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In this Update:
Senate Finishes Review of Shapiro’s Spending Proposal
This week marked the final week of the PA Senate Appropriations Committee hearings. These hearings are crucial as they provide a platform to ensure accountability and that taxpayer money is spent efficiently and transparently. It is my responsibility as a Senator to advocate for the people of Northeast Philly and ensure that their state government is working for them. Philadelphia is currently struggling with the recruitment and retention of correctional officers. When questioning Secretary of Corrections Laurel Harry and Parole Board Chairman Jim Fox, I asked about the department’s current status, its needs, and planned initiatives to address shortages. As the son of a firefighter, first responders are close to my heart. Heroes in the truest sense, when everyone else is running away from a dangerous situation, first responders run in. I had the opportunity to speak with PEMA Director Randy Padfield and Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook. We discussed proposed grants for PA firefighters and plans to address EMS recruitment shortages in Philadelphia. I also had the opportunity to question the Secretary of the Department of Human Services, Valerie Arkoosh. I asked about the future of child and elder care in the Commonwealth. Gov. Shapiro has frequently expressed his support for Life Line Scholarships, which are designed to help underperforming students. He has also stated that this program would not take resources from public schools. During budget hearings, I asked Budget Secretary Uri Monson how the Governor plans to fund these programs and why he has not included additional funding in the education budget to support them. Visit To SPIN INC.
I had an amazing time visiting the SPIN INC. facility in Northeast Philly this week. SPIN Inc. has been serving the Philadelphia area since 1971, providing vital services to the community. Among its many offerings, SPIN provides full-service care for adults with autism and intellectual disabilities. It was truly an honor to be invited to witness firsthand the incredible work this organization does to support individuals and families in our community. Beware: Rise in Scams Involving Bitcoin ATMs
Attorney General Dave Sunday is warning Pennsylvanians that scammers are now using Bitcoin ATMs, or “BTMs,” to gain access to other people’s money. This scam starts with messages that sound urgent, like “protect your money” or “take care of any criminal charges.” Unsuspecting consumers may also be persuaded to act because scammers have personal information, such as their bank or financial situation. After coercing a consumer into making large cash withdrawals, the cyber criminals tell the consumer to deposit the funds into a BTM. Following that deposit, the criminals ask the consumer to scan and send a QR code, which gives the criminal access to the funds. It also, in most cases, makes it impossible to get the money back. Financial scams typically start with a telephone call, text message, email, social media message or an alert on your computer. Avoid falling prey by never responding directly to unexpected calls or withdrawing cash in response to an unexpected call or message. Learn more ways to protect yourself from scammers. Open Now: PennDOT Survey About Your Transportation Needs
Motorists are encouraged to share feedback regarding their transportation needs and concerns with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) via its Transportation Survey before April 30. Responses will impact the 12-Year Program, which lists statewide planned projects and assigns funding to them. You may also call 717-783-2262 to request a paper copy or to complete the survey over the phone. Before filling out the survey, you may wish to review the 2025 Transportation Performance Report. Recently released by the State Transportation Commission (STC), the report contains information about how Pennsylvania’s transportation system performed in the last two years. There will also be an online public forum on Thursday, April 10, featuring a presentation from Secretary of Transportation Michael Carroll, as well as a live question-and-answer session with PennDOT personnel and STC members. Register for the forum and submit your transportation questions for the Q&A session by filling out the registration form or emailing them to RA-PennDOTSTC@pa.gov. New Recommendations for PA Poultry Producers to Prevent Spread of HPAI The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has issued new recommendations for poultry producers to combat the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The department is recommending heightened biosecurity focusing on preventing contact of poultry with wild birds and dairy cattle. It also recommends maintaining poultry indoors if possible during this period of heightened risk. HPAI has been circulating in the wild bird population in the United States and was identified in commercial poultry in early 2022. In addition, 17 new cases have been confirmed in dairy herds in four states in the past 30 days. No cases have been reported in PA dairies to date. Poultry producers can find more information and contacts for assistance here. Daylight Saving Time Begins This Weekend
Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. While cell phone and computer clocks usually change automatically, most people move their standard clocks and appliances ahead one hour on Saturday night. It’s also a good time to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. If the devices are more than a decade old, experts suggest upgrading to 10-year, sealed battery alarms. They don’t require any battery replacement throughout their lifetime. However, it’s still a good idea to press the test button on the alarms at least once a month. Find more tips here.
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