|
||||
|
In this Update:
Roundtable Discussion with Farming Community and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
This week, I joined the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brook Rollins, Senator Dave McCormick (PA), Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09), Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, and Congressman Rob Bresnahan (PA-08) in a roundtable discussion with our farming community at Martin’s Farm/Debrun Creek Farm in Myerstown. I heard firsthand from farmers about some of the key challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in the region and the crucial role they have in Pennsylvania’s economy. I look forward to working together to support our Agriculture industry, from addressing avian influenza to common sense regulatory changes. Thank you to Secretary Rollins for visiting with local farmers here in the 48th district and highlighting the great work they do. She reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to putting farmers at the center of national policy. Senate Passes Bill Reforming Nomination Process for Agency Heads
To restore balance and transparency in state government, the Senate passed a bill reining in the use of unconfirmed state agency leaders. Senate Bill 472 advanced to the House of Representatives for consideration. Former Gov. Tom Wolf appointed 11 individuals to lead various state agencies in the “acting” capacity and never nominated them to the Senate as part of the official confirmation process. Additionally, 21 cabinet officials served in “acting” capacity longer than 90 days. This allowed key decisions to be made without public scrutiny. With the passage of the bill, an individual serving in a leadership role without official confirmation by the Senate would be designated as “Deputy Head of Department.” The designation could be used once during a governor’s term. These individuals would have to appear before the General Assembly during the annual budget process. They would not receive elevated compensation or additional benefits beyond their peers. Most importantly, they would not be allowed to remain indefinitely without Senate review and would not be permitted to serve longer than 90 days. Bayer Pharmaceutical Unveils New Expansion in Myerstown
This week, Bayer opened its new expansion of their manufacturing facility in Myerstown. The new multi-million-dollar expansion will increase the size of the current facility by 70,000 square feet, allowing room for eight, new packaging lines that will streamline and modernize Bayer’s operations. Bayer currently employs 650 people locally, and this project will continue their growth. The life sciences industry has been an economic driver in the country, and it is great to see Bayer continue to invest in Lebanon County. As Vice Chair of the Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee, I will continue to advocate for policies that attract companies like Bayer to Pennsylvania and the 48th District. PennDOT Invites Public Input for Route 343 Resurfacing and Intersection Improvement Project
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is inviting the public to provide feedback on an online plan display regarding the Route 343 (N. 7th Street) Resurfacing and Intersection Improvement Project in Lebanon City, North Lebanon Township, and Swatara Township, Lebanon County. Public comments are open now through May 16. The project involves safety improvements at the intersection of N. 7th Street (Route 343) and Kimmerlings Road (T-805) and Kochenderfer Road (T-487). Work is anticipated to include the construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Route 343 and Kimmerlings Road/Kochenderfer Road. Mill and overlay work begins north of Reinoehl Street in the City of Lebanon for about 80 feet before crossing into North Lebanon Township. Within North Lebanon Township, the work continues approximately 2.18 miles until the border of Swatara Township near the intersection with Heffelfinger Road. The work continues for about 350 feet into Swatara Township to the end of project. Voter Registration Deadline is May 5
The deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania’s May 20 primary election is Monday, May 5. Your county election office must receive your application for a mail-in or absentee ballot by Tuesday, May 13, at 5 p.m. To legally register, individuals must be a citizen of the United States, reside in their local voting precincts at least 30 days prior to the election and be at least age 18 on Election Day, Tuesday, May 20. Once registered to vote, you are not required to register again unless you change your residence, name or political party affiliation. Voter registration forms, mail-in ballot applications and absentee ballot applications are available here or from your local county’s Board of Elections. You can also use the site to check your registration status. REAL ID to Replace Driver’s License as Federally Acceptable ID on May 7
Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians who wish to board flights, visit military bases and enter certain federal facilities will be required to present a form of federally accepted identification. Options include a passport, military ID or a REAL ID. You do not need to wait until your driver license renews to get a REAL ID. To get one, you must provide documents proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency. Review the list of acceptable documents. All documents must be original versions or certified copies (if applicable). While any of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) driver license centers can verify these documents for customers who want a REAL ID, only certain locations can provide your REAL ID the same day. Otherwise, expect to receive your REAL ID within 15 business days after successful document verification. To make it more convenient for Pennsylvanians to get a REAL ID, PennDOT is offering dedicated time at some driver license centers on April 28 and May 5. Both REAL ID Days are on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Free Cleanup Supplies for PA Communities
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is working to improve the state’s communities by cleaning up litter. Now through May 31 while supplies last, free work gloves, safety vests and trash bags are available to groups who register their cleanup event. Donated landfill space is offered for trash collected during cleanups held in April. Tires cannot be accepted, and groups should plan for proper disposal of electronics that are found. Read more about how to organize a cleanup event. Please email or call Michelle Dunn with Pick Up Pennsylvania at 724-836-4121, extension 113, with any questions. In 2024, more than 77,000 volunteers picked up more than 3.2 million tons of litter and trash. Another 4.5 million pounds of materials were recycled and more than 14,000 trees, flowers and other greens were planted. Best Wishes for a Happy Easter
Easter represents joy, hope and redemption. Warmest wishes to all families who celebrate this holy holiday and rejoice in eternal life. Happy Easter! Local Events
Saturday, April 19, 11:30am: Easter Eggstravaganza at Coleman Memorial Park Saturday, April 19, 12pm: Easter Egghunt at Hilltop Playground Saturday, April 19, 10-12pm: Family Easter Extravaganza at Kochenderfer Church Saturday, April 19, 9am-4pm: Forever 18 Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show Wednesday, April 30, 5:30pm: Wilson International Food & Culture Festival Saturday, April 19, 11am: EGGstravaganza Thursday, April 24, 5:30-7:30pm: Veteran Benefits Seminar Saturday, April 19, 7am-10:30am: Community Yard Sale
Please do not reply to this email, as that mailbox is unattended. To better serve the constituents of the 48th District, I have set up a contact form on my website. Please click here if you would like to send me a message. To subscribe to Senator Gebhard’s newsletter click here. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, or visit https://senatorgebhard48.com/ |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorgebhard.com | Privacy Policy |
