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State Budget Stalemate, Part II: New Revenue, Same Deficit.
The delay in passing Pennsylvania’s budget is disrupting schools, local governments, and vital services that rely on state funding. To prevent further harm, a month ago, the Senate passed a short-term budget identical to last year’s to keep money flowing. I supported this responsible step. Unfortunately, House Democrats rejected it, leaving critical services in limbo. For a deeper dive, you can read my article from last week – but here’s the recap: Pennsylvania has roughly $45 billion available to appropriate. The Governor has proposed spending $51 billion, and the House $50 billion – both exceeding our revenue and risking the depletion of state reserves, which would lead to future tax increases. One thing I know for sure – taxpayers in our community are tapped out! I am not willing to set you up for a tax increase. This deficit is often followed by calls for new revenue streams – most often, legalizing and taxing recreational marijuana. According to the Governor, legalization would bring in $1.3 billion over five years, or $260 million per year. The Independent Fiscal Office estimates even less, $1 billion over five years, or $200 million per year. Either way, these projections don’t come close to solving our budget gap. Additionally, like with any public policy, there are costs. In states like Colorado, every $1 of marijuana tax revenue comes with about $4.50 in public costs – from healthcare and DUIs to youth dropouts and more addiction. During budget hearings, I’ve asked about these potential costs for our Commonwealth, but have yet to receive a clear answer. It’s important to look beyond the headlines and understand both the numbers and the trade-offs. Proposals may sound promising – but we deserve the full context. Now that you have the facts, I want to hear from you. What do you think? Is this the kind of budget approach that makes sense for our future? Let me know your thoughts. Remembering September 11, 2001
Once again, we pause on Sept. 11 to remember the tragic events on that date in 2001 – attacks that changed our nation forever. It’s been 24 years, but the memories of the lives lost, the bravery shown, and the unity that followed remain with us. We honor the nearly 3,000 people killed in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, and hold in our hearts the families left behind. The first responders who courageously gave their lives to save others remain a source of inspiration for a nation brought together in grief and determined to keep America’s enemies at bay. In Pennsylvania, we reflect on the heroism of those aboard Flight 93, who acted with bravery to prevent even more devastation. We also honor the first responders in the 40th District who risked their lives for others on that fateful day: Barry Anfang, John Tucci, Joe Costa, Ralph Rodriguez, Steve Lane, William Chartie, Jay Scarpa, Ken Emanuele, Darlene Line, Mike Krug, Mitch Spritzler, Gary Haff, Tom Venterini, Paul Brodowsky, and many more in our area that go unrecognized. We will never forget. Rest in Peace, Charlie Kirk
Charlie Kirk was a generational figure whose work inspired countless young people to embrace faith, family, and patriotism. He brought conversation, education, and engagement to so many. He was taken from us earlier this week for his courageous mission – on a college campus, a place of learning and growth, while promoting civic dialogue. There are no words to describe this senseless act of violence and evil. In this moment of tragedy, we must turn to the very values that Charlie espoused. I ask you to join me, and so many others, in praying for his wife and young children. Let us honor his legacy by pursuing truth unapologetically – with reason, grace, and fortitude, never with violence or hatred. May he rest in God’s eternal grace and light. Scenes from the 40th District
This week’s photo winner shows a beautiful buck hidden within the brush. This photo has been shared on my social media and posted to the 40th Senatorial District Photo Gallery. Interested in showcasing your photography skills? I am inviting residents of the 40th Senatorial District to share their photography and help capture the beauty and character of our community. Whether it’s a stunning landscape, a lively community event, or a cherished historical landmark, I encourage you to submit photos that highlight the unique aspects of our district, which includes parts of Lackawanna and Wayne counties, and all of Monroe County. Click here to submit your work and learn more. Protecting Animals from Painful Experiments
As co-chair of the General Assembly’s animal protection caucus, I am so pleased that the Senate unanimously approved legislation aimed at protecting dogs and cats from painful, taxpayer-funded experiments. Senate Bill 381, also known as the Beagle Bill, would:
Senate Bill 381 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Welcoming Guest Chaplain Rob O’Donnell to the Senate
On Wednesday, I had the honor of recognizing Rob O’Donnell of Lackawanna County as our Guest Chaplain in Harrisburg, as he led off our session with a beautiful prayer. Rob was born and raised in New York City and began his career as a NYC Police Officer in 1992, later promoted to Detective and worked for the departments Organized Crime Control Bureau, Precinct Detective Squad, retiring out of one of the departments Homicide task forces. During his career Rob had been involved with the 93 World Trade Center Bombing, the response/recovery on September 11th. After retiring due to injuries sustained in the line of duty to Northeast Pennsylvania in 2004. Rob was also involved with the investigation of the Fort Dix terror plot suspects in 2007, and in November 2020 was called by his Son for guidance, that was in the midst of an ongoing active shooter situation at Naval Air Station Pensacola where he was assigned, making Rob the only First Responder in America involved with four domestic terrorist incidents. Today Rob hosts the afternoon drive news/talk radio show in northeast Pennsylvania, the Rob O’Donnell Show on locally on WILK a Audacy station. Rob is married to Lisette for 30 years next month, and has three grown children; Gavin, a United States Naval Academy graduate and a Navy Strike Naval Aviator, Kayle, a graduate of a Pennsylvania State University and pediatric Psychiatric Nurse, and Madison, who is the only woman in Northeast Pennsylvania to be accepted to all three Service Academies, Air Force Academy, West Point, and the Naval Academy in which she graduated as a United States Marine 2nd Lieutenant currently in the pilot pipeline. Jack Ryan Award of Benevolence
A few weeks ago, I was honored to receive the Angel Alliance’s Jack Ryan Award of Benevolence! This recognition is to honor those for their dedication of time and services to those in need. It has been such a pleasure working with the Angel Alliance throughout my time as a legislator. They successfully raised over $25,000 for the Capital Campaign of the Lake Ariel Volunteer Fire Company’s new firehouse. These funds also allowed Angel Alliance to budget for items such as grant writers and to research funds to obtain a refurbishing grant for their current building. Thank you again for choosing me for this recognition.
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