State Senator Doug Mastriano said on March 31 that Pennsylvania families deserve leadership that puts their needs first—not political image-building. The statement was made in the context of ongoing discussions about state government priorities and the allocation of taxpayer resources while many Pennsylvania residents continue to face financial pressures from high living costs and energy prices, according to a post on social media.
The issue comes as Pennsylvanians experience rising expenses, particularly at the gas pump. Pennsylvania’s average price for regular gasoline recently reached $4.15 per gallon, according to AAA data. Prices have increased more than one dollar per gallon in recent weeks amid global supply factors and market conditions. This rise contributes to the financial burden on families who depend on vehicles for commuting, work, and daily needs across the commonwealth.
Mastriano criticized what he described as a focus on appearances over substantive action by state officials. “The people of Pennsylvania should always come before press releases, photo ops, and social media posts. Our focus should be on real solutions that lower costs, support families, and deliver results—not managing appearances. Pennsylvania deserves better priorities,” Mastriano said, according to his social media post.
The senator’s comments follow reports that the governor’s office communications staff has grown to 21 employees, including roles in press, web, and social media. This expansion occurred while the overall governor’s office budget increased substantially, according to state budget reports. Such staffing levels represent a significant commitment of taxpayer funds dedicated to public relations and outreach activities.
Doug Mastriano is a retired U.S. Army Colonel with 30 years of service, including deployments during Operation Desert Storm and multiple tours in Afghanistan. He has represented Pennsylvania’s 33rd Senate District—covering Adams and Franklin counties—since 2019, according to his official biography.
