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In this update:
PA will be Economically CompetitiveIt is no surprise that Pennsylvania faces a demographics problem – more of our younger generation are fleeing for states that have greater economic opportunity. When I speak with job creators in our community, I hear a constant theme: Our state’s slow permitting process prohibits putting shovels in the ground. In fact, one neighbor explained to me that he can be permitted by the state, build a new facility, and open his business in West Virginia in the amount of time it would take just to get a permit in Pennsylvania. If we are chasing away economic opportunity today, what does that mean for our future tomorrow? It’s a losing predicament. I have continued to advocate for solutions to the persistent problem of permitting delays that have chased jobs and investment to other states. When I started serving as your senator in 2019, I stood in the shadow of the York Narrow Fabrics, now part of the campus at York College, to advocate for meaningful regulatory reform. This was the site where the literal “red tape” was manufactured to bind federal regulations.
My legislative solution sought to streamline our state’s permitting process, make it more user friendly by borrowing a page out of the private sector’s playbook – where an applicant can track his or her permit from start to finish, much like we have become accustomed to with Amazon or Door Dash. Most importantly, we need to get these permits to the job creators faster by cutting down the lengthy delays and hurdles erected in front of employers. We finally got our long overdue win last evening. Five years after that event at York College, I am proud that my legislation, the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) Program, was incorporated into the finalized state budget. The law I championed will drastically expedite the permit review timelines required by the Department of Environmental Protection and county conservation districts. Watch my speech below:
Additionally, a new permit tracking system will be implemented, and applicants will now have the option for third-party review of air, earth disturbance, and water permit applications. You can learn more about how this legislation will make a big difference for the future of our state’s economic competitiveness here. Growing our economy, creating new jobs, and putting Pennsylvania on a path to prosperity is not partisan, it’s commonsense. I am glad we were able to get this across the finish line. You can find more information about this initiative here. Senate Passes Empowering, Pro-Family, Pro-Growth Budget
The Senate approved a fiscally responsible 2024-25 state budget that is honest with taxpayers, creates new job opportunities for state residents, includes no new taxes and addresses the economic and demographic challenges the state faces in the years ahead. The $47.59 billion spending plan is $740 million less than Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposal, and it adds $740 million to the state’s Rainy-Day Fund – a key priority of Senate Republicans to prevent tax hikes on hardworking York Countians in the future. The budget includes key measures to boost the economy by removing barriers for businesses to relocate to or expand in Pennsylvania: a continuation of the Corporate Net Income Tax phase-out and the elimination of the Start-Up Penalty. Significant resources were also included to empower parents and families to make the best decisions regarding the educational needs of their children. Learn more about education funding and other budget highlights. Just Signed: Modernizing State Dog Law
My legislation was signed into law as Act 47 of 2024 bringing important updates to Pennsylvania’s dog law. This new law grants license fee exemptions for service dogs used by first responders and eases regulatory burdens for boarding kennels near state borders. These changes will support our first responders and streamline operations for kennel owners. You can find more information here. Bill Limiting Smartphone Use in Schools Passes Senate
The Senate this week approved legislation to improve students’ mental health and academic performance by limiting their use of smartphones in school. Since the early 2010s, there has been a steep decline in mental health in children, and their academic performance is suffering. Children’s compromised mental health, social skills and academic performance directly correlates to the rise of smartphones and social media apps. Senate Bill 1207 would establish the Cell Phone Lockable Bag Pilot Program until Dec. 1, 2026. The School Safety and Security Committee would award grants to purchase secure, lockable smartphone bags in which students would deposit their mobile devices until the end of the school day. The bill would also require schools participating in the program to create and post online a policy prohibiting the use of smartphones during school time. It must include exemptions for students who have a documented medical condition – such as diabetes – that requires the use of a phone. Senate Advances Bill to Allow Year-round Motorcycle Inspections
The Senate passed legislation to allow safety inspections to be performed year-round on motorcycles registered in Pennsylvania. Even though motorcycles can be purchased and driven on Pennsylvania roadways throughout the year, the state Vehicle Code currently only allows safety inspections to be performed from March to October. Senate Bill 1147 would eliminate that restriction so motorcycle operators have more opportunities to complete required inspections. Motorcycle registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation would continue to be tied to the month the vehicle is to be inspected. Senate Passes Bill Discounting Hunting and Fishing Licenses to Volunteer Firefighters
The Senate approved a bill that would enable volunteer firefighters to obtain discounted hunting licenses and fishing licenses in Pennsylvania. Resident adult hunting licenses cost $20.97 and fishing licenses cost $27.97. The legislation would reduce the cost of each to $1 for volunteer firefighters who served at least the previous 12 months in the commonwealth. Pennsylvania in the 1970s had as many as 300,000 volunteer firefighters. There currently are approximately 38,000 volunteer firefighters in the commonwealth. Program Connecting Veterans with Benefits Receives Senate Approval
The Senate this 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. Coming Up: Hanover Snack Town Street Fair
In an effort to bring your state government to YOU, my team and I will be stationed at various fairs and carnivals throughout the summer. First up is the Hanover Snack Town Street Fair this Saturday! My team and I will be there with state materials, ready to assist you on state issues, and just to say hi. The Snack Town Street Fair is a fun-filled day in downtown Hanover. This one-day festival will feature artists, authors, craft and food vendors, live music, kids’ entertainment, and much more. You can find a list of vendors on the website here. Event Details Stay tuned for more upcoming events where we’ll be participating. We look forward to seeing you and connecting with each one of you! Tune In to Face the State This Weekend
Tune in Sunday morning to CBS 21 to watch my upcoming conversation with Joel D. Smith on this week’s episode of Face the State. We will talk about how after a nearly two week impasse the legislature passed a fiscally responsible 2024-25 state budget that is honest with taxpayers and will make a huge impact on our future economic competitiveness. Tune in to CBS 21 on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Mobile Office in Penn Twp. Next Week
On Thursday, July 18, my team will be stationed at the Penn Township Municipal Building from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents are invited to stop by the office, located at 20 Wayne Ave., to receive assistance with any state-related matters. 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 this 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. 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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