View this email in a browser

In this Update:

• Shocked by Loss of Hundreds of Anchor Hocking Jobs
• Happenings in the 46th
• Washington County Senior Expo set for September 26
• A Closer Look at Increasing Job Growth in PA
• Senate Republicans Vote for More Convenience with PA’s Expanded Liquor Law
• Making Payments in Lieu of Taxes Fairer
• Tools Available to Help Farmers Fight Avian Flu
• Recognizing Bravery and Sacrifice on Patriot Day

Shocked by Loss of Hundreds of Anchor Hocking Jobs

The closure of the Washington County Anchor Hocking glass plant in Charleroi is infuriating and heartbreaking news. Hundreds of our friends and neighbors are losing their jobs in this devastating economy. I have always been very supportive of the company with the hopes it would remain a staple in the Valley. The plant closure came as a shock, leaving me with questions that I want answered regarding how and why this happened. It is a huge loss for the community.

Happenings in the 46th

Congratulations to Michael Daniels on his retirement as Superintendent of the Canon-McMillan School District after 28 years of dedicated service. I was thrilled to present Michael with a Pennsylvania Senate Citation of Congratulations. Michael oversaw numerous changes in the school district including the construction of new school buildings, the renovation of the high school and the expansion of the stadium. During his career, he strove to adhere to the highest standards of service and earned the respect of his many friends and colleagues.

Congratulations to you and may you and your beautiful wife, Margaret, enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

I would like to thank the group of Greene County businesses and non-profits for attending my first Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) Workshop. I’d like to thank my friends Johnna Pro and Stephanie Stevenson from DCED for alerting me that Greene County has not had a NAP project in over 10 years. I’m determined to move the needle and change that and your providing this workshop is a critical first step.

Thank you, Commissioner Betsy Rohanna McClure, for co-hosting and our friends at Greene County Industrial Developments [Nate Regotti, Executive Director] for providing the coffee! Nate and his entire board of directors have done an excellent job supporting development in the county. I would also like to thank RGB Coffee Waynesburg and Ben McMillen for allowing us to use his business for the event. Supporting small business like the ones that Ben operates is a collective key to all our success.

It was my pleasure to be the Keynote Speaker at the Greene County Pa Chamber of Commerce luncheon. I provided an update on the recently passed budget, as well as happenings in Greene County and the entire 46th Senatorial District. Melody and her team, along with the entire Board of Directors at the Chamber do an excellent job – and I am proud to be a member and a huge supporter.

Monday was the opening of the 118th West Alexander Fair! It was my honor to present Shaw and Sons Amusements with the 2024 Friend of the Fair Award. Mr. Roy Shaw is the 3rd generation in the family business that has been operating since 1945.

In addition, a big congratulations to the 2024 Fair Queen, Allee Hoover and Princess Mae Coburn, I look forward to seeing you along the way this year. I would also like to thank the outgoing Fair Queen Abigail Noble; you have served your fair and your community well. Finally, I would like to congratulate the leadership and board of directors of the West Alexander Fair for all their hard work and dedication – not just fair week, but all year long.

The fair runs through today so make it out if you can!

Washington County Senior Expo set for September 26

Local seniors can learn more about the programs and services available to older Pennsylvanians at the Washington County Senior Expo sponsored by Southwestern PA Area Agency on Aging. The free event will be held on Thursday, September 26 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Washington Crown Center.

Come down and enjoy live musical performances by Bobby Shawn and Jack Nicora, get free health screenings, win prizes, and visit more than 100 vendors and representatives from local, state, and federal agencies to answer questions and provide information concerning older adults.

I am pleased to help coordinate this year’s event with PA State Rep. Tim O’Neal and the Washington County Board of Commissioners. Some of the areas of interest will include Social Security, transportation, Medicare, legal services, in-home services, long-term care, unclaimed property, prescription drug take-back and more. I hope to see you there!

