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In this Update:
Recognizing Bravery and Sacrifice on Patriot Day
On Wednesday, September 11, we recognize the 2,977 innocent lives lost 23 years ago when our country was brutally attacked. 2,753 tragically lost at the World Trade Center in New York City; 184 perished at the Pentagon in Virginia; and right here in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, 40 men and women gave their life. With heavy hearts, we remember the bravery and sacrifices of emergency responders. Let us also remember the surge of patriotism that followed these tragic events. It was a unifier unlike anything else most of us had experienced. People focused more on what we had in common and simply what united us as Americans. Perhaps the best way to honor those who lost their lives is to resurrect that spirit. Take time on Wednesday, September 11, to remember that spirit. 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 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, working to surpass other states to promote job growth, but we haven’t been when it comes to the startup penalty new businesses face in the commonwealth. All but one other state allow new businesses to get on their feet by limiting the tax liability they face. Pennsylvania is finally beginning to phase out this penalty with language in the state budget. The new Max Manufacturing Initiative Act will support job growth by providing grants and loans to state universities to partner with engineering entities. Along with creating family-sustaining jobs, it will enhance research capabilities, promote business alliances and produce high-value products. In addition, we’ve made the state more business friendly by reducing the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) rate. 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. Keeping Pennsylvania on a path to prosperity by promoting initiatives and policies to foster greater job growth remains a key area of focus as we continue our legislative work this fall. Main Street Matters is Open!
With the work of Senate Republicans, Main Street Matters was funded in the 2024-25 budget to provide funding opportunities for community revitalization efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements and increased safety and security measures. Applications for this programing are now being accepted until 11:59 P.M. on November 15. Visit Main Street Matters for more information. Senate Republicans Vote for More Convenience with PA’s Expanded Liquor Law
In response to a call for increased convenience, people will soon enjoy a greater selection of canned cocktails available at more Pennsylvania businesses. Senate Republicans have been working to give customers access to products they want without requiring them to visit numerous stores to purchase beer and canned cocktails. Because of a new law, restaurants, hotels, convenience stores and grocery stores may now apply for a permit to sell drinks containing spirits like vodka, gin and tequila. Those drinks could previously only be purchased at state-run Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores. As soon as Monday, Sept. 16, businesses with approved permits may begin selling spirit-based cocktails with an alcohol volume ranging from 0.5% to 12.5% in containers up to 16 ounces, to individuals aged 21 or older with valid identification. They may not sell more than 192 ounces of ready-to-drink cocktails per sale. 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. Statewide Local Share Account Program is Open!
The Statewide Local Share Account program application window will be open from September 1, through November 30, for grants up to $1 million. No match is required. For program guidelines and more eligibility information visit the LSA Guidelines here. 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. Paying for Higher Education Free Webinar
PHEAA is hosting a state-wide webinar on September 10 from 6 to 7 P.M. to help students search and apply for scholarships. The cost of a postsecondary education can add up quickly for students and their families. Thankfully, there is funding to help cover those expenses. Join in on the free webinar as PHEAA shares tips to help students successfully search and apply for scholarships. After attending this webinar, students will understand the different types of scholarships, resources for finding scholarships and tools to help increase their chances of earning those scholarships. Register here! Boating Facility Grant Program Available
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is now accepting applications for the 2025 Boating Facility Grant Program! The Boating Facility Grant Program provides grants for planning, acquisition, development, expansion and rehabilitation of public boating facilities located on waterways in Pennsylvania. Funding requests require a 50% match. The deadline for applications is November 30. More information can be found at Boating Facility Grant Program. Department of Veterans Affairs PACT Act Webinars Available
Join SAP&DC APEX Accelerator and VanZandt Medical Center for free webinars on the PACT Act. You can learn about the Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Eligibility overview, the PACT Act Eligibility, the enrollment process along with a question-and-answer opportunity. There will be two sessions offered from 9:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. on September 18 and 25. For the September 18 seminar you can sign up here. For the September 25 seminar you can sign up here. $CAM JAM
Join the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities for $CAM JAM! A fun and interactive event that brings experts in law enforcement and state agencies together to educate target audiences on how to protect their money from financial fraud and abuse. This program is in partnership with AARP Pennsylvania. For more information you can contact Lori Heaton at 814-643-5115 ext. 207 or lheaton@hbfaaa.org. On Tuesday, September 24, from 10 A.M. until noon, $CAM JAM will be held at the McConnellstown Fire Hall located at 6136 Shenecoy Road in Huntingdon. On Wednesday, September 25, from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M., $CAM JAM will be held at the Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources located at 25185 Great Cove Road in McConnellsburg. Out and AboutThe Fulton County Farm Bureau hosted an ice cream social inviting their members to interact with federal, state and local representatives. It was a great opportunity for the farm community to share concerns and for the farmers to hear some measures that have been taken in the legislature to support the agricultural community.
What a pleasure to present a Senate citation to Dan Slep, Publisher of the Altoona Mirror newspaper. The Altoona Mirror celebrated its 150th Anniversary and is a key source of news for Blair County and Central Pennsylvania.
Congratulations to Doug and Geri Hancock of Juniata County for being named Farmers of the Year at the recent Juniata County Fair with emcee, MeeCee Baker. I was glad to present the Hancocks with a Senate citation.
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