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In this update:
Resources available to help Pennsylvanians with rising energy costs
As energy costs continue to rise, please be aware that resources are available to minimize the financial burden and to assist with payments already owed. Ratepayers can immediately lower their energy bills by switching to a competing electric and natural gas supplier using PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com. Read all terms thoroughly to understand if the contract includes a fixed or variable rate before making a decision. To streamline this process, I have a plan to make it easier to switch electric and natural gas suppliers, as well as provide greater transparency and oversight into retail energy markets in Pennsylvania. My legislation would provide consumers with greater flexibility and transparency to find the best option that fits their budget, while also bringing enhanced professionalism and competency to their energy shopping experience. You can find more information on my initiative here. Those who are having difficulty paying bills currently should call the utility company to work out a payment plan to avoid additional fees associated with the reconnection of service. Financial assistance is also available for many ratepayers through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). New applicants can apply for the program at www.compass.state.pa.us. Of course, the most effective way for Pennsylvania to combat rising energy costs is for lawmakers to unleash our state’s energy potential, which is why Senate Republicans are prioritizing the advancement of policies that create greater energy independence. In addition, the Senate advanced Senate Bill 1, which included a proposed constitutional amendment to prevent the executive branch from imposing onerous regulations like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative – a regulation that will not only cost 22,000 jobs, but also could nearly quadruple new electricity costs for consumers. While the General Assembly can’t undo this already imposed, costly executive action, it can prevent Pennsylvania from being saddled with similar regulations in the future. ICYMI: Permitting reform key for Pennsylvania growth, will streamline access to government
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry’s president and CEO, Luke Bernstein, wrote an op-ed earlier this week highlighting the importance of bipartisan, commonsense regulatory and permitting reform in our state. “Members of both political parties should agree that Pennsylvania losing economic opportunity due to red tape and unwarranted regulations is unacceptable. Policymakers should come together behind a common agenda of supporting jobs and economic growth – and that means reforming our permitting process.” I have heard from countless individuals – doctors, educators, nurses, real estate professionals and so many more – who have expressed frustration with the delays in permitting, licensing and certifications within Pennsylvania state agencies. A streamlined, open and transparent process helps everyone. In fact, I am pleased to see Gov. Josh Shapiro take the first step with an executive order on the subject. You can read Luke Bernstein’s entire op-ed here. Sen. Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland/Perry/Dauphin) and my plan to reform the state’s regulatory process would require the state to enact a transparent and accountable process, borrowing a page from the private sector by allowing any applicant to track – from start to finish- the permitting process. A Glen Rock tradition: 175 years strong
Thank you to Darryl Engler, musical director, and Jon Nicklow, historian, for the tour of the Glen Rock Carolers Museum! It was fascinating to see the history of the Carolers firsthand and learn more about this beloved Glen Rock tradition. Established by a group of English immigrants, in 1848, the Glen Rock Carolers is comprised of community members who meet annually to sing in the streets of Glen Rock from midnight on Christmas eve until dawn on Christmas day.
It was an honor to present Darryl and Jon with a citation from the Senate of Pennsylvania to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Glen Rock Carolers! Congratulations to all the members who have ensured this tradition continues. You can view more photos from our visit here. Tune In: Pennsylvania Cable Network interview airs on Feb. 22 at 8 p.m.
