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In this Update:
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 can watch my remarks following the news conference by clicking the two images that have the play button on them.
Some Very Special Guests Visited Harrisburg
It’s not often that I have the opportunity to host a group two years in a row, but I’m not surprised with the Peters Township Dance Team who won their third high school national dance championship in a row. Earlier this year in Orlando, these talented young ladies under the direction of their coaches, Barb Deliere and Dominique Schuster, beat out 43 other dance teams at Nationals to secure yet another championship title. The school’s fifth title since 2013 – an unbelievable achievement. Congratulations to Seniors, Maria, Anna, Courtney, Gabriella, and Cailee / Juniors, Emma, Eva, Madeline, Samantha, and Ashlyn / Sophomores, Samantha and Helena / and Freshman, Regan. You can watch my introduction of the dance team on the Senate floor by clicking the image.
This past week was Teacher Appreciation Week and I was thrilled to welcome Dr. Susan Morris-Rutledge to the Capitol to honor her commitment to education. She is an associate professor in the Department of Education and campus ESL program coordinator at PennWest California. Dr. Morris-Rutledge has over 25 years of service teaching and served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 11 years. Thank you for your military service and dedication to the betterment of our young people. You can watch my introduction of Dr. Morris-Rutledge on the Senate floor by clicking the image.
It was truly a pleasure to welcome and greet the 2024 PIAA State Champion Canon-McMillan School District Girls Wrestling Team. This was the first season that girls wrestling was officially sanctioned in Pennsylvania so the Big Macs became the first girls team to ever win a state title in PA. What a wonderful achievement by the entire team. Speaking of firsts, because Valerie Solorio’s weight class was the first to compete this year at the championships, she became the first PIAA girls wrestler to ever earn a gold medal! Valerie was undefeated this season and has amassed a 117-5 career record. Congratulations on your absolutely stellar high school career! Special thank you to Head Coach Brian Krenzelak, Assistant Coaches Ron Totterdale, Shelia Mitchell, Dave Gump and Kevin Saniga.
The Pennsylvania Bituminous Coal Queen Pageant has been an annual tradition for 68 years in Carmichaels, Greene County and is hosted by The King Coal Association to cap off the week-long King Coal Show celebration. The 2023 Coal Queen is Hadyn Chipps, an athlete and honor roll student at Albert Gallatin Area High School located in Senator Pat Stefano’s district. She was one of twelve young ladies selected to compete in the pageant. Congratulations on your achievement, Hadyn! Many thanks to Lisa Allison, Pageant Director, who has been running this amazing program for years. It was also wonderful to meet Hadyn’s parents who accompanied her on the trip. You can watch my introduction of Hadyn and Hadyn’s remarks by clicking the image. FREE Career Kick-Start Event on May 21
In partnership with Pennsylvania Women Work, I will be hosting Career Kick-Start on Tuesday, May 21, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Frank Sarris Public Library, 35 N. Jefferson Ave., Canonsburg. The free, one-day workshop will help participants boost their job search. It will offer opportunities to meet with a career coach to refine resumes, take a career assessment, identify professional skills and strengths, learn how to find and apply for jobs, practice and receive feedback on interviews, meet with employers who are hiring, and get a professional headshot. Space is limited. Women who are interested are asked to register online. Please call 412-742-4362 with any questions. 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. Legislation to Curb Distracted Driving Set for Enactment
Legislation passed by the Senate to prohibit the handheld use of cellular and other devices while driving is set for enactment into law. Senate Bill 37 would enhance driver responsibility by prohibiting the use of handheld cellphones or other communication devices while operating a motor vehicle on a Pennsylvania highway or trafficway. While hands-free use of devices when driving would remain legal, handheld use of devices would only be permitted when the vehicle is parked on the side or shoulder of a roadway and the vehicle can safely remain stationary. To inform drivers about the new law, law enforcement must issue warnings for violations during the initial 12 months following the bill’s enactment. Senate Acts to Bolster 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. Scholarship Bill Wins Bipartisan Support
The Senate Education Committee advanced bipartisan legislation to provide more educational options to children in low-performing public schools through scholarships to attend the school of their choice. Senate Bill 795 would establish the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) Program. During Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address earlier this year, he referenced his continued support for “scholarships that let poor families in struggling school districts put their kids in the best position for them to succeed – whether that’s paying for extra tutoring, books and computers, or yes, going to another school.” The bill, which now heads to the full Senate for consideration, is part of a larger Senate Republican initiative to preserve the role parents have in their children’s lives. 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.
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