|
||||
|
In this Update:
Update on the 2025-26 State Budget
Standing up for hardworking families and taxpayers is my top priority as work continues on the 2025-26 budget. Over the last two weeks the Senate has taken steps to advance several key components of the state budget until a full budget agreement is reached. As the progress and negotiations continue, I am advocating for a budget that respects taxpayers and responsibly meets the needs of Pennsylvanians. SPEED Program Brings Accountability and Transparency to Permitting
Taxpayers rightfully expect government to be transparent and responsive. Yet, when it comes to issuing permits, commonwealth agencies have consistently fallen short. Since I was first elected to the House, I’ve been fighting to improve transparency and increase efficiency in the state’s permitting process. Earlier this week, I joined Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill and DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley for the official launch of the SPEED (Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development) Program. Passed by the legislature in last year’s budget, SPEED authorizes qualified, third-party professionals to review permits on an expedited basis. It also allows applicants to track the status of their permit online. With the new tracking tool in place and wait times decreasing, we’re finally moving in the right direction. Government should work as fast and as diligently as you do. I’ll continue to push for accountability until that is a reality across the board. Honoring Major General Harold Greene
Following a ceremony held Saturday, the bridge over I-81 in front of the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle, is now officially named in honor of Major General Harold “Harry” Greene. By all accounts, he was an outstanding and inspirational leader—brilliant yet humble and truly selfless. It was an honor to pay tribute to him this week. I trust the bridge will serve as a physical reminder of MG Greene’s exceptional life, heroism, and legacy of service. Steel Production is Critical to our Regional Economy and National Security
American steel and American workers built this nation, and we cannot leave that legacy behind. Monday, I joined a bipartisan press conference to Keep the Steel in Steelton. Not only are the mill’s family-sustaining jobs important to our region’s economy, locally- produced steel is critical to our national security. Without American steel, specifically Pennsylvania steel, we are weaker as a nation. I’m committed to doing everything I can to reignite this important economic and national defense asset here in the Capitol region. Bill to Increase Fish and Boat Commission Efficiency Passes Senate
Statutory limitations are currently preventing the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission from being able to operate with financially efficiency. Commonsense flexibility is needed to keep license prices low and increase access for boaters and anglers. To that end, I’m pleased to share that Senate Bill 800, passed the Senate unanimously last week. My bill permits Fish Fund dollars to be used for expenditures and programs that benefit boaters and Boat Fund dollars to be used for expenditures and programs that benefit anglers, so long as they also benefit the original intent of the respective funds. This flexibility will help the PFBC realize greater efficiencies and avoid raising license costs. The bill has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Legislation Cracking Down on New Car Theft Tactic Approved by Senate
The Senate approved legislation that would target thieves who use new technology to spoof key fobs and steal vehicles. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Current law does not specifically cover this tactic, which involves criminals using key programming tools and relay attack devices to gain access to vehicles by cloning or reprogramming key fobs. Senate Bill 739 would update the statute governing the manufacture, distribution and possession of master keys to include these new devices, making it a first-degree misdemeanor and ensuring the law keeps pace with technological developments. New Law Targeting Organized Retail Theft Results in Arrests
In July 2024, following enactment of Act 42 of 2023 and a new criminal statute that made retail theft of goods over $50,000 a first-degree felony, the Office of Attorney General launched Organized Retail Crime Unit. In its first year, the unit opened more than 65 investigations, charged more than 40 alleged thieves and recovered nearly $2 million in stolen goods. It’s good to see this legislation working as intended to break up crime rings, prosecute those involved, recover stolen goods and keep our communities safe. Fish for Free July 4
On Friday, July 4, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will host a Fish for Free day to allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways. No license is required, but all other fishing regulations still apply. This is the second of two Fish for Free dates set by the PFBC to enhance fishing opportunities. I hope you’re able to get out and enjoy our waterways with family and friends this weekend! Happy Independence Day
I hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend with friends and family celebrating the birth of this great nation and the freedoms we enjoy. America is one year away from its 250th birthday. I hope the next year sees us come together as citizens to appreciate the great blessings of our nation.
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorrothman.com | Privacy Policy |
