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In this Update
Addressing Government Waste, Improper Payments
This week, I joined PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity, Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill and Senate colleagues to highlight efforts to combat improper payments and government waste. In FY 2024-25, Pennsylvania Treasury identified nearly $820 million in improper payments and $88.1 million in taxpayer savings. The Biden Administration reported in 2024, that the Commonwealth had improperly claimed more than $500 million in Medicaid payments. Each of these dollars comes from the pockets of hardworking Pennsylvanians, many of whom are unfortunately living paycheck to paycheck. State agencies are only required to report on improper payments for programs that use federal funds. Sen. Phillips-Hill and I plan to introduce legislation extending that accountability to state-funded programs as well. Read more and watch the full press conference here. More than $5 Million in Gaming Revenue Coming to the 48th District
I was happy to announce that more than $5 million in Local Share Account (LSA) funds from the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) will be coming to the 48th district. These dollars come from casino slot machines and online gaming revenue every year and are returned to our communities to support public safety, recreation, municipal improvements, and other projects that benefit residents. See the full list of projects below: Public Comments Due Monday on Gov. Shapiro’s Overreaching Regulations
Gov. Shapiro and the Department of Health recently proposed sweeping new regulations that would vastly expand state government’s power over the lives of Pennsylvanians. This includes expanding the government’s authority to enter private residences and schools without a warrant, access private citizens’ health information, speak with children without parental consent, enforce mask mandates and much more. Many of these regulations mirror the failed policies of the Wolf Administration during COVID. Like the Executive Branch’s heavy-handed response during the pandemic, this Administration is now attempting to push through these Department of Health changes through the regulatory process – completely bypassing the General Assembly. More details about what these regulations could mean for Pennsylvanians are available here. I encourage all citizens to submit public comments on the regulations to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission before the public comment period ends this coming Monday, Sept. 21. Full instructions for submitting comments are available at the commission’s online comment page. Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action
Property owners scored a key victory this legislative session when the Senate approved a measure to protect and financially compensate them if targeted by eminent domain abuse. However, the bill has languished in the House of Representatives for more than a year. Senate Bill 225 would ensure business owners and farmers whose properties are seized through eminent domain are compensated for loss of “goodwill,” which goes beyond the assessed value. For farms, the land may possess characteristics that make it particularly special, such as fertile soil. In the case of another business, goodwill may be the location, access to utilities and other factors. This bill received unanimous support in the Senate and there’s no reason for the House not to act. Read more about this bill and federal efforts to end eminent domain abuse here. A Great Night at the Denver Fair
I had a great time joining residents and community leaders for the opening ceremony of the Denver Fair. Events like this showcase the strong sense of community that makes our region such a special place to live, work and raise a family. The fair runs through Sept. 19, with food, entertainment and activities for visitors of all ages. Local Events
Tuesday, September 15-19: The Denver Fair Friday, September 18, 19 & 20: Hinkelfest at Fireman’s Park Saturday, September 19, 11am: West Lebanon Township Community Day Saturday, September 19, 10am-2pm: Hilltop Playground Car Show Tuesday, September 22-26: 107th Ephrata Fair Sunday, September 27, 1-5pm: The Hamburg Whole Health Expo Thursday, October 8, 10am-4pm: Aging Your Way Festival Tuesday, October 20, 6-7pm: Trunk or Treat at YMCA Thursday, October 24, 4:30-7:30pm: 6th & Chestnut Fall Block Party
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