Governor Wolf’s $29.88 Billion Budget -- Bold, Responsible
Recently, Gov. Wolf delivered his first budget address proposing a plan that provides for schools that teach, jobs that pay and government that works. His proposed 2015-16 budget is comprehensive and sustainable and will move Pennsylvania in the right direction. Keep in mind, the governor is struggling with an inherited structural deficit of $2.3 billion.
While the budget addresses schools, property taxes, pension reform and other weighty issues in meaningful ways, it is a responsible proposal that increases General Fund expenditures by a modest 2.7 percent. In fact, of the 414 lines in the budget itself 259 were flat-funded or reduced.
 As part of budget discussions, in the coming weeks the Senate will begin appropriation hearings. During these hearings, our members have the opportunity to discuss the agency budgets with cabinet officials and ask questions about how the budget will be used to benefit your family and our communities.
Each of the Senate Appropriation hearings is streamed live and can be viewed at www.pasenate.com.
 Upcoming Events
Our calendar of events keeps growing with new opportunities for you to join us for Town Hall meetings, community shredding events and more. We’re always interested in hearing your feedback and suggestions for community events. Please feel free to contact my district office or comment on any of our social media pages to give us your ideas or let us know what you think!
Pirates and Pothole Seasons
 While the Pirates season is still a few weeks away (home opener April 13), pothole season is already well underway in the Pittsburgh area. If you know of a pothole that needs to be fixed there are a number of ways to report it. If the pothole is in the city, you are encouraged to call the 311 Center by simply dialing 311. Calls to the Center will be answered from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents living outside of the city contact the center at 412-255-2621. You can also submit information via text message at 412-573-9736. Even Twitter is an option using the Twitter handle @Pgh311 or submitting the online form on the city website: pittsburghpa.gov/311/form.
PennDOT has options as well. You can reach them at 1-800-FIX-ROAD (349-7623), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
 Stay Connected
If you haven’t visited my Facebook page, join the conversation by ‘liking’ the page and follow me on Twitter and Instagram. Plenty of information is available on these pages about community events and issues affecting our friends and neighbors. If you have questions or concerns, send me a direct message or post you thoughts.
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