your Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax return online for free through the myPATH portal. It includes automatic calculators, instant confirmation and secure payment options. You can access many features directly from the myPATH homepage without needing to create a username or password. Additional options are offered exclusively to users who opt to create an account. Learn more from the state Department of Revenue. Supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses
Pennsylvania is one of the top states in the nation for veteran-owned small businesses and Invest in Veterans Week (March 1-7) helps focus attention on these patriotic entrepreneurs. These men and women served our nation and are now providing jobs and economic vitality in our communities. Please keep an eye out for veteran-owned businesses in our area. If you’re a veteran looking to start or expand a business, you can find state and federal resources here.
Please contact me to provide input on any state-related matter, or to receive help in dealing with a state agency. |
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