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In This Edition:
State Budget Update: Lawmakers Complete 2022-23 Spending PlanLawmakers completed work on a 2022-23 state budget this week that does not include any broad-based tax increases and deposits more than $2 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund. The plan also cuts the Corporate Net Income Tax over the next decade to help attract employers and families to Pennsylvania. Although I agreed with many components of the budget and voted in favor of the ancillary bills related to the spending plan, I still have serious concerns about the total amount of spending in the bill. For that reason, I voted against the total spending plan and will continue to advocate for responsible spending levels in the future. In the weeks ahead, I look forward to sharing more information about the budget and other critical bills approved by the Senate this week.
Legislation Ends Wolf’s Bridge Tolling PlanThe Wolf Administration’s plan to add tolls to nine Pennsylvania bridges generated a great deal of concern due to the fact it was implemented without proper approval and oversight by the General Assembly. The legal fight over the plan culminated in a ruling by the Commonwealth Court last week that stopped the tolls permanently. As a result of extensive negotiations with the Wolf Administration, an agreement was reached on legislation to rescind the bridge tolling plan this week. In addition, the legislation will increase transparency in PennDOT and create stronger checks and balances for any user fees for new infrastructure. These actions will ensure Pennsylvanians are not subjected to new financial burdens at a time when families are already struggling due to high gas prices and record inflation.
Several Constitutional Amendments Move Closer to the BallotPennsylvania’s Constitutional amendment process ultimately allows voters to have the final say on potential amendments at the ballot box after being approved by lawmakers in two consecutive legislative sessions. Several constitutional amendments were approved for the first time by the Senate and House of Representatives this week:
Bill Goes to Governor to Help Restaurant IndustryThe restaurant and entertainment industry has been devastated by the massive economic shutdowns in the past two years. The General Assembly passed legislation to support bars, taverns, restaurants, breweries, clubs and hotels by giving them the option to have amplified sound outdoors. The language I amended into House Bill 1615 would allow all liquor license holders to offer amplified sound, up to 75 decibels, Sunday through Thursday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday between 10 a.m. and midnight. Under current law, only wineries are allowed to have amplified sound. Expanding the number of outlets that can benefit from this will provide a major boost to venues throughout York County during the critical summer months.
Celebrating Independence Day in JacobusIt was a great day at the 58th Annual Fourth of July Blast in Jacobus! Thanks to the Jacobus Lions Club for hosting the event and to all the community partners that made it such a memorable celebration. There was so much to enjoy, from the children’s parade to the opening ceremony at the flagpole honoring our veterans, onto the book sale, children’s games, face painting, the car show, great food and exceptional entertainment. I am grateful for this wonderful hometown tradition, everyone who stopped by to say hello and participate in the activities, and that our family’s favorite – the kid’s tractor pull – was back.
Upcoming PennDOT maintenance projectsYou can view PennDOT’s list of scheduled maintenance projects for next week below.
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