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In this Update:

• Mastriano Says Governor’s Budget Spends Beyond Taxpayers’ Means
• Mastriano Service Honoring Desert Storm Veterans – Senator Mastriano
• Public Comment Regarding PPL Settlement Open Now
• Senate Hearing on Office of Administration Data Loss
• Senate Passes Measure Supporting a More Secure Southern Border
• 2023 Accomplishments: Cutting Red Tape
• Property Tax Relief is Available for Homeowners
• Protecting Against Hypothermia and Frostbite

Mastriano Says Governor’s Budget Spends Beyond Taxpayers’ Means

Tuesday, February 6th, Mastriano offered the following statement after Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered his annual budget address to a joint session of the state House and Senate:

“The governor’s budget proposal calls for deficit spending that could lead to future tax increases or cuts in programs for senior citizens, military veterans and children.

“Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget would throw more money into underperforming public schools instead of empowering parents through enhanced school choice programs that enable students to succeed. Throwing money into failing programs doesn’t create solutions; it creates more expensive problems.

“The governor wants to use more tax dollars from central Pennsylvanians to subsidize bus and train rides for Philadelphians through increased state funding for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, or SEPTA. I don’t believe taxpayers across Pennsylvania should have to send more of their money to subsidize the crime-ridden, incompetently run public transit system in Philadelphia.

“Gov. Shapiro seems to want to follow the example of his extreme progressive counterparts in California and New York, where excessive government spending has created huge budget deficits and led to increased inflation. The governor’s proposal would put Pennsylvania on a path toward financial collapse and economic ruin.

“The problem with socialist government spending schemes is, to paraphrase British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, at some point you eventually run out of other people’s money. Gov. Shapiro’s budget would spend taxpayers’ money faster than they could earn it.”

Mastriano Service Honoring Desert Storm Veterans – Senator Mastriano

It was an honor having guest speakers Chaplain (Colonel) James White, PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity, Senator Pennycuick, Brigadier General Laura McHugh, and Senator Dush at Wednesday’s Desert Storm Commemoration.

Public Comment Regarding PPL Settlement Open Now

In late 2022 and early 2023, PPL customers experienced unusually high or low estimated bills, missing monthly bills and inadequate customer service support resulting in customers’ inability to reach PPL Call Center representatives to discuss their billing concerns.

To address those issues, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will evaluate and consider a joint settlement. As part of the evaluation, a public comment period regarding the proposed settlement is active through Feb. 28.

Customers may submit a comment by e-filing through the PUC or sending a written comment at the address below. All comments should reference the docket number of the case: M-2023-3038060.

Senate Hearing on Office of Administration Data Loss

This week, the Senate Communications and Technology Committee and Senate State Government Committee held a public hearing on the recent Shapiro Office of Administration (OA) server data loss.

According to the OA, human error from an employee performing server maintenance on Jan. 3 resulted in data loss affecting several agencies. Additional information requested at the hearing will be reviewed once received by the committees. Video of the hearing can be found here.   

Senate Passes Measure Supporting a More Secure Southern Border

As the unprecedented rise in illegal immigration strains the resources of states throughout the nation, the Senate approved a measure calling for action to address the border crisis and support the rights of states to protect their citizens.

Senate Resolution 234 voices support for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s actions to secure the border amid federal inaction by the Biden Administration. It also encourages Gov. Josh Shapiro to join dozens of other governors from across the country who have announced their support of Abbott. The Biden Administration continues to fight Abbott’s lawful exercise of his Constitutional authority to defend his state and its citizens. 

According to the U.S. Center for Immigration Services, the country’s illegal immigrant population grew to 12.8 million by October 2023. It rose 2.6 million since January 2021, when President Joe Biden took office and used executive orders to move financial resources away from the border, suspend deportations and end the successful “Remain in Mexico” policy.

2023 Accomplishments: Cutting Red Tape

As 2024 kicks off, Senate Republicans will continue our work to cut red tape and improve the experience citizens have when they interact with their government and the agencies intended to help them.

Already this session, we have passed a bill that would improve government efficiency by authorizing the Pennsylvania Treasury Department to return unclaimed property without requiring the owners to search for it. Another legislative measure would ensure Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program and Medical Assistance benefits are not spent on the deceased.

For the Pennsylvanians who must apply for a permit, license or certification, another bill would require state agencies to create an accessible website to explain why a permit application was rejected and enable permit applicants to check their application status. It would also deem a permit, license or certification approved if the agency reviewing the application misses its deadline – giving Pennsylvanians far more predictability than they currently have. This change would also help to attract more business to the state and boost our economy by addressing unreasonable permit delays.

Property Tax Relief is Available for Homeowners

Most homes and farms are eligible for property tax reduction under the Homestead Tax Exemption program.

Under a homestead or farmstead property tax exclusion, the assessed value of each homestead or farmstead is reduced by the same amount before the property tax is computed.

To receive school property tax relief for tax years beginning July 1 or Jan. 1, an application for homestead or farmstead exclusions must be filed by the preceding March 1. School districts are required to notify homeowners by Dec. 31 of each year if their property is not approved for the homestead or farmstead exclusion or if their approval is due to expire. Learn more and find an application.

Protecting Against Hypothermia and Frostbite

While this winter has been relatively mild so far, colder weather could set in at any time. Brushing up on the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite can help you keep yourself and others safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers detailed information about warning signs and prevention.

Signs of hypothermia include shivering, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and confusion. In severe cases, hypothermia can lead to death. If someone is experiencing hypothermia, give them warm water and replace any wet clothing with dry layers. Seek medical attention if their body temperature is below 95 degrees.

Frostbite is an injury that can permanently damage the body and typically impacts the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. Symptoms include painful, unusually firm or waxy skin. If impacted, warm the affected area but do not apply pressure. Stay a safe distance from heat sources and know when to get medical care.

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