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In this Update:
Senate Delivers Empowering, Pro-Family, Pro-Growth Budget
On July 11, I was humbled by the opportunity to offer the opening prayer on the Senate floor and to ask for God’s guidance as we moved forward with finalizing this year’s state budget. Later that evening, I joined with my Senate Republican colleagues in advancing a fiscally responsible 2024-25 state budget that is honest with taxpayers, includes no new taxes and adds $740 million to the state’s Rainy Day Fund—a key priority to prevent painful tax hikes in the future. Signed into law with significant resources to empower parents and families to make the best decisions regarding the educational needs of their children, the $47.59 billion spending plan is $740 million less than Gov. Josh Shapiro’s original proposal. Senate Republicans fought to ensure these dollars are allocated fairly in a manner that benefits students throughout the Keystone State, not just those students who attend a small number of select schools. With the clear-cut objective of drastically expediting the commonwealth’s unpredictable, job-killing and investment-deterring permitting process, the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) Program was also incorporated into the finalized budget. 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 that are required by the Department of Environmental Protection and county conservation districts. Further addressing the economic and demographic challenges the state faces in the years ahead, the budget contains several key measures to create new job opportunities and 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. In the coming weeks, I will highlight how this year’s budget impacts some of my top legislative and local funding priorities. 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.
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