|
||||
|
In this Update:
Senate Finishes Review of Shapiro’s Massive Spending Proposal
The Senate Appropriations Committee has completed its review of Governor Josh Shapiro’s $51.5 billion budget proposal, which represents a 7.5% increase in state spending, well above the rate of inflation. Key highlights from this week’s hearings include a focus on the economic impacts of Avian Influenza, particularly its effect on egg prices and Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry, which supports over 593,000 jobs. During the Department of Community and Economic Development’s hearing there was strong emphasis on workforce development, with discussions on programs designed to help Pennsylvanians secure family-sustaining jobs in high-demand industries. Other important topics included the financial implications of the Department of Corrections’ planned prison closures, with concerns about the accuracy of the Shapiro administration’s budget projections for the correctional system, which shows a significant increase in funding despite the planned closures. The hearings also addressed the proposed funding for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), and the potential challenges of managing increasing spending in the Department of Human Services, particularly in areas such as Medicaid expenses. The hearings concluded on Thursday with the Budget Secretary and Executive Offices. Committee members highlighted the Shapiro Administration’s unrealistic new revenue projections; 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. The Senate will now use the findings from these hearings to craft its own budget plan for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Find video and recaps of every budget hearing at PASenateGOP.com. 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.
For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my e-newsletters, you can get on the mailing list here. |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://www.senatorscotthutchinson.com | Privacy Policy |
