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In this update:
Voting machine demonstrations ongoing throughout countyNew voting machines will be used during the upcoming election on November 9, 2019. Nikki Suchanic, who is the director of the York County Department of Elections and Voter Registration, recently provided a very informative demonstration of the new voting machines this past Monday in Shrewsbury.
The county is conducting several of these demonstrations across the county to educate voters on how the system works. If you are interested in learning how these machines operate ahead of the election next month, please check out these demonstrations next week: Wednesday, Oct. 16 Wednesday, Oct. 16 Thursday, Oct. 17 Tuesday, Oct. 22 Thursday, Oct. 24 Giving voters final say in budgetary reformsRepresentative Seth Grove and I have introduced a proposed constitutional amendment which will give you the ultimate say in ending a budgetary gimmick that costs taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. Previous and current administrations have routinely spent more money than what was agreed to in the state budget through the use of supplemental spending that is not approved by the General Assembly. Our proposed constitutional amendment would require any supplemental funding to be voted in a standalone bill and not rolled into the upcoming budget. York Countians are sick and tired of budget games that play out in their state government year after year. Our proposed constitutional amendment will give voters the final say in whether or not these expensive budget maneuvers will end. In order for the constitutional amendment to be approved, the legislation must first be approved by the General Assembly in two consecutive sessions, and then be placed on the ballot and be approved by voters in the ensuing election. You can read more about our efforts here. You can listen to my comments here.
Where does the 28th District stand on recreational marijuana?I asked – you answered! In light of Governor Wolf’s complete change in position on whether recreational marijuana should be legalized in Pennsylvania, I wanted to get your feedback on this issue. When he released the findings of his statewide tour on the issue, Lt. Governor Fetterman claimed: “If you are opposed to the recreational use, adult use of cannabis, that is the minority view now in Pennsylvania.” Based on the survey I conducted, as well as all of the correspondence received to date on the issue, the majority of residents in the 28th Senatorial District are opposed to the legalization of recreational marijuana with 71 percent opposed, 26 percent supportive and 3 percent undecided. You can see a breakdown of where each municipality stands on this issue, based on individuals who contacted our office:
Again, if you or anyone you know who lives in the 28th District has not weighed in on this issue, please feel free to reply to this email or contact me via my website. Stay tuned for more surveys to gauge your feedback on legislation that is under discussion in your state Capitol! Thank you to the community for showing up to support Sgt. Wrinkle and ToscaLast week featured an amazing showing of veterans, family and friends of Sgt. Christopher M. Wrinkle as we unveiled the Sgt. Christopher M. Wrinkle and Tosca Memorial Bridge in Dallastown. Thank you to all who donated your time and talents to commemorate this local fallen Marine and his K9.
Touring the new UPMC Memorial HospitalOn Wednesday, I joined Rep. Grove, as well as staff from Rep. Kate Klunk’s and Rep. Stan Saylor’s offices, for a tour of the new UPMC Memorial Hospital. We really appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the healthcare opportunities available for residents of the 28th District!
VA Information and Enrollment Fair on Oct. 17 in YorkThe Lebanon VA Medical Center is hosting an Informational and Enrollment Fair at the York County VA Clinic, located at 2251 Eastern Blvd, Suite 101, on Thursday, October 17 from 4 – 7 p.m. Veterans can get a free flu shot at the event. If you have any questions, please call 717-272-6621, ext. 4298. More details can be found in the flyer below.
Better York receives update on school property tax elimination efforts in General AssemblyThank you to Better York and the York County Economic Alliance for having me join you on Monday to provide an update on the number one issue I hear about in York County: School property tax elimination.
During my remarks, I indicated how many studies the state’s Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) has completed on this topic. We’ve received several studies about property tax reform, including property tax replacement estimates, property tax elimination for seniors, changes to the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, and costs to implement a property tax rebate for senior citizens. These are all studies requested by other legislators to be conducted by the IFO, a nonpartisan, bicameral entity that is tasked with scoring proposals. One of the IFO’s studies found that current school property tax replacement revenue will need to total $15.285 billion statewide to achieve a dollar-for-dollar shift from the current system. However, it showed that by 2023-2024, this will be over $17.3 billion – a $2 billion increase – if the status quo is maintained. The enormous costs increases for public education should serve as a rallying cry for reform. There are several proposals that have been introduced or will be introduced in the General Assembly to address this issue. I will put out a survey in the coming days asking you which plan or plans you prefer. Stay tuned! Personal finance course could be new option for high schools for graduation creditsLast month, I supported a bill authored by my colleague, Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie), that would provide an OPTION for schools to teach the importance of personal finance, as well as help students better understand how student loans work and prepare them to be successful in managing their own finances after high school graduation. School boards could allow a student to earn up to one credit by taking a personal finance course in lieu of social studies, family and consumer science, math or business education requirements for graduation. I recently discussed the issue with the York Dispatch, which you can read here. Please let me know what you think of this proposal by replying to this email. I am hopeful that the House of Representatives votes on this bill and we can get it to Governor Wolf’s desk for his signature. Dedicating new apparatus at York Area United Fire and RescueCongratulations to the fine men and women of York Area United Fire and Rescue on the dedication of their new apparatus on Sunday!
The citizens of Manchester Township, Spring Garden Township, and Springettsbury Township appreciate and recognize that this will help you to continue to serve and protect when you are needed most! Thank you! Congratulations to the Green family of Red LionCongratulations to the Green Family on receiving the Self-Sufficiency Award from the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania in recognition of their hard work, determination and success!
It was an honor to present the family with a citation from the Senate of Pennsylvania to celebrate their great success and the inspiration and hope they provide to everyone struggling to lift themselves out of poverty to self-sufficiency. Also, thank you to the Community Progress Council for the invitation to share in their success! Congratulations to Dan and Krista Green for your richly deserved recognition! Senate of Pennsylvania closed for Columbus DayPlease be advised that due to the Columbus Day weekend, my offices will be closed on Monday, October 14. We will reopen at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 15.
Upcoming PennDOT projectsYou can see PennDOT’s maintenance projects planned for next week here. (Please be advised that this link is updated by PennDOT and may not be updated to reflect next week’s schedule until Monday.)
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