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In this update:
Weigh In: Should the 2024 Presidential Primary Be Moved Up?
Recently, the Senate State Government Committee approved legislation to move up the 2024 Pennsylvania Primary up by five weeks. Under current law, the primary would take place on the fourth Tuesday in April. In most Presidential elections, the national outcome is largely decided before our voters have a chance to cast their vote. The last time Pennsylvania voters had a meaningful voice in a Presidential Primary was 2008. Should Pennsylvania move up their presidential primary date to have a greater say in their preferred candidate for president of the United States? I want YOUR opinion! Let me know by taking my survey! More Mobile Office Hours Announced, Bringing YOUR State Government to You
I am excited to announce that my team will be deploying another mobile office into the district. Starting next week, once a month for the remainder of the year, a member of my staff will be in Penn Township! My staff will be at the Penn Township Municipal Building next Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will be able to answer questions relating to state issues, including pending legislation, PennDOT, birth and death certificates, Property Tax Rent Rebates, unclaimed property, and more. Appointments are not required, but highly encouraged to ensure there is an appropriate number of staff available. You can call my district office at 717-741-4648 or reply to this email if you are interested in stopping in. You can find more details on this new mobile office here. Stronger Rainy Day Fund Improves PA’s Financial Position
Moody’s Investor Services has affirmed Pennsylvania’s current bond rating and revised the state’s financial outlook from stable to positive. As part of its decision to upgrade the commonwealth’s status, Moody’s commended the amount of money in the state’s Rainy Day Fund. Bolstering our financial safety net has been a top priority in the past three years, and it is encouraging to see those efforts translate to real results. Because of hard decisions made by Senate Republicans to resist the urge to spend billions and instead embrace smarter budgeting approaches, Pennsylvania’s financial position has improved. Basic Education Funding Commission Kicked Off First Hearings
The Basic Education Funding Commission, which I co-chair with Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster), started taking testimony this week from public school finance experts, educational advocates, and taxpayers. The commission has been tasked to address the charge given to us by the Commonwealth Court: that the state needs a better way to distribute existing tax dollars to give every child a quality education. You can find out more about on the commission here. Find the testimony on my YouTube channel and more photos from the hearings here and here. Revenue Collections Below Monthly Estimate
Each month, the Senate Appropriations Committee prepares an update about the state’s financial health. The most recent report shows that General Fund revenue collections of $2.9 billion in August were below the monthly estimate by $27.1 million, or 0.9%. The Shapiro Administration recently approved collective bargaining agreements with the state’s major labor unions that are projected to cost taxpayers $3.2 billion during the next four years. The full update, including the monthly revenue report, is available here. Celebrating 100 Years of Hanover Football
Those Friday night lights were shining just a bit brighter for the 100th anniversary celebration of the Hanover Nighthawks Football Program last week! The entire community came out to celebrate the Nighthawks’ century of memories on the gridiron. Rick and I had a great time watching the first half between the Nighthawks vs. Pequea Valley! The second half was postponed until this past Monday evening due to weather. You can find more photos from this celebration on my Facebook. Free Support Available to Military Members
As a reminder for Suicide Prevention Month, Veterans in crisis can call the toll-free Veterans Crisis Line. It serves Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them. A caring, qualified responder is available to provide confidential support and connect callers with resources 24/7, 365 days a year. Call 988 and then press 1 or chat online. If you are interested in Veteran specific updates, you can sign up for my monthly Veteran updates here. My September update will be sent out next week. Joining Delta Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company for Annual Banquet
Honored to join the Delta Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company and Auxiliary for their annual banquet to say thank you for their commitment and dedication to the safety of their fellow community members! Congratulations to Firefighter of the Year Lieutenant Tyler Belt, Chief’s Award recipient First Assistant Chief Daniel Blake, and President’s Award recipients Derek and Becky Macomber. You can find all the photos from the banquet here. Grand Opening of New Nature Preserve
While I was in a Basic Education Funding Commission meeting, a member of my team was able to attend the Grand Opening of Mill Creek Falls Nature Preserve. The new preserve has two new hiking trails, one of which is universally accessible and able to accommodate those with strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices! With 97 acres of nature preserve that protects a forest, meadow, waterfalls and two tributaries to the Susquehanna River, Mill Creek falls is a wonderful addition to our outdoor activities in York County. In case you missed it, in my latest podcast episode I sat down with Mark Platts, the president of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area , to discuss his recommendations for the top fall activities across York County. Coming up soon, I have a second conversation with Mark to talk about the proposed pump storage facility that would take 1,000 acres of preserved farmland and recreational areas along the Susquehanna River in Chanceford Township. You can listen to the first part of our discussion (about York County’s outdoor recreational opportunities) here and stay tuned for part two coming soon! You can listen to our conversation on Apple, Spotify, Google or wherever you get your podcasts. Upcoming PennDOT Maintenance ProjectsYou can view PennDOT’s list of scheduled maintenance projects for next week below. If you have trouble viewing the schedule, please click here.
On Deck
The Senate of Pennsylvania reconvenes on Monday, Sept. 18, at 1 p.m. Follow me on Twitter for all the latest updates on session convening times. You can watch all the Senate votes and view our agenda here.
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