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In this Update:
Senate Continues Budget Hearings, Review of Shapiro’s Spending Proposal
The Senate Appropriations Committee continued public hearings this week 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 and create a possible funding shortfall of more than $27 billion in the next five years, so we are carefully reviewing proposed expenses to avoid major financial issues. I wanted to share some highlights from the recent budget hearings that are particularly relevant to issues I am focused on in the Senate. A key part of the discussion with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) centered on the need for more efficient government operations and addressing the delays Pennsylvanians often experience when seeking permits. In my questioning of Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley, I focused on the proposed addition of 10 new conservation staff positions, asking for clarification on what these new people would specifically do. As a follow-up, I inquired about the number of currently vacant positions within DEP, with the thought being that repurposing existing vacant positions could potentially save taxpayer dollars while still addressing DEP’s staffing needs. The Governor’s continued push for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax and his new “Lightning” energy plan were also major discussion points during the hearing. The Department of Aging hearing also raised some very important issues that are close to my heart and directly impact many Pennsylvanians, especially our seniors. We discussed concerns around the accountability, oversight, and costs associated with court-appointed guardians. I also wanted to delve into how we can better support our seniors to age in place, in their own homes and communities, whenever possible. In my questioning of Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich, I asked about PENNCARE and the waiting list for seniors to obtain services covered under the program, specifically, how many seniors are on the waiting list and the amount of funding being allocated to address the backlog. Finally, ensuring the long-term financial health of the Lottery Fund, which is so crucial for funding initiatives benefiting older Pennsylvanians, and finding more effective ways to help seniors avoid falling victim to financial scams were also key parts of our conversation. Turning to the Department of Agriculture budget hearing, I focused my questions on several key issues impacting Pennsylvania’s farmers and food security. I questioned Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding about how the Department is assisting Pennsylvania farmers in dealing with crop damage caused by deer, an issue I hear from so many about in my district. Understanding the growing need for food assistance across the Commonwealth, I also inquired about how funds allocated for food insecurity are being strategically spent to ensure they are effectively reaching those who need them most and supporting our food banks and related programs. Finally, given the ongoing concerns about animal health, I engaged Secretary Redding in a discussion about Avian Influenza, also known as Bird Flu, seeking an update on the current situation in Pennsylvania and the Department’s efforts to monitor, contain, and mitigate the impact of this disease on our poultry and livestock industries. In the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) budget hearing, I raised concerns across a wide range of areas, seeking fiscal responsibility and program effectiveness. My questioning focused on the large increase proposed for General Government Operations and the BusinessPA initiative, scrutinizing staff reassignments and the program’s purpose and authority. I also pressed for justification for the Office of Open Records’ unexpected relocation and new lease expenses. Workforce development programs like Foundations in Industry and WEDNetPA and the new PA SITES program were also areas of focus, with questions about application review, geographic balance, and program guidelines. One more week of hearings remain. Click here to find the schedule, livestreams, daily recaps and video from prior hearings. Education Budget Hearing Focuses on Accountability and Improved Outcomes for Students
Ensuring Pennsylvania students receive a high-quality education is my top priority as Senate Education Committee Chair, and this week’s budget hearing for the Department of Education highlighted both significant weaknesses and opportunities for improvement. My colleagues and I shared concerns regarding the continued decline in student proficiency in fundamental areas like reading and math across Pennsylvania. While the Governor is proposing a significant increase of $860 million for education, my focus is squarely on ensuring greater accountability and, most importantly, driving better outcomes for our students. In my questioning of Acting Secretary of Education Carrie Rowe, I started by emphasizing a deeply troubling statistic: only 33% of Pennsylvania’s 4th graders are currently proficient in reading. I urged the acting secretary to prioritize and champion science-based approaches to reading instruction in order to reverse this concerning trend and build stronger literacy skills for all our children. Accountability was a central theme in my questions. I raised the issue of parity in funding for Pennsylvania’s cyber charter schools, seeking to understand how we can ensure a fairer funding model. I also questioned the administration’s level of support for school choice initiatives, as empowering parents with educational options is something I believe strongly in. Furthermore, I pressed Acting Secretary Rowe on the critical need for greater accountability and transparency regarding student teacher stipends and other financial allocations within the Department of Education. We must be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and ensure these funds are being used effectively to directly benefit students and educators. The hearing also touched on the importance of career and technical centers, apprenticeships, and other vital job-training programs. I followed up on this by asking Acting Secretary Rowe about the Department’s plans to further integrate apprenticeships into our workforce development strategies and how we can proactively prepare our students for the future by incorporating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) into our educational curriculum. Senator Culver Recognizes George H. Wolfe Jr. for Over 60 Years of Firefighting Service
It was a true honor recently to visit the South Side Fire Company in Riverside and present a citation to a remarkable individual, Mr. George H. Wolfe Jr. This citation recognizes George’s truly exceptional dedication to volunteer firefighting, an incredible commitment spanning over 60 years! George’s service began as a junior firefighter and has continued across communities in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Throughout his decades of service, he has served in numerous leadership roles, including Fire Chief and President, and he continues to serve today as Safety Officer at the South Side Fire Company. His unwavering dedication to protecting his neighbors and serving our communities is deeply inspiring. It was a privilege to personally thank George for his selfless service and to recognize his extraordinary commitment to public safety. Men and women like George H. Wolfe Jr. are the backbone of our communities, and their dedication deserves our highest appreciation. Thank you, George, for your decades of service and for being a true community hero in Riverside! 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. Connect with Employers at Commonwealth Job Fair on March 5
The Commonwealth Job Fair offers the opportunity to connect with more than 30 Pennsylvania state agencies and to learn more about public service. There are openings in transportation, finance, health care, wildlife management, public safety and more. You can also learn about career growth and other benefits. It will be held Wednesday, March 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. See open positions, learn more and register here. Preventing Heart Attacks and Strokes
February is American Heart Month, which is a wonderful time for people of all ages to take steps to protect their hearts. Typically, we think of heart disease and stroke when we think of the challenges that can result from poor heart health. Maintaining healthy blood pressure and eating well can help to prevent a cardiac event. But heart health isn’t just for adults. More than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year. By learning CPR, you will be ready to respond in an emergency.
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