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In this Update:
- Constitutional Amendment to Eliminate School Property Taxes
- Senator McCormick Hosts Inaugural Pennsylvania Energy & Innovation Summit
- State Budget Update
- Lebanon Area Fair Week – July 19-26
- Join Us for Coffee & Conversation
- Expanding Access to Lifesaving Naloxone, Making Prescription Drug Costs More Transparent
- New Law Will Improve Stroke Care Across PA
- Legislation to Address Pennsylvania’s Shortage of CPAs Signed into Law
- Watch Out for Scammers Posing as State Employees
- July is Independent Retailer Month
- Local Events
Constitutional Amendment to Eliminate School Property Taxes
This week, I joined Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) in introducing a constitutional amendment to eliminate school property taxes.
One of the strongest concerns I hear from my constituents is the burden of school property taxes. Too many families, especially seniors on fixed incomes, are being forced out of their homes due to skyrocketing tax bills.
Senate Bill 929 would prohibit school districts from collecting property taxes beginning on July 1, 2029. The General Assembly would be required to find alternative methods to fund Pennsylvania’s public school system. The people of Pennsylvania deserve to have a direct voice on this issue, which is why we introduced this bill as a constitutional amendment, putting the final decision on property tax elimination in the hands of the voters.
After this proposed constitutional amendment is approved by the General Assembly during two consecutive legislative sessions, it will be placed on the ballot. It will then be up to Pennsylvania voters to decide if school taxes should be eliminated in the commonwealth.
Senator McCormick Hosts Inaugural Pennsylvania Energy & Innovation Summit
Senator Dave McCormick hosted Pennsylvania’s first Energy and Innovation Summit on Tuesday, July 15 at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.
I was honored to attend and hear from a wide range of panelists who spoke about bold strategies to unleash Pennsylvania’s vast energy potential, lead the way in advanced technologies like AI, and create real, lasting opportunities for working families. The event brought together the world’s top leaders from the energy sector, artificial intelligence field, global investors, labor and industry representatives and government officials.
President Trump and Senator McCormick announced over $90 billion of private investment in energy and innovation at the summit. With our unmatched natural resources and talented workforce, Pennsylvania is well-positioned to lead in energy, innovation, and economic growth.
I also had the chance to meet Mike Rowe, host of Dirty Jobs, whose advocacy for hard work and common-sense solutions continues to resonate with so many Americans.
State Budget Update
The Senate convened for session in Harrisburg this week as work on the 2025-26 state budget progresses. Our discussions with the House of Representatives and the governor continue to advance.
Senate Republicans remain committed to a final agreement which will help to address the structural deficit facing our commonwealth and put Pennsylvania on a solid path for future years.
Lebanon Area Fair Week – July 19-26
The 69th annual Lebanon Area Fair kicks off this weekend at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center & Fairground, and it’s one of the best traditions in our community.
Growing up in Lebanon County, I have countless fond memories of attending the fair with family and friends. This fair is a celebration of our agricultural heritage, community pride, and the hardworking spirit of our region. I’m looking forward to visiting the fairgrounds and connecting with so many of you throughout the week. I hope to see you there!
To plan your visit and check out the full schedule of events, visit: lebanonareafair.com
Join Us for Coffee & Conversation
We had a great turnout at our Coffee and Conversation event this week. If you were unable to attend, we would still love to hear from you and will be having another event next week, Wednesday, July 23 at Cabela’s in Hamburg. We just ask you kindly RSVP by calling 484-660-3721.
Expanding Access to Lifesaving Naloxone, Making Prescription Drug Costs More Transparent
Legislation has been signed into law to give EMS personnel permanent authority to leave behind naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, at the scene of an overdose. This will offer families a critical tool to prevent future emergencies.
Act 34 of 2025 ensures that families and caregivers are equipped to respond immediately to another overdose if needed. It also improves transparency and access within Pennsylvania’s health care system by:
- Increasing clarity around prescription drug costs.
- Enhancing communication between pharmacists and patients.
- Allowing out-of-state pharmacists to receive temporary licenses to practice in Pennsylvania for the next six months, which is aimed at addressing pharmacy deserts created by the widespread closure of Rite Aid locations.
New Law Will Improve Stroke Care Across PA
Strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death in the U.S. Legislation passed by the Senate and signed into law aims to save lives by providing critical information to health care providers.
Senate Bill 411, now Act 24 of 2025, will establish a statewide stroke registry, administered by the state Department of Health, to deliver resources to emergency medical service providers, hospital stroke teams and other health care providers to ensure high quality stroke care for patients.
It includes a confidentiality clause ensuring any submitted registry data will not include an individual’s confidential or personally identifiable information.
Legislation to Address Pennsylvania’s Shortage of CPAs Signed into Law
A Senate measure aimed at alleviating the growing shortage of certified public accountants (CPAs) in Pennsylvania has been signed into law, to ensure the commonwealth has enough of these professionals so critical to the everyday economy.
Senate Bill 719, now Act 27 of 2025, provides an alternative pathway to CPA licensure by allowing candidates to qualify with 120 credit hours of education and two years of professional experience, rather than the current 150-credit-hour requirement and one year of experience.
Candidates must still pass the CPA exam to be licensed. The new pathway is designed to reduce financial and time burdens on aspiring accountants without compromising professional standards. The law also streamlines the process for qualified out-of-state accountants to practice in Pennsylvania without obtaining a separate state certificate or permit.
Watch Out for Scammers Posing as State Employees
Older Pennsylvanians are being targeted by emails from scammers posing as state employees requesting payments necessary to access a non-existent inheritance.
In an incident reported to commonwealth officials, an older Pennsylvanian received an email from a generic account resembling an official state email address and claiming to be a representative of a credit union.
Don’t respond or click on any links! Report any incidents like this by phone at 1-866-PAComplaint or online.
July is Independent Retailer Month
Independent Retailer Month reminds us to shop at independent business, appreciating their positive social and economic impact in our communities.
Independent retailing can be many types of businesses. For example, a franchise store is often a local independent retail business. Please keep these employers in mind when making your purchases this month and all year.
Local Events
Saturday, July 19-26: Lebanon Area Fair
80 Rocherty Rd, Lebanon (Lebanon, PA)
Click here
Saturday, July 19, 3-5pm: Million Dollar Quartet
200 Pennsylvania Ave, Mt. Gretna (Lebanon, PA)
Click here
Sunday, July 20, 6pm-8pm: Music in the Park
1400 W Maple St, Lebanon (Lebanon, PA)
Click here
Monday, July 21, 9am-12pm: AmeriHealth at Bernville Library
6721 Bernville Rd, Bernville (Berks, PA)
Click here
Monday, July 21, 11am: Preschool Storytime at Bethel Library
8601 Lancaster Ave, Bethel (Berks, PA)
Click here
*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 email cgebhard@pasen.gov if you would like to send me a message.
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or visit https://senatorgebhard.com/
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