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In this Update:
Dallas Office Closed Temporarily for Security Upgrades
Please note that our Dallas district office will be closed for two weeks beginning Monday, March 2, as security upgrades are completed. While the office is temporarily closed, my staff and I remain fully available to assist you. You can reach us at 570-675-3931 or through our website for help with any state-related matter. Our Nanticoke office will remain open and fully staffed during this time. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete these important improvements and look forward to welcoming you back to the Dallas office soon. Key Points from This Week’s Senate Budget Hearings
Efforts to trim the governor’s $53.3 billion proposed state budget – which would spend $2.7 billion (5.4%) more than the current budget – got underway this week with Senate budget hearings. Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee focused on containing the growing cost of Medicaid and other entitlement programs and how to identify and eliminate fraud during the hearing with the Department of Human Services, the highest-spending agency in the state budget. The department requests a 6.6% increase for 2026-27. The committee also questioned officials from the Department of General Services (DGS) and the Pennsylvania State Police about missing revenue, funding projections, cracking down on new, more sophisticated fake IDs and more. DGS seeks an 11.8% spending increase for 2026-27 and the State Police’s proposed budget is more than 9% higher than the current fiscal year. You can go here to find recaps of every budget hearing, plus video and a schedule of remaining hearings, which run through March 5. Fire, EMS Companies to Receive Nearly $2 Million in Grant Dollars
Fire and emergency medical services (EMS) companies across the 20th Senatorial District have been awarded nearly $2 million through the Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program: 20th SD Fire & EMS Grants. Our communities and families depend on local fire and EMS for safety and protection, and we are impressed by their dedication and grateful for their service. This funding allows the companies to acquire equipment and training that might otherwise be unaffordable. The program was created by the Legislature and is administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). All monies come from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, not General Fund tax revenue. Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, recruitment and retention, public education about fire prevention, and reduction of existing debt. All companies that apply and meet requirements outlined by OSFC receive funding. Companies must file a grant agreement with OSFC. Hearing Explores Ideas to Combat State Housing Crisis
Efforts to make housing more attainable for working families were reviewed during a Senate hearing with local government officials, housing advocates, builders and developers. The Senate Majority Policy Committee heard how housing shortages drive up costs for Pennsylvanian families and stall economic growth. Among the solutions explored were infrastructure partnership programs to help lower upfront development costs, state tax credits, development incentives and bond financing specifically targeted to middle-income housing development, and more. Forming a robust strategy to increase housing supply, lower costs and stimulate economic activity is a key focus for the Senate this year. Video of the full hearing and written testimony can be viewed here. Providers Legislative Breakfast Highlights Budget Priorities
The Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association in Luzerne County recently held their annual legislative advocacy forum to share priorities for the upcoming budget discussions. Providers shared concerns about workforce shortages, rising costs and the need for sustainable reimbursement models. We also acknowledged the passing of long-time disability advocate Therese Gwilliam, who founded Cori’s Place along with her husband George. Record-Breaking Unclaimed Property Returns to PA Residents
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that the Pennsylvania Treasury Department returned more unclaimed property in 2025 than ever before: $334.1 million. Unclaimed property can include dormant bank accounts, abandoned stocks, uncashed checks, and more. Property is always available for the rightful owner to claim. Tangible property – often the contents of forgotten safe deposit boxes – may be auctioned after three years, but proceeds remain available to claim perpetuity. Among the reasons for the record property returns was the General Assembly’s passage of a law that allows Treasury to automatically return unclaimed property valued up to $500. In the program’s first year, nearly $50 million was returned this way. To see if any unclaimed property is available for you, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. Progressive Rehab Serves Brain Injury Community
Progressive Rehab in Pike County delivers residential brain injury rehabilitation services to individuals across Pennsylvania. Their programs include residential habilitation, nursing care and a full range of therapies to help individuals regain independence and improve quality of life. With more than 100 professionals on staff, they provide highly specialized, person-centered care. As the state budget process continues, I recognize the importance of ensuring brain injury services receive the support needed to maintain quality care and safe staffing levels. I look forward to continuing the conversation about how best to support these critical programs. Saturday is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
School bus drivers play a critical role in the safety and well-being of students, but shortages of these vital workers can disrupt schedules and learning. Thank you to all the men and women performing this critical task in our area. Individuals interested in becoming a school bus driver can visit the commonwealth’s Become a School Bus Driver webpage or the School Bus Hero website to learn more.
Please do not reply to this email. If you would like to contact Senator Baker, submit a web contact form here: https://www.senatorbaker.com/contact-me-2/ |
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