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In this Update:
A Spending Plan to Fund Critical Needs
Counties, school districts, hospitals and others would receive critical funding from the commonwealth immediately under a bill approved by the Senate. As negotiations continue on a final 2025-26 state budget, Senate Bill 160 would provide funding at the levels included in the final 2024-25 budget. If the House of Representatives also approves the bill, the state can immediately begin disbursing nearly $47.6 billion, without the need for any new taxes. Passage of this measure marks an important step forward in this year’s budget process, putting people above politics as budget discussions continue. Many of the line items in the budget are not in dispute, so this is a responsible way to ensure that counties, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, social service providers and other entities receive immediate funding to meet their fiscal needs. Transportation Bill Addressing Funding, Safety, Accountability Approved by Senate
A bill to fund transportation infrastructure and help improve the safety, accountability and stability of Pennsylvania’s mass transit systems was approved by the Senate. As amended by the Senate, House Bill 257 provides necessary additional funding in a way that protects taxpayers, improves safety on transit systems and implements new accountability measures. Importantly, the plan does this without impacting the General Fund, ensuring other critical programs aren’t threatened in the future. The legislation matches and exceeds the governor’s own funding proposal by providing $292.5 million to mass transit this year and another $300 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year. It does this by redirecting $840 million from the Public Transportation Trust Fund (PTTF), which currently has a $2.4 billion balance. The unfortunate reality is that SEPTA has sat on billions of dollars in the PTTF for years, while choosing to manufacture a crisis. The plan provides the same amount of funding for roadway reconstruction, including for many roads the governor and PennDOT have overlooked. Leadership Lebanon Valley Visits the Capitol
As a proud alumnus of Leadership Lebanon Valley, I always enjoy the opportunity to meet with new participants in the program. This week, I had the chance to join Rep. Russ Diamond (R-102) and Rep. John Schlegel (R-101) to welcome this year’s class to the state capitol and discuss how the legislative process shapes our local communities. The 9-month program is run by the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce and is designed to develop a diverse group of leaders devoted to improving our community. I appreciated the opportunity to actively engage with these new leaders. Save the Date: Free Upcoming Events
Please join me for the following events I will be hosting this fall. You can RSVP at https://senatorgebhard.com/events/. Public Hearing Examines Data Centers Development in Pennsylvania
As the development of new data centers accelerates across Pennsylvania, the Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing to review the potential impacts for communities and the economy. The hearing brought together economic development organizations, utilities, environmental commissions, municipal associations and other groups for a discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of establishing data centers. Some testifiers discussed the increased local tax revenue these centers would bring, boosting support for schools and fire departments. Others addressed two widely cited concerns with operating data centers – the demands on local electrical grids and watersheds. You can find a hearing summary, testimony and video here. Assistance Available to Support PA Rail Freight Infrastructure
With 65 railroads and more than 5,600 track miles, Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of operating railroads and ranks near the top in total track mileage. To preserve this essential service and stimulate job creation, the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program provide financial and technical assistance to rail operators and businesses served by rail for investment in freight infrastructure, through new or expanded service. The application period is open until August 29. Eligible applicants can find details and application information here. STEM-Related Activities Available from PennDOT
Summertime or anytime, you can find STEM-related activities for children of all levels with resources from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The material includes a PennDOT-themed coloring book, traffic safety activity book, word searches and crossword puzzles (with answer keys), hands-on activities to help children to think like an engineer and fun games teaching bicycle safety. Help PA Celebrate Your Barn
The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office invites you to contribute to the effort of documenting and celebrating the barns that define our state’s rural traditions. Barns represent the agricultural heritage, craftsmanship and local pride found throughout the commonwealth. You can go here to find out how to submit your photos and background information and have your barn added to the Pennsylvania Inventory of Historic Places. Local Events
Saturday, August 16-17: 51st Annual Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show Saturday, August 16, 10am-4pm: VetFest Saturday, August 16, 11am-5pm: West Reading Fry Fest Friday, August 15-17: Gem Miner’s Jubilee Saturday, August 23, 11am-3pm: Clean Up Day Saturday, August 24, 11am-3pm: Den Tech 9th Annual Car & Bike Show Tuesday, September 9-13: The Denver Fair
*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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