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Standing Up for Fiscal Responsibility and Real Leadership
I want to be clear – I will not support a budget that knowingly sets you up for a tax increase. At the same time, I fully understand the many needs that exist across our Commonwealth. Let’s start with the basics:
While working in Harrisburg this week, I was struck by the fact that the Senate received no advance information on the most recent budget proposal before it officially arrived in our chamber. How can the House work in a silo, without Senate consultation, and expect meaningful progress? And where is the Governor and his 26-member, taxpayer funded, communications team? None of these proposals reflect a bipartisan agreement, nor do they show honest, ongoing communication among the Governor, the Senate, and the House. Governor Shapiro often refers to Pennsylvania’s divided government – a Republican controlled Senate and a Democrat controlled House. But a divided government doesn’t have to be a negative. In fact, it can lead to better compromise and balanced decisions, if it’s guided by real leadership. That requires hard work, honest dialogue, and daily collaboration – not just social media posts and press conferences by our Governor. You may find this interesting as well: While I was working in Harrisburg this week, the Governor was in our district. Rather than extending the customary courtesy of informing or inviting me or my staff to attend an event announcing an initiative I have long supported, he chose to exclude and instead made derogatory and unprofessional remarks directed at me and the Senate. This behavior is disappointing and counterproductive. Leadership requires unity, not blame. Since the Governor’s inauguration, I’ve worked to build a professional, respectful relationship with him. A relationship, I thought, was rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to serving Pennsylvanians. Unfortunately, I’m disappointed that he has chosen political posturing over professionalism, especially when our schools, agencies, and communities are depending on us to work together I remain committed to serving you with honesty, fiscal responsibility, and respect – no matter how challenging the process may be. You deserve a government that puts people above politics, and I will continue to work toward that goal. If you agree, call the Governor’s office and tell him: “Be professional. Communicate with Commitment. Get to work. Get stuff done.” Senate Acts to Waive Interest on Short-Term Budget Impasse Loans
Pennsylvania counties, early education programs, rape prevention and domestic violence prevention centers could pay no interest on loans from the Pennsylvania Treasury under legislation approved by the Senate. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Under current law, the Pennsylvania Treasurer may provide investment loans during a budget impasse but must charge interest on those loans. Treasury’s Budget Bridge Loan program would provide up to $500 million in low-interest loans from the Liquid Asset Pool Investment Fund for county governments, domestic violence and rape crisis centers, Head Start agencies and approved providers under the Pre-K Counts program. Those investment loans would cover up to 25% of a recipient’s state budget appropriation from the previous fiscal year. Senate Bill 1040 would authorize the state treasurer to waive interest charges on loans issued during a budget impasse and help prevent additional costs for taxpayers and communities. Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Turning the Fountain Pink
I joined my colleagues from the Pennsylvania Senate and House yesterday to turn the State Capitol East Wing Fountain pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month – honoring survivors, remembering those lost, and encouraging early detection through annual mammograms. A special thank you to Senator Kim Ward, Senator Frank Farry, and the PA Breast Cancer Coalition for leading this beautiful display! One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. But when detected at its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is over 90%. Learn more about breast cancer and the tools available for early detection here. Scenes from the 40th District
This week’s photo winner is courtesy of Priscilla from Saylorsburg, with some beautiful red sunflowers! 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. Ensuring US and Pennsylvania Flags are Made in America
Reflecting a growing effort to support American manufacturing, the Senate approved legislation ensuring every U.S. and Pennsylvania flag purchased by the commonwealth is made entirely in the U.S. using American materials. Senate Bill 784 requires the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to procure only flags that are both produced and constructed from materials sourced within the U.S. Each flag must also carry a label reading “Made in America.” The measure not only promotes American-made products within state procurement practices, but it also prevents the use of taxpayer dollars to purchase flags from nations that do not share the values of Pennsylvania citizens. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Annual Veterans Appreciation and Informational Luncheon
We are nearly a month away from my Annual Veterans Appreciation & Informational Luncheon! Please join me at Trout Lake Retreats on Sunday November 16 and join your fellow brothers and sisters in arms as we honor and support all veterans and their families of the 40th Senate District! Please RSVP here. Highlighting a Local Farmer: Tim Jaggars!
Last week I had the chance to meet with Tim Jaggars, owner of Robinson Family Farm in South Canaan Township! In addition to running his family farm, which has been around for over 100 years, Tim is also the District 1 State Board Director of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. It was so great to see Tim and to walk around his beautiful farm, and I even got to work helping harvest some potatoes! If you want to see Tim and learn more about what their farm provides, you can follow his Facebook page and go and see him at the Newfoundland Farmers Market! Wayne Memorial Hospital Bells Across PA
I was honored to help unveil the Wayne Memorial Hospital’s Bells Across PA liberty bell, provided by America250PA and The Wright Center for Community Health! Bells Across PA has given local artists across the Commonwealth the opportunity to decorate fiberglass bells to commemorate the Semi-quincentennial. So happy to help show off this beautiful art by Allison LaRussa!
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