|
||||
|
In this Update:
Supporting Transportation Funding For All 67 Counties—Not Just SEPTA
Pennsylvania is presently faced with a $3 billion structural deficit that could grow to $6 billion if spending is left to grow unchecked. While Senate Republicans are working to enact a budget that respects and protects taxpayers, the governor and his allies in the House Democratic caucus are working to spend as much as they possibly can—especially by demanding another taxpayer-funded bailout of the South East Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA). These unrelenting bailout demands are coming despite Gov. Shapiro’s already questionable “flexing” or handing SEPTA more than $150 million from federal funding specifically dedicated to Pennsylvania roads and bridges across the entire Commonwealth, not just the southeast. The unfortunate reality is that the Shapiro Administration is already sitting on billions of dollars in Mass Transit funding, while choosing to manufacture a regional (Philadelphia) crisis now. Hiding this money from the Legislature and the public, especially when our state is faced with an enormous structural deficit, raises serious concerns. Pennsylvania needs common-sense solutions that take advantage of the existing transportation revenue we already have before asking hardworking taxpayers to send more of theirs to Harrisburg. As amended and advanced by Senate Republicans on Aug. 12 , House Bill 257 provides necessary level transportation funding in a way that protects taxpayers, improves public safety on transit systems and implements new fiscal accountability measures. Most importantly, this fiscally responsible transportation funding plan does so without impacting the General Fund, ensuring other critical programs aren’t threatened in the future. The legislation matches and exceeds the governor’s own funding proposal by providing $292.5 million to mass transit (including rural mass transit systems) this year and another $300 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year. This all-inclusive plan invests the same amount of funding for roadway reconstruction and infrastructure improvements in all 67 counties, including many rural roads and bridges the governor and PennDOT have overlooked. If Governor Shapiro and House Democrats reject this opportunity, they will have to answer to their constituents as to why they choose to prioritize SEPTA leverage in negotiations over the immediate needs of the people they are elected to represent. Please keep all of those who are working on this structural deficit issue, Democrat and Republican, in your prayers. We need to get this right. Protecting Taxpayers, Funding Critical Needs
On Aug. 12, I joined with my Senate Republican colleagues in taking decisive action by passing Senate Bill 160 to drive out core state government funding for critical needs and to responsibly fund transportation in all 67 Pennsylvania counties (House Bill 257). As negotiations continue on a final 2025-26 state budget, Senate Bill 160 would provide funding at the levels included in the final 2024-25 budget. If the House of Representatives also approves the bill, the state can immediately begin disbursing nearly $47.6 billion, without the need for any new taxes. Passage of this measure marks an important step forward in this year’s budget process, putting people above politics as budget discussions continue. Rest assured, we recognize this is not the final step in the process of developing the budget for FY 2025-26. Many of the line items in the budget are not in dispute, so this is a responsible way to ensure that counties, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, social service providers and other entities receive immediate funding to meet their fiscal needs. Celebrating Penn State’s AG Progress Days
Last week, I had a wonderful time experiencing all Penn State’s Ag Progress Days 2025 had to offer. From hands-on field demos to policy discussions, youth programs, and cutting-edge ag tech, this year’s event showcased the strength, innovation, and resilience of PA Agriculture. I especially enjoyed hearing directly from our dedicated farmers about what they’re experiencing and how we as lawmakers can help to ensure the success of our livestock industry for years to come. I also attended the annual AG Progress Days Legislative Luncheon to celebrate our next generation of ag leaders and further discuss the state of agriculture across the Commonwealth. A huge shout out to Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences and everyone from the Pennsylvania FFA and Pennsylvania 4-H students who helped make this year’s event a tremendous success. Assistance Available to Support PA Rail Freight Infrastructure
With 65 railroads and more than 5,600 track miles, Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of operating railroads and ranks near the top in total track mileage. To preserve this essential service and stimulate job creation, the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program provide financial and technical assistance to rail operators and businesses served by rail for investment in freight infrastructure, through new or expanded service. The application period is open until August 29. Eligible applicants can find details and application information here. Public Hearing Examines Data Centers Development in Pennsylvania
As the development of new data centers accelerates across Pennsylvania, the Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing to review the potential impacts for communities and the economy. The hearing brought together economic development organizations, utilities, environmental commissions, municipal associations and other groups for a discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of establishing data centers. Some testifiers discussed the increased local tax revenue these centers would bring, boosting support for schools and fire departments. Others addressed two widely cited concerns with operating data centers – the demands on local electrical grids and watersheds. You can find a hearing summary, testimony and video here. STEM-Related Activities Available from PennDOT
Summertime or anytime, you can find STEM-related activities for children of all levels with resources from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The material includes a PennDOT-themed coloring book, traffic safety activity book, word searches and crossword puzzles (with answer keys), hands-on activities to help children to think like an engineer and fun games teaching bicycle safety. Help PA Celebrate Your Barn
The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office invites you to contribute to the effort of documenting and celebrating the barns that define our state’s rural traditions. Barns represent the agricultural heritage, craftsmanship and local pride found throughout the commonwealth. You can go here to find out how to submit your photos and background information and have your barn added to the Pennsylvania Inventory of Historic Places.
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 |
