Lawrence Questions PennDOT Official About Shortage of Road Workers

Mar. 30, 2023 / Embed

During the budget hearing for PennDOT, I questioned Acting Secretary Mike Carroll about the shortage of trained equipment operators in Chester County to fix potholes and perform other road maintenance. My inquiry centered on PennDOT salaries and the agency’s ability to attract and retain these workers.

PennDOT Official Open to Discussion on Potential Amtrak Rail Line Transfer

Mar. 30, 2023 / Embed

Pennsylvania pays Amtrak a substantial subsidy to operate Keystone Line train service between Philadelphia and Harrisburg. At the PennDOT budget hearing, I asked Acting Secretary Mike Carroll about the administration’s willingness to acquire the line to give the Commonwealth greater control over the cost and quality of service.

Lawrence Questions Corrections Official Over Conditions at Delco Prison

Mar. 30, 2023 / Embed

At the state budget hearing for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC), I questioned DOC Acting Secretary Dr. Laurel Harry about conditions at the Delaware County prison and urged her to conduct an inspection there.

State Health Officials Respond to Questions Concerning Status of New State Health Lab

Mar. 28, 2023 / Embed

During budget hearings, I asked state health officials about the status of a new state health laboratory to be built with the $60 million approved in last year’s budget.

Are Pennsylvania Farmers Receiving the Full Benefit of Consumer-Paid Milk Premiums?

Mar. 22, 2023 / Embed

At the agriculture budget hearing, I questioned Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding about state-mandated milk premiums, paid by consumers for the benefit of Pennsylvania farmers. But where does the money go?

PASSHE Reforms Lauded at Budget Hearing

Mar. 22, 2023 / Embed

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) has done a remarkable job of getting its spending under control while holding tuition in check. At the PASSHE budget hearing, I asked Chancellor Daniel Greenstein about the impact his reforms have had on the state system schools.

Lawrence Requests Details of Community College Contracts

Mar. 21, 2023 / Embed

I asked Dr. Elizabeth Bolden, president and CEO of the PA Commission for Community Colleges, to provide the Appropriations Committee with detailed information not included in two community college construction projects.

Lawrence Questions PSU Big 10 Conference Move

Mar. 21, 2023 / Embed

During Appropriations Committee budget hearings with officials of Pennsylvania's state-related universities, I questioned Penn State University president, Dr. Neeli Bendapudi, about the recent decision to expand the Big 10 conference to include USC and UCLA.

Lawrence Budget Hearing Questions

Mar. 20, 2023 / Embed

State budget hearings began March 20 with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I questioned Acting Secretary of Education Khalid Mumin, about the Keystone exams.

Rep. Lawrence's 2023 PA Farm Show Celebrity Cow Milking Contest

Jan. 18, 2023 / Embed

State Rep. John Lawrence competes in the cow-milking contest.