Feb. 29, 2024 /
House Republicans questioned the financial transparency of the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC), who is responsible for operations of courts within the Commonwealth. Additionally, Republicans asked about the unilateral decision of the Supreme Court to allow for venue shopping in medical malpractice lawsuits, the rationale for the “traveling courts,” and the significant increases in the Judicial budget.
Feb. 28, 2024 /
House Republicans questioned the DEP on improvements of their permitting process, dam safety, and regulatory updates, including the status of the Regional Green House Gas Initiative (RGGI) and the Climate Action Plan. Additionally, Republicans asked about the increased spending within DCNR and their ability to keep up with their current core functions before taking on new initiatives.
Feb. 28, 2024 /
House Republicans focused their questions on trying to understand the potential impacts of the Governor’s “Blueprint for Higher Education” on our valuable community colleges. Once again, Republicans were shocked to learn how little work has been done on this massive, proposed idea to upend and merge the funding of two higher education systems in Pennsylvania that often serve different populations.
Feb. 27, 2024 /
House Republicans inquired about the fiscal health of each agency and asked pointed questions on the amount of funding for current programs and proposed new initiatives. Additionally, Republicans asked about long-term care facility regulations, hospital sustainability, adult-use cannabis, and substance abuse disorder treatment.
Feb. 27, 2024 /
House Republicans focused their line of questions on how prepared the Department of State (DOS) is for the upcoming 2024 elections, as well as the lack of uniformity in the Commonwealth’s election process. Additionally, Republicans asked how the DOS plans to spend proposed increases in “Voter Registration and Education” equitably, the Governor’s unilateral decision to begin automatic voter registration, and the department’s continued plans to improve the professional licensure process.
Feb. 26, 2024 /
House Republicans focused their questions on the financial health of the Pennsylvania Insurance industry and how the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) is allocating its funding. Concerns were raised about the Governor’s proposal to transfer $50 million from the Workers’ Compensation Security Fund for the benefit of subsidizing low- and middle-income families’ health insurance premiums.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Feb. 21, 2024 /
House Republicans focused their questions on the fiscal management of PEMA and how they are using their state and federal dollars to ensure Pennsylvania is prepared to handle emergencies.
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.
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
Feb. 09, 2024 /
WHAT: Republican House Appropriations Committee Chairman Seth Grove (R-York) will host a press briefing on the House Republican response to the governor’s budget proposal and agenda heading into budget hearings.
Feb. 06, 2024 /
HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania House Republican leaders responded to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal Tuesday by stating the plan is akin to a fiscal phishing scam that looks good and sounds good but is wrought with hidden danger and potential ruin.
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:
Feb. 05, 2024 /
WHO: House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster), House Republican Whip Tim O’Neal (R-Washington), House Republican Appropriations Chairman Seth Grove (R-York), House Republican Policy Chairman Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), other caucus leaders and members.
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).
Jan. 26, 2024 /
HARRISBURG – House Republican Appropriations Chairman Seth Grove (R-York) shared the following thoughts on Shapiro’s new Higher Education “blueprint.”