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In this Update:
Declining Revenue Projections Highlight the Risk of Gov. Wolf’s Budget Plan
The state Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) released its initial revenue estimate for 2022-23 and warns that tax revenue is likely to fall in the coming fiscal year. The IFO’s projection for General Fund revenue next year is $42.26 billion – about an 11.5% drop from 2021-22. The new numbers further highlight the risk of Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed state budget and emphasize what Senate Republicans have been saying all along: the governor’s bloated spending plan is unrealistic and unsustainable. His plan to increase spending by more than $4.5 billion next year would come at the expense of Pennsylvania’s long-term financial security. The new figures from the IFO build on previous analysis that shows the potential for Gov. Wolf’s $45.7 billion budget to create multi-billion-dollar deficits for years to come. As the June 30 deadline for enacting a state budget approaches, Senate Republicans will work to draft a more responsible plan that protects taxpayers already struggling with staggering inflation and an uncertain financial future. Senate Committee Passes Gebhard, Robinson Bill
This week in Harrisburg, legislation I sponsored to improve the E-Verify system was passed out of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. Senate Bill 1147 would make the financial penalties more meaningful to improve compliance. “Hiring unauthorized workers and paying them lower wages has given those construction companies an unfair advantage resulting in lower bids. Companies that are doing the right thing and following the law are losing business as a result,” Gebhard said. “Our bill is about more effectively penalizing the bad actors to level the playing field.” The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. For more information, visit https://senatorgebhard48.com/2022/05/24/senate-committee-passes-gebhard-robinson-bill-to-improve-fairness-in-construction-industry/ Bill Establishing Pennsylvania Chief Nursing Officer Approved by Senate
Legislation establishing the position of Pennsylvania Chief Nursing Officer was approved by the Senate, recognizing the crucial role that registered nurses play in the delivery of health care. Senate Bill 848 would establish the Office of Chief Nursing Officer, modeled after the role and confirmation process of the Physician General. The duties of the Pennsylvania Chief Nursing Officer would include:
Senate Bill 848 will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Acts to Improve Access to Property Tax and Rent Rebates
The Senate acted to close a loophole that made many senior citizens ineligible for the state Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. The bill moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. The problem arose when senior citizens transferred retirement funds into other retirement accounts, which would show up as available income on an application and make the individual ineligible for help lowering their property taxes. Senate Bill 230 would allow retirees to transfer those retirement account investments between accounts within 60 days without counting toward income when applying for property tax or rent relief. If those funds are not invested into another qualified retirement plan within 60 days, the funds will be considered income. PUC Offers Tips for Dealing with June Electric Rate Hikes
With costs for electric generation increasing on June 1 for many utility customers, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is reminding consumers they have options to manage anticipated higher bills. According to the PUC, the best response for those struggling to pay energy bills is to call utilities and ask about assistance programs, manage energy use and shop for competitive electric generation suppliers. You can find more from the PUC about consumer options here. The rate increase will occur even before Gov. Tom Wolf’s carbon tax kicks in, which could nearly quadruple new electricity costs for consumers. The carbon tax is part of Pennsylvania’s entry into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which was enacted by the governor without legislative approval. Further Extension of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to June 17
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been extended a second time to June 17, allowing additional households to apply for help. LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered by the state that provides assistance for home heating bills. Assistance is available for renters and homeowners. You can apply for benefits online using COMPASS, or download a paper application, print it, fill it out and return it to your local county assistance office. Paying for College and Career Training with 529 Accounts
Sunday is College and Career Savings Day to promote the savings opportunities offered by 529 accounts, such as the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program. The PA 529 College and Career Savings Program offers two plans, the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) and the PA 529 Investment Plan (IP). PA 529 GSP account earnings are based on college tuition inflation rates, while PA 529 IP account earnings are tied to investment choice and financial market performance. PA 529 accounts can be used to pay for tuition, fees, books, equipment and room and board at technical schools, apprenticeship programs, community colleges and four-year colleges nationwide. Through Tuesday, May 31, families can take advantage of special PA 529 promotions at pa529.com/529day. Memorial Day: Our Duty to Remember
I hope you have a great Memorial Day Weekend with friends and family and take some time to remember the profound sacrifice of those who died fighting for our nation. Local EventsSunday, May 29th at 2pm, Memorial Day Ceremony at Indiantown Gap Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Monday, May 30th 8am-12pm, Lebanon Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony 8th and Cumberland, Lebanon https://www.facebook.com/events/5024588837577053 Monday, May 30th at 9am, Jonestown Memorial Day Parade W Market St, Jonestown https://www.facebook.com/events/488805269392973 Monday, May 30th at 10am, Palmyra Memorial Day Parade Palmyra Memorial Post 6417 VFW https://www.facebook.com/events/1685642211782161
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