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In this Update:
- Veterans Appreciation Breakfast
- Edinboro Office
- VisitErie State of the Industry
- Edinboro Lake and Dam
- Senate Finishes Review of Shapiro’s Budget Proposal
- PennDOT Shares Roadwork Info with Motorists
- Protect Your Family from Dangerous Radon
- Help is Available for Problem Gambling
- Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Veterans Appreciation Breakfast
Attention Veterans! You’re invited to my Veterans Appreciation Breakfast with special guest Major General Mark J. Schindler. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow servicemen and women and be recognized for your service. This is a FREE event for all veterans, but seating is limited, and preregistration is required. Sign up today at https://www.senatorlaughlin.com/veterans-appreciation-breakfast or by calling 814-453-2515.
Edinboro Office
A member of my staff will be available Thursday, March 21, at the Edinboro Borough Building from 11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. to help with any state-related issues. Stop in and say “hi!”.
VisitErie State of the Industry
I attended VisitErie‘s State of the Industry Breakfast earlier this week and it was an absolute pleasure to hear about all the exciting ways tourism is supporting the Erie community. I would like to extend my gratitude to John Oliver, CEO of VisitErie, and Carrie Lepore, Pennsylvania’s Deputy Secretary of Tourism, for their insightful presentations.
Edinboro Lake and Dam
Representative Banta and I visited Edinboro to discuss the improvement plans for Edinboro Lake and the Edinboro Dam. Edinboro Lake is a focal point for the community’s recreational activities and a valuable natural resource, essential for the ecological and civic well-being of the community. Thank you to Chris Motter, the Superintendent of Water and Streets, for providing such informative details during our visit.
New Option for Contacting my Office
Good news! My constituents now have another option to contact my office when they’re looking for information or assistance. In addition to phone, email, or the contact form on my website, constituents can now send a text message to my office at (814) 900-4527.
Senate Finishes Review of Shapiro’s Budget Proposal
The Senate Appropriations Committee finished the last of its review of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal, which totals more than $48.3 billion and would increase state spending by 7.1% above the current year’s budget. The governor’s proposal would completely drain the state’s savings and relies on income and spending estimates that are unrealistic.
The Department of Revenue and Governor’s Budget Office hearing focused on the report issued by the non-partisan Independent Fiscal Office that indicates a $24 billion gap between Shapiro’s spending plans and the revenue the state expects to collect in the next five years. These projections show it will be all but impossible to balance budgets in the next five years without deep spending cuts and massive tax increases.
At the Department of Health hearing, the committee questioned why – as with other departments – the budget shows level funding over five years, which denies legislators the information to accurately assess the ultimate impact on taxpayers. Shapiro proposed spending $4 million to pay the medical debt of certain Pennsylvanians, and members asked for details about how the money will be distributed and if the program will necessitate additional staffing.
Having completed the official review of Shapiro’s budget proposal, the Senate will use its findings from the hearings to craft its own spending plan, with the goal of enacting a final 2024-25 state budget. Find video and recaps of every budget hearing at PASenateGOP.com.
PennDOT Shares Roadwork Info with Motorists
As the weather improves, there will be more roadwork. To inform motorists about construction projects that are underway, beginning this year or being bid, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation offers an informational portal.
It has a mapping application for highway and bridge projects that allows users to obtain information about roadwork projects.
For travel information, visit www.511pa.com or call 5-1-1. 511PA is Pennsylvania’s official travel information service, which provides travelers with reliable, current traffic and weather information, as well as links to other transportation services.
Protect Your Family from Dangerous Radon
Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas that can enter your home from the ground through cracks in the foundation. It increases cancer risks and is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
Pennsylvania has one of the most serious radon problems in the country. Approximately 40% of Pennsylvania homes have radon levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s action guideline.
Find information how to test your home’s radon level and find certified radon mitigation contractors here.
Help is Available for Problem Gambling
Problem Gambling Awareness Month, observed in March, promotes prevention, treatment and recovery services.
Sadly, hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians experience gambling-related problems, including family, financial, legal and emotional issues. Gambling problems can be mild or very serious, and can worsen with time.
Individuals seeking treatment for compulsive or problem gambling can call Pennsylvania’s helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) to connect with local help. People can also text 1-800-522-4700 or live chat.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Saint Patrick, who lived in the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to the country.
Even though the Irish have observed St. Patrick’s Day as a religious holiday for more than 1,000 years, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade actually took place in America. Records show the first parade was held on March 17, 1601, in a Spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, Fla.
“May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.” – Irish blessing
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