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In this update:
Senate Finishes Review of Shapiro’s Massive Spending Proposal
The Senate Appropriations Committee concluded the third week of its examination of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal, which totals $51.5 billion and would increase state spending by 7.5% over the current year’s budget. Despite a huge increase overall, Shapiro proposes cutting important initiatives that serve Pennsylvanians and the employers that provide their jobs. One major issue is the ongoing safety risks tied to excessive overtime for correctional officers. With officers working long hours, there is an increased chance of burnout and fatigue, which can compromise security in state prisons. I pressed the administration on whether they have a clear threshold for when overtime becomes a safety risk and whether hiring additional wellness staff would help mitigate the issue. Additionally, with planned prison closures on the horizon, I questioned whether the Department of Corrections has a plan to address ongoing staffing shortages. Another focus of the hearings was the drastic increase in federal COVID-19 disaster relief spending authority, which jumped from $200 million to $800 million. I sought clarity on what prompted such a dramatic change and whether the commonwealth has the authority to distribute all of the allocated funds. With Pennsylvania facing cuts to state disaster relief funding, I also asked whether the administration has contingency plans if another major disaster strikes and the allocated funds have already been spent. Medicaid costs were also under scrutiny, particularly the rising expense of GLP-1 medications for diabetes and obesity. The governor’s budget mentions plans to contain these costs, but it remains unclear what changes will be made and how much in savings is expected. Additionally, I questioned the administration on its decision to force the Office of Open Records to relocate and take on lease payments, despite other agencies reducing their physical office space. Transparency in government spending was also a concern, as I pointed to the expansion of the governor’s communications team, doubling in size since the previous administration, alongside taxpayer-funded content that seems more focused on TikTok hits than informing the hardworking citizens of York County. Lastly, I raised concerns over the newly created State Board of Higher Education, which has a budget of $3.5 million and plans to hire six high-salaried staff members while the Department of Education continues to struggle with understaffing. 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 2025-26 state budget. Find video and recaps of every budget hearing on my YouTube and on PASenateGOP.com. Introducing Legislation to Strengthen Pennsylvania’s Cybersecurity
In response to growing cybersecurity threats and overwhelming public support for stronger protections, I have introduced a legislative package to safeguard Pennsylvania’s critical systems and prevent cyberattacks. This initiative follows extensive feedback from constituents concerned about the risks posed by TikTok and other security vulnerabilities on state-owned devices and networks. With cyber threats growing more sophisticated, Pennsylvania must take a proactive approach to secure its infrastructure. I appreciate the overwhelming feedback from constituents who participated in my survey and continue to share their concerns about digital security. I remain committed to fighting for policies that strengthen our state’s defenses and ensure our cybersecurity measures keep pace with evolving threats. You can find out more information on this initiative here. 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. 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. 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. Celebrate Pennsylvania’s 344th Birthday with Free Museum Admission
On Sunday, March 9, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) is inviting everyone to celebrate the Commonwealth’s 344th anniversary with free admission to historic sites and museums across Pennsylvania. Visitors can see William Penn’s original charter at the Pennsylvania State Archives in Harrisburg from noon to 4 p.m. This 344-year-old document, written on parchment with iron gall ink, will be on display for a special public viewing. The State Museum of Pennsylvania will offer free admission from noon to 4:30 p.m., featuring Colonial Games, Stop & Learn stations, and an opportunity to interpret Penn’s charter. Historic sites along the Pennsylvania Trails of History will also offer free admission, including Brandywine Battlefield, Ephrata Cloister, Erie Maritime Museum, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, and more. For more details and a full list of participating sites, visit the PHMC website. 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.
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