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In this Update:
Senate Approves State Budget that Funds Essential Services Without Raising Taxes
For the second time this year, the Senate approved a state budget that respects taxpayers and protects the financial stability of our commonwealth while ensuring that counties, school districts and other state government partners receive needed funding. This is another good-faith effort to address the vast majority of programs and spending responsibilities to get Pennsylvania moving again. The amended budget bill, Senate Bill 160, totals $47.9 billion, a responsible spending level that continues to meet the Senate Republican requirement of imposing no tax hikes on Pennsylvania families and ensuring Pennsylvania’s credit rating remains strong. Our action does not close the door on further negotiations to complete a full-year budget, but instead removes the extreme brinkmanship that is inflicting needless uncertainty and tangible harm on families, workers and communities. Leading by example, the Senate budget plan includes a 5% cut in spending for the General Assembly, reflecting the Senate Republican priority of right-sizing legislative spending. It’s past time for the House of Representatives to follow suit and bring this impasse to an end. Senate Again Acts to Repeal RGGI Electricity Tax
Bipartisan legislation preventing a new electricity tax by repealing Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) was approved by the Senate. RGGI, a multi-state compact, would increase electricity rates on families and employers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs and cause Pennsylvania power plants to close. Senate Bill 1068 formally repeals Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI, ensuring that any decision to impose electricity taxes or emissions programs must go through the legislative process rather than being enacted unilaterally by the governor. The Commonwealth Court has ruled that RGGI is a tax and cannot be implemented without legislative approval. However, the governor appealed the decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. His action has deepened concerns about energy grid reliability and affordability, prolonged uncertainty for workers and businesses across the commonwealth – and caused electricity prices to go up for hardworking families. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Landmark Bill to Modernize PA’s Broken Permitting Process Approved by Senate
A sweeping permitting reform measure to bring greater accountability, transparency and efficiency to how state agencies handle permit applications was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 6 sets clear timelines for state agencies to review permit applications, creates a permit tracking system and ensures applicants receive timely, consistent answers not endless delays. The measure, which passed with bipartisan support, also requires regular performance reporting so Pennsylvanians can hold their government accountable. The bill builds on the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program that required the Department of Environmental Protection to implement a permit tracking system. This legislation expands those transparency and accountability measures to all state agencies. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Welcoming Father Brian Van Fossen as Senate Guest Chaplain
I had the honor of welcoming Father Brian Van Fossen, a native of Luzerne County, as the guest chaplain to the Senate last week. His extensive service to our communities reflects both his deep faith and dedication to guiding others. Ordained in the Diocese of Scranton, Father Van Fossen has pastored multiple parishes throughout the region. He currently serves as dean of the Kingston Deanery, while also pastoring St. Faustina Kowalska Parish in Nanticoke and Our Lady Mount Carmel Parish in Hunlock Creek. He was joined by his family from Boiling Springs, including his godchildren Asher and Judah, their younger sister Stella and their parents Joseph and Christine Pulizzi. Senators Recognize National School Bus Safety Week
I joined my colleagues to shine a spotlight on critical safety measures and acknowledge the vital role of school bus drivers during National School Bus Safety Week, October 20-24. There are approximately 1.5 million children who travel on a school bus each day in Pennsylvania. Whether we are parents, bus drivers, motorists, or neighbors, we all have a role to play in making sure every one of these trips is completed safely. Legislation I introduced, Senate Bill 65, aims to enhance the safe transportation of school children by extending the stopping distance requirement for a driver approaching a stopped school bus from 10 feet to 15 feet when the bus’s red signal lights are flashing and the side stop arm is activated. The bill would also develop a tiered penalty system for a second or subsequent offense. Over the years, we have changed laws, enhanced enforcement, and increased penalties to make it safer for children to load onto and depart from a school bus. Unfortunately, we continue to receive reports of drivers who recklessly choose to speed up rather than slow down. In consultation with public safety officials, we have determined that strengthening the consequences for risky, life-threatening behavior is necessary to deal with those who refuse to comply with common sense and considerate driving practices. Baker Bill Protecting Privacy of Lottery Winners Passes Senate
The Senate approved legislation I introduced to protect the privacy of Pennsylvania Lottery winners who receive prizes of $100,000 or more. Senate Bill 73 would keep the names, addresses and other personal identifying information of these winners confidential, unless they choose to make it public. The measure allows the Pennsylvania Lottery to continue operating transparently by releasing the winner’s county and municipality of residence and the prize amount. Half of all states already provide either full or partial anonymity for major lottery winners. This proposal is designed to shield individuals and their families from harassment, scams and unwanted attention after winning large sums of money. My interest stems from knowing someone personally who was targeted after winning a $100,000 scratch-off prize. Scammers went so far as to contact her family members pretending to be government officials demanding tax payments. No one should have to endure that kind of intrusion simply for being lucky. Tuesday is the Deadline to Apply to Vote by Mail in the Nov. 4 Election
If you plan on voting by mail in Nov. 4 election, your application for a ballot must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28. You can apply online, by mail or at your county election office. Find details for each along with other useful information here. Military or overseas civilian voters can find information here on how to obtain a mail ballot. County election offices must receive completed mail ballots by 8 p.m., Nov. 4. Auditor General’s Activity Book Contest Accepting Submissions
Pennsylvania students in grades K-12 are invited to help the state Auditor General’s office design the cover of its new Be Money $mart activity book. The book will include coloring pages, word searches, word scrambles, crosswords and budgeting sheets – all focused on financial literacy. The deadline to submit a design online is Oct. 31. The winner’s artwork will be featured on the cover of the new activity book and recognized at the PA Farm Show, and will win their school a visit from Auditor General Tim DeFoor. The activity book will be distributed statewide through libraries, YMCAs and credit unions. Rock the Ribbon: Assessing Your Personal Breast Cancer Risk
The pink ribbon is a symbol of hope, strength and solidarity in the fight against breast cancer. It reminds us to support those affected, promote early detection and raise awareness about the importance of knowing your risks. You can assess your personal breast cancer risk using this free online risk calculator.
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