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In this Update:

• Senate Republicans Work to Strengthen Pennsylvania
• Hearing Explores Workforce Challenges in Rural Pennsylvania
• Monthly Appropriations Update Hints at Moderation of State Revenues
• National Safe Boating Week: May 20-26
• Are you Following Me on Social Media?

Senate Republicans Work to Strengthen Pennsylvania

As the 2023-24 legislative session is in full swing, my colleagues and I are working to protect Pennsylvania jobs, empower Pennsylvania families and defend Pennsylvania freedoms. These initiatives are reflected in our agenda, and many relevant bills have already passed.

Protecting jobs requires a multifaceted approach that includes energy independence, workforce development and infrastructure advancement.

Families, not government, are the heart of our commonwealth. To empower families, we must provide healthy and safe communities, address mental and behavioral health needs and guarantee access to high-quality schools.

Defending freedom means keeping government out of citizens’ lives and pockets as much as possible and allowing them to be confident in the election process. To do that, we want to reduce the tax burden, cut government red tape and improve election integrity.

Hearing Explores Workforce Challenges in Rural Pennsylvania

Earlier this week, I attended a Senate Majority Policy Committee public hearing in Williamsport on  workforce challenges in rural Pennsylvania.

The hearing focused on population decline and labor and housing shortages, and their economic impact on communities and businesses. The Center for Rural Pennsylvania submitted data that showed the stagnation of Pennsylvania’s rural population, primarily due to more deaths than births, and a steady rural labor force decline, which predates the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additional testifiers included Acting Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Nancy Walker, area business leaders and others. You can view the hearing and written testimony here.

Monthly Appropriations Update Hints at Moderation of State Revenues

Each month, the Senate Appropriations Committee prepares an update about the state’s financial health. The most recent report shows that tax revenues in April were $15.3 million below estimate, indicating a potential moderation of state revenues. Personal Income Tax collections were also below estimate: $322 million, which is 10% lower than projected.

For the 2022-23 Fiscal Year, revenue collections remain $1.2 billion higher than estimates, driven largely by corporation taxes that are nearly 19% above projections.

The full update, including the monthly revenue report, is available here.

National Safe Boating Week: May 20-26

National Safe Boating Week reminds all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills and prepare for the boating season.

In recognition of Safe Boating Week, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is offering free events to introduce people to boating, paddling and kayaking. Learn more here.

Are you Following Me on Social Media?

Social media is a great way to stay connected and informed. If you aren’t already, follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest news from Harrisburg and around the district.

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