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In this Update:

• Gov. Wolf Sends General Assembly Budget Proposal with Huge Spending Increases
• Gebhard Bill to Support Fort Indiantown Gap Receives Committee Support
• Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday
• Legislation Boosting Aid to First Responders Set for Enactment
• Updated Agritourism Guide Available to Farmers
• Grants Available to Reduce Underage and Dangerous Drinking
• Monday is National Donor Day

Gov. Wolf Sends General Assembly Budget Proposal with Huge Spending Increases

In an address to the General Assembly this week, Gov. Tom Wolf proposed a $45.7 billion 2022-23 state budget that would increase General Fund spending by $4.5 billion.

The new spending includes $2 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. Including the expenditure of federal dollars returned to Pennsylvania during the pandemic, the governor’s budget represents a 10.9% increase in spending.

According to Senate Appropriations Committee budget projections, the governor’s plan will produce a $1.3 billion deficit for the 2023-24 fiscal year and create an even bigger bill for Pennsylvania taxpayers to pay long after the governor leaves office: a $13 billion deficit by 2026-27.

The Senate will hold a series of public hearings in the coming weeks to review the spending plan and produce a more responsible budget proposal that funds essential services while shielding taxpayers from the consequences of reckless overspending.

Gebhard Bill to Support Fort Indiantown Gap Receives Committee Support

HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) to allow the state’s Armory Board to advise on more issues pertaining to Pennsylvania’s National Guard received unanimous support today from the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

“My bill would help the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs manage and maintain properties like Fort Indiantown Gap and others around the commonwealth more effectively,” Sen. Gebhard said. “We have to maximize the resources we have in the most efficient way possible.”

Senate Bill 1047 now moves to the full Senate for consideration. 

Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday

It was a great honor to be able to give remarks commemorating the birthday of one of our greatest Presidents, Abraham Lincoln. 

His presidency faced unprecedented turmoil but his leadership and steadfast commitment to the Union willed our nation back together. The lessons of Lincoln can certainly be applied to today.

Legislation Boosting Aid to First Responders Set for Enactment

Building on a promise to provide Pennsylvania’s frontline heroes with relief, the Senate approved legislation to provide $25 million in federal funding to support EMS providers.

Since January, the General Assembly has advanced measures totaling $250 million for frontline workers, health care providers, emergency services and EMTs. The passage of Senate Bill 739 builds on the General Assembly’s recent efforts to distribute $225 million in federal relief funds for hospital and behavioral health providers to retain and recruit staff.

The measure also would ensure that all fire companies – whether volunteer, paid or combination department – are eligible for the low-interest loans through the Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Loan Program. Voters approved expanding the program in a 2021 ballot question.

Updated Agritourism Guide Available to Farmers

Agritourism activities – like corn mazes, hayrides, on-site dining/retail operations and educational programs – are a growing part of Pennsylvania’s agriculture economy.

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania has an updated 128-page handbook to help farmers navigate agritourism issues.

Last year, the General Assembly approved a new law to better protect farmers who offer these kinds of agritourism activities.

Grants Available to Reduce Underage and Dangerous Drinking

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) is accepting applications for grants to fund programs that discourage and reduce underage and dangerous drinking and promote a message of responsible alcohol consumption by those of legal drinking age.

Eligible grant applicants include school districts and institutions of higher education (including technical, trade and post-secondary establishments), community organizations, municipal police departments, municipal officials/representatives and nonprofit and for-profit organizations.

The deadline to apply for grants is March 18. Applications and guidelines for submission are available on the PLCB website.

Monday is National Donor Day

Monday isn’t just Valentine’s Day, it’s also National Donor Day. Many health groups use this day to sponsor blood and marrow drives and organ/tissue sign-ups. 

Organ donation saves lives and saves money, cutting health care costs by as much as two-thirds and saving Medicare millions of dollars every year.

The General Assembly passed the Living Donor Protection Act last year, prohibiting insurers from discriminating against an organ or tissue donor. It also ensures family and medical leave is provided for an eligible employee for the preparation and recovery necessary for donation surgery. In addition, it requires development of informational materials relating to living donors and the benefits of live organ and tissue donation.

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