Dear Neighbor,
I’d like to extend my deepest sympathies to the families, loved ones, and the entire law enforcement community affected by Wednesday’s atrocious deadly attack in York County.
As officers carried out their duty serving a warrant, three were ambushed and killed and another two were critically injured. This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers take every day to keep our communities safe, and of the profound gratitude we owe them for their service and sacrifice.
It’s upsetting to have to write this, but gun violence is virtually never the answer to a problem. If stress or current events have you feeling anxious, sad, or upset, you can find help at the following resources:
- Call or Text 988 to talk to someone right away
- Crisis Text Line: Text PA to 741741
- Veteran Crisis Line: Dial 988 then Press 1
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
- The Trevor Project Lifeline (LGBTQ): 1-866-488-7386
- Trans Helpline: 877-565-8860.
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s budget impasse has now stretched to 80 days. That’s 80 days without the funding our schools, law enforcement, hospitals, counties, mental health services, and other vital programs that people rely on – including some of the resources I shared above.
It is true that Pennsylvania’s General Assembly is divided. The House passed a budget bill in June, and it has not been brought up in the Senate. The Senate instead advanced their own budget proposal, which called for the same spending number as last year. If you have ever worked on or studied closely any yearly budget, there are basic increases to the cost of doing business each year. Inflation alone, or debt services, can drive up costs. Flat funding the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – the 20th largest economy in the world – is as detrimental as it is misguided.
The bottom line is that it should not take brinkmanship or political games to pass a fair and responsible budget. Please make your voice heard. Contact Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman and urge him to take care of the people who call Pennsylvania home.