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Thank you for subscribing to my E-newsletter. I am honored to serve the 36th Senatorial District and look forward to working with you toward building a stronger Pennsylvania. This E-newsletter serves to keep you updated on what is happening throughout Lancaster County and what I am doing as your State Senator in Harrisburg – I hope that you find it helpful! Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please DO NOT reply to this email; instead, please feel free to contact me here.
In this Update:
Recognizing the 20th Anniversary of Operation Iraqi FreedomThis month marks the 20th anniversary of the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, when the United States and coalition forces began the mission to liberate Iraq from dictator Saddam Hussein and extend freedom and democracy throughout the region. We remember all who served from every branch of the military, but especially the more than 200 sons and daughters of Pennsylvania who paid the ultimate sacrifice and gave the last full measure of devotion. Twenty years ago, I was a young junior captain serving with the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division. As I reflect, I think of the men and women with whom I had the honor of serving. In their memory, I sponsored a Senate resolution marking the anniversary. Operation Iraqi Freedom ended on Dec. 15, 2011. Register Now for my Coffee & Conversation Event on April 17To connect with residents of the 36th Senatorial District, I will be hosting a Coffee and Conversation event on Monday, April 17, from 9-11 a.m. at the Manheim Township Municipal Building, 1840 Municipal Drive, Lancaster. It’s an informal opportunity to discuss issues that are important to Lancaster County communities and what’s happening in Harrisburg. There will be light refreshments, and people are welcome to drop in whenever best suits their schedule. Please click here to RSVP to attend the event. Senate Reviews Proposed State BudgetThe Senate Appropriations Committee held the first of three weeks of public hearings about the proposed 2023-24 state budget. Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a $45.8 billion budget that would increase spending by $1.3 billion. Based on projections, it would nearly wipe out the state’s $5 billion Rainy Day Fund in five years. State Treasurer Stacy Garrity urged lawmakers to make greater investments in Pennsylvania’s Rainy Day Fund and reduce the structural deficit to improve the state’s credit rating. She testified that the commonwealth has a choice: spend modestly now or face a possible fiscal cliff as federal funds dry up and the Rainy Day Fund is depleted. Independent Fiscal Office Director Matthew Knittel confirmed that Pennsylvania joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative would mean hundreds of millions of dollars in new energy taxes. Higher electricity costs could be on the horizon if Shapiro advances a carbon tax. Find the hearings schedule, livestreams of budget hearings, daily recaps and video from prior hearings at PASenateGOP.com. Local High School Choir Sings in Capitol Rotunda for Music in Our Schools MonthEarlier this month, the Columbia High School choir led by Elizabeth Baker visited the State Capitol to sing in the rotunda for Music in Our Schools Month. Their performance rang beautifully throughout the halls of our state house! Welcoming Local Students to PA CapitolStudents from Baron Elementary in Manheim Central School District recently visited the State Capitol to learn about its history and how state government works. If you would like to tour the historic landmark for yourself, book a tour at www.pacapitol.com. 2023 Priority: Making the American Dream Attainable AgainIt’s time to put the American Dream back within reach for Pennsylvanians. Historic inflation, increased government intervention, high taxes, endless bureaucratic red tape, and other government-inflicted barriers have made the American Dream unattainable for so many. We must adapt and overcome or be left behind in the global economy. We must plan instead of react, be competitive instead of regressive, and have a strong vision for the future. To attract new employers and promote economic growth in the commonwealth, I will advocate for accelerating the CNI tax reduction we passed last year so Pennsylvanians can start reaping the benefits sooner. Learn more here. Free Veteran Bus Trip to Washington, D.C.Annually since 2011, veterans from any era and active-duty soldiers gather at Northeastern High School, 300 High St., Manchester, for the Honor Bus Trip. This free trip is sponsored by the Northeastern High School Honor Bus Project, which involves a group of students escorting local veterans on an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to their service. This year, the trip will be on Saturday, April 29. Veterans and soldiers who would like to attend are asked to fill out an application here. While in Washington, veterans visit the Arlington National Cemetery to witness the ceremony of the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. All participants are treated to breakfast (prepared by the women’s auxiliary of the Mount Wolf VFW), a bagged lunch (donated by Applebee’s) and a banquet style dinner (donated by Mission BBQ) upon return to Northeastern High School. Check the Status of Your Tax RefundAs families struggle with rising costs and inflation, many are anticipating their tax refund. Anyone who would like to check the status of a Pennsylvania Income Tax refund can do so by calling 1-888-PATAXES or clicking here. There is also an opportunity to verify your tax refund to expedite processing. Congratulations to Fenner Precision Polymers on its New LocationI joined Reps. Mindy Fee and Mike Sturla at a ceremony for the recent opening of the new headquarters location for Fenner Precision Polymers in Manheim Township. Fenner is a company of several preferred brands in manufacturing products in polymetric, metal and textile-based industries. Their solutions add value to motion control, power transmission, and related applications. Congratulations! Improving Access to Unemployment Compensation SystemThe Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry extended indefinitely a program that enhances Pennsylvanians’ access to the Unemployment Compensation (UC) system by offering in-person appointments to claimants. The program, now called UC Connect, offers in-person services for UC claimants who do not have proper technology, equipment or technical skills; individuals without access to home Internet or broadband; and individuals with limited-English proficiency. To schedule an appointment, claimants should contact a PA CareerLink® center directly.
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