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In this Update:
Capitol Conversations
Each year, the Pennsylvania Senate Appropriations Committee hosts a number of hearings to review the Governors proposed budget and examine how tax dollars are being spent. These hearings ensure transparency, accountability, and help guide the General Assembly as we work towards a responsible, balanced budget. To start of the first week of hearings, I had the opportunity to ask questions to several departments about their work. PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE
To start off Appropriation Hearings, I questioned Acting State Police Commissioner George Bivens. With the upcoming FIFA World Cup and planned America250 events, I asked Commissioner Bivens to elaborate on the progress made to prepare for these events and how many additional troopers will be stationed at these events. DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
During the Department of Human Services hearing, I questioned Secretary Valerie Arkoosh about proposed enhancements to ChildLine, which directs reports of child abuse to the authorities, and reports of issues with the Medical Assistance Transportation Program. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND PA PAROLE BOARD
During the hearing for the Department of Corrections and the PA Parole Board, I questioned Secretary of Corrections Laurel Harry and Parole Board Chairman C. James Fox about the biggest challenges in recruiting and retaining corrections officers and the First Chance Trust Fund, which supports children in schools with high dropout rates. Hearing Explores Ideas to Combat State Housing Crisis
Efforts to make housing more attainable for working families were reviewed during a Senate hearing with local government officials, housing advocates, builders and developers. The Senate Majority Policy Committee heard how housing shortages drive up costs for Pennsylvanian families and stall economic growth. Among the solutions explored were infrastructure partnership programs to help lower upfront development costs, state tax credits, development incentives and bond financing specifically targeted to middle-income housing development, and more. Forming a robust strategy to increase housing supply, lower costs and stimulate economic activity is a key focus for the Senate this year. Video of the full hearing and written testimony can be viewed here. Record-Breaking Unclaimed Property Returns to PA Residents
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that the Pennsylvania Treasury Department returned more unclaimed property in 2025 than ever before: $334.1 million. Unclaimed property can include dormant bank accounts, abandoned stocks, uncashed checks, and more. Property is always available for the rightful owner to claim. Tangible property – often the contents of forgotten safe deposit boxes – may be auctioned after three years, but proceeds remain available to claim perpetuity. Among the reasons for the record property returns was the General Assembly’s passage of a law that allows Treasury to automatically return unclaimed property valued up to $500. In the program’s first year, nearly $50 million was returned this way. To see if any unclaimed property is available for you, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. Saturday is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
School bus drivers play a critical role in the safety and well-being of students, but shortages of these vital workers can disrupt schedules and learning. Thank you to all the men and women performing this critical task in our area. Individuals interested in becoming a school bus driver can visit the commonwealth’s Become a School Bus Driver webpage or the School Bus Hero website to learn more.
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