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In this Update:
THON Weekend 2024 Raises $16.9 Million in New Hope for Curing Pediatric Cancer
Once again, I was humbled and honored to stand alongside so many outstanding student and support volunteers who made the 52nd year of PENN STATE THON a stellar $16,955,683.63 fundraising weekend benefiting pediatric cancer patients, their families and dedicated caregivers. To the entire Penn State community, thanks again for all you do to support THON! For the latest updates and information on how you can get involved, visit www.thon.org. Senate Budget Hearings Begin in Harrisburg
Last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee began public hearings 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 all but impossible to balance budgets in the next five years without deep spending cuts and massive tax increases. Among the highlights: 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. Watch my IFO Budget Hearing Q&A here and here. The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) budget hearing included questions about how the new governance model for PASSHE and community colleges would be structured and when the transition would happen. Unfortunately, very little information was available. PASSHE’s chancellor was not included in the governor’s work group planning the merger, which raises concerns. Watch my PASSHE Budget Hearing Q&A here and here. As a retired corrections officer, during the Department of Corrections and Pennsylvania Parole Board budget hearing I sought an explanation for Shapiro’s new funding for the department totaling $229 million, which is $74 million more than the department requested. This followed the department overspending its 2023-24 budget by $100 million. Watch my PA Department of Corrections Budget Hearing Q&A here and here. During the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) budget hearing, the committee raised concerns about the negative impacts of Pennsylvania’s burdensome permit process and tax penalties on startup businesses that don’t turn an immediate profit. Members also discussed the governor’s Main Street Matters program, which he wants to fund at more than four times the amount of a similar program that already exists. Watch my DCED Budget Hearing Q&A here and here. On Feb. 22, the first week of budget hearings concluded with the Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). Watch my L&I Budget Hearing Q&A here and here, and my DMVA Budget Hearing Q&A here and here. Find the hearings schedule, livestreams of budget hearings, daily recaps and video from prior hearings at PASenateGOP.com. 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. Mental Health Treatment is Available for Farmers
Pennsylvania farmers and farm families live a stressful way of life, often filled with uncertainty. Rural areas have fewer therapists, and the work on a farm never stops. While the circumstances farmers experience are unique, there is help available for those dealing with loneliness, sadness, stress or depression. Professional treatment for mental health is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through the free AgriStress HelpLine. Call or text a health care professional at 833-897-2474.
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