Senator Phillips-Hill E-Newsletter

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In this update:

  • Senate Republicans Secure Historic Tax Cuts for Working Families
  • Let Me Know Your Thoughts: Squatting Laws in PA
  • Senate Votes to Create Statewide Sexual Assault Evidence Tracking System
  • Bolstering Telemedicine in PA
  • Coffee Break with Me Next Week!
  • Spring Grove Rockets at Aerospace Day
  • Returning YOUR Money to YOU
  • Preventative Care Protects Moms, All Women
  • Mobile Office in Penn Township
  • Paying Respect to Those Who Have Made the Ultimate Sacrifice
  • Upcoming PennDOT Maintenance Projects

Senate Republicans Secure Historic Tax Cuts for Working Families 

Working families, job creators and energy consumers in Pennsylvania would see their taxes reduced by approximately $3 billion a year under a bill approved by the Senate with a strong bipartisan, veto-proof majority. It would represent the largest tax cut for working families in Pennsylvania history, saving taxpayers more than $13 billion over the next five years.

Senate Bill 269 would reduce the personal income tax (PIT) rate from 3.07% to 2.8%, putting more money in the wallets of every Pennsylvanian who earns a paycheck. The bill would also eliminate the gross receipts tax on energy, effective Jan. 1, 2025, providing critical relief from high energy costs.

The tax cuts would benefit all Pennsylvania families and inject an additional $3 billion into the state’s economy, rather than growing government and arbitrarily picking winners and losers. The plan is a sharp contrast from Gov. Josh Shapiro’s calls for $3.2 billion in new government spending, as well as legislation introduced by House Democrats to nearly quadruple certain taxes paid by small businesses. Instead, Senate Republicans continue to protect taxpayers against unnecessary tax increases, new spending and unchecked growth in the size of government.

You know best how to spend YOUR money – this puts you in the driver’s seat; not government.

You can find my remarks on this initiative here.

Let Me Know Your Thoughts: Squatting Laws in PA 

Recent news articles have shed light on a growing concern among property owners: the rise of illegal tenants, or squatters, occupying properties they do not own.

A new trend has emerged where squatters exploit property owners by demanding payment to vacate the premises. In one instance in Philadelphia, a property owner paid over $1,000 to remove a squatter, not including the costs to repair damages caused.

In response to this issue, several state legislatures, including Pennsylvania, are exploring ways to strengthen laws to swiftly remove squatters without imposing significant costs or delays on property owners.

As discussions on squatting laws in Pennsylvania continue, I am eager to hear your thoughts.

Take my survey!

I appreciate your feedback on the issue and will be sharing the results in the coming weeks. Please feel free to ask your friends and neighbors to weigh in, as well!

Senate Votes to Create Statewide Sexual Assault Evidence Tracking System 

To assist survivors of sexual assault, the Senate approved Senate Bill 920, which would establish a sexual assault evidence tracking system. Using the system, individuals could follow the path of a rape kit throughout the collection and testing process.

Sexual assault forensic exams are conducted using what are commonly referred to as rape kits, in which DNA evidence is collected from the assault victim’s body, clothes and other personal belongings. The process can increase the likelihood of criminal prosecution.

Thirty-two states and the District of Columbia have established rape kit tracking systems. Enactment of the legislation would enable Pennsylvania to receive additional federal funds.

Bolstering Telemedicine in PA 

The Senate approved legislation aimed at expanding the use of telemedicine in Pennsylvania.

Telemedicine is the remote delivery of health care services and medical information using telecommunications technology. It allows medical services to be provided to some of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians who otherwise would not be able to receive them due to location or other circumstances. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it saw rapid growth in Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 739 requires insurance providers or managed care organizations to reimburse health care providers for services provided to a patient through telemedicine. Services provided through telemedicine must meet the same standard of care as health care services provided in person.

Coffee Break with Me Next Week! 

In between meetings next week, I want to catch up with some familiar faces and maybe meet some new ones too! On Tuesday, May 14, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., you will be able to find me at Merlin’s Coffee located at 10 S. Franklin St., located in Hanover.

Stop in, say hi, and have coffee on me! I look forward to seeing you there! 

Spring Grove Rockets at Aerospace Day 

Earlier this week, the nationally acclaimed Spring Grove Area School District Rocketry Team participated at the Inaugural Aerospace and Aviation Day! Employers, educators, as well as federal and state agencies joined in this annual event.

Both Spring Grove’s middle and high school teams have their sights set on the sky, as they qualified for the American Rocketry Challenge in Virginia after placing as finalists. The two teams will be traveling to compete in this national event held on May 18.

It was a pleasure catching up and good luck next weekend, Rockets!

Returning YOUR Money to YOU

Last week’s Unclaimed Property event was a success, recovering more than $55,000 to the pockets of Southern York County residents!

Did you know that 1 in 10 Pennsylvanians have unclaimed property? Well, this May we are letting you know that you MAY have unclaimed property. My team is ready to help you in that search!

Whether you prefer to search online at patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/ or want personalized assistance, our team is here to support you. Call or stop into my district office Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Don’t let what’s rightfully yours go unclaimed!

Preventative Care Protects Moms, All Women

Happy Mother’s Day to the women who play a critical role in their families as they care for their loved ones. Often, they are so focused on supporting everyone else that meeting their own needs takes a back seat.

However, when it comes to breast cancer, that’s simply not safe to do. It’s important for all women who are at least 40 years old to carve out time to get a mammogram every two years. Know your risk and family history because Act 1 of 2023 eliminates all costs associated with screening breast MRI, ultrasound, genetic testing and counseling for individuals with high risk.

The comprehensive breast cancer screening bill will save lives so we can enjoy more time with the mothers and all other women in our worlds.

Mobile Office in Penn Township

Next Thursday, May 16, our mobile office will be stationed at the Penn Township Municipal Building from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., located at 20 Wayne Ave. Stop by and get assistance with your unclaimed property search or any state-related matter! 

Paying Respect to Those Who Have Made the Ultimate Sacrifice 

This week, I attended the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Service to pay tribute to our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service and protection. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, their legacy forever cherished. You can find more photos from the service here.

Upcoming PennDOT Maintenance Projects 

Most weeks, PennDOT shares with me its maintenance schedule for the week ahead. When it becomes available, you can view the full list here to see if it will impact you and your family.

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