York County News

HARRISBURG – The House Appropriations Committee, led by House Republican Appropriations Chairman Seth Grove, has unveiled a series of reform bills under the banner of "Back to Basics." The proposed legislation aims to address shortcomings in various state agencies and ensure efficient governance.

Chairman Grove highlighted the necessity for these reforms, stating, "Throughout the 2024 budget hearings, we heard from many agencies who are failing at their basic tasks." He emphasized the importance of prioritizing essential government functions before considering extensive new spending proposals.

Among the key provisions of the "Back to Basics" bill package are measures to enhance oversight and accountability in government operations. Representative Louis Schmitt introduced a bill requiring the Department of Aging to publish non-compliant Area Agency on Aging lists and corrective action plans. Additionally, Rep. Schmitt proposed legislation mandating local AAAs to request information on elder abuse cases from County Coroners.

Rep. Ann Flood emphasized the need for closer coordination among the Departments of Aging, Health, and Human Services to expedite investigations into elder abuse cases. Furthermore, Rep. Zachary Mako put forth a bill calling for an audit of the Department of Corrections to address financial and operational deficiencies.

Other proposals included in the reform package cover a wide range of areas, from financial audits of government agencies to streamlining permit processes and promoting Pennsylvania-based destinations in travel materials. These initiatives seek to instill greater transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness in government operations.

In his closing remarks, Chairman Grove underscored the overarching goal of the reform bills, stating, "Before the General Assembly considers funding $2.5 billion in new and expanded government programs... we must ensure agencies can perform their basic functions."

The introduction of the "Back to Basics" reform package signals a concerted effort by House Republicans to prioritize essential government functions and accountability in state operations. The proposed bills aim to address deficiencies and streamline processes across various agencies, marking a significant step towards more effective governance in Pennsylvania.