Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Budget Hearing Wrap Mar. 23, 2023 / Acting Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Cindy Dunn, along with Michael Walsh, Deputy Secretary for Administration, John Norbeck, Deputy Secretary for Parks and Forestry, and Lauren Imgrund, Deputy Secretary for Conservation and Technical Services. House Republicans focused on the fiscal health of DCNR and how to make the department sustainable. Additionally, Republicans asked questions covering the expansion of ATV trails in state parks, what the department is doing to address and prioritize its $1.4 billion maintenance backlog, drilling on state lands, the state of the timber industry, and how DCNR is partnering with private industry.
Department of Agriculture Budget Hearing Wrap Mar. 23, 2023 / Acting Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding appeared before the House Appropriations Committee along with Greg Hostetter, Executive Deputy Secretary. House Republicans asked questions beginning with agriculture concerns in Western Pennsylvania relating to the Norfolk Southern train derailment. Other questions focused on proposed cuts to the department’s Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission, fair market conditions for Pennsylvania dairy farmers, and support of the entire industry beyond organics.
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Budget Hearing Wrap Mar. 22, 2023 / Dr. Daniel Greenstein, State System Chancellor testified before the House Appropriations Committee. House Republicans focused their questions on the turnaround in the PASSHE system’s financial footing. Other questions focused on how to keep the current tuition freeze in place, how the consolidation of certain universities is going, and how PASSHE schools are preparing students for jobs in today’s economy.
Community Colleges Budget Wrap Mar. 22, 2023 / Elizabeth Bolden, President and CEO – PA Commission for Community Colleges, Dr. Victoria Bastecki-Perez, President – Montgomery County Community College, and Dr. Tuesday Stanley, President – Westmoreland County Community College, testified before the House Appropriations Committee. House Republicans asked questions focused on the programs Community Colleges are offering to meet the needs of the workforce and students who wish to further their education after two years. Other topics covered included the costs of maintenance, needed upgrades, and dual enrollment programs.
Thank you for taking the time to visit the PA House Republican Appropriations Committee’s website. I hope you will check back often as we provide detailed information about the annual process of crafting a state budget. You will also be able to follow the committee's work relative to the review of the financial impact legislative proposals have on state government. With the ability to more closely follow the work of this committee, I hope you feel more informed about the dollars and cents behind state government and empowered to be more involved in the democratic process. Sincerely, Rep. Seth Grove Chairman, House Appropriations Committee 196th Legislative District Learn More