Jul. 12, 2024

 
Capitol Report
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The latest news from the State Capitol
 
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2024-25 State Budget Approved

On Thursday, the General Assembly approved a $47.6 billion budget that spends $3.3 billion more than it takes in, depleting our state’s Rainy Day Fund, reserve and surplus funds in two years. This budget represents a 6% increase in spending and uses one-time federal dollars to fund new programs that create recurring expenses. While the Commonwealth has the money to pay for these programs today, I fear they will be unaffordable in the coming years.

There are initiatives in the budget I support like historic investments in public education and school safety, tax credits for employers who assist employees with childcare costs, and improvements to the state’s treatment of Net Operating Losses (NOL) for businesses. I was pleased to support several of these proposals individually, including supporting the education code bill which provides funding for our public schools. However, I was compelled to vote against the overall spending proposal because the increase in overall spending is unsustainable for Pennsylvanians and far outpaces the rate of inflation.

I advocated for a responsible spending plan as a member of the House Appropriations Committee at all stages of the budget process, while ensuring our most vital programs were adequately funded. I am grateful for the opportunity to be your voice in the state’s budgetary process and advocate for responsible stewardship of your taxpayer dollars.    
 
 
Congratulating a Local Stars and Stripes Award Winner!

It was a privilege to present a House citation and flag to Anna Fromm this week at the Capitol. Anna earned the American Heritage Girls Stars and Stripes Award by completing a project to benefit the Carlisle Reformed Presbyterian Church. Anna and the volunteers she assembled removed a large section of sod and replaced it with mulch and picnic tables. This outdoor fellowship area will be an asset to the church for years to come.

She is a member of Troop PA 304 in Mechanicsburg. Congratulations, Anna, and great work!


 
 
Protecting Property Owners Against Squatters


Legislation that would make it easier for property owners to get unauthorized occupants – or squatters – out of their properties has been approved by the General Assembly and is awaiting the governor’s signature to become law.  

Senate Bill 1236 aims to provide more certainty and clarity for homeowners, landlords and law enforcement officers who must deal with squatters by codifying existing case law on the subject.

Currently, property owners face an exhausting and often painful journey to reclaim their properties. The requirement to issue a “notice to quit” to individuals who have no legitimate claim on a property burdens property owners financially and emotionally.

The bill passed both the House and Senate unanimously.
 
 
Celebrating PA as Birthplace of American Democracy


The quintessential symbol of the Commonwealth and our nation’s independence – the Liberty Bell – will soon be featured on a new Pennsylvania license plate and on welcome signs at state-border entry points.

The new plates and signs reflect the Commonwealth’s key role in our nation’s history, as well as its role in marking the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.

The license plates will not be available until next year, but you can sign up now to receive an email update when the new license plates are ready to order in spring 2025. Military, special organization, special fund and specialty plates without legislatively mandated designs will also be updated with the new design.

When the plates become available, fee information will be included with replacement instructions on PennDOT’s website and will vary based on plate type and any optional personalization. The department and its partners will use all existing standard issue license plate inventory before transitioning to the new plate design.

The new welcome signs have already been installed in eight locations: on U.S. 15 in Adams County; Interstate 295 in Bucks County; Interstate 90/the Ohio line in Erie County; Interstate 70 in Fulton County; Interstate 80 in Monroe County; Route 449 in Potter County; Interstate 81 in Susquehanna County; and Route 1015 in Tioga County. Another 29 signs will be installed in the coming months.
 
 
PBDA Accepting Applications for Program to Provide Laptops


The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has announced the application period is open for its Digital Connectivity Technology Program. Through the new program, the PBDA will purchase and distribute $20 million in laptops for eligible public-facing institutions such as libraries, municipalities, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations and other community anchor institutions that can offer internet access to individuals who lack the technology.

Online applications can be made through the PBDA website until Monday, Aug. 19.
 
 
PGC Seeks Help Counting Turkeys


The Pennsylvania Game Commission again is seeking input from the public in surveying wild turkeys this summer. The Pennsylvania Wild Turkey Sighting Survey is open now through Aug. 31.

Participation is important for turkey population management. Survey data allow the agency to determine total wild turkey productivity and compare long-term reproductive success within Pennsylvania and across states, as this is a standard methodology used across the country. Data also are used in the turkey population model to track population trends.

Turkey sightings can be reported through the Game Commission’s website. The agency recommends saving this link to your favorites for quick access to report turkey sightings. The mobile app is no longer available.

On the website, participants are requested to record the number of wild turkeys they see, along with the county, township, wildlife management unit (WMU), date and contact information if agency biologists have any questions. Participants may also simply drop a “pin” on the map for the location data to automatically populate. Location data are used only for the survey, not for law enforcement and are not shared.  
 
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