I hope you can program your DVR or tune in as I sit down with Larry Kaspar of the Pennsylvania Cable Network on Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 8 p.m. to discuss why I am sponsoring legislation that would ban TikTok on state-owned devices and networks, as well as other issues important to the people of the 28th Senatorial District. Additionally, a bipartisan coalition of federal lawmakers this week raised additional concerns about the popular app, writing: “This bombshell disclosure demonstrates that TikTok and ByteDance cannot be trusted by CFIUS or its tens of millions of users in the United States.” Learn more here. Medical assistance and CHIP recipients must submit for renewal
Starting April 1, Pennsylvania is required by federal law to review the eligibility of Medical Assistance (Medicaid) and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) recipients every year, which means recipients must submit a renewal. Important information is posted here. While the Department of Human Services (DHS) still sent renewal notices during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, most people were not disenrolled from Medicaid or CHIP because of a change in eligibility. DHS is returning to the normal eligibility processes. No one will lose their health coverage without having an opportunity to complete a renewal, and renewals will be completed over 12 months. Renewals due in March 2023 will be the first affected by the end of continuous coverage. If a person is found ineligible for their current coverage or does not complete their renewal on time, their coverage will end. Information about when a person’s annual renewal is scheduled can be found on COMPASS or on the myCOMPASS PA mobile app. Anyone can set up a COMPASS account at www.dhs.pa.gov/compass and, if they have a mobile device, can download the myCOMPASS PA mobile app for free. Susquehanna SCORE grant winners announced
I was honored to join Susquehanna SCORE as they presented two York-based businesses with grants from the York County Chamber Foundation. Established in 1997, the York County Chamber Foundation has been helping fund businesses that put forth ideas that are not only viewed as positive for their business, but also for our community. A big congratulations to both Bashir Enterprises Inc. and Flowers by Cindy! Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and we are extremely proud of your accomplishments and wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors. Monthly appropriations update details lagging income tax payments, improving rainy day fund
Each month, the Senate Appropriations Committee prepares a monthly update on the financial health of the Commonwealth. The most recent report includes information on:
The full update, including the full monthly revenue report, is available here. As a member of this committee, as well as someone who has great respect for the people who pay state government’s bills (YOU – THE TAXPAYER), I will continue to keep you informed through the budget process. Gov. Shapiro will deliver his budget address next month (March 7). Stay tuned! Scam warning: “Final demand for payment” letters
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue issued a warning about scams designed to trick people into turning over sensitive data and personal information. One recurring scam involves phony letters sent to taxpayers through the mail. The “Final Demand for Payment” letters threaten wage garnishment and the seizure of property or assets unless the recipient calls a phone number to satisfy a lien. If you are concerned about a potentially fraudulent notice, visit the department’s webpage for verified contact information. This will help you ensure that you are speaking with a legitimate representative of the department. And if you believe you are a victim of tax fraud or tax-related identity theft, contact the department’s Bureau of Fraud Detection and Analysis by emailing Ra-rvpadorfraud@pa.gov or calling 717-772-9297. Boy Scout Troop 30 celebrates 90 years of charter
I was blessed to join Pastor Alison Bowlan-Kurland, the congregation of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Spring Grove and Boy Scout Troop 30 this morning to celebrate the 90th anniversary of their charter. The scouts did an excellent job serving as ushers and greeters, reading scripture, and hosting a reception after the service. It was an honor to present the troop with a Senate of Pennsylvania citation to commemorate this important milestone, and wish them continued success in imparting important skills, values, and leadership that will benefit the community for years to come. Kudos to Pastor Bowlan-Kurland for her ability to keep the attention of the children with the use of a lightsaber as part of her sermon! Important message for unemployment compensation recipients
Several important changes are being made to the way Unemployment Compensation benefits are paid onto prepaid debit cards. Beginning on or about March 6, Money Network prepaid debit cards will be mailed to UC recipients who receive benefit payments via prepaid debit card. The Money Network prepaid debit card will replace the U.S. Bank card currently in use. Recipients will need to learn how to activate the new money network prepaid debit card and ensure their address is correct, among other steps. PA Treasury explains the process here and provides an extensive Frequently Asked Questions page here. Dallastown Area Middle School students, teachers visit Harrisburg
Thank you to the students, teachers and chaperones from Dallastown Area Middle School for visiting Harrisburg! It was an honor to take you around your beautiful state Capitol and show you the Senate chamber. You can always schedule your spring Capitol tour by contacting me here. National cancer prevention month: Information on risk and research
Every family will be touched by cancer at some point. National Cancer Prevention Month is a good time to consider information that could help prevent heartache. The National Cancer Institute has comprehensive information on cancer prevention, risk factors, the role of genetics, and the latest research into causes and prevention. Local job openings
PA CareerLink shared with me its latest list of local job openings, which you can view here. You can also find job postings shared with the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) here. Upcoming PennDOT maintenance projectsYou can view PennDOT’s list of scheduled maintenance projects for next week below.
State offices closed on Presidents DayPlease be advised that our Senate offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20, in observance of Presidents Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, February 21, at 9 a.m.
I also want to let you know that PennDOT announced all driver license and photo centers will be closed Saturday, Feb. 18, through Monday, Feb. 20. Motorists may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov. |
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