A Closer Look at Increasing Job Growth in PA

Pennsylvania’s notoriously long waits for permit reviews in the past have unfortunately led to employers and entrepreneurs taking their jobs to other states. As part of the current state budget, Senate Republicans worked to keep and attract more jobs by including an initiative to speed up permit reviews, make the process more transparent and eliminate this barrier to Pennsylvania job creation. We need to stop delays that impede job growth.

We also need to be on a level playing field, working to surpass other states to promote job growth, but we haven’t been when it comes to the startup penalty new businesses face in the commonwealth. All but one other state allow new businesses to get on their feet by limiting the tax liability they face. Pennsylvania is finally beginning to phase out this penalty with language in the state budget.

The new Max Manufacturing Initiative Act will support job growth by providing grants and loans to state universities to partner with engineering entities. Along with creating family-sustaining jobs, it will enhance research capabilities, promote business alliances and produce high-value products.

In addition, we’ve made the state more business friendly by reducing the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) rate. Incremental reductions to halve the rate began in 2023 and will end with the state boasting one of the lowest CNIT rates in the country.

Keeping Pennsylvania on a path to prosperity by promoting initiatives and policies to foster greater job growth remains a key area of focus as we continue our legislative work this fall.

Senate Republicans Vote for More Convenience with PA’s Expanded Liquor Law

In response to a call for increased convenience, people will soon enjoy a greater selection of canned cocktails available at more Pennsylvania businesses.

Senate Republicans have been working to give customers access to products they want without requiring them to visit numerous stores to purchase beer and canned cocktails. Because of a new law, restaurants, hotels, convenience stores and grocery stores may now apply for a permit to sell drinks containing spirits like vodka, gin and tequila. Those drinks could previously only be purchased at state-run Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores.

As soon as Monday, Sept. 16, businesses with approved permits may begin selling spirit-based cocktails with an alcohol volume ranging from 0.5% to 12.5% in containers up to 16 ounces, to individuals aged 21 or older with valid identification. They may not sell more than 192 ounces of ready-to-drink cocktails per sale.

Making Payments in Lieu of Taxes Fairer

Providing schools, local municipalities and counties with greater funding through state agency payments in lieu of taxes was a key priority of Senate Republicans as we worked to implement the 2023-24 and 2024-25 state budgets.

Payments in lieu of taxes benefit everyone in Pennsylvania, especially those who live in rural communities where increased state ownership of land depresses local property tax revenues. As such, casino tax revenues deposited in the state Gaming Fund to provide property tax relief are used to cover part of the cost of the state agencies’ payments in lieu of taxes.

I am pleased that, because of our efforts, the increase to the statutory payments for each acre of land owned by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will result in more than $35 million annually for schools, local municipalities and counties. In addition, these statutory payments will automatically adjust with inflation every five years.

Tools Available to Help Farmers Fight Avian Flu

As agriculture is Pennsylvania’s top industry, farms play a critical role not only in putting healthy foods and drinks on our tables, but also in maintaining the health of our economy. Anything that could affect farms has the potential to hurt us all.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is primarily transmitted by birds to animals and will spread on farms by people carrying dust, dander and droppings from infected birds on their clothing, gloves, shoes, vehicle tires and animal trailers.

To minimize the spread and control the rapidly changing health situation, biosecurity kits are available with resources to enhance biosecurity on all farms. Each kit includes National FARM’s Everyday Biosecurity Plan, signage, training posters and a visitor sign-in sheet. Request a kit online or in bulk by calling 717-346-0849.

Recognizing Bravery and Sacrifice on Patriot Day

On Wednesday, we recognize the innocent lives lost 23 years ago when our country was brutally attacked in New York, Virginia and right here in Pennsylvania. With heavy hearts, we remember the bravery and sacrifices of emergency responders.

Let us also remember the surge of patriotism. It was a unifier unlike anything else most of us had experienced. People focused less on what could divide us and more on what we had in common. Perhaps the best way to honor those who lost their lives is to resurrect that spirit.

2024 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://www.senatorbartolotta.com | Privacy Policy