|
||||
|
In this Update:
Protecting Preserved Family Farmland from Eminent Domain
Last Thursday, both WJAC-TV News and Local 21 CBS News, WHP Harrisburg aired the following interview (excerpted below) with myself and Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) on our legislation that would make it more expensive for government agencies and organizations to seize preserved family farmland through eminent domain: “Senator Dush’s measure (Senate Bill 225) passed the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously in June. It would require seizing agencies to take “goodwill” into account when they pay for land taken through eminent domain. That means an agency will need to financially account for the impact a farm has on the community and the other costs that go into relocating a farmer. “I think that the fact that this is going to be a more costly process for whether it’s PennDOT or a township or whoever making them actually sit back and think about what it’s going to cost them,” Sen. Dush said. “I think that will slow the process down and allow people to be more secure.” With eminent domain seizures continuing to occur across Senate District 25, in Jan. 2024, I convened a Senate State Government Committee public hearing in Bellefonte, Centre County to receive testimony regarding eminent domain abuse and its impact on the private property rights of farmers, job-creating employers, and homeowners. The complete public hearing and submitted testimony can be viewed here. A farm that sits on top of soil that has been meticulously cared for, cultivated, and enriched over generations and a restaurant thriving inside of a community that it has served for decades both have a great deal of goodwill amassed into their locations. Forcing those operations to pick up and move destroys that goodwill. Whether it’s a family farm or a downtown pizza shop, these free-market enterprises deserve substantial compensation. No Such Thing as Child Prostitutes
In the latest edition of the Mission Report Podcast, Sidney McCoy, Director of Advocacy, Shared Hope International and I discuss some of the best defenses (both legally and legislatively) for preventing, restoring and bringing justice for victims of Human Trafficking. In fact, Sidney and her team at Shared Hope were extremely effective allies in shepherding my unanimously advanced legislation (Senate Bill 44)—to finally ensure that any child who is preyed upon for commercial sex will be legitimately recognized as a victim of human trafficking under Pennsylvania law—across the finish line as Act 39 of 2023. No Such Thing as Child Prostitutes Additional thought-provoking, podcast discussion topics include:
Shared Hope grades each state based on the strength of its child sex trafficking laws and produces expert legal analysis to hold traffickers and those who enable them accountable. Register now to be the first to see Pennsylvania’s 2025 Report Card on Oct. 14. Senate Acts to Provide Funding for Local Bridge Projects
The Senate recently approved legislation to provide state funding for local bridge projects, giving counties the flexibility needed to make essential repairs to municipal bridges. Currently, state Motor License Fund dollars can be used to build and repair county bridges. However, spending guidance fails to address if funding can be used for municipal bridges located within a county. As a result, municipal bridges often go without repair while bridge funding goes unused due to ambiguous guidance. Senate Bill 205 would give counties the flexibility they need to fund local bridge projects. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Legislation to Make PA Leader in Drone Research Approved by Senate
Legislation to position Pennsylvania as a national leader in the emerging drone industry was approved by the Senate and sent to the House of Representatives. Senate Bill 468 permits the state Department of Transportation, with the governor’s approval, to engage in agreements with other states to facilitate the research and use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones. An interstate compact would make Pennsylvania a key player in UAS testing, training and education, helping to ensure public safety, expand aviation jobs and inspire business development across the commonwealth. Children in Hot Cars: Look Before You Lock
In 2024, 39 children died of heatstroke in vehicles – up 35% from 2023. Most of these deaths are a result of a parent or caregiver forgetting a child in a car.
More information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is available here. Protecting Yourself on Facebook Marketplace
Transactions through social media platforms have limited consumer protections compared to traditional business dealings, and scams happen. In a recent case, a Fayette County family was scammed with fake cash when selling a floor buffer on Facebook Marketplace. Pennsylvania State Police are investigating. There are steps you can take to protect yourself with Facebook Marketplace, such as checking the seller’s Marketplace profile to learn more about them, using online payment methods and verifying the item before paying. Check out more tips here. Tuesday is National Night Out
National Night Out takes place Tuesday, Aug. 5. It’s an annual community-building campaign promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations and more. Look for an event near you for a great way to get to know your local police officers.
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? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatordush.com | Privacy Policy |
