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In this Update:
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. Unfortunately, we haven’t been on equal footing with other states 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. Incentivizing more investment in Pennsylvania communities in this way will boost local economies, create more high-paying jobs, and ensure all Pennsylvania residents have the opportunity to succeed. 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. Let’s Talk During My Telephone Town Hall on Sept. 17
I will answer questions and listen to feedback from community residents during a live telephone town hall on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Community residents can register to participate in the tele-town hall here. This link can also be used for audio streaming, which will be available immediately prior to the event. During the tele-town hall, participants can ask questions or simply remain on the line to listen to the discussion. Your feedback is important to me, and I look forward to hearing from you! 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. Celebrating Janson Foundation’s 100th Anniversary
Happy 100th anniversary to the Janson Foundation! This nonprofit organization is dedicated to the maintenance and preservation of Janson Park in Columbia. Its mission is to provide a safe, family-friendly neighborhood park for residents and visitors to enjoy, and to serve those in need through its Helping Hands program. Visiting Functional Health of Lancaster
I recently visited Functional Health of Lancaster to learn more about its mission to help patients achieve their optimal health through partnership, accountability, resiliency, and empowerment, and to discuss their legislative priorities. 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. 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. Adaptive Event for Those with Disabilities on Sept. 28
Penn State Health RecFest 2024 will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 1-5 p.m. at Spooky Nook Sports Complex in Manheim. This is a free, adaptive event for those with visible and invisible disabilities as well as their families, friends, and caregivers. More information is available here. Registration required. Sign up in advance here or register at the door. Public Invited to PennDOT’s Hiring Event for Lancaster County JobsThe Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will host a hiring event on Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lancaster County Maintenance Office, 2105 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. Job seekers have the opportunity to learn about winter temporary and permanent positions the department offers in Lancaster County, including commercial driver’s license (CDL) operator (starting pay is $22.49 an hour), CDL operator trainee (starting pay is $20.76 an hour), and diesel equipment mechanic (starting pay is $27.75 an hour) positions. Staff will be available to discuss current and future openings within the commonwealth for CDL operators, who must have a valid Pennsylvania CDL Class A or B with air brake restriction removed. This position also requires a current medical examiner certificate. On-the-spot applications, interviews, and driving skills testing will take place. Applicants need to bring their current CDL license and medical examiners card. Applicants are encouraged to create an account with employment.pa.gov prior to the event. Laptops and staff will be available to help interested participants navigate the electronic application system. Human Resources staff will be available to discuss benefit options and opportunities for permanent employment. For more information, please call 717-299-7621. To view the current posting for winter CDL equipment operator positions, go to PennDOT Winter CDL Equipment Operator 2024 – 2025 | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com). To view the current posting for winter CDL equipment operator trainee positions, go to PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee) | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com). To view the current posting for winter diesel equipment mechanic positions, go to PennDOT Winter Mechanics (Diesel & Automotive Mechanics), 2024-2025 | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com). Recognizing Bravery and Sacrifice on Patriot Day
On Wednesday, we recognize the innocent lives lost 23 years ago when our country was brutally attacked in New York, Virginia and right here in Pennsylvania. With heavy hearts, we remember the bravery and sacrifices of emergency responders. Let us also remember the surge of patriotism. It was a unifier unlike anything else most of us had experienced. People focused less on what could divide us and more on what we had in common. Perhaps the best way to honor those who lost their lives is to resurrect that spirit.
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