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In this Update:
2024-25 State Budget Signed by the Governor
The Senate approved and the governor signed a 2024-25 state budget that includes no new taxes and takes steps to address the economic and demographic challenges the state faces in the years ahead. The budget includes key measures to boost the economy and encourage employers with good paying jobs to relocate or expand in Pennsylvania. It eliminates the PA Startup Penalty incrementally over four years and addresses the persistent problem of permitting delays that have chased jobs and investments to other states. The budget also continues the phase-down of the Corporate Net Income Tax, previously one of the highest in the nation. While there is still work to be done, these improvements are a good start; they will help to make Pennsylvania more competitive, attract job creators, grow our economy, and increase employment opportunities for our children and grandchildren. The budget also makes significant investments in education, including resources to empower parents and families to make the best decisions regarding the educational needs of their children. Going through this budget, my focus has been on fiscal responsibility, taxpayer protection, and growing our economy, while reducing government burdens and striving to make government more efficient and responsive. I’m pleased that this budget accomplishes some key objectives and I’m resolved to work relentlessly to accomplish even more. House, Senate Agree on Bill to Eliminate Alternative Fuels Tax for Electric Vehicle Owners, Fund Roads and Bridges
Legislation I introduced to eliminate Pennsylvania’s Alternative Fuels Tax (AFT) on electric vehicle (EV) owners and replace it with a flat fee is set to become law. Senate Bill 656 significantly reduces the procedural burden on EV owners and eliminates the need for intrusive monthly reports. This legislation will simplify government for electric vehicle owners and ensure all drivers are contributing toward the maintenance of Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges. Currently, owners of EVs are required to file monthly statements with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and remit the alternative fuel tax on how much electricity their vehicle uses. However, most EV owners do not do this, or are inconsistent at doing so, due to the cumbersome process or simply being unaware. The final version of Senate Bill 656 passed this week reflects bipartisan agreement that ensures greater parity for vehicles traveling Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges. The annual flat fee established by this legislation provides for a three-year phase-in period and will ultimately be tied to economic conditions, ensuring continued fairness.
Plug-in hybrid EV owners will pay a flat annual fee equal to 25% of the EV fee. Commercial EVs weighing more than 14,001 pounds will continue to be subject to the AFT. Like Pennsylvania’s gas tax, the revenue from the flat EV fee will be deposited into the Motor License Fund for highway maintenance and construction. Perry County Bridge Named to Honor Marine Lance Corporal Jason Frye
The bridge on Route 233 that spans Sherman Creek in Tyrone Township, Perry County has been named in honor of Landisburg native Jason Frye. Jason attended Mt. Zion Lutheran Church and graduated from West Perry High School as well as Cumberland Perry Vocational Technical School prior to his enlistment in the Marine Corps. He sought military service as a means by which to live out his values of faith, family, and friends. Lance Corporal (LCpl) Frye was assigned to the Golf Company “Raiders” 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Lejune, North Carolina and deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was killed while conducting combat operations near Fallujah, Iraq. LCpl Frye’s desire to serve, his commitment to protect our national security, and to secure freedom for others is truly humbling. I’m deeply grateful for Jason’s selflessness and I trust that the Lance Corporal Jason Frye Memorial Bridge will stand as visual reminder of Jason’s life, heroism, and sacrifice. We vow to always remember LCpl Frye and to keep his family and friends in our prayers. Program Connecting Veterans with Benefits Receives Senate Approval
The Senate this week unanimously approved legislation to establish in law the PA VETConnect program to help Pennsylvania veterans access programs, services and benefits in their communities. Senate Bill 447 would establish in law the PA VETConnect program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and helps the commonwealth’s more than 700,000 veterans access services in their communities. The database of resources enables local veteran advocates – including staff at county veterans affairs offices – to point veterans to information, resources, programs and services in their area and across the commonwealth. Senate Votes to Expand Authority of Hospice Licensed Practical Nurses
The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1080 to enable licensed practical nurses (LPNs) working in a hospice setting to make death pronouncements, saving money and limiting unnecessary emotional distress for the patient’s family. Pennsylvania law currently allows registered nurses (RNs), medical doctors, physician assistants and coroners to make death pronouncements. Many hospice facilities across Pennsylvania face workforce shortages. Giving LPNs the authority to make death pronouncements can help hospice facilities address their staffing issues.
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