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In this Update:
Senate Passes Empowering, Pro-Family, Pro-Growth Budget
Yesterday, my colleagues and I approved a 2024-25 state budget that respects taxpayers, expands opportunities for Pennsylvania families, and increases educational opportunities in a responsible way. As a caucus, we have stood firm throughout the budget process that this budget would need to reflect a pro-growth, pro-jobs and pro-family strategy while also maintaining fiscal responsibility – the final product we achieved does just that. The $47.59 billion spending plan not only cut $740 million from the governor’s initial proposal, it adds that same amount to the state Rainy Day Fund, bringing that fund’s grand total to $7 billion, which is above the national average. In continuing to break down barriers that previously hindered job growth in the commonwealth, this budget includes creating the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development Program, putting $400 million toward the PA Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites Program, and further phases down the Corporate Net Income Tax. In maintaining our focus in providing our students supportive resources, empowering parents in their children’s education, and improving our approach to educational needs, the spending plan reflects the following education investments:
On the agricultural front, funding was provided to help deal with the threat of avian influenza, establish a new western animal diagnostics lab, and $10 million was dedicated to a new Agricultural Innovation and Development program focusing on providing farmers and agribusinesses with the resources to adopt new technological practices. Overall, this budget was crafted with the express intent of expanding Pennsylvania jobs, providing more opportunities for Pennsylvanians to plant their roots, and better addressing the current economic and demographic challenges we face – all to create a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. Highlights in the 47th
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Isaac Johnsen while in Harrisburg! He hails from Aliquippa and has been interning here at the capitol with Senator Pat Stefano. I wish him all the best on his future endeavors!
Recently, in preparation for their 95th anniversary, the Laughlin Memorial Library hosted a dedication ceremony for their new garden, which has been named the Alexander and Judith Laughlin Memorial Garden! Our libraries are a highly valued tool for our communities as they offer both adults and children a place to gather and learn. Program Connecting Veterans with Benefits Receives Senate Approval
The Senate last week unanimously approved legislation to establish in law the PA VETConnect program to help Pennsylvania veterans access programs, services and benefits in their communities. Senate Bill 447 would establish in law the PA VETConnect program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and helps the commonwealth’s more than 700,000 veterans access services in their communities. The database of resources enables local veteran advocates – including staff at county veterans affairs offices – to point veterans to information, resources, programs and services in their area and across the commonwealth. Senate Votes to Expand Authority of Hospice Licensed Practical Nurses
The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1080 to enable licensed practical nurses (LPNs) working in a hospice setting to make death pronouncements, saving money and limiting unnecessary emotional distress for the patient’s family. Pennsylvania law currently allows registered nurses (RNs), medical doctors, physician assistants and coroners to make death pronouncements. Many hospice facilities across Pennsylvania face workforce shortages. Giving LPNs the authority to make death pronouncements can help hospice facilities address their staffing issues. Online Dashboard Shows Tick Hot Spots
Tick season is in full swing, but there are ways to continue to enjoy the many benefits of the Great Outdoors while minimizing the risk of becoming a victim of a tickborne disease. Pennsylvanians should take precautions every time they spend time outside as the state leads the nation in the number of Lyme disease cases. A new Pennsylvania Department of Health online dashboard shows where ticks are prevalent and the latest data on tickborne disease activity, such as Lyme disease. Tick bites can be limited using preventative measures. Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents. Walk in the center of trails and avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. When returning indoors, check your clothing, gear and pets for ticks. Shower within two hours and check your body using a full-length mirror. Promoting Safe Driving Habits
Recognizing last week as Operation Safe Driver Week, which aims to reduce driving behaviors, here are some helpful tips so we can all enjoy the roadways safely. Speeding has been a factor in more than a quarter of crash deaths since 2008. Nearly half of passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2019 were not wearing seatbelts. Distracted driving is another behavior that puts people at risk. The AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index revealed that 88% of drivers believe distracted driving has outpaced all other traffic-related issues as a growing safety concern. In June, the Senate passed legislation, now law, limiting the use of handheld cellular and other devices while driving.
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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