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In this Update:
Celebrating the Contributions of PA Dairy Farmers
Agriculture is Pennsylvania’s top industry, and dairy products play a significant role by generating $11.8 billion in economic revenue and supporting 47,000 jobs statewide. Of the nearly 5,000 dairy farms in the state, 99% are family-owned with many being handed down generation after generation. Our dairy farmers work tirelessly each day to provide families everywhere with nutrient-rich foods. Dairy products contain nine essential nutrients that help to manage weight and reduce the risk of high blood pressure, osteoporosis and certain cancers. The nutrient powerhouse also helps build and repair muscle tissue and maintain healthy skin. Celebrate National Dairy Month by raising a glass of milk or enjoying some delicious ice cream. Pennsylvania has an Ice Cream Trail that boasts great creameries all across the state. Thank You to All Who Attended Our First Butler County Senior Expo!
I would like to thank everyone who came out to our first senior expo in Butler County! It was a great day filled with great discussions and getting to see new faces. I would like to also thank our vendors who participated in our expo and provided important information to attending seniors. For anyone who was unable to make this event, we will be hosting our other senior expo in Beaver County on Friday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Community College of Beaver County. Check out additional pictures here. Highlights in the 47th
I was pleased to meet with James Pieffer last week who came to the Capitol from Mars to discuss priorities related to senior care services.
Last Wednesday was Guard Day at the Capitol which celebrates the past, present, and the future of the Pennsylvania National Guard. I had the honor of meeting with several members of the Guard that hailed from the 47th district! Thank you for your service! Pictured from left with me: Technical Sgt. Robert Hasenflu (from New Sewickley), Airman Madelyn Schmader (from Brockway, Jefferson County), and Staff Sgt. Xander Wilkinson (from Patterson Heights).
Last week, I had the honor to speak during the opening ceremony of this year’s Darlington Days! From the town-wide yard sales to the cornhole tournament and cannonball run, these festivities bring together not just Darlington itself, but visitors from a far to have a great time and experience the joys of being part of such a great community. I want to thank the Darlington Days organizers who dedicate their time and talents to coordinate this event each year – your hard work does not go unnoticed!
I was glad to have the opportunity to participate in Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce’s State of the County panel where we focused on economic development within the county. I was joined by Senator Michele Brooks, and PA State Reps. Marla Brown and Aaron Bernstine.
Recently, I had the opportunity to join PA Dept. of Environmental Protection Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley and PA Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis for a visit to the new solar farm in Greene Township, Beaver County.
I had the pleasure to join Conway Borough residents for their annual Memorial Day Parade as we honored and remembered those who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for our country. Pictured from left with me and my wife Sue are Josie Brenckle and her brother Charlie Brenckle. Senate Approves Legislation to Help Residents/Businesses Who Received Disaster Relief Payments Due to the East Palestine Train Derailment
The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1149 sponsored by Sen. Doug Mastriano, Sen. Michele Brooks, and me which would exempt from the state income tax any disaster relief payments the families or local businesses receive from the state or federal government, Norfolk Southern or an insurer as the result of the Feb. 3, 2023, train wreck. The deduction would also be retroactive to any payments received by victims in 2023. Senate Bill 1149 now goes the House for consideration. Learn more about our legislation here. New Distracted Driving Law Prohibits Use of Handheld Devices
A new law prohibits the use of handheld cellular and other devices while operating a vehicle on a Pennsylvania highway or traffic way. Drivers may still use their phone if they are using hands-free technology, such as a docking station, Bluetooth or speaker technology. For the first year, only warnings will be issued for violations. After that, there will be a $50 fine. Distracted driving fatalities in Pennsylvania surged to a decade high in 2022, claiming 80 lives. The AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index found that the majority of drivers believe distracted driving has outpaced all other traffic-related issues as a growing safety concern. All of Pennsylvania’s border states and 28 others have enacted hands-free laws. Legislation Aimed at Assisting PA Dairy Farms Passes Out of CommitteeThe Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee unanimously passed Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program Financial Assistance legislation sponsored by me and Sen. Judy Schwank. Senate Bill 1229 would permit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to provide financial assistance to producers who enroll in the federal dairy margin coverage program, based on availability of funding, and requires the department to develop and establish guidelines and eligibility criteria for the financial assistance. With June being national dairy month, there’s no better time to show support for our dairy farmers than by passing our Dairy Margin Coverage Program legislation. In an industry full of uncertainty, it’s important to provide our dairymen and women with the security and stability they deserve when prices drop. Farmers are no stranger to managing risk and Senate Bill 1229 will provide them with valuable options to protect themselves and their operations. Our bill now awaits the consideration of the full Senate. Senate Approves Bills to Reverse Nursing Home Worker Shortage
With the number of older Pennsylvanians rising and nursing homes struggling to find qualified workers, the Senate passed two bills last week to reverse the worker shortage. Both bills now head to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 1102 would increase the number of nursing home workers by streamlining the training and certification process and removing barriers that prevent people from entering the health care workforce in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1104 would further increase the nursing home workforce by enabling high school juniors and seniors to earn up to two elective credits for working or volunteering at a nursing home, personal care home or assisted living facility. Schools would establish program guidelines and procedures to allow students to earn one elective credit for each 250 hours of paid or volunteer work at a qualifying facility. Respecting Taxpayers Remains a Top Priority in State Budget Negotiations
In Pennsylvania, the state budget is to be completed by June 30 of each year. As we work to reach consensus, Senate Republicans are continuing to fight for a budget that respects taxpayers and makes the best use of the state’s resources. In February, Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a massive $3.2 billion increase in state spending. Last month, Senate Republicans unveiled an alternative approach that would reduce taxes by approximately $3 billion annually. Instead of growing government bureaucracy and picking winners and losers, our plan would allow Pennsylvanians to decide how their money should be spent. These historic tax cuts would provide relief to every Pennsylvanian who earns a paycheck by reducing the personal income tax rate from 3.07% to 2.8%, and every person paying an electric bill by eliminating the Gross Receipts Tax on energy. Learn more about the process of enacting the 2024-25 state budget and watch the Senate in session here. Legislation Giving Disabled Veterans Financial Relief Receives Senate Support
To provide financial relief to more disabled veterans, the Senate passed Senate Bill 194 to exclude U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Attendance benefits as income when calculating eligibility for Pennsylvania’s 100% Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption. Federal Aid and Attendance benefits provide monthly payments to disabled veterans who are housebound or need help with daily activities. Without the exclusion of this federal benefit, some disabled veterans are prevented from qualifying for property tax reductions. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Acts to Modernize Rules for Electronic Commerce
The Senate passed legislation to modernize the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), updating rules that govern digital asset transactions to ensure security, consistency and confidence. It now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration. The UCC has provided consistency for commercial law and interstate commerce since 1954, when Pennsylvania led the initiative to adopt it. Since then, it has been adopted by all states and gives Americans legal confidence when transacting business across state lines. The last major revisions to the UCC took effect in 2001. In the two decades since, electronic property, or digital assets, have become much more prevalent in commercial transactions. Senate Bill 1084 would bring the law into the 21st century by establishing guidelines to cover digital asset transactions involving virtual currencies, non-fungible tokens, electronic accounts and other forms of electronic commerce. It would also make other needed technical updates to the UCC.
Please contact me to provide input on any state-related matter, or to receive help in dealing with a state agency. |
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