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In this Update:
Happenings in the 46th
Last week Jim Willis & his son Doug hosted members of the Greene County Farm Bureau for a legislative meeting and tour at Willis Farm. George Scull, the Bureau’s Legislative Chair, always does a great job organizing these events and keeping us on track to discuss all the state and federal agricultural issues affecting Greene County. Jim and Doug, you have a beautiful farm and I thank you for your service in keeping us fed. I loved when Doug recited Brenda Schoepp’s great quote, “Once in your life you may need a doctor, a lawyer, a policeman, and a preacher but every day, three times a day, you need a farmer.”
This week was also the Washington County Farm Bureau (PA) Legislative Tour. Jim Lindley and his family did an excellent job as our host. I want to thank Don Carter for leading the charge on issues facing our farmers – specifically we talked about deer management, broadband and much more. This was an opportunity for me to personally thank my friend, farmer and retired educator, Bill Black on being the champion for Senate Bill 654, which successfully passed and was signed into law last month. Senate Bill 654 will bring Pennsylvania law in line with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax laws relating to the depletion of gas wells. It will allow long-time landowners to claim the same depletion rate on their royalties as businesses that purchased mineral rights. The work of the Washington County Farm Bureau and their members is vital to future success.
I was thrilled to be in the 69th Annual King Coal Parade in Carmichaels last weekend. The parade helps close out the Bituminous King Coal Festival that celebrates heritage, community, family, and the legacy of the Southwestern Pennsylvania coal mining industry.
I participated in a legislative energy panel hosted by Americans for Prosperity – Pennsylvania (AFP) and CONSOL Energy to discuss government policy that is saddling us with increased costs and jeopardizing our energy and grid stability. Real energy independence means we stop pitting one form of American energy – be it coal, nuclear, gas, wind or solar – against another. Specific forms of energy should not be our enemy; reliance on foreign energy from those who wish us harm should be. I would like to thank the other panel guests for such an important conversation – Mitesh Thakkar [CONSOL Energy President & CFO], Rachel Gleason [PA Coal Alliance Executive Director], and Congressman Dan Meuser [PA 9th District]. Also a big thank you to Faith Burns [AFP] for moderating, Mary Beth Cirucci [AFP] and Matthew Mackowiak [CONSOL Energy] for organizing the event.
Our local school officials have made it abundantly clear that energy costs remain one of the biggest financial burdens on our schools. With rising utility bills, schools need a solution that would offset the current financial burden and save districts and taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. This week there was reason to celebrate with State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Philadelphia), whose Solar for Schools initiative was recently signed into law. House Bill 1032 brings federal dollars to our communities and offers grants to school districts, intermediate units, career and technology centers (CTCs), and community colleges to fund solar energy projects. In the 46th Senatorial District, there are 19 public school districts, three CTCs, and an intermediate unit. The administrators for these schools are all looking for ways to move the needle forward on efficiency and this program is here to help. In today’s political climate having a bipartisan, bicameral win with the Governor’s signature, is no small feat. I was thrilled to support this legislation and as always, support the schools here in Greene County, and across the entire Commonwealth. Special thank you to Mark Krupa, Greene County CTC Director, for hosting our celebration. Photo courtesy of Intermediate Unit 1. Supporting Services in Our Local Communities
Providing Pennsylvanians increased access to important health care and emergency services from birth to older age was a key priority of Senate Republicans as we worked to implement the 2024-25 state budget. I am pleased that, because of our efforts, neonatal and obstetric services provided through the Medical Assistance Program are receiving an additional $7 million to help support mothers and their babies. In addition, the enacted budget also includes a $134 million increase for nursing home facilities. To benefit people of all ages, an additional $47 million was dedicated to emergency medical services (EMS) rates. Quality and reliable health care must reach every corner of our commonwealth, which is why we worked to ensure the final budget agreement also included a $10 million supplemental payment for rural hospitals and $17.5 million for rural health redesign and distressed hospitals. We believe in the promise of Pennsylvania and strengthening our local communities through these substantial investments. A Closer Look at Efforts to Improve Water Quality
Senate Republicans have led efforts in Pennsylvania to ensure access to clean water now, and to preserve this critical resource for future generations. Supporting clean water in Pennsylvania communities benefits our downstream neighbors as well. This year’s state budget includes $50 million in recurring funding for the Clean Streams Fund, which helps farmers reduce sediment in waterways through the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program. To date, the program has supported more than 700 projects to reduce sediment in waterways throughout the state. Because of the initiative, water quality has improved in Pennsylvania and downstream. In fact, the Chesapeake Bay recently earned its best rating in more than 20 years in the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science Chesapeake Bay Report Card. See what else Senate Republicans are doing to make Pennsylvania a great place to live and work here. Financial Assistance is Available to Struggling Veterans
Sometimes the people who defended our country fall on hard times and need a little help. Veterans who are experiencing unforeseen circumstances causing a financial burden can benefit from the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program. The VTA provides temporary financial assistance of up to $1,600 in a 12-month period to veterans or their surviving spouses who reside in Pennsylvania for basic necessities like food, shelter, fuel and clothing. Eligibility guidelines are available here. Veterans interested in applying for a VTA grant should contact their county director of Veterans Affairs. Wondering How to Check the Status of a PTRR Rebate?
Checks and direct deposit payments from the state’s 2023 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program went out July 1 and will be mailed on a rolling basis through the Dec. 31 deadline. If you filed for a property tax or rent rebate and would like to know the status of it, check online or call 1-888-PATAXES (728-2937). The Property Tax/Rent Rebate is available to senior citizens and people with disabilities who meet income guidelines. Claim forms are available by contacting my district office, where assistance in applying for the program is also available at no charge. Find more information, including eligibility guidelines, here. Celebrating Pennsylvania’s Workforce on Labor Day
Millions of men and women who are members of Pennsylvania’s workforce keep our economy chugging along. Their hard work benefits communities all across the state and even country. On Labor Day, I recognize their accomplishments and wish them some well-deserved relaxation.
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