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In this Update:
Senate Approves Critical Budget Implementation Bills
In a bipartisan vote, the Senate this week advanced bills to implement key parts of the 2023-24 budget and drive out funding to schools, hospitals, EMS providers, higher education, libraries and more. The Senate also voted to advance Senate Bill 757, which addresses other priorities included in the original budget deal Senate Republicans negotiated with Gov. Josh Shapiro in June. This includes the creation of the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) program to provide additional educational options for students in failing schools, as well as $150 million in new funding for the state’s popular Educational Improvement Tax Credit program to expand educational opportunities to families throughout the state. The critical support authorized by this bipartisan legislation cannot be finalized, however, until the House of Representatives also returns to session. Tax Collections Show Effectiveness of Reducing Taxes
A recent report on the state’s financial health shows Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) collections were up 20 percent over last year, even as tax rates go down. This new data demonstrates the effectiveness of reducing Pennsylvania’s CNIT rate, which is one of the highest in the country. The benefits of a more competitive business tax code go far beyond improving the state’s business climate. Studies have shown that decreasing the CNIT leads to increased GDP, higher wages and increased home values, all of which create family sustaining jobs and attract and retain new talent. While voting last year to reduce the state’s CNIT from 9.99 to 4.99 over the course of nine years was a great first step, I believe Pennsylvanians should not have to wait a decade to experience the full benefits of the lower rate. This is why I am working with Senator Ryan Aument to reduce the CNIT to 4.99 percent by 2026, five years sooner. To read the fiscal update, including the monthly revenue report, click here. To learn more about how I am working to make Pennsylvania an attractive state for business and a place of opportunity for residents, click here. Committee Advances Bill to Move Up 2024 Primary Election
Bipartisan legislation to give Pennsylvanians greater say in the 2024 presidential election by moving up the primary election date was approved by a Senate committee this week. The bill advances to the full Senate for consideration. The Senate State Government Committee passed Senate Bill 224 to move up the primary election by five weeks to March 19, 2024. This change will likely place the Pennsylvania primary election on the same day as Arizona, Florida, Illinois and Ohio. In many presidential elections, the outcome is largely decided before Pennsylvania voters have a chance to cast a ballot. Moving up the spring election date gives voters in the fifth-largest state a better chance of weighing in on the presidential primary. State Police Remove College Credit Requirement for Cadets
Pennsylvania State Police are removing the college credit requirement for residents who want to serve as state troopers. The previous educational requirement of 60 college credits has been in place since the 1990s. Under the change, cadet applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid driver’s license from any state. Cadets also undergo 28 weeks of comprehensive training. The number of state police applicants has dropped significantly in recent years. Waiving the college degree requirement on a trial basis for this next period of cadet applications is aimed at helping the PSP attract and retain talent. The change will be re-evaluated pending the results of multiple application cycles. The 2023-24 state budget includes funding for four new state police cadet classes to train 384 new troopers. For information on becoming a Pennsylvania State Police trooper, visit patrooper.com. Avoid Holiday Traffic With 511PA
You can log onto www.511pa.com to check current traffic impacts from construction, traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to live traffic cameras across Pennsylvania. The service is free and available 24 hours a day. 511PA is also available through a smartphone app, by calling 5-1-1 or by following regional Twitter (X) alerts accessible on the 511PA website. In other PennDOT news, driver license and photo centers will be closed Saturday, Sept. 2, through Monday, Sept. 4, for Labor Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s website. Happy Labor Day
I hope you have a great holiday weekend and relaxing Labor Day. I’m working with my colleagues to improve opportunities for workers and the families they support. Too many Pennsylvania citizens are fleeing the state for better jobs in other parts of the country. To reverse this troubling trend, we must continue to improve our tax structure to create jobs, prioritize workforce development and support career and technical education. I’ll keep you updated on these efforts throughout the year.
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