HARRISBURG, Pa. — York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler has a wish list of things she believes are priorities for her county in 2024.
“Public safety regarding 911 funding and the reauthorization and mental health—mental health as it relates to our community and also in our prison system," said Wheeler.
She’s not alone.
County leaders from across Pennsylvania gathered at the Capitol Wednesday, to call for an increase in 911 funding as well as that for mental health services.
Those along with six other issues are seen by counties as having the most potential impact for residents this year.
“We’re fortunate Governor Shapiro, being a former county commissioner himself, recognizes what’s happening on the ground," said Lisa Schaefer, executive director of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. "We’ve been able to work with him, in partnership with the General Assembly on a number of issues. It hasn’t always been easy conversations, we haven’t always seen eye to eye on everything but there’s always the open door.”
Another top priority for counties in 2024 is vote-by-mail reform, something that’s even more timely as we inch closer to what’s sure to be a close presidential election.
“Processing our mail-in ballots earlier, so we can focus on doing that pre-canvassing then focus on the in-person election on Election Day," said Schaefer.
County commissioners say they’re dedicated to running fair, secure and accurate elections, and believe certain reforms would help restore public trust in the integrity of the voting process.
“In York County, the number one priority is changing the deadline to request a mail-in ballot. One week before an election is just not enough time," added Wheeler.
Other legislative priorities include addressing inmates with mental health issues, increasing the prevailing wage threshold, Right-to-Know Law reform, broadband access and development, and the juvenile detention capacity crisis.
With the governor’s budget address coming next month, counties are keeping a close eye on those priorities that have funding implications.
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