|
||||
|
In this Update:
2025-26 State Budget Now Complete
The Senate approved a state budget plan, now signed into law, that will help grow Pennsylvania’s economy and make key improvements to the spending plan Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed earlier this year. The budget approved by the Senate and the House cuts nearly $1.4 billion in spending from Shapiro’s proposal, claws back reserve funds held by state agencies, and protects Pennsylvanians from the devastating consequences of Shapiro’s proposed electricity tax. By implementing key reforms to the permitting process and maintaining important tax cuts, the budget also encourages economic opportunity and job creation. The state budget made needed adjustments to the school funding formula that benefit every school in the 34th district and protect local taxpayers. It delivers an expansion of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program to support more school choice opportunities for families in disadvantaged schools. Find more details about the final 2025-26 state budget plan here. Read my press release on the budget here. RGGI Taxes Eliminated from State Budget
As part of the budget agreement, the illegal regulation mandating Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) – a multi-state pact that would have added more than a billion dollars in new electricity taxes on Pennsylvania families and job creators – was eliminated. Preventing Pennsylvania from entering RGGI and stopping this tax protects consumers from dealing with even more severe consequences, including the closure of Pennsylvania power plants, job losses and the threat of rolling blackouts in the years ahead. Stopping the RGGI electricity tax is a huge win for every consumer of electricity in this commonwealth. At a time when families continue to feel the strain of inflationary pressure, we must look for ways to decrease, not increase, the cost of electricity. Budget Makes PA Competitive Through Sweeping Permitting Reform
The new budget includes new permitting reforms that will continue the significant progress we’ve made in recent years to cut red tape and prevent endless layers of bureaucracy from limiting business and job growth statewide. I’ve been working on this issue for years and I’m pleased to report that the reforms included in the budget are truly transformative. They will bring unprecedented transparency, accountability and predictability to state government’s permit process. With the enactment of this budget, a wide variety of state permits will be deemed approved following a prescribed timeline, ensuring applicants will know the time frame for consideration of their application. State agencies will also be required to publish real-time, publicly accessible permit tracking. Permit paralysis is holding back the creation of new jobs. More jobs and greater opportunities will be created for all Pennsylvanians when permits are received in a timely and predictable manner. Legislation Advances Cracking Down on AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material
Legislation to better protect young people against the serious threats posed by child abuse materials generated using artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing in the Senate. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 1050, which would require mandated reporters to report all instances of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) they become aware of, including those produced by a minor. This applies to teachers, child care workers, health care providers and other individuals responsible for caring for children. There has been a startling increase in the amount of AI-generated CSAM being created and shared in recent years, including troubling cases in school settings. Law enforcement officials and child advocacy organizations shared their support for the measure during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee. Keystone Scholars Offers November Incentive to Start Saving for College
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced a statewide incentive for Keystone Scholars this month which will give children a head start on education savings. Families who claim their child’s $100 scholarship from Keystone Scholars in November and open and link their own companion PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account will get an additional $50. Keystone Scholars provides a $100 scholarship for every child born in Pennsylvania since 2019. This money grows alongside the child and will be available to use after their 18th birthday to help pay for costs associated with four-year degrees, community college, technical training, apprenticeships and credential programs. To learn more, visit pa529.com/keystone. State Police Will Help Ensure Your Child Car Seat is Properly Installed
Throughout November, certified Pennsylvania State Police technicians are setting aside dates to help ensure child car seats are safe, secure and properly installed. Caregivers will receive instruction on the proper installation and have seats installed, learn how to properly harness a child in a seat and check seats for recalls. A special car seat safety event will be taking place Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Giant Parking Lot, 950 Walnut Bottom Road, Carlisle. The State Police in Carlisle, Cumberland County also offer safety checks by appointment. Call 717-249-2121 to schedule. In Dauphin County, troopers in Lykens set aside time the 3rd Wednesday of each month to provide safety checks. Call 717-362-8700 for more information. In Perry County, the State Police in Newport offer car seat checks the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Call 717-567-3110 for more information. Find other free car seat checks here. Veterans from Across the District Honored in Carlisle
It was a tremendous honor to spend the morning with veterans, Gold Star Mothers, and military families from the district, during our Annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast this week. The camaraderie was incredible. Thanks to everyone who attended and all who helped to support the event through the donation of time and talent: Senator Devlin Robinson served as our keynote speaker, the Cumberland Perry Area CTC culinary arts program, led by Chef Instructor Robert M. Miller prepared a delicious meal for us, the Keystone State Challenge Academy cadets provided the color guard and helped to serve guests, the Carlisle Expo Center provided the venue, Carlisle Area School District Lamberton Middle School String Ensemble provided beautiful music for both our branch medley and the National Anthem, sung by Kaytee Isley. The Carlisle Veterans of Foreign Wars – VFW Post 477 provided our POW/MIA table. Joe Picard offered our invocation and many service providers shared free resources with our guests. Thanks to Cumberland County, PA – Veterans Affairs & Services, Dauphin County Veterans Affairs, Boots to Health, PA Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, Lebanon VA Medical Center, Operation Restore Hope, Veterans Multi Service Center, Army Heritage Center Foundation and Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania for sharing the morning with us and for the work they do every day to serve our veterans. Oh Say, Can You Sing? The PA Farm Show National Anthem Contest
Think you’ve got what it takes to sing the National Anthem at the Farm Show? The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is looking for singers to kick off each day of the 2026 edition of the nation’s largest indoor agricultural exposition. Submit your original video entry by Nov. 24 to be considered. Winners will be selected by fan voting on Facebook. You must be available at least one day of the Farm Show, which runs from Jan. 10 through Jan. 17. You can find details about eligibility, video requirements, voting and how to apply here. Congratulations to our Newest Eagle Scout
This week, I had the pleasure of attending the Court of Honor ceremony for Braedon Mitchell, Cumberland County’s newest Eagle Scout. I was glad to present him with a PA Senate citation, recognizing the significance of this achievement and all he has done to earn scouting’s highest rank. It was an honor to spend some time with Braedon, his family, friends, and fellow scouts from Troop #180 in New Kingstown. Congratulations, again!
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 |
