WASHINGON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today announced his victorious advocacy for several critical provisions in the second wave of government funding bills for Fiscal Year 2024. These provisions promise to secure federal funding for key sectors like law enforcement, border patrol, child care, higher education, small businesses, and more, all tailored to meet the needs of Pennsylvania’s citizens and workforce.
“I’m fighting to ensure that when Pennsylvanians send their tax dollars to Washington, Congress invests it right back into their communities,” declared Senator Casey. Citing a determination to confront issues like illicit drug trafficking, community revitalization, and undoubted support for small businesses, education, and child care, Senator Casey’s crusade culminated in his securing of funding for 60 community projects in Pennsylvania, directing almost $30 million right back into the state’s coffers.
These noteworthy projects include job-training initiatives, K-12 and college education programs, flood mitigation measures, and health facility improvements, which have all been ushered through the Senate as part of a broader spending package that required six out of 12 appropriations bills to pass.
A glance into Southeastern Pennsylvania reveals the tangible impact of these provisions, with $400,000 allocated to upgrade medical equipment and technology infrastructure at the Mazzoni Center; an LGBTQ Health Center in Philadelphia, $250,000 dedicated to the fight against antisemitism through educational programming at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, and $423,000 earmarked to alleviate food insecurity and social isolation among older adults in the Lehigh Valley.
Defense and national security haven’t been overlooked either. The funding package includes massive support for Pennsylvania’s defense industrial base, remediation of dangerous PFAS chemicals around military bases, bolstering the National Guard Counterdrug program, and investing in the Civil Air Patrol to train the next generation of aerospace professionals and leaders.
On the public safety and border security front, over $400 million is dedicated to halting the flow of fentanyl into the U.S., alongside substantial support to equip first responders and fire departments, tackle drug trafficking, and bolster election security.
Moreover, the funding package spares a thought for small businesses, community revitalization, and helps low-income families keep their homes warm during the harsh winters. Over one billion dollars would be injected into the Small Business Administration to aid small businesses in their growth journey.
Education and child care receive a lion’s share. Billions have been set aside for early learning and special education programs, bolstering financial aid opportunities for students most in need, and protecting access to higher education.
The current funding package aims to offer a robust response to a host of pressing issues, from supporting communities affected by the Darlington Train Derailment to fortifying the National Institutes of Health, and preparing for future pandemics.
Finally, people with disabilities are not forgotten. The funding package includes provisions for employment training, protecting older adults in long-term care, supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and addressing the needs of people with autism.
As this funding package receives the President’s signature, Pennsylvanians can look forward to their tax dollars underpinning crucial initiatives that will directly enhance their communities and quality of life.
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