|
||||
|
In this Update:
PILT Budget Boost Spares Rural Communities from ‘Pinballing Inflationary TILT’
As we are all witnessing with the skyrocketing costs for groceries, fuel and most other consumer purchases, inflation is rapidly pinballing out of control at a historic rate. Rampant inflation especially impacts rural Pennsylvania and the majority of Senate District 25, where a significant portion of the real estate is tax-exempt, state-owned forest, game and recreational lands. Rural school districts are many times forced to increase property taxes due to increasing mandated costs such as pensions, special education and charter school tuition. The devastating economic impact almost always falls on rural property owners who cannot increase the actual compensation they receive from the state. Fortunately, on July 11, the General Assembly approved an increase of the PILT (payment in lieu of taxes) for state lands managed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC). Funded through slot machine revenue, the PILT provides much-needed compensation to communities that have a high amount of state-owned land that is not subject to property taxes. Implemented through the 2024-25 state budget’s fiscal code (Act 54 of 2024)—which is nearly identical to my originally introduced PILT increase legislation (Senate Bill 225), each of the three agencies, would pay $9 per acre, split evenly among the county, municipality and school district in which the land is located. That’s an increase of $1.80 above the current rate. While the rates were adjusted last year, prior to that, it had been six years since the DCNR rate was increased and more than 15 years since the PGC and PFBC rates had been increased. Additionally, under Act 54, the PILT will be adjusted for inflation every five years starting in fiscal year 2030-31. Again, the increased amounts would be paid equally from slot machine revenue and the agency managing the land. More information on the finalized state budget is available here. SAVE THE DATE Popular Firearms Rights and Concealed Carry Seminar Returning to Elk County
My next Firearms Rights and Concealed Carry Seminar is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 27. Beginning at 6 p.m., this no-cost informational event will be held at the Saint Marys Area High School Auditorium, 977 South St. Marys Street, St. Marys. Elk County District Attorney Beau Grove, Elk County Sheriff Todd Caltagarone, Pennsylvania Game Warden Peyton Edwards, St. Marys Chief of Police Thomas Nicklas, and certified National Rifle Association instructors Joe Kalynchuk and Jim Lellock will present the facts and answer questions about Pennsylvania’s concealed carry process, the Castle Doctrine and other valuable information regarding state and federal gun laws, including:
Article 1, Section 21 of the Pennsylvania Constitution unquestionably states: “The right of the citizen to bear arms in defense of themselves and the state Shall Not Be Questioned.” Whether you are considering applying for a concealed carry permit or already have one, this no-cost seminar is an excellent opportunity to become fully informed about freely, responsibly, and legally exercising your God-given right to keep and bear arms. Due to limited seating, interested individuals must pre-register for this FREE seminar as soon as possible by visiting www.SenatorDush.com or contacting my Brookville district office at 814-646-7272. 2024 Elk Expo Brings Home Big Bucks for Conserving PA Elk Herd
This year’s Keystone Elk Country Alliance Elk Expo was a tremendous success, as was the raffle for the annual Elk Hunt. Although there was only one winning ticket, the thousands of individuals who purchased a chance raised well over $300,000 benefiting the conservation efforts of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance. Senate District 25 Proudly Represents at PA Wilds Awards Dinner
On July 25, I was honored to attend the 2024 Champions of the Pennsylvania Wilds Awards dinner, held at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, McKean County! The theme for this year’s event was “The Road Less Traveled Makes All the Difference,” nodding to the Declaration of Principles for the Pennsylvania Wilds. The Champion of the Pennsylvania Wilds Awards celebrate individuals, groups, organizations, communities and businesses that in the last year have made significant contributions to the region’s outdoor recreation economy, helping to create jobs, diversify local economies, inspire stewardship and improve quality of life. Pictured with me above are the outstanding 2024 PA Wilds Champions proudly representing Senate District 25 which include:
Senate Passes New Law Reducing Educational Challenges for Military Children
A new law passed unanimously by the Senate will help children of military families who face frequent reassignments with the challenges of moving between schools in different states. Children of National Guard and Reserve members now have the same help provided to those of active-duty military families through the Military Interstate Children’s Compact. The compact provides a consistent set of policies that make getting started in a new school, joining extracurricular activities, facilitating enrollment and meeting graduation requirements as easy as possible for military children. The law is designed to minimize educational disruption, making the relocation less stressful for parents and children. New Car Insurance After a Lapse? Remember to Notify PennDOT
Every month, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) suspends more than 15,000 vehicle registrations due to drivers cancelling or switching car insurance and forgetting to provide proof of new car insurance to PennDOT. Pennsylvania law requires all motor vehicle owners to maintain car insurance. A lapse in insurance coverage triggers a potential vehicle suspension for three months or a civil penalty of $500 in lieu of the registration suspension. An insurance provider is only required to notify PennDOT when car insurance is cancelled, not when it is initiated. The vehicle owner is responsible to update PennDOT to avoid a registration suspension and other penalties. PennDOT mails a letter to the registered vehicle owner explaining the lapse in insurance coverage, as well as the consequences for failing to provide new car insurance. To avoid being pulled over for not having car insurance even though your car is insured, remember to share your new car insurance information with PennDOT. Provide proof of insurance on PennDOT’s website, email your new insurance card to PennDOT at frinsurance@pa.gov or call PennDOT’s Financial Responsibility Unit at 717-412-5300. Schedule Your Free State Capitol Tour
If you’re looking for a fun educational activity for your family this summer, you can tour the state Capitol for free. During a 30-minute guided tour, Capitol tour guides point out architectural and artistic highlights as they make the Capitol’s history come alive. There is also an Interactive Welcome Center and Capitol Gift Shop to enjoy during your visit. Guided tours are offered every half hour Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends and most holidays, tours are offered at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Schedule a tour online or by calling the Tour Guide Office at 1-800-TOUR-N-PA (868-7672). Groups of 10 or more require advanced reservations. For your safety, group size is limited to 40.
For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my mission reports, you can get on the e-newsletter mailing list here. |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2024 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatordush.com | Privacy Policy |
