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In this Update:
Senate Approves State Budget that Funds Essential Services Without Raising Taxes
For the second time this year, the Senate approved a state budget that respects taxpayers and protects the financial stability of our commonwealth while ensuring that counties, school districts and other state government partners receive needed funding. The amended budget bill, Senate Bill 160, totals $47.9 billion, a responsible spending level that continues to meet the Senate Republican requirement of imposing no tax hikes on Pennsylvania families and ensuring Pennsylvania’s credit rating remains strong. Leading by example, the Senate budget plan includes a 5% cut in spending for the General Assembly, reflecting the Senate Republican priority of right-sizing legislative spending. It’s past time for the House of Representatives to follow suit and bring this impasse to an end. Landmark Bill to Transform PA’s Permitting Process Approved by Senate
A sweeping permitting reform measure to bring greater accountability, transparency and efficiency to how state agencies handle permit applications was approved by the Senate. Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill and I first began working to cut government red tape in the permitting and licensing process more than 10 years ago. This week, the Senate passed our jointly sponsored bill, Senate Bill 6, which sets clear timelines for state agencies to review permit applications, creates a permit tracking system and ensures applicants receive timely, consistent answers not endless delays. The measure, which passed with bipartisan support, also requires regular performance reporting so Pennsylvanians can hold their government accountable. Learn more here. The bill builds on the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program that required the Department of Environmental Protection to implement a permit tracking system. This legislation expands those transparency and accountability measures to all state agencies. These reforms are transformative; they will reduce delays, make government more responsive, encourage investment in PA and grow our economy. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Again Acts to Repeal RGGI Electricity Tax
Bipartisan legislation preventing a new electricity tax by repealing Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) was approved by the Senate. RGGI, a multi-state compact, would increase electricity rates on families and employers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs and cause Pennsylvania power plants to close. Senate Bill 1068 formally repeals Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI, ensuring that any decision to impose electricity taxes or emissions programs must go through the legislative process rather than being enacted unilaterally by the governor. The Commonwealth Court has ruled that RGGI is a tax and cannot be implemented without legislative approval. However, the governor appealed the decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. His action has deepened concerns about energy grid reliability and affordability, prolonged uncertainty for workers and businesses across the commonwealth – and caused electricity prices to go up for hardworking families. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Sgt. Patrick C. Hawkins Memorial Bridge Dedicated
What an honor it was to officially dedicate the Sgt Patrick Hawkins Memorial Bridge this past week in North Middleton Twp, Cumberland County. The bridge, located on Spring Road, spans the Conodoguinet and stands as a visual reminder of Patrick’s life, heroism, and sacrifice. Patrick was truly exceptional. He was brave, faithful, committed, strong, smart, and selfless, according to all who knew him. A member of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, he embodied the Ranger Creed. Rangers lead the way! The packed house at North Middleton Fire Company was a testament to his enduring legacy. It was heartwarming to see the community come out and show such tremendous support of the Hawkins family and touching to hear LTC Roy Hawkins describe how the community has sustained them and provided encouragement through the years. Thanks to all who made the ceremony possible: The Hawkins Family, the North Middleton Fire Company, the Keystone State Challenge Academy, the Carlisle Area School District High School Chamber Singers, Chaplain Hudson of the U.S. Army War College Memorial Chapel, PA State Rep. Barb Gleim, and the North Middleton Twp. Supervisors. Honoring 50 Years of Service
We were humbled to recognize four local volunteer firefighters for 50 years of service last night at the West End Fire & Rescue Company in Shippensburg! It was an honor to sponsor Senate citations for Charles Westcott of West End Fire & Rescue Company as well as William Lynch, William Dubbs, and Barry Holtry (not pictured) of Vigilant Hose Company. Their dedication, selflessness, skill and leadership are an inspiration for all! We are deeply grateful for their bravery and commitment to serving our communities. Replace Damaged License Plates Saturday in Shippensburg
PennDOT-issued license plates that have: lost reflectivity, are peeling, blistering, or are discolored, and/or are unreadable from 50 feet away are eligible for FREE replacement. Stop by our license plate replacement event THIS Saturday, October 25 in Shippensburg, to have your plate checked and have all necessary paperwork completed. There is no fee for this service. View answers to Frequently Asked Questions and register here. Please note: registration for the event is recommended, in case of event updates, but is not required. We hope to see you there! Tuesday is the Deadline to Apply to Vote by Mail in the Nov. 4 Election
If you plan on voting by mail in Nov. 4 election, your application for a ballot must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28. You can apply online, by mail or at your county election office. Find details for each along with other useful information here. Military or overseas civilian voters can find information here on how to obtain a mail ballot. County election offices must receive completed mail ballots by 8 p.m., Nov. 4. Veterans Breakfast: Register Today
Veterans and a guest are invited to attend a free breakfast on Saturday, November 8 in Carlisle. Please complete the form on my website no later than Oct. 30 if you’re planning to attend. Registration for the event is required. We look forward to seeing you and honoring all who have served! Auditor General’s Activity Book Contest Accepting Submissions
Pennsylvania students in grades K-12 are invited to help the state Auditor General’s office design the cover of its new Be Money $mart activity book. The book will include coloring pages, word searches, word scrambles, crosswords and budgeting sheets – all focused on financial literacy. The deadline to submit a design online is Oct. 31. The winner’s artwork will be featured on the cover of the new activity book and recognized at the PA Farm Show, and will win their school a visit from Auditor General Tim DeFoor. The activity book will be distributed statewide through libraries, YMCAs and credit unions. Assessing Your Personal Breast Cancer Risk
The pink ribbon is a symbol of hope, strength and solidarity in the fight against breast cancer. It reminds us to support those affected, promote early detection and raise awareness about the importance of knowing your risks. You can assess your personal breast cancer risk using this free online risk calculator. Around the District: New Facilities Set to Serve the Region
This week, we celebrated the ribbon cutting at Penn State Health’s Cancer Center in Hampden Township. The state-of-the-art center has been designed to deliver a wide range of diagnostic capabilities along with treatments and therapies all in one centralized location, which will reduce the travel burdens on patients and families. The center will begin welcoming patients next week.
Also this week, we attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pennsylvania School Safety Institute’s new facility in Silver Spring Township. The institute offers training for teachers, school staff, and administrators across the commonwealth on de-escalation, violence prevention and preparedness. Once complete, the new facility will offer expanded spaces and increased opportunities. Keeping our kids—and everyone in our schools—safe is of paramount importance. I’m thankful that this resource is located here and is accessible to those seeking specialized, hands-on training.
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