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In this update:
Governor’s Proposed Higher Education Plan: Myths vs. RealitiesThe 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. If we were to agree to his plans, it will be all but impossible to balance budgets in the next five years without deep spending cuts and massive tax increases. On Wednesday, as Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I led the questioning of Chancellor Dan Greenstein about the proposed budget for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, which includes Bloomsburg University, Kutztown University, East Stroudsburg University, and more.
I asked about the governor’s new plan to combine the ten schools in the system and Pennsylvania’s 15 community colleges under a new governance structure. We need to hear more details about this plan as soon as possible if it has any chance of success.
Chancellor Greenstein spoke about the continued importance of a four-year degree. He cited a study that the share of jobs that require a college degree is expected to increase, with over 90% of new jobs requiring higher education.
I asked about the enrollment trends of the ten schools that make up the system. Colleges and universities from across the country are facing enrollment declines, yet schools in our state system bucked this trend by increasing first-year enrollment last year. More highlights include: The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) hearing focused on the commonwealth’s ongoing structural deficit and future financial standing. The IFO’s projected revenues for 2024-25 are $825 million lower than those from the Shapiro administration. Additionally, the IFO director projected the current fund balance and Rainy Day Fund – the state’s emergency savings account – would both run out in 2026-27 under the governor’s budget. At the Department of Community and Economic Development budget hearing, the committee asked about the negative impacts of Pennsylvania’s burdensome permit process and tax penalties on startup businesses that don’t turn an immediate profit. Next Wednesday, I’ll be leading the questioning of Secretary of Education Khalid Mumin. Learn more about this year’s budget hearings here. 100th Anniversary of the NFL’s Pottsville Maroons
On Saturday night, the Schuylkill County Historical Society kicked off their celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Pottsville Maroons – our very own NFL team from 1925-28. I joined Commissioner Gary Hess, Rep. Twardzik, and Pottsville Mayor Dave Clews to view some of their original gear and a championship ring from their 1925 NFL championship. Stay tuned for more information about their celebration plans! Telephone Town Hall—with 3200 People!
This week, I hosted a VERY unique telephone town hall – I was joined by five local state representatives: Jamie Barton, Doyle Heffley, JoAnne Stehr, Tim Twardzik, and Dane Watro. We had over 3,200 people on the call from Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne Counties. We took questions about eliminating school property taxes, the education funding debate, the ongoing noxious odors affecting western Schuylkill County, and more. Thank you to everyone who took time out of their night to join us! If you missed it, listen to the full call here. Hazleton: Breakfast with Mayor Cusat and Touring Niagara Bottling and Aspire Bakeries
I toured the Niagara Bottling plant and Aspire Bakeries in Hazle Township yesterday. Both have created a large number of jobs here in recent years. Thank you for showing me around!
Also yesterday, Rep. Watro and I joined Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat at a special breakfast sponsored by the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Cusat discussed the ongoing, community-wide efforts to breathe new life into the city and the strong partnerships between the chamber, CAN DO, Inc., state and local officials, and many more members of the community. Meeting with Local Superintendents
Rep. Barton, Rep. Twardzik, Rep. Watro, and I hosted a meeting in Mahanoy City with superintendents and business managers from school districts in Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne Counties to discuss how we can support their students. We discussed ways to encourage more people to enter teaching as a career, the upcoming state budget negotiations, and several bills now pending before the General Assembly. As the Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I look forward to continuing working with everyone who attended to improve education here, in this Senate district and across PA, from Pre-K to graduate school. State Troopers Host Legislative Dinner
I met with state troopers this week at the lodge dinner and legislative reception of the Phillip C. Melley Memorial Lodge #65 of the Fraternal Order of Police. As you can see from the crowded picture above, there were many state legislators from Schuylkill, Berks, and Lebanon Counties who stopped by. To our troopers: thank you all for everything you do to keep our communities safe! Free Webinars Provide Helpful Financial Aid Info
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is holding free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process. Speakers will discuss planning for higher education financing, comparing financial aid offers and understanding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Register to attend the one-hour webinars, which run through July. Help is Available for Struggling Veterans
Like anyone, veterans and their families can face unexpected circumstances that impose financial burdens. To help veterans who are facing challenging times, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs administers the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program. The VTA provides temporary financial assistance of up to $1,600 in a 12-month period to veterans or their surviving spouses who reside in Pennsylvania for food, shelter, fuel and clothing. Learn more about how to qualify and apply. Recognizing National FFA Week
As agriculture is one of Pennsylvania’s top industries, it is important to recognize National FFA Week, which runs from Feb. 17-24. A group of young farmers founded FFA in 1928, and the organization continues to play an important role in attracting future generations to this noble profession. After all, agriculture is more than planting and harvesting – it involves science, business and more.
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