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In this Update:
Impact Fee Tax Brings $26.4 Million Back to 46th District
The Impact Fee tax on unconventional natural gas wells will once again deliver millions of dollars in funding to communities and projects throughout the 46th Senatorial District. Impact Fee taxes are levied in addition to regular business taxes paid by every corporation in Pennsylvania. The disbursements were based on a formula established in Act 13 of 2012 to ensure communities affected by drilling receive their fair share of funding for projects such as road and bridge repairs, housing and other infrastructure needs. The Impact Fee tax provides funding to the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which in turn has generated more than $26.4 million in grants for the 46th Senatorial District. The 46th District’s impact fee distribution allocates: $5.5 million to Washington County. Out of all 67 counties in the state, Washington and Greene counties are both in the top five for the amount of Impact Fee tax dollars received. Our communities will have significant support that doesn’t burden taxpayers for public infrastructure needs, like stormwater systems, emergency preparedness, environmental programs, tax reductions and social services. With the 2023 distribution, the natural gas industry, which provides thousands of family-sustaining jobs, has paid $2.7 billion in impact fees since 2012. Highlighting Policies to Support PA’s Natural Gas and Oil
This week I joined other leaders of the Gas and Oil Caucus (of which I am the co-chair) and API (American Petroleum Institute) Pennsylvania to spotlight the state’s energy advantage and advocate for policies that support natural gas and oil at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. This event was in conjunction with Natural Gas and Oil Day at the Capitol. To watch the entire press conference, click on the image above. Improving Affordable Housing Options in 46th District
Communities in Beaver, Greene and Washington counties will benefit from a series of grants to support affordable housing projects. The grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund, which was established in 2010 to assist with the creation, rehabilitation and support of affordable housing throughout Pennsylvania. Funding for the grants is provided by the impact fee taxed on natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale region and the state’s existing Realty Transfer Tax. To review the entire list of recipients in the 46th District and across the Commonwealth, please visit this article on my website. Senate Republicans Continue Negotiations for Pro-Growth, Responsible State Budget
State budget negotiations are ongoing in Harrisburg, and we are encouraged by the dialogue between the Senate, House and governor. While it appears clear at this point that we will not have a full budget agreement which could be implemented by June 30, we are hopeful to reach a consensus very soon and avoid any negative impacts on the people of Pennsylvania. The Senate will return to session on Monday, July 1, at 3 p.m. Senate Republicans continue to push for a spending plan that respects taxpayers, ensures existing resources are used wisely, and leads to economic and demographic growth in Pennsylvania. Since Gov. Josh Shapiro presented a budget plan in February that would increase overall spending by $3.2 billion, we have voiced the amount he wanted to spend is much higher than Senate Republicans believe is fiscally responsible. Learn more about the process of enacting the 2024-25 state budget and watch the Senate in session here. Senate Votes to Stand with Israel
The Senate approved legislation that would prohibit the PA Treasury’s Office, the State Employees’ Retirement System, the Public School Employees’ Retirement System and the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System from boycotting or divesting from Israel. The measure also would cut off state tax dollars from going to higher education institutions that boycott or divest from Israel. Senate Bill 1260 sends a loud message that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania stands with its top ally in the Middle East – Israel. On Oct. 7, 2023, more than 1,000 Israelis, mostly civilians, were murdered by Hamas terrorists. U.S. college campuses experienced volatile antisemitic protests that called for the complete destruction of Israel. Jewish students were required to shelter in place in their dorm rooms out of fear for their lives. Protesters were successful in getting some colleges to consider divesting from Israel, as well as companies that do business with the Israeli government. In the wake of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, Pennsylvania’s Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who supports the legislation, invested an additional $20 million in Israel bonds, bringing the Treasury’s total investment in Israel to more than $56 million. Senate Committee Advance Military Promotions
This week the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee advanced the nominations of nine Pennsylvania National Guard officers designated for promotion.
Set for Enactment: Senate Bill Expanding Access to Telemedicine Services
Legislation expanding access to telemedicine in Pennsylvania received final Senate approval and will be sent to the governor for enactment. Telemedicine allows individuals to access health care services online using a computer, tablet or smartphone. 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. Senate Bill 739 sets a base for how telemedicine will be covered by insurance companies and medical providers in Pennsylvania. The legislation requires:
Bill Giving Parents Flexibility with Their Children’s Education Passes Senate
To ensure children with autism, developmental delays or intellectual disabilities are better prepared to enter the classroom, the Senate passed a bill allowing parents or guardians to delay their children attending school for as long as one year. Senate Bill 1157 would allow them to request a waiver from the Department of Education to delay compulsory attendance when their child reaches the age of six if:
The bill would offer individualized learning and specialized approaches so children are able to develop the social and emotional skills necessary for future success. Set for Enactment: Bill Providing Free Credit Monitoring for Data Breach Victims
Bipartisan legislation to strengthen notification requirements for data breaches and provide affected citizens with free credit monitoring for a year and a credit report is set to be signed into law. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives this week, following Senate passage last year. Senate Bill 824 would cover instances in which an individual’s first and last name or first initial and last name have been accessed in combination with any of the following information: Social Security number, bank account number, driver’s license or state ID number. The bill also strengthens state notification requirements and mandates Attorney General notification if a data breach occurs in the commonwealth. A record 3,122 data breaches occurred nationally in 2023, affecting hundreds of millions of Americans and costing billions of dollars, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. It marked a 72% increase in data compromises from the previous all-time high in 2021. June is National Fireworks Safety Month
Independence Day is right around the corner, which means many of us will enjoy celebrations that include an American tradition: fireworks. Being aware of restrictions on consumer fireworks can help prevent injuries and property damage. They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle, regardless of whether the building or vehicle is owned by the user of the consumer fireworks. Fireworks cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug. Read more about state restrictions, and check with your local municipality for applicable local ordinances. Free Barbecue Picnic for Veterans and Service Members on July 12
I invite veterans, active duty service members, and their families of the 46th District to attend a veterans appreciation barbecue picnic on Friday, July 12, from 5-7 p.m. at the Stone Pavilion in Washington Park. This picnic is an opportunity to thank the men and women who have sacrificed their time and put their lives on hold to defend our great country. Of course, it is also about their families, who lived without their loved ones, often in fear for their safety when they were gone. I encourage all veterans and active duty members of the 46th District and their spouses to attend. Space is limited for the picnic, so veterans and their families are asked to RSVP by Friday, July 5, online by clicking this link. Call my district office for more information at 724-225-4380.
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