Jul. 5—WILKES-BARRE — Gov. Josh Shapiro visited Destiny Dairy Bar in Carlisle this week, alongside Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and the bipartisan chairs of the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s Agriculture Committees — Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, Rep. Dan Moul, Sen. Elder Vogel, and Sen. Judy Schwank.
The Governor was joined by this group of bipartisan legislative leaders, who recently sent a joint letter to Congress urging federal officials to restore the $13 million in federal funding that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) abruptly and unlawfully terminated earlier this year.
Together, they highlighted the critical importance of the Commonwealth’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, which has supported 189 Pennsylvania farms and 14 food banks — helping farmers feed families in need.
“Pennsylvania farmers work hard every day to put food on our tables — and with Washington breaking its promise to them, we’re standing up for our farmers and food banks,” said Shapiro. “This funding helps hundreds of family farms and food banks feed people in need. This isn’t a partisan issue — it’s about doing what’s best for Pennsylvania farmers and communities, and about making sure the federal government keeps the contract it made with the people of Pennsylvania.”
Representatives Pashinski and Moul and Senators Vogel and Schwank are also calling on Congress to act swiftly to restore this critical funding for Pennsylvania’s farmers and families. In their joint letter, they wrote:
“As members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, we work across the aisle to uphold support for our farmers and food system in every community. The USDA’s decision not only jeopardizes food access but also undermines the farmers who are the foundation of our food system and work tirelessly to keep America fed.”
Since 2022, nearly $30 million in LFPA funding has helped small and mid-sized farms across Pennsylvania supply fresh, locally grown products to food banks — keeping every federal dollar in the Commonwealth — and supporting farmers in the dairy, produce, meat, poultry, egg and grain sectors.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economy, with more than 53,000 farms generating $132.5 billion annually and supporting 600,000 jobs.
“This isn’t just a bureaucratic disagreement — it’s about real people, real livelihoods, and real meals for families who need them,” said Redding. “We are deeply grateful to our legislative leaders for standing with us and ensuring that agriculture remains a united front in Pennsylvania.”
Meuser co-sponsors Reliable Power Act
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, co-sponsored H.R. 3616 — the Reliable Power Act — legislation that aims to ensure federal agencies consider the impact of their regulations on electric grid reliability before finalizing new rules.
The bill is a direct response to growing concerns that rushed, ideologically-driven policies from the Biden Administration put America’s power supply at risk.
The Reliable Power Act aims to strengthen coordination between federal agencies and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission whenever new regulations could impact electric generation or threaten the long-term dependability of the bulk-power system. Meuser said it builds on the framework of previous grid reliability legislation by requiring annual assessments of electric reliability and empowering FERC to intervene if a proposed regulation would compromise the grid’s integrity.
Meuser said the bill prevents any federal rule from moving forward if it’s determined to cause a substantial negative effect on grid reliability. He said this ensures agencies like the EPA can’t implement new mandates without first understanding their real-world consequences for energy access, affordability and reliability — particularly in high-demand regions like Pennsylvania.
“As we pursue energy innovation and independence, we must not sacrifice reliability,” said Meuser. “This legislation is about keeping the lights on, protecting jobs, and ensuring that working families and small businesses aren’t harmed by short-sighted or poorly coordinated federal policies. The Reliable Power Act makes clear that federal agencies must evaluate the consequences of their actions before putting our electric grid at risk.”
The legislation reported favorably out of the Energy and Commerce Committee by a vote of 28-23 and awaits further consideration in the House.
Pennsylvania remains in strong fiscal standing
The Shapiro Administration reported this week that the Commonwealth ended the 2024 — 25 Fiscal Year collecting $321 million more in revenue than originally estimated, further strengthening its position at the start of the fiscal year.
The Commonwealth is sitting on a nearly $11 billion surplus, including the General Fund surplus and the Budget Stabilization Fund (i.e. rainy day fund).
In total, the Commonwealth collected $46.4 billion in General Fund revenue in FY 2024 — 25, $321 million, or 0.7% above initial estimates from last June. Comparatively, the Commonwealth further outperformed the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO)’s original projection, which was $639 million below actual collections, or 1.4% off. Final collections were also within the 2% forecast range targeted by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
A recent bond refinancing will save taxpayers more than $71 million over the life of the bonds. Altogether, through bond refinancing completed under Shapiro, taxpayers will benefit from $193 million in savings over the next decade.
Moody’s Ratings, Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings all reaffirmed Pennsylvania’s positive rating status, citing responsible budgeting and a solid financial position.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.