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In this Update:
Governor’s Energy Tax Will Hurt Consumers
Yesterday, Gov. Josh Shapiro held a press conference in Dauphin County to promote his new energy ‘plan.’ Modeled after California’s failed policies that have led to increased utility costs and rolling blackouts, the governor’s ‘plan’ isn’t new at all. It’s a tax that will increase the cost of energy and hurt consumers. Even proponents of his energy tax admit that the governor’s plan would increase costs for everyone. There is never a good time to raise taxes, but with inflation at record-highs, now is the worst possible time to heap additional burdens on Pennsylvania families. A tax by any other name is still a tax. Read more here. Senate Finishes Review of Shapiro’s Budget Proposal
The Senate Appropriations Committee finished the last of its review of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal, which totals more than $48.3 billion and would increase state spending by 7.1% above the current year’s budget. The governor’s proposal would completely drain the state’s savings and relies on income and spending estimates that are unrealistic. The Department of Revenue and Governor’s Budget Office hearing focused on the report issued by the non-partisan Independent Fiscal Office that indicates a $24 billion gap between Shapiro’s spending plans and the revenue the state expects to collect in the next five years. These projections show it will be all but impossible to balance budgets in the next five years without deep spending cuts and massive tax increases. At the Department of Health hearing, the committee asked for clarity around future budget years. The current proposal lacks details about the future, leaving the legislature and citizens around the commonwealth to wonder what the ultimate impact to taxpayers will be. Additionally, Shapiro proposed spending proposed spending $4 million to pay the medical debt of certain Pennsylvanians, and members asked for details about how the money would be distributed. 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 2024-25 state budget. Find video and recaps of every budget hearing at PASenateGOP.com. PennDOT Shares Roadwork Info with Motorists
Many Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) projects are underway, some will be beginning soon, and others are being bid in Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties. See what’s happening and when by viewing the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s an informational portal. It provides a mapping application for highway and bridge projects that allows users to obtain information about roadwork projects. For travel information, visit www.511pa.com or call 5-1-1. 511PA is Pennsylvania’s official travel information service, which provides travelers with reliable, current traffic and weather information, as well as links to other transportation services. Mark Your Calendar
It sure feels like spring—and we can’t help but be excited about all that the coming months hold! We’ve finalized details on several events, the first of which is Coffee with Anglers, scheduled for Thursday, March 28. The Fish and Boat Commission will provide angler education and a stocking opportunity will follow. Space is limited, so reservations are required. Please view all event details HERE and make reservations through the link provided on that page. Details about other upcoming events, including identity theft prevention/shredding and vehicle license plate replacement opportunities can also be found at: senatorrothman.com/events. We hope to see you at one or more of these upcoming events! Out and About
As Chairman of the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee, I had the opportunity to participate in a Pennsylvania Game Commission study of the black bear population in Pennsylvania. Part of the study presented an opportunity to hold a new bear cub and I was fortunate to be able to share the experience with my two youngest daughters. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Saint Patrick, who lived in the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to the country. Even though the Irish have observed St. Patrick’s Day as a religious holiday for more than 1,000 years, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade actually took place in America. Records show the first parade was held on March 17, 1601, in a Spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, Fla. “May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.” – Irish blessing
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