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In this Update:
Pushing for Solutions to Rural Education Funding Disparities
In response to growing concerns from rural school officials and taxpayers regarding inadequate funding increases in Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget, I have joined Senator Lynda Culver in calling for urgent action to address disparities in education funding across Pennsylvania’s rural communities. In a letter to Acting Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe, we outlined the challenges rural districts face due to an inequitable funding distribution which limits their ability to recruit personnel, invest in technology and enhance curriculum to meet student performance standards. We invited Secretary Rowe to participate in a Community Conversation on Rural Education Funding Disparities in April to hear directly from impacted communities. The event will be hosted by the Northwest Area School District, where school leaders and community members have already been actively seeking solutions. The reality is that many rural districts struggle to keep up as larger, well-funded schools attract veteran educators and invest heavily in resources. We must ensure that students in small communities have the same opportunities for success as those in urban and suburban districts. PA Recovers $11.3 Million in Medicaid Fraud
Fighting fraud throughout state government is a top priority. Attorney General Dave Sunday recently announced that his Medicaid Fraud Team recovered more than $11.3 million in misused Medicaid funding in fiscal year 2024. A federal annual report ranked Pennsylvania first in the nation for number of Medicaid fraud charges filed against individuals and third in convictions secured. The report also states that Medicaid Fraud units across the country recover $3.46 for every $1 spent by the units. Retrieving this funding helps to provide limited-income and vulnerable populations have access to health care as intended. The Medicaid Fraud Team prosecutes those who defraud the program through unlawful billing or failure to provide services. It also prosecutes those who neglect or abuse Pennsylvanians dependent on their care and those who financially exploit older adults or care-dependent persons. Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee Visits Gino Merli Center
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee recently held a special hearing at the Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center to learn more about the tremendous work being done at these facilities and the challenges being confronted, including staffing recruitment and retention. Following the discussion, members toured Camp Freedom, which provides outdoor adventures for disabled veterans and first responders. Online Unclaimed Property Auction – March 26 and 27
Pennsylvania’s next auction of unclaimed property – including jewelry, collectible coins, currency and more – will take place on March 26 and 27. Treasurer Stacy Garrity said more than 5,500 items will hit the auction block, and anyone interested in bidding can register on the website of the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s auctioneer partner, Pook & Pook. Unclaimed tangible property, like the items being auctioned, comes to Treasury most often from forgotten safe deposit boxes. Treasury works to find the rightful owner for at least three years before auctioning an item but holds auctions twice a year to make room for incoming property in Treasury’s vault – the largest working vault in the country. All items sold at auction are carefully documented, and net proceeds remain with Treasury until a rightful owner comes forward to claim the property – no matter how much time passes. Treasury is working to return more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property that is owed to more than one in 10 Pennsylvanians. The average value of a claim is about $1,600. This money can belong to individuals, businesses, nonprofits, local government entities and other organizations. Anyone can search for unclaimed property online. My office is also always glad to help you file a claim or to answer any of your questions. Job Openings for Lifeguards at State Parks
Applications are being accepted through March 31 for summer job opportunities at 13 of Pennsylvania’s state parks. Lifeguards will be paid $17 an hour and must have proper certifications. Full-time and part-time schedules are available. Lifeguards are essential in safeguarding the health and safety of park visitors. Duties will include overseeing the swimming zones, upholding park policies and addressing emergencies. Find information about required qualifications and apply online here. Celebrating Literacy at Building Blocks Learning Center
I always appreciate the opportunity to encourage reading and celebrate literacy, so I was delighted to be able to join students at Building Blocks Learning Center to read some of their favorite books as part of Read Across America activities. Celebrating National Agriculture Week
Agriculture – one of Pennsylvania’s top industries – directly impacts our health, economy and communities. It also preserves open space. Farmers work tirelessly to provide us with fresh produce and dairy products. Supporting them is as easy as enjoying the wonderful foods they offer. As the weather begins to improve, farmers markets will pop up all over the state. Read more about Pennsylvania’s farmers markets. In addition to farming, many other jobs play an important role in our state’s agricultural success. Pennsylvania’s more than 500,000 jobs in agriculture also include the fields of business, technology, science and more.
Please do not reply to this email. If you would like to contact Senator Baker, submit a web contact form here: https://www.senatorbaker.com/contact-me-2/ |
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