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In this Update:
Senate Votes to Cut Taxes and Put PA Families First
The Senate approved legislation to dramatically decrease costs for Pennsylvania families by cutting taxes on electric bills and school supplies, strengthening the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program and eliminating the current sales tax exemption for data centers. Making up the largest tax cut in Pennsylvania history, the proposal would eliminate the gross receipts tax on electric bills and require utility companies to pass the reduction on to consumers, saving ratepayers more than $1.7 billion over the first year. I introduced this exact tax cut two years ago because Pennsylvanians deserve real relief from rising energy costs. It would also implement a two-week sales tax holiday in August for school supplies, such as book bags, crayons, textbooks and tablets. The highly successful EITC program, which provides scholarships to help families send children to schools that best meet student needs, would receive an additional $25 million under the legislation, bringing the total to $705 million. EITC scholarships remain one of our top priorities for empowering Pennsylvania parents. House Bill 1667, as amended by the Senate, would also respond to concerns being raised across the commonwealth by eliminating the existing sales tax exemption for data centers. I co-sponsored similar legislation earlier this year. The Senate action aims to provide greater affordability at a time when hardworking Pennsylvania families are feeling the strain of rising costs. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives. Expanding PA ABLE Account Access for Disabled Veterans
I worked with PA Treasurer Stacy Garitty to expand eligibility for Pennsylvania’s real estate tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans by excluding contributions made to PA ABLE accounts and clarifying that any earnings from PA ABLE accounts are not subject to income calculations used to determine eligibility for the exemption. PA ABLE is a great program for those with disabilities, including our veterans. Unfortunately, a disabled veteran taking advantage of this program could inadvertently jeopardize their real estate tax exemption. This legislation ensures every veteran with a service-connected disability can take advantage of PA ABLE accounts, and by excluding PA ABLE accounts, we can offer even greater benefit to those Pennsylvanians that sacrificed so much for our freedom. Senate Bill 1361 is now under consideration by the Senate Finance Committee. Congratulations to Brigadier General David Marous Congratulations to my constituent, Brigadier General David Marous on his confirmation to the rank of brigadier general. A Berks County resident, Brigadier General Marous has served our nation with distinction, including a deployment to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and currently serves as chief of staff for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard at Joint Force Headquarters. Thank you for your continued service to the Commonwealth and our country. Congratulations to Brian Peffley on His Retirement
Congratulations to Brian Peffley on his retirement from the Lebanon County Career & Technology Center after 30 years of teaching. Through his leadership of the culinary program, Brian helped students achieve state and national recognition and truly made a meaningful impact on countless students here in Lebanon County. He leaves behind big shoes to fill! Thank you for your many years of service, and best wishes in retirement. Senate Votes to Support Victims Over Murderers
The Senate approved legislation to update Pennsylvania’s sentencing laws for second-degree murder following a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives, which must act quickly. Without legislative action, Pennsylvania’s existing sentencing structure for second-degree murder would be invalidated, creating uncertainty for victims, prosecutors and the courts. More than 1,150 individuals currently serving sentences for second-degree murder could be affected. Under Pennsylvania law, second-degree murder, often called felony murder, applies when someone dies during the commission of certain serious crimes, even if the defendant did not directly cause the death. In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the automatic life-without-parole sentence for second-degree murder was unconstitutional. The ruling takes effect July 24. Senate Bill 1400 creates a new sentencing framework that complies with the court’s ruling while ensuring those involved in serious crimes remain accountable. The bill allows judges to consider an individual’s role in the crime when determining a sentence, while maintaining strong penalties for offenders and protections for victims. Read more about this effort to safeguard communities here. Cutting Red Tape for Charities
The Senate voted to update charitable financial reporting requirements to better reflect the resources of nonprofits. The change would ensure transparency without imposing an unnecessary burden that undermines the charity’s mission. Senate Bill 1183 would update the level of financial review required for charitable organizations based on the amount of annual contributions they receive. Reviews range from independent CPA audits for larger nonprofits to no reviews or audits for smaller ones. The thresholds have not been updated since 2017. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about updating charitable audit requirements here. Providing Discounted Fishing and Hunting Licenses to Law Enforcement
In gratitude for the service of police officers across our commonwealth, the Senate approved legislation to provide current and retired law enforcement with discounted hunting and fishing licenses. Under Senate Bill 469, law enforcement officials would be able to acquire each license for $1. It may be a small gesture, but discounted licenses can help the men and women patrolling our communities take a break from a stressful job and enjoy the outdoors. The measure now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 469 here. Why Do PA Energy Costs Remain High?
A topic I hear often about from constituents is skyrocketing electric rates. Here’s what’s driving this frustrating trend: Pennsylvania is the number one exporting state in the nation for net electricity. We’re the energy hub for the 13 states that are part of the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland grid, known as PJM. Without Pennsylvania’s reliable energy sources, including natural gas, coal and nuclear power, states like Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia would literally be in the dark. They don’t produce nearly enough reliable baseload power for their own needs. The Shapiro Price Cap With the Shapiro Price Cap in place, every state is paying the same: $330 per megawatt day, meaning Pennsylvania families and employers are paying MORE while people in Virginia and Maryland are paying LESS. If we want lower electricity rates, we must require other states to do their fair share or pay more to help keep the PJM grid viable. Click here to read more about why energy costs remain high for Pennsylvanians. Local Events
Wednesday, June 24-28: Summer Antiques Extravaganza Thursday June 25-27, 5-10pm: MGH Summerfest Friday June 26-June 27, 5-10pm: Robesonia Street Fair Friday, June 26-28: 1776 The Musical at Lebanon Community Theatre Saturday, June 27, 10am-4pm: Ephrata Cloister 1776: An American 250 Celebration Saturday, June 27, 10am-4pm: Philadelphia Tea Party Cat Show Saturday June 27, 10am-4pm: Cherry Fair and Early American Craft Show Saturday June 27, 1-3:30 pm: Open House at Issac Meier Homestead Sunday June 28, 2pm: America 250 Parade Thursday, July 2, 2-3pm: Patriotic Mural Unveiling at CubeSmart Friday, July 3, 5-9:30pm: America 250th Parade Saturday, July 4, 2-10pm: Berks County Star-Spangled Spectacular Saturday, July 4, 1-9pm: Lebanon 250 Celebration Tuesday, July 7, 12:30-1:15pm: Big Boy Visits Lebanon Station Wednesday, July 8-11: The 172nd Berks County Fair
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