Sentinel photo by SIERRA BOLGER
Treasurer Laurie Hower, Chairman Lee Snyder, Juniata County Commissioner Todd Graybill, District Attorney Cory Snook, Auditor Mim Annstine, state Rep. Perry Stambaugh, state Sen. Judy Ward, state Rep. David Rowe and U.S. Rep. John Joyce pose for a photo following a Republican Presidents Day dinner Monday.

McALISTERVILLE — U.S. Rep. John Joyce told Juniata County Republicans on Monday that he recently spoke with President Donald Trump and shared an update from Washington during the county party’s annual Presidents Day dinner at the Fayetteville Fire Company.

Joyce, who is seeking reelection, said his agenda aligns with Trump’s and pledged to continue supporting the former president’s priorities.

“While at a dinner last Friday night in Mar-a-Lago with President Trump, I told him I was coming to Juniata County Monday night and he told me to thank the good people of Juniata County for supporting him and voting for him,” Joyce said.

Joyce also thanked veterans in attendance and highlighted his work on veterans health care, saying he is working to improve access to services.

State Sen. Judy Ward and state Reps. Perry Stambaugh and David Rowe also addressed the gathering, providing updates on legislative issues in Harrisburg.

Stambaugh discussed Pennsylvania’s proposed $53 billion budget, which he said represents a $3 billion increase over the prior year. He said previous budgets had resulted in deficits and projected the state could face a $7 billion shortfall by 2027 and $9 billion by 2030.

He cited projections from the Independent Fiscal Office indicating that, because much of the state budget consists of fixed costs, tax increases could be necessary within the next several years if revenues do not increase.

Stambaugh also addressed electricity costs, saying Pennsylvania could face power shortages in coming years as demand increases.

Ward, chairwoman of the Senate Transportation Committee, outlined several legislative proposals related to commercial driver’s licenses. She described a proposal to strengthen oversight of CDL training programs by updating curriculum requirements and increasing enforcement against so-called “CDL mills.” Another proposal would require English proficiency for CDL testing, with knowledge exams offered only in English, consistent with the road test. A third measure would increase penalties for certain out-of-service violations identified during roadside inspections.

In closing remarks, Ward described Republican principles as centered on limited government and fiscal responsibility.

County Republican Chairman John Hershey encouraged attendees to participate in upcoming elections, including statewide and legislative races. He urged party members to gather signatures for local committee seats and support Republican candidates.

Hershey also praised state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a Republican who has announced a campaign for governor.