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In this Update:
Budget Hearings Reinforce Need for Greater Financial Accountability
After three weeks of detailed public hearings examining Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $51.5 billion budget plan – which would increase state spending by 7.5% compared to the current fiscal year – it is clear that his priorities are very different than those of Senate Republicans. Shapiro’s unsustainable spending plan would quickly drain every dollar in the state’s bank accounts – including our entire $7.3 billion in emergency savings in the Rainy Day Fund – within two years. This is especially troubling at a time when respected, nonpartisan sources like the Independent Fiscal Office are warning that Pennsylvania faces serious financial challenges. Notably, not even Shapiro’s own team claims that the astronomical cost of his proposed budget can be paid for without higher taxes. I am committed to fighting for taxpayers throughout this year’s state budget negotiations. We will continue to work toward a responsible state budget that promotes economic growth, job creation and fiscal stability for the commonwealth. Local Real ID Event Scheduled for Monday
Beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card, or another form of federally-acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recently announced a series of upcoming REAL ID Days events throughout the Commonwealth to give residents additional opportunities to get a REAL ID before the deadline. One will be taking place in our area Monday, March 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at: Summerdale Driver License Center at 429 North Enola Road, Enola. During this event, the licensing center will be able to issue same-day REAL IDs—and will be processing them exclusively. (No other PennDOT business will be conducted during this dedicated time.) View the list of required documentation here. Although a REAL ID-compliant product may be needed for federally acceptable identification beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians can apply for a REAL ID at any time – before, on or after the enforcement date – depending on their situation. REAL ID products will remain a permanent part of PennDOT’s driver and photo services. Grow PA Scholarship Grant Applications Available Now
As our young people often leave the Commonwealth for employment elsewhere, PA’s fastest-growing age demographic is adults aged 85 and above. We passed the Grow PA package last year to provide scholarships to help young Pennsylvanians pay for college, remain in the Commonwealth, and fill good-paying, in-demand jobs. The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification for an in-demand occupation. The application period for grants is open now, with funding awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. To qualify for the grant, applicants must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation. Grant recipients will be required to live and work in Pennsylvania for 12 months for each year they receive the grant. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the grant converting to a loan requiring repayment. Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs as approved by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Learn more or apply here. Get Prepared to Catch PA Fish!
This week’s warm weather has many of us thinking about spring, outdoor activities, and spending time on our area waterways. The Fish and Boat Commission has a number of great resources here to help locate and catch Pennsylvania fish. Find details about where, when, and how to catch each species, down to optimal hook, line, and bait specifications. Check out the interactive maps, too! Not sure when or where you can fish? Learn more about Pennsylvania’s various seasons, sizes and creel limits. License Plates Support Women Veterans
You can support women veterans in Pennsylvania by purchasing a license plate recognizing the importance of the brave women who have served in our military. When you purchase the Honoring Our Women Veterans Registration Plate or the Honoring Our Women Veterans Motorcycle Registration Plate, a portion of the fee will be used to support programs assisting the approximately 63,000 female veterans in Pennsylvania. The motorcycle version of this registration plate is new, having been introduced in December. You do not need to be a veteran to purchase either of these plates. If you are a veteran, you may want to consider purchasing either the Women Veteran Registration Plate or the Women Veteran Motorcycle Registration Plate. Applicants for these plates must submit a legible photocopy of their Form DD-214 or the front and back of their DD2(RET). Learn more about these license plates and several other new plates available for veterans. Around the Capitol
I enjoyed visiting with all of the great kids from Sporting Hill Elementary this week! We discussed their goals for the future, state government, and what it’s like to be a legislator. I hope everyone had fun touring the Capitol!
Also this week, I was pleased to meet with District Attorneys Sean McCormack, Fran Chardo, and Clay Merris, from Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties, respectively. We discussed crime trends in the district and how the state legislature could support their efforts to keep our communities safe. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
A celebration of country and heritage, St. Patrick’s Day became an official religious holiday in the early 17th century. It commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. “May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.” – Irish blessing
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