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In this Update:
Lancaster City Policy Doesn’t Welcome Immigrants, It Protects Criminals
Lancaster City Council recently passed an ordinance to make Lancaster a “Welcoming City” and its implications should worry anyone who respects the rule of law, public safety, and common sense. Unfortunately, Lancaster County already suffers from a consistently and disproportionately high rate of human trafficking due to our strategic location along major highways on the east coast and our booming tourism industry. In fact, Lancaster County had the highest number of human trafficking offenses filed in the entire state from 2017 through 2021. And we can expect those numbers to only get worse. Weak border security and lax immigration policies create an easy avenue for cartels to force more innocent people, including children, into human trafficking. In fact, about 72% of human trafficking victims are immigrants. Does City Council honestly think that flooding our communities with more trafficking victims – while simultaneously prohibiting our officers from obtaining and sharing the immigration status of their abusers with the proper federal authorities – will help put traffickers behind bars or return victims to safety? We certainly don’t think so. Prohibiting communication between law enforcement agencies will only benefit traffickers and serve to keep their victims enslaved and in danger. Simply put, local municipalities shouldn’t be attempting to enact their own policies when it comes to immigration. It is a recipe for confusion and chaos. Read the full joint op-ed filed by all three state senators representing Lancaster County here. Calling for Greater Transparency in Mandatory Taxpayer Funding of Newspaper Advertisements
Yesterday, Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and I announced forthcoming legislation to require newspapers to disclose the cost incurred by local governments due to mandatory legal advertising and posting of public notices. We highlighted a Pew Research Center study that shows newspaper circulation has dropped by more than half during the last 17 years. Most Lancaster County residents don’t know that their hard-earned taxpayer dollars are currently subsidizing our local newspapers due to an outdated mandate. Our goal is to bring greater transparency to this process so that taxpayers and local governing entities alike are aware of how their tax dollars are being spent. This information will better inform legislators and the public as we consider if current law needs modernized to better meet the needs of taxpayers and reflect that the way we receive and consume news has changed. Read the full press release here. Senate Finishes Review of Shapiro’s Budget Proposal
The Senate Appropriations Committee finished the last of its review of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal, which totals more than $48.3 billion and would increase state spending by 7.1% above the current year’s budget. The governor’s proposal would completely drain the state’s savings and relies on income and spending estimates that are unrealistic. The Department of Revenue and Governor’s Budget Office hearing focused on the report issued by the non-partisan Independent Fiscal Office that indicates a $24 billion gap between Shapiro’s spending plans and the revenue the state expects to collect in the next five years. These projections show it will be all but impossible to balance budgets in the next five years without deep spending cuts and massive tax increases. At the Department of Health hearing, the committee questioned why – as with other departments – the budget shows level funding over five years, which denies legislators the information to accurately assess the ultimate impact on taxpayers. Shapiro proposed spending $4 million to pay the medical debt of certain Pennsylvanians, and members asked for details about how the money will be distributed and if the program will necessitate additional staffing. Having completed the official review of Shapiro’s budget proposal, the Senate will use its findings from the hearings to craft its own spending plan, with the goal of enacting a final 2024-25 state budget. Find video and recaps of every budget hearing at PASenateGOP.com. Join Me for Pizza on April 2
Please join me for a pizza night and casual conversation on Tuesday, April 2, from 6-8 p.m. at Listrak, 100 W. Millport Road, Lititz. I will provide an update about what’s happening in Harrisburg and in the 36th District, and will also discuss any state-related questions or concerns attendees have. While the event is free to attend, those interested in attending are asked to RSVP here. Thanking Two Firefighters for Decades of Service
We owe a debt of gratitude to two honorable men in the Ephrata community – Richard Ritter (pictured above) and Clarence K. Martin – for their 39 and 60 years, respectively, of dedicated service to the Lincoln Fire Company No. 1. Richard served as president of the company from 1994 to 2003, during which time he kept the company modernized and up to date with its operations. He also held the leadership positions of recording secretary, lieutenant, and captain. A life member of the Lincoln Fire Company, Clarence has served in the leadership positions of Trustee, Assistant Chief, and Chief – a role he held from 1972 through 1974. While serving as Chief, he led the fire company through the flooding from Hurricane Agnes, when the company was operational for four continuous days. PennDOT Shares Roadwork Info with Motorists
As the weather improves, there will be more roadwork. To inform motorists about construction projects that are underway, beginning this year or being bid, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation offers an informational portal. It has a mapping application for highway and bridge projects that allows users to obtain information about roadwork projects. For travel information, visit www.511pa.com or call 5-1-1. 511PA is Pennsylvania’s official travel information service, which provides travelers with reliable, current traffic and weather information, as well as links to other transportation services. Recognizing 43 Years of Service to the Community
Congrats to Ann Dinsmore upon her retirement from Masonic Villages in Elizabethtown after a career spanning 43 years. During her tenure, Ms. Dinsmore substantially grew the music therapy program and increased the staff to provide direct therapy services to more than 3,500 residents. She and her staff also provided clinical and internship opportunities to approximately 175 prospective music therapists. We thank her for her dedicated service to the Elizabethtown community! Sharing a State Update with Local Government Leaders
Thank you to everyone who attended my annual breakfast for 36th Senatorial District municipal officials. I am grateful for all those who serve our communities in local government! Protect Your Family from Dangerous Radon
Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas that can enter your home from the ground through cracks in the foundation. It increases cancer risks and is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Pennsylvania has one of the most serious radon problems in the country. Approximately 40% of Pennsylvania homes have radon levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s action guideline. Find information how to test your home’s radon level and find certified radon mitigation contractors here. Residents from Moravian Manor Communities Tour State Capitol
A group of residents from Moravian Manor Communities in Lititz recently visited Harrisburg and toured our beautiful state Capitol building. Moravian Manor supports the changing lifestyles of seniors and serves as a partner with their health needs. You can book your own tour of our state Capitol building here. Help is Available for Problem Gambling
Problem Gambling Awareness Month, observed in March, promotes prevention, treatment and recovery services. Sadly, hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians experience gambling-related problems, including family, financial, legal and emotional issues. Gambling problems can be mild or very serious, and can worsen with time. Individuals seeking treatment for compulsive or problem gambling can call Pennsylvania’s helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) to connect with local help. People can also text 1-800-522-4700 or live chat. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Saint Patrick, who lived in the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to the country. Even though the Irish have observed St. Patrick’s Day as a religious holiday for more than 1,000 years, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade actually took place in America. Records show the first parade was held on March 17, 1601, in a Spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, Fla. “May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.” – Irish blessing
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