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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:
Senate Acts to Reduce Regulatory Burdens on Taxpayers and Job CreatorsThe Senate approved a legislative package to reduce the burden of unchecked government regulations on taxpayers and job creators. The bills will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 188 requires regulations with an economic impact on taxpayers and employers exceeding $1 million to go before the General Assembly for approval before taking effect. The Independent Fiscal Office, rather than the regulating agency, would be tasked with calculating the economic impact. Senate Bill 190 requires an automatic review after three years of all regulations with an economic impact on taxpayers and employers exceeding $1 million. The regulating agency must report to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission on the effectiveness of the regulation, whether current state laws require the regulation’s repeal or amendment, and more. Senate Bill 350 requires state agencies to create an accessible website for permit applicants to check their application status. In addition, all the permits issued must be publicly accessible and if rejected, it must state the legal authority the agency relies on to reject the permit application. It also requires that a permit, license or certification is deemed approved by the state if the agency reviewing the application misses its statutory deadline. Visiting Garden SpotIt was wonderful to hear from students and educators at Garden Spot High School and learn more about their outstanding Career Pathways program. I am proud of the innovative work being done in many of our schools to provide our students with a high-quality education! I also stopped by the annual Garden Spot Village Business Expo in New Holland, where I had a terrific time speaking with residents. Senate Approves Measure to Improve Personal Financial LiteracyTo teach high school students the financial basics, the Senate approved legislation that will enable them to make better decisions that lead to a lifetime of success and financial independence. Senate Bill 647 moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Recent estimates show there are more than 350 million American-owned credit card accounts, and credit card owners average about four cards apiece. Families in the United States are approaching approximately $1 trillion in credit card debt and more than $15 trillion in debt overall. The bill would give high school students the information they need on topics like credit and credit scores; savings and investments; college, home and auto loans; and planning for postsecondary education and retirement. Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of Lititz Meals on WheelsFifty years ago, three local residents – Polly Eshelman, Jane Rannels, and Arline Shannon – saw a need in the Lititz area to provide balanced meals to residents unable to prepare nutritious meals for themselves. Lititz Meals on Wheels, which serves residents in the Warwick School District, was born. Now, volunteers serve 25,000 meals annually. Congratulations to Lititz Meals on Wheels on its 50th anniversary! I am grateful for the transformational impact it has had on the Warwick community. Measure Boosting Support for PA Veterans Approved by SenateThe Senate passed bills to help veterans start or expand a business, access programs and services available to them, and make it easier for disabled veterans to obtain a free lifetime fishing license. All three bills now head to the state House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 248 would create the Veteran-owned Business Loan Guarantee Program, which would be funded with $5 million of existing dollars from another program run by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The bill defines a veteran-owned business as one in which 51% or more of the organization is owned or controlled by one or more veterans. Veteran-owned businesses in America employ nearly four million workers and generate more than $175 billion in annual payroll. Senate Bill 447 would establish in law the PA VETConnect program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and helps the commonwealth’s more than 700,000 veterans access programs and services tailored to their needs. The database of resources enables local veteran advocates – including staff at county veterans affairs offices – to point veterans to information, resources, programs and services in their area and across the commonwealth. Senate Bill 411 would make it possible for disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination to obtain a free, lifetime fishing license. Free lifetime fishing licenses currently are available only to disabled veterans with a 100% permanent disability determination, and they must apply for a new free fishing license every year. Celebrating Small Businesses in Our CommunityA member of my staff recently attended SCORE Mentors Lancaster-Lebanon’s Small Business Awards Luncheon, an annual event held to celebrate the best parts of our community. Congratulations to all the winners of these esteemed awards: HQ Water Solutions; InJoy Golf; Sisters & Brothers Keepers, LLC; SmartPay Rentals, Inc.; and SWAN: Scaling Walls a Note at a Time. These small businesses are the heart of our community, and their stories of success inspire others. Legislation Expanding Access to Breast Cancer Screenings Signed Into LawRecently signed into law, Act 1 of 2023 is a first-of-its-kind breast cancer screening measure that will save Pennsylvanians’ lives. It eliminates all costs associated with genetic testing and counseling as well as breast MRI and ultrasounds for Pennsylvanians with high-risk conditions like dense breast tissue, a personal history of breast cancer, a family history, a genetic predisposition or prior radiation therapy. Approximately one of every eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer, but this law will ensure that high-risk individuals have affordable access to early detection. Thanks for a Successful Coffee & ConversationThanks to all who came out for my recent Coffee & Conversation event in Manheim Township. We had a great turnout and productive discussion, and I’m looking forward to holding more of these events in the future! Recognizing Police Officers’ Memorial DayIn recognition of Police Officers’ Memorial Day in Pennsylvania, as designated by Senate Resolution 111, the Fraternal Order of Police joined Senate Republicans to honor the brave law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty last year. The five officers were:
Like so many other members of law enforcement, these officers served and protected their fellow citizens – despite knowing the sacrifices they and their families would have to make. Thank you to each brave man and woman who defend the safety of our communities. Touring Coffee Machine Company JURAI joined Rep. Mindy Fee for a tour of the new JURA Retail Center near Manheim, which showcases JURA automatic coffee machines. The Swiss-based company aims to offer customers a true bean-to-cup experience that’s freshly ground right at home. It has won numerous internationally recognized design awards. Celebrating Mothers and Mother FiguresTo all the women who put their family first, thank you for being such a source of strength and support in our communities. Happy Mother’s Day!
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