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E-news Updates – April 19, 2024
More Than $23 Million Headed to Northeast Pennsylvania to Improve High-Speed Internet Access Alongside Senators Baker and Flynn, I was pleased to announce more than $23 million to increase access to reliable high-speed internet here in Northeast Pennsylvania. Allocated by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA), our Commonwealth saw $200 million in competitive grants across […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – April 12, 2024
Brown’s Landmark Distracted Driving Legislation Passed by House This week, my legislation prohibiting the use of cellular and other hand-held devices while driving passed in the House of Representatives. Senate Bill 37 enhances driver responsibility by prohibiting the handheld use of cell phones or other communication devices while operating a motor vehicle on Pennsylvania roadways. Drivers may […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – April 5, 2024
Brown Announces More than $2.5 Million in Local Infrastructure Improvements I am pleased to have assisted in securing the necessary funding for important projects and upgrades within our region. Investing in our infrastructure is essential for the safety, growth, and prosperity of our communities. These grants are a significant step toward our ongoing efforts to […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – March 22, 2024
This Week in Harrisburg The Pennsylvania state Capitol was busy this week. The Senate advanced several initiatives that are now in the House of Representatives for consideration. I was pleased to be a co-sponsor on all these proposals. Senate Bill 1054 strengthens the Overdose Information Network (ODIN) law, which requires all law enforcement in Pennsylvania […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – March 15, 2024
Senate Finishes Review of Shapiro’s Budget Proposal The Senate Appropriations Committee has recently concluded its detailed examination of Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. This proposal requests an increase in state spending to over $48.3 billion, marking a 7.1% rise from our current financial allocations. This would completely drain our state’s […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – March 1, 2024
Senate Continues Detailed Review of Governor’s Budget Proposal This week, I joined my colleagues on the Senate Appropriations Committee for another round of budget hearings. We hosted PA Fish and Boat, the Dept of Agriculture, the Dept. of Education, the Dept. of Environmental Protection, and the PA Liquor Control Board. To watch all my questions […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – February 23, 2024
Senate Begins Review of Proposed State Budget The Senate Appropriations Committee began public hearings this week on the proposed 2024-25 state budget. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget plan would increase state spending by more than $3.2 billion, or about 7.1% above the current year’s budget. Projections indicate it will be near impossible to balance budgets in […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – February 16, 2024
Budget Hearings Scheduled to Begin Next Week State spending would increase by more than $3.2 billion, or about 7.1%, under the Governor’s budget proposal. This level of increase will make it virtually impossible to balance future budgets without spending cuts and tax increases within the five-year planning period. As a member of the Senate Appropriations […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – February 9, 2024
Brown Releases Statement Following Shapiro’s Budget Address This week marks the beginning of the state budget process. Governor Shapiro presented his proposal to the legislature for lawmakers to begin the work of delivering an effective and responsible budget for Pennsylvania. I was pleased to be one of six lawmakers asked to escort the Governor to […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – February 2, 2024
Senators Brown and Pennycuick Host Joint Hearing on Protecting Municipalities from Cyberattacks As Chairwomen of the Senate Local Government Committee and the Senate Communications and Technology Committee, Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) and I hosted a joint hearing this week that examined cybersecurity threats faced by local governments and municipal authorities. Recent cyberattacks targeting the Bucks […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – January 26, 2024
Healthy Rainy Day Fund Cushions Against Hard Times Currently, the state’s Rainy Day Fund sits at a record high of $6.1 billion. In large part thanks to careful decisions of the Senate over the last several years. Most recently, we deposited $900 million as part of the current state budget. While many wanted to spend […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – January 19, 2024
DWG: Route 611 Closure This prolonged closure has done more harm than necessary. I totally respect that there are laws they are trying to respect within the National Park Service, but when you want to get something done – you can get it done. The state has secured the necessary emergency funding and has specialized […] [Read More]