|
||||
|
In this Update:
Making Sure Your Voice Is Heard on Shapiro’s Proposed SCI Rockview Closing
The governor’s proposed closing of SCI Rockview is not yet guaranteed. In fact, his announcement is just the beginning of the process. The earliest date the facility could be shutdown is Sept. 10, 2025. If Rockview is closed, all employees will be offered placement at another Department of Corrections (DOC) facility within 67 miles at current pay level and classification. As a retired corrections officer with 16 years of experience, I have a working knowledge of the state prison system from the inside out. I also recognize that there are far reaching economic impacts to closing a prison beyond the obvious operating costs per inmate, facility maintenance, salaries, etc. Act 133 of 2018 requires a three-month period (minimum) for members of the community and stakeholders to provide feedback before the DOC makes a final decision on SCI Rockview. Make sure your voice is heard by sending the DOC an email to ra-crdocclose@pa.gov or leaving a voicemail at 888-316-8950. Public hearings will also be held in the affected counties at times and locations to be announced. Visit the DOC website for more information. Most importantly, I remain deeply concerned about potentially impacted SCI Rockview employees and their families. As much as possible, I strongly encourage everyone involved to avoid bringing the frustration and anxiety of this proposed closure home with you. As always, my team and I will be working diligently throughout this process to achieve the best possible outcome for Senate District 25. Senate Continues to Dissect Shapiro’s Budget to Protect PA Consumers, Empower Parents
The Senate Appropriations Committee continued public hearings on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed $51.5 billion spending plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26. His plan would increase state spending by more than 7.5% above the current year’s budget. Shapiro’s spending plan would create a funding shortfall of more than $27 billion in the next five years, so Senate Republicans are carefully reviewing proposed expenses to avoid big financial issues. Among the highlights of recent budget hearings: During the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) budget hearing, discussion centered on inefficient government and delays people experience when trying to get permits. The governor’s continued pursuit of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax on Pennsylvania consumers and the hidden cost of Shapiro’s new “Lightning” energy plan were also discussed, including the fact that both plans would raise energy prices for consumers, limit job growth, and make our electric grid less reliable. The Department of Aging hearing highlighted concerns about the accountability, oversight and costs of court-appointed guardians. The viability of the Lottery Fund, which pays for new initiatives benefiting older Pennsylvanians, and helping seniors avoid financial scams were also part of the conversation. At the Department of Education budget hearing, committee members shared problems regarding education funding and declining student proficiency in basics like reading and math. While Shapiro calls for an increase of $860 million, Senate Republicans are focused on the need for greater accountability in education. The importance of career and technical centers, apprenticeships and other job-training programs was also discussed. Members of the committee also highlighted the importance of school choice programs, including Lifeline Scholarships to support choice options in low-performing schools. Additional hearings included the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Community and Economic Development. Find the hearings schedule, livestreams of budget hearings, daily recaps and video from prior hearings at PASenateGOP.com. Reporting State Fraud and Waste
Commonwealth employees and private citizens can take action to stop fraud and misconduct in Pennsylvania state government. Complaints can be made online with the Office of the State Inspector General (OSIG) against a commonwealth employee, agency or contractor regarding an issue related to an executive agency of the commonwealth. The OSIG works to maintain public confidence in government by combating fraud, waste, misconduct and abuse in commonwealth programs, operations and contracts. Snowmobiling in State Forests and Parks
State parks and forests offer all sorts of recreational opportunities, including snowmobiling. There are thousands of miles and hundreds of acres of designated snowmobile areas for exploration. As long as there is enough snow cover, snowmobile trails open the day after the last day of Pennsylvania’s regular or extended rifle deer season and close April 1 or earlier as determined by the district forester or park manager. During snowmobiling season, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources posts snow and trail conditions three times per week. While riding your snowmobile, you must carry with you or on the vehicle a certificate of registration, proof of liability insurance, registration plate affixed to the vehicle, expiration stickers (does not apply to limited registration) and valid safety certificate (ages 10-15 if riding off of parent’s or guardian’s property). Learn more.
For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my mission reports, you can get on the e-newsletter mailing list here. |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatordush.com | Privacy Policy |
