| Weekly Roundup |
| The latest news from the State Capitol |
Auditor General to Examine SRBC Finances
In the video above, I comment on the SRBC during a House State Government hearing held in August.
Auditor General Eugene DePasquale announced his office will audit the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) and the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC).
Over the past year, I’ve been involved in hearings by the House State Government Committee to investigate allegations of redundancy of services and overall wasting of taxpayer dollars by the SRBC. We’ve heard allegations of high agency reserve balances, of municipalities being excessively and unduly penalized, residents being forced to pay high water rates and businesses and authorities forced to pay exorbitant compliance fees.
As you know, reining in wasteful government spending is one of the issues that brought me to the state Capitol. And the SRBC is a fine example of an unelected commission acting like a state agency and engaging in government-like overreach and wasteful spending.
I am very pleased the auditor general will investigate the SRBC and am looking forward to reading his report.
The audits of SRBC and the DRBC will be conducted simultaneously, focusing on six objectives specified in the state fiscal code (Act 44 of 2017), which mandated the audits’ review:
- The cost of salaries, benefits and other compensation provided to the officers and employees of the commission.
- The cost of expense reimbursements provided to the officers and employees of the commission.
- Other fixed and variable costs of the commission.
- The potential for improved efficiencies and overall cost reductions, including an analysis of duplication of Commonwealth efforts and the ability to share equipment, services or personnel with Commonwealth and local agencies.
- Contributions to the commission by the Commonwealth or any person within this Commonwealth, whether via appropriations, fees, penalties or otherwise, in comparison to other signatory parties.
- The impact of the fees and penalties of the commission on public and private entities within the Commonwealth.
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There’s Still Time to Register for My Concealed Carry Seminar
In an effort to better inform gun owners who live in the 92nd District about Pennsylvania’s firearm laws, I will host a Concealed Carry Seminar at the Northern York Middle School, 655 S. Baltimore St. in Dillsburg on Thursday, Feb. 22, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
During the seminar, gun owners will learn more about their rights. The speakers, which include law enforcement officials, have a firm grasp of our laws and will do an excellent job explaining them. Attorney Matt Menges will discuss concealed carry laws. Carroll Township Police Chief Thomas Wargo and a Wildlife Conservation officer from the state Game Commission will discuss how to safely interact with law enforcement officers when carrying a firearm.
You can register online by clicking here, or by calling my office at (717) 432-0792.
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Eagle Scout Makes His Mark
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Congrats to Jacob Kreiser on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
Becoming an Eagle Scout is no easy task and Jacob certainly
deserves to wear his badge with pride. Way to go, Jacob!! |
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Detailed Look into Governor’s Budget to Begin Next Week
Members of the House Appropriations Committee will begin to thoroughly inspect the governor’s $33 billion budget proposal, which includes $1.19 billion more in spending, as hearings begin tomorrow, Feb. 20.
The opening day of hearings will include testimony from the Independent Fiscal Office and the Department of Revenue, while Wednesday will focus on the themes of job creation and ensuring stability of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The remainder of the week includes scrutinizing the proposed budgets of the departments of Transportation and Conservation and Natural Resources.
The full hearing schedule is available by clicking here. Videos of the hearings will be posted on the page as they become available.
More information about the governor’s proposal is available here.
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Sign Up to Continue Receiving My Weekly Email Updates
If you would like to continue receiving my legislative updates throughout the 60-day blackout period that limits what I can send you before an election, click here and simply enter your email. This will guarantee that you keep receiving my weekly updates.
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Honoring Dedicated Service
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| I recently attended the Emergency Management Orientation for Northern York County where I had the pleasure of recognizing Herb Bomberger, who has been very involved in the regional emergency management co-ordination and is a mass care officer. I’m picture with Raphael LaRoccam Northern Regional Emergency coordinator (right) as we present Bomberger with a certificate and letter of appreciation for his service. |
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Townhall Meeting in Monroe Twp.
Mark your calendars now for my townhall meeting at the Monroe Township building, located at 1220 Boiling Springs Road, on Thursday, March 15, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Meetings like this allow me to hear your concerns and for you to learn about what’s happening in Harrisburg and in the 92nd District. I hope you can attend.
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