Budget Hearing Wrap with Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency

Feb. 23, 2024 /

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) Executive Director and CFO Robin Wiessmann and Deputy Executive Director and Chief Counsel Leonidas Pandeladis testified today before the House Appropriations Committee. House Republicans focused their questions on how the PHFA is improving their services after their high-profile failure with distributions from the Federal CARES Act for rent and mortgage relief programs. Additionally, Republicans asked for details on the Governor’s plan to spend more money through the PHFA in the PA Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, commonly referred to the “PHARE” program.

Budget Hearing Wrap with PA Dept. of Corrections and Probation and Parole Board

Feb. 23, 2024 /

House Republicans focused their line of questioning on cost increases for the department, even though the prison population in Pennsylvania has been declining. Republicans also asked what the DOC can do to help counties deal with the recent increase in high-profile prison escapes and increases violent incidents.

Budget Hearing Wrap with PA Department of Agriculture

Feb. 22, 2024 /

Department of Agriculture (Ag) Secretary Russell Redding, and Executive Deputy Secretary Greg Hosttetter testified today before the House Appropriations Committee. House Republicans focused their questions on proposed spending increases for the Department and how these new dollars will directly help Pennsylvania farmers. Additionally, Republicans asked, and were again dismayed, at the lack of planning for another of the Governor’s key budget initiatives – adult-use cannabis regulated by the Department of Agriculture.

Budget Hearing Wrap with PA Department of Aging

Feb. 22, 2024 /

House Republicans focused their questions on how the Department of Aging is meeting the needs of Pennsylvania’s growing elderly population. Additionally, Republicans asked why the department’s budget material provided no details on the $11.7 million request for the “Aging Our Way, PA” plan, and how this investment will reduce the need for more costly levels of care for the growing senior population. Republicans also asked pointed questions on the Department’s handling of reports of elder abuse and neglect, leading to frustrating replies from Sec. Kavulich.

Budget Hearing with Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education

Feb. 21, 2024 /

Dr. Daniel Greenstein, the Chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), testified today before the House Appropriations Committee. House Republicans focused their questions on the fiscal health of the 11 Universities under the PASSHE system. Additionally, Republicans asked about the potential issues with Governor Shapiro’s opaque “blueprint” for Higher Education and its impact on PASSHE schools.

Budget Hearing Wrap with PA Department of Revenue

Feb. 20, 2024 /

For the second consecutive year under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, spending is poised to outpace revenue, leading House Republicans to question the fiscal stability of his proposal. Additionally, Republicans recited conversations with their constituents concerning the untimely processing of applications for Property Tax and Rent Rebates last year which resulted in an unnecessary delay of much needed relief for seniors.

Budget Hearing Wrap with Dept. of Community and Economic Development

Feb. 20, 2024 /

Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger, along with Executive Deputy Secretary Mike Hanna Jr., testified before the House Appropriations Committee. House Republicans focused their questions on many of the bloated and potentially wasteful spending proposals within DCED. This includes spending millions on new programs while cutting others with a track record of success at the same time

York House GOP Delegation: Shapiro’s Budget Unaffordable, Irresponsible, Misleading

Feb. 06, 2024 /

HARRISBURG ¬– In response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $48.34 billion budget proposal, the York County House Republican Delegation consisting of House Appropriations Chairman Seth Grove (R-Dover) and Reps. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Dawn Keefer (R-Dillsburg), Wendy Fink (R-Red Lion), Mike Jones (R-York Township) and Joe D’Orsie (R-Manchester) issued the following statement:

Grove Asks Attorney General to Investigate Records Deletion

Feb. 01, 2024 /

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) recently sent a letter to State Attorney General Michelle Henry requesting a review of the recent IT failure affecting the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and State Employee Retirement System (SERS).

Grove Issues Financial Brief for November 2023

Dec. 05, 2023 /

HARRISBURG – House Republican Appropriations Chairman Seth Grove (R-York) announced the release of the monthly House Republican Appropriations Financial Brief for November 2023.

Grove: House Republicans Once Again Lead on Budget

Nov. 16, 2023 /

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania House Republican Appropriations Chairman Seth Grove (R-York) announced a final decision on funding for Pennsylvania’s state-related universities. The final product resulted from House Republicans again leading on Pennsylvania’s budget.