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In this Update:
Budget Hearings Begin Next Week to Examine Shapiro’s Unrealistic Spending Plan
State spending would increase by $3.6 billion, or 7.5%, under Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new budget plan. During the next five years, using realistic spending and revenue estimates, Shapiro’s spending plans would leave a $27.3 billion hole in the state’s finances. The process of finding ways to rein in this spending includes three weeks of budget hearings held by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Hearings begin Tuesday with appearances by the Department of Revenue, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, State Police, Department of Health, Department of State and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. I will share updates on this important process each week. The hearings will be used to review Shapiro’s spending plan and ask administration officials about the need for any proposed expenses. From there, a budget that more appropriately reflects the needs of taxpayers can be developed. Bill Enhancing Oversight and Accountability at State Veterans’ Homes Passes Senate
To ensure high-quality health care and well-being of veterans, the Senate unanimously passed legislation I authored with Senator Doug Mastriano 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. 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. Touring Pocono Organics
I recently joined Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman and Senator Rosemary Brown for a tour of Pocono Organics, a USDA Certified Organic Farm and regenerative organic certified hemp grower. Sprawling more the 380 acres, the site houses over 38,000 square feet of greenhouse growing space standing 35 feet tall. Guests can also enjoy and purchase produce year-round in the Organic Farm Market and Cafè. Pocono Organics focuses on the gold standards of regenerative, sustainable, and organic requirements. Their “loyal to the soil” mission means they are driven to continue organic agriculture practices promoting healthy soil that creates healthy food. 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. Because of the holiday, my offices will be closed with normal business hours resuming on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
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