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Legislative Update |
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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General Fund Surplus Likely Depleted Next Year
The PA Legislature recently received the following report on the General Fund Surplus, and it does not look good.
The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) provides revenue projections along with objective analysis of fiscal, economic and budgetary issues to assist Commonwealth residents and the General Assembly in their evaluation of policy decisions. In that capacity, the IFO does not support or oppose any policy; it analyzes and does not make policy recommendations. Per the statute that created the office, all staff "shall be appointed without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of their fitness to perform their duties".
As I have previously written, overspending will lead to massive tax increases due to expanding the structural deficit.
If you find these reports interesting, you can find more online by clicking here.
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Around the District
LCTA Proposes Changes to Area Bus Service
Last week, I questioned Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) officials at the Newport Township commissioner’s meeting pitching a proposal that will replace the traditional bus that runs through the township with a “micro transit van service.”
In 2016, Glen Lyon was ranked as the most distressed place in Pennsylvania*. The area faced significant challenges, with a 48% poverty rate and more than half of its adult population being out of work. Additionally, one in five residents lacked a high school diploma, and nearly one-third of the homes were vacant, many of which were in deteriorating condition.
At the LCTA public input meeting, I was admittedly conflicted about a proposal involving the use of a mobile phone application or hotline phone number versus scheduled routes in such an economically distressed area. I am extending the benefit of the doubt to the LCTA, allowing myself time to assess the pros and cons of this program over the next year. I assured officials and residents that my office will be available to address any complaints raised by riders. Additionally, I will evaluate the outcomes of LCTA’s decisions before next year's state budget deliberations.
* source: https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/study-glen-lyon-most-distressed-place-in-pa/article_4961db2f-66a4-5785-983e-90c2511f989e.html
National Night Out
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. On the first Tuesday of August across the country, neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, and cookouts, providing a great opportunity to bring our public servants and residents together.
The rain didn’t put an end to our party, as I joined both Newport Township and Mountain Top for their National Night Out events!
Upcoming Events
More Details Coming Soon:
Retirement Expo: Thursday, Sept. 5, 6 – 8 p.m., Crestwood High School
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