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In this Update:

• A Closer Look at Increasing Job Growth in PA
• Making Payments in Lieu of Taxes Fairer
• Tools Available to Help Farmers Fight Avian Flu
• New Wildlife Viewing Platform at State Game Lands 290
• Recognizing Bravery and Sacrifice on Patriot Day

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 that I’ve been championing for years 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, as we compete to attract new businesses and encourage start-ups in Pennsylvania. Regrettably, the commonwealth has been behind 48 other states and the federal government in how it treats new businesses, creating a disincentive for them to operate in Pennsylvania.  The startup penalty has cost us businesses, jobs, population, and opportunity. Pennsylvania is finally beginning to phase out this penalty with language in the state budget. This is a major win that will help businesses locate, invest, and hire in Pennsylvania. It is an important first step toward making Pennsylvania more competitive!

In addition, we’ve made the state more business friendly by reducing the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) rate.  For many years, Pennsylvania has had one of the highest CNIT rates in the nation, which has driven businesses to other states and cost Pennsylvania jobs. 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.  This reduction is key to fostering investments in our commonwealth, the creation of jobs, and economic growth.

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

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.

New Wildlife Viewing Platform at State Game Lands 290

Pennsylvania is home to 480 species of wildlife, along with some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities in the eastern United States.

This week, the Pennsylvania Game Commission hosted a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony for the new Wildlife Viewing Platform on State Game Lands 290, located on Haldeman Island. (The entrance is near Ranch House Restaurant in Duncannon.)

The viewing platform provides wildlife watchers with an elevated view over the fields and impoundments that serve as refuge for numerous waterfowl and wetland wildlife.

To learn more about all that State Game Lands 290 offers, click HERE.   

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.

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