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In this Update:
Unprecedented Pro-Life Presence Surrounds PA Capitol
This past Monday, nearly 6,000 pro-life citizen advocates surrounded the state Capitol at this year’s attendance record-shattering Pennsylvania March for Life! Despite the rain, we all stood united in defense of the sanctity of life. It was a tremendous blessing to both speak from the podium and personally engage with so many familiar faces from Senate District 25 and across the commonwealth.
God says He knew us before He knit us together in our mother’s womb. The most effective means of communicating the pro-life message is sharing the actual stories of those who have been impacted by the murder of the yet-to-be-born child. Satan hates these stories, because they present undeniable proof that every innocent life that is literally torn apart by abortion matters in the eyes of the Lord! Our government—and especially life-terminating abortion policies—are always an accurate reflection of society. If we allow Satanic lies to dominate the discussion and consistently drown out the truth of God’s word, Satan’s deceptive lies regarding abortion will always prevail. In John 8:31-36, Jesus said: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Let’s continue to boldly proclaim God’s truth in faith, grace and love so that all women throughout Pennsylvania still living with the emotional burden of having their baby killed in their womb can find peace, forgiveness, healing and truly be set free! Please continue to pray for those who find themselves in situations with unplanned pregnancies and feel they have no place to turn. If you find yourself in such a situation, please reach out to my offices or a friend who knows how to contact a Crisis Pregnancy Center. There is always hope for those seeking help. Legislation Would Bring Life Saving, Emergency Cost-Reducing Dry Hydrants to the Rescue
On Sept. 18, the Senate Transportation Committee unanimously approved my legislation that would require PennDOT to incorporate a “dry hydrant” into the design and construction of all new and replacement bridges and box culverts whenever it makes sense to enhance public safety or cost-effectively lower insurance rates. Senate Bill 787 came about after many conversations with our rural firefighters operating in specific areas of Senate District 25 where there are no standard fire hydrants near creeks, streams or riverbanks. A dry hydrant is a simplified PVC pipe apparatus which places one end in a body of water and has no pressure in the line. The pipe runs from a submerged position in the water to a position along the side of the road where a standard firehose fitting is mounted to increase safety and accessibility to the natural water source. In many cases, properly installed dry hydrants can greatly reduce the likelihood of insurance rate-increasing injuries by sparing firefighters wearing full protective gear from being forced to operate a line in treacherous flowing water and other extreme conditions. When a structure is burning, dry hydrants can also save valuable minutes by allowing shorter trips and faster fill ups of tanker trucks. Instituting language from other states to ensure that the body of water can properly support the dry hydrant flow, Senate Bill 787 now advances to the full Senate for consideration. Bucktail American Legion Preserves Foundational Legacy of Veterans Service, Brick by Brick
Last week, I was invited to preview the Bucktail Post #138 American Legion’s latest renovations to their headquarters located along historic Route 6 in Smethport, McKean County. What an honor it was to see all the hard work they have completed on this new American Legion facility. As your senator, I am deeply humbled to have my name inscribed on this honorary brick (pictured above) to be displayed on Bucktail’s ever-expanding Wall of Veterans. To fully appreciate Smethport’s tremendous foundational history of veterans service, I encourage you to review the Bucktail American Legion’s original mission statement below: The Bucktail Post #138 Smethport American Legion is one of the earliest local American Legion posts, chartered the year after Congress chartered the national American Legion in 1919. The post supports community organizations that focus on veterans, youth, literacy, and recreation. The naming of Post 138, the bucktails, refers to the “Bucktail Regiment”, the 42nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, also known as the 13th Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment, which was a Union infantry unit during the American Civil War. They were also called the 1st Pennsylvania Rifles, and the Kane Rifles. They were known for their sharpshooting abilities and participated in major battles like Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Gettysburg. Col. Thomas L. Kane was instrumental in forming the regiment, recruiting skilled woodsmen from Pennsylvania. The regiment first formed in April 1861, when Thomas L. Kane sought permission to raise a company of riflemen from among the hardy woodsmen of McKean County. Each man who came to the regiment’s rendezvous point wore civilian clothes and a buck’s tail in his hat—a symbol of his marksmanship. Child Care Tax Credit Supports Families, Communities
Senate Republicans understand that supporting families helps create strong communities. We led the way in establishing the Child Care Tax Credit and also increased it to provide relief to as many moms and dads as possible. Because of the tax credit, more businesses can contribute toward their employees’ child care benefits, providing financial relief to parents, beginning Jan. 1, 2025. Employer contributions may not count as the employee’s income. The tax credit allows employers to claim a tax credit equal to 30% of what they contribute toward an employee’s child care benefits, up to $500. If an employer chooses to make contributions to its employees, the employer must make equal contributions to all employees who have eligible child care costs. Exciting Careers Await in PA Agriculture
There are more than 500,000 jobs in PA agriculture – covering the fields of business, technology, science and more – and 75,000 more need to be filled in the next decade to keep our farms operating and our nation fed. As the industry diversifies and innovates with new technology and its aging workforce retires, new opportunities are continually available. Find available careers in agriculture. State Seminars Explain New Tax Laws
Senate Republicans reformed the state tax code to bring jobs to Pennsylvania and help start-ups. Tax professionals can learn about these and other changes at the Department of Revenue in person or at virtual seminars. The one-day seminars offer information about the Personal Income Tax, sales tax, corporate taxes and compliance initiatives. They also explain how to use the department’s website to establish tax accounts for new businesses, file tax returns and pay state taxes. Seminars are offered through December. Learn more and register here. An Emergency Plan Can be a Lifesaver
Having an emergency plan that everyone in your family is familiar with can keep your loved ones safe during a power outage, severe storm or other unexpected event. A clear plan helps people stay calm and focused during a stressful experience. It should include information about where to go, who to contact and what to have on hand. It’s important to have enough food, water and other supplies to last at least three days. Other items for a basic emergency kit include flashlights, extra batteries, first aid supplies, hand sanitizer and a whistle to signal for help. Learn more.
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