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Capitol Report
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#Listrak\DateStampLong#
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday!
As we celebrate Independence Day and America's 250th birthday, there's no better place to reflect on our nation's story than here in Pennsylvania, the birthplace of American democracy.
What started with the signing of the Declaration of Independence has led to generations of Pennsylvanians who have helped shape our country. Even today, our Commonwealth continues to play an important role in preserving the values that make America unique.
Here in the 87th District, we're proud to be part of that legacy. To mark this historic milestone for our nation, I recently filmed a special Independence Day message at Children's Lake in Boiling Springs, highlighting just a few of the places that make our district so special.
I hope you'll take a moment to watch the video below, and from my family to yours, have a safe, happy, and blessed Fourth of July as we celebrate 250 years of the greatest nation in the world.
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Office Closures for Independence Day
As we prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday, please note my legislative offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of the holiday.
Additionally, PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed on Saturday, July 4. Anyone planning to do business at PennDOT’s Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg or the Pittsburgh Driver License Center should be aware they are closed on Friday, July 3.
PennDOT customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.
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Keep the Lights On, Costs Down
With a Maximum Generation Emergency warning issued this week amid extreme heat and a warning of mounting strain on the regional electric grid, House Republicans unveiled a comprehensive 10-bill legislative package designed to keep the lights on, lower electricity costs, expand reliable baseload generation, and cement Pennsylvania’s role as America's energy leader.
The unveiling of this package of bills comes on the heels of the House of Representatives passing House Bill 2224, which I am co-prime sponsoring as part of this legislative package to eliminate the Gross Receipts Tax on electric utility service.
Additional bills in the package would:
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Establish a one-year timeline for environmental permit appeals. |
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Create a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Permit Ombudsman to assist applicants and improve permitting efficiency. |
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Modernize Environmental Hearing Board appeals to focus on the administrative record developed during permitting. |
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Eliminate the DEP regulatory petition process that allows outside organizations to initiate new regulations. |
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Align state environmental permitting standards with applicable federal standards. |
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Protect Pennsylvania ratepayers from subsidizing electric transmission costs driven by other states through a Pennsylvania-first grid reliability approach. |
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Replace the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards with a Reliable Energy Portfolio Standard that prioritizes dependable, dispatchable generation. |
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Protect consumer energy choice through a uniform statewide policy that preserves access to a variety of energy sources.
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Ensure projects with valid DEP permits are not unnecessarily stalled while permit appeals are pending. |
Click the link to learn more about my bill to eliminate the Gross Receipts Tax.
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State Budget Update
Although the June 30 deadline to enact Pennsylvania's state budget has passed, I remain optimistic that we are close to reaching an agreement that puts the interests of Pennsylvanians first.
While I am disappointed the governor and legislative leaders have failed to fulfill their responsibility to deliver an on-time budget for the fifth consecutive year, I remain encouraged that there is meaningful progress being made as negotiations continue.
My focus remains on supporting a fiscally responsible budget that encourages economic growth, protects taxpayers, keeps Pennsylvania affordable for working families, and positions our Commonwealth for long-term success. I will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help move the process forward.
Thank you for your patience as we work toward a final budget. I will continue to keep you informed as meaningful developments unfold at the Capitol.
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Fish for Free on Independence Day!
This Saturday, July 4, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will host a Fish for Free day to allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways. No license is required, but all other fishing regulations apply. This is a great way to expose the next generation of anglers to the outdoors! More information about fishing in Pennsylvania is available here.
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