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Governor Wolf to Unveil Budget Proposal on February 7Governor Wolf will officially unveil his 2017-18 state budget plan on February 7. I look forward to reviewing his proposals and offering input into how we can continue to meet the core responsibilities of state government at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers. The budget address kicks off a long process of study, debate and negotiation leading up to the end of the Fiscal Year on June 30. Although we do not yet know all of the details of the governor’s plan, he has indicated that his proposal would not include an increase in broad-based taxes and would instead focus on promoting government efficiency. This new approach would be a welcome departure from his last two budget proposals, which called for massive increases in the state income tax and state sales tax. Elected officials at every level of government have a responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are invested wisely and responsibly so we can avoid saddling job-creators and working families with new tax burdens. I am hopeful that Governor Wolf’s budget proposal will focus on achieving true cost savings in state government, while at the same time creating new avenues for Pennsylvanians to pursue earned success. While I look forward to reviewing the budget, it is hard to ignore the fact that the protracted budget process presents a complicated obstacle for lawmakers every year. I recently re-introduced legislation that would simplify this process by switching to a two-year budget cycle. The LNP recently endorsed my legislation in an editorial. You can read their take on my legislation here.
Rep. Brett Miller and I enjoyed visiting with residents from Woodcrest Villa Retirement Community during the group’s trip to our State Capitol. Participate in My Legislative SurveyThe General Assembly is expected to tackle a wide variety of issues in the 2017-18 Legislative Session. In order to better represent you in Harrisburg, I recently created a five-question survey on my website regarding some of the most important issues facing our community and Pennsylvania as a whole. Local residents can participate in the survey by clicking here. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating – YOU are my best resource. The thoughts, opinions and concerns that are shared with me by Lancaster County residents help guide every decision I make. I encourage you to take a few minutes to complete my legislative survey and ensure your voices are heard in Harrisburg. Telephone Town Hall Focuses on Opioid EpidemicThe number of tragic overdoses and deaths resulting from heroin and opioid abuse is reaching catastrophic proportions in many parts of Pennsylvania. In addition to working toward the creation of new laws to curb this epidemic, my colleagues and I in the Senate are hosting a series of regional telephone town halls to gather additional input and suggestions about the best ways to prevent drug-related deaths. I hope you can join me for our regional town hall event on February 7 at 6:30 p.m. Participants can receive a call to participate by registering at www.acommonwealthcrisis.pasenategop.com. Trout Stocking Schedule Available NowThe Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission recently announced its 2017 trout stocking schedule for all Pennsylvania waterways. Please visit www.fishandboat.com for most up-to-date stocking information and possible weather related changes. A link to the schedule is also available on my website at www.senatoraument.com. |
Offices Senate Box 203036 Lititz Office | |
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