|
|||
|
In this update:
Budget Hearings Begin Next Week to Examine Shapiro’s Unrealistic Spending Plan
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new budget proposal would increase state spending by $3.6 billion, or 7.5%, and over the next five years, based on realistic revenue and spending estimates, would create a $27.3 billion deficit in the state’s finances. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will have a firsthand role in the three weeks of budget hearings, where we will closely examine this proposal and work toward a responsible spending plan that prioritizes the needs of taxpayers. The budget hearings begin Tuesday, where we will hear from the Department of Revenue, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). These discussions will allow us to scrutinize the administration’s spending plans, assess the necessity of proposed expenses, and work toward a fiscally responsible budget. I will share updates on this important process each week as we work to protect taxpayers and ensure financial accountability. Follow along on Facebook, X, and YouTube. New Podcast: Building a Stronger York County with Sen. Dawn Keefer
I recently sat down with my friend, colleague, and new Senate Chamber neighbor, Sen. Dawn Keefer, for a special episode of our podcast, Kristin’s Corner. As she steps into her new role representing the 31st District, we discussed our shared priorities for York County, from supporting small businesses to ensuring fiscal responsibility and enhancing government accountability. You can listen to our conversation on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Public Access Coming to Historic Underground Railroad Site
A piece of history will soon be accessible to the public. For the first time in 225 years, the historic Mifflin House in Wrightsville, a key stop on the Underground Railroad, will welcome visitors. I had the pleasure of joining the Susquehanna National Heritage Area to celebrate this milestone. This 79-acre site will feature walking trails that highlight its role in the Underground Railroad and its significance in the 1863 Battle of Wrightsville, a pivotal moment in the Gettysburg Campaign. You can learn more here. Final Call: RSVP for the Farmers Breakfast
Don’t miss out on our Farmers Breakfast, featuring Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, chairman of the US House Committee on Agriculture, as our keynote speaker! We will also hear from other state agricultural leaders, and our very own Kennady Laird, PA FFA State Sentinel, who will share how FFA is inspiring future agricultural leaders. Join us on Monday, Feb. 24, from 7:30-9 a.m. at Eureka Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Company in Stewartstown. RSVPs are due tomorrow, Feb. 14. I look forward to seeing you there! Senate Votes to Strengthen Penalties for Harming PA Public Transit Operators
Legislation strengthening penalties for people who harm public transit operators was approved by the Senate and now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 210 would create a new offense for interfering with the operation of a public transit vehicle. Offenders causing serious bodily injury or death would face a felony of the first degree, while interference resulting in bodily injury, or the fear of imminent harm would be classified as a felony of the third degree. The legislation aims to protect transit workers, passengers and the general public. It sends a strong message that violence against public transit operators will not be tolerated, and those responsible for putting others’ safety at risk will face severe consequences. This is an important step in safeguarding the well-being of public transit operators who serve communities across Pennsylvania. Newest Eagle Scouts Rowan McWilliams and Henry Thome
The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest honor in the Boy Scouts of America, a distinction earned by only a small percentage of scouts through years of dedication, leadership, and service. It was a pleasure to recognize Rowan McWilliams and Henry Thome, both members of Troop 25 in York, for earning this esteemed achievement. Rowan, the son of Timothy and Kristine McWilliams, has served in several leadership roles within his troop, including senior patrol leader. For his Eagle Scout project, he organized a hybrid food and blood drive at Central York Middle School, demonstrating his commitment to helping others. Henry, the son of William and Inga Thome, has also shown strong leadership, serving as a member of the Order of the Arrow. His Eagle Scout project focused on improving the local environment by removing invasive plant species and replacing them with native plants at Central York High School. I look forward to seeing what Rowan and Henry accomplish in the years ahead. Bill Ensuring Great Care at State Veterans’ Homes Passes Senate
To ensure high-quality health care and well-being of Veterans, the Senate unanimously passed legislation that would enhance oversight at Pennsylvania’s six state Veterans’ homes. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. With passage of Senate Bill 129, advisory councils would have 15 members, including a family member of a current or past resident. Nominees would be Veterans from the surrounding communities. Advisory councils would make recommendations about resident care, management, operations and compliance of facilities to the state adjutant general. The bill would also require the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to provide a subject matter expert for each of the advisory council’s meetings and an annual report to the General Assembly. To increase transparency, it would also stipulate that councils comply with open meeting requirements. Each month, I share an update to our local Veterans. If you or someone you know would like to receive these updates, please sign up here. Senate Passes Bill Providing Military Benefits to Korean Americans Who Served in Vietnam
Korean Americans who served in the Vietnam War with the Korean Armed Forces would receive the same state Veterans benefits as their U.S. counterparts under legislation unanimously approved by the Senate. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 173 would grant the same rights, benefits and privileges of U.S. military Veterans to Pennsylvania residents who are naturalized U.S. citizens and who served in the Vietnam War with the Korean Armed Forces. There are more than 3,000 naturalized Korean American citizens who served in the Vietnam War as a part of the Korean Armed Forces and hundreds now live in Pennsylvania. The bill would apply to any Pennsylvania resident who is an American citizen, was an active-duty member of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces in the Vietnam War between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, and received an honorable discharge or equivalent. Emergency Alerts Keep You Safe and Prepared
You can sign up to receive CodeRed alerts about severe weather and emergencies at your chosen locations, building alerts, health notifications and other timely updates from state and federal agencies. A CodeRed weather warning will automatically alert you if your address falls in the path of severe weather, as determined by the National Weather Service. Get alerts by phone, text or email and using your home address and/or work by signing up online. If you no longer wish to receive alerts, you may opt out of certain or all alerts from CodeRed at any time. Happy Presidents’ Day!
On Monday, Feb. 17, we recognize Presidents’ Day. The holiday initially honored the birth of President George Washington, who established many of the traditions and precedents of the presidency. Now, it gives us an opportunity to remember all United States presidents. Due to the holiday, my offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17, in observation, with normal business hours resuming on Tuesday, Feb. 18. As always, our online office is always open. Mobile Office Hours in Penn Township
Next Thursday, my team will be back at the Penn Township Municipal Building, 20 Wayne Ave., Hanover, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During these hours, my team will be available to assist with PennDOT forms, Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, notary services, and other state-related needs. My team looks forward to seeing you there! You can find more information on the mobile offices here. Upcoming PennDOT Maintenance Projects
Most weeks, PennDOT provides me with its upcoming maintenance schedule. While my team and I aim to keep this information up to date, please note that the page may not always reflect the latest changes. For the most accurate details, I recommend checking back on Friday afternoons or over the weekend, as we usually receive updates from PennDOT on Fridays. You can view the full list here to see if any roadwork might impact you and your family.
|
|||
|
|||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorkristin.com | Privacy Policy |
