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In this Update:
In March 2023, I joined State Treasurer Stacy Garrity at the Pennsylvania Treasury Unclaimed Property Vault to announce my Senate Bill 24 that would automate the process of returning unclaimed property. This week SB24 was finally passed and sent to the governor to become law so that unclaimed property valued up to $500 may be returned automatically to rightful owners, after Treasury’s identification and verification process. Senate Passes No Tax Increase, Pro-Growth Budget
The Senate approved a 2024-25 state budget that creates new job opportunities for state residents, includes no new taxes and addresses some of the economic and demographic challenges the state faces in the years ahead. The $47.59 billion spending plan is $740 million less than Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposal, and it adds $740 million to the state’s Rainy Day Fund – a key priority of Senate Republicans. The budget includes key measures to boost the economy by removing barriers for businesses to relocate to or expand in Pennsylvania, a continuation of the Corporate Net Income Tax phase-out and the elimination of the Start-Up Penalty. We also are trying to address the persistent problem of permitting delays that have chased jobs and investment to other states. A new Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) Program will be created to establish permit review timelines by the Department of Environmental Protection and conservation districts. Additionally, a new permit tracking system will be implemented, and applicants will now have the option for third-party review of air, earth disturbance and water permit applications. Significant resources are included to empower parents and families to make the best decisions regarding the educational needs of their children. Learn more about education funding and other budget highlights. While I supported the passage of this budget and the associated implementing bills because the overall package does achieve a few of my pro-growth, pro-educational opportunity priorities, I am disappointed that the governor and legislative Democrats would not agree to a reduction in the Personal Income Tax from 3.07% to 2.8% and the elimination of the approximately 6% gross receipts tax on electric bills, as proposed by Senate Republicans. These tax cuts for Pennsylvania families, coupled with holding the line on non-core spending, would have resulted in smaller, more efficient government and a more vibrant and economically free state economy, and truly positioned the commonwealth for ongoing prosperity. Unfortunately, these opportunities were missed, and this budget will lead to large deficits in the coming years unless future legislatures make a course correction and curtail spending. Program Connecting Veterans with Benefits Receives Senate Approval
The Senate this week unanimously approved legislation to establish in law the PA VETConnect program to help Pennsylvania veterans access programs, services and benefits in their communities. 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 services in their communities. 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 Votes to Expand Authority of Hospice Licensed Practical Nurses
The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1080 to enable licensed practical nurses (LPNs) working in a hospice setting to make death pronouncements, saving money and limiting unnecessary emotional distress for the patient’s family. Pennsylvania law currently allows registered nurses (RNs), medical doctors, physician assistants and coroners to make death pronouncements. Many hospice facilities across Pennsylvania face workforce shortages. Giving LPNs the authority to make death pronouncements can help hospice facilities address their staffing issues. Online Dashboard Shows Tick Hot Spots
Tick season is in full swing, but there are ways to continue to enjoy the many benefits of the Great Outdoors while minimizing the risk of becoming a victim of a tickborne disease. Pennsylvanians should take precautions every time they spend time outside as the state leads the nation in the number of Lyme disease cases. A new Pennsylvania Department of Health online dashboard shows where ticks are prevalent and the latest data on tickborne disease activity, such as Lyme disease. Tick bites can be limited using preventative measures. Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents. Walk in the center of trails and avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. When returning indoors, check your clothing, gear and pets for ticks. Shower within two hours and check your body using a full-length mirror. Promoting Safe Driving Habits
Recognizing this week as Operation Safe Driver Week, which aims to reduce driving behaviors, here are some helpful tips so we can all enjoy the roadways safely. Speeding has been a factor in more than a quarter of crash deaths since 2008. Nearly half of passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2019 were not wearing seatbelts. Distracted driving is another behavior that puts people at risk. The AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index revealed that 88% of drivers believe distracted driving has outpaced all other traffic-related issues as a growing safety concern. Take steps to avoid distractions while driving, and remember that Pennsylvania has a new law limiting the use of handheld cellular and other devices while driving.
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