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In this Update:
Face the State Interview: Expanding Services to Military Families
I joined Joel D. Smith on CBS 21 News’s Face the State to discuss my bill, Senate Bill 1192, that would expand services to our military families. It would allow the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs to lease real estate at Fort Indiantown Gap and use the proceeds to create and fund the Service Member Veterans and Their Families Fund (SMVF Fund). The fund would be dedicated to paying for quality-of-life programs – including physical fitness, personal growth, social interaction and recreational activities – for the military community. The PA Senate unanimously passed SB 1192 and it is currently gaining momentum in the PA House. You can watch my full interview here. Lebanon Valley Farm Bureau Tour of New Robotic Dairy Operation in North Annville Township
This week, the Lebanon Valley Farm Bureau organized a legislative tour of the new robotic dairy operation on the Heagy farm in North Annville Township. With this technology, they can milk over 230 cows per day. Following the tour, we had a chance to speak with farmers on a wide range of issues, including ongoing support and funding of the Farmland Preservation program, broadband accessibility, solar farms, warehouse proliferation and wise land use planning. Agriculture is a key component of the economy in not only the 48th district, but Pennsylvania as a whole. I was grateful for the opportunity to hear directly from farmers and the issues they are facing. A Closer Look at Increasing Job Growth in PA
Pennsylvania’s notoriously long waits for permit reviews in the past have unfortunately led to employers and entrepreneurs taking their jobs to other states. As part of the current state budget, Senate Republicans worked to keep and attract more jobs by including an initiative to speed up permit reviews, make the process more transparent and eliminate this barrier to Pennsylvania job creation. We need to stop delays that impede job growth. We also need to be on a level playing field, working to surpass other states to promote job growth, but we haven’t been when it comes to the startup penalty new businesses face in the commonwealth. All but one other state allow new businesses to get on their feet by limiting the tax liability they face. Pennsylvania is finally beginning to phase out this penalty with language in the state budget. The new Max Manufacturing Initiative Act will support job growth by providing grants and loans to state universities to partner with engineering entities. Along with creating family-sustaining jobs, it will enhance research capabilities, promote business alliances and produce high-value products. In addition, we’ve made the state more business friendly by reducing the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) rate. Incremental reductions to halve the rate began in 2023 and will end with the state boasting one of the lowest CNIT rates in the country. Keeping Pennsylvania on a path to prosperity by promoting initiatives and policies to foster greater job growth remains a key area of focus as we continue our legislative work this fall. Senate Republicans Vote for More Convenience with PA’s Expanded Liquor Law
In response to a call for increased convenience, people will soon enjoy a greater selection of canned cocktails available at more Pennsylvania businesses. Senate Republicans have been working to give customers access to products they want without requiring them to visit numerous stores to purchase beer and canned cocktails. Because of a new law, restaurants, hotels, convenience stores and grocery stores may now apply for a permit to sell drinks containing spirits like vodka, gin and tequila. Those drinks could previously only be purchased at state-run Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores. As soon as Monday, Sept. 16, businesses with approved permits may begin selling spirit-based cocktails with an alcohol volume ranging from 0.5% to 12.5% in containers up to 16 ounces, to individuals aged 21 or older with valid identification. They may not sell more than 192 ounces of ready-to-drink cocktails per sale. Making Payments in Lieu of Taxes Fairer
Providing schools, local municipalities and counties with greater funding through state agency payments in lieu of taxes was a key priority of Senate Republicans as we worked to implement the 2023-24 and 2024-25 state budgets. Payments in lieu of taxes benefit everyone in Pennsylvania, especially those who live in rural communities where increased state ownership of land depresses local property tax revenues. As such, casino tax revenues deposited in the state Gaming Fund to provide property tax relief are used to cover part of the cost of the state agencies’ payments in lieu of taxes. I am pleased that, because of our efforts, the increase to the statutory payments for each acre of land owned by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will result in more than $35 million annually for schools, local municipalities and counties. In addition, these statutory payments will automatically adjust with inflation every five years. Tools Available to Help Farmers Fight Avian Flu
As agriculture is Pennsylvania’s top industry, farms play a critical role not only in putting healthy foods and drinks on our tables, but also in maintaining the health of our economy. Anything that could affect farms has the potential to hurt us all. Highly pathogenic avian influenza is primarily transmitted by birds to animals and will spread on farms by people carrying dust, dander and droppings from infected birds on their clothing, gloves, shoes, vehicle tires and animal trailers. To minimize the spread and control the rapidly changing health situation, biosecurity kits are available with resources to enhance biosecurity on all farms. Each kit includes National FARM’s Everyday Biosecurity Plan, signage, training posters and a visitor sign-in sheet. Request a kit online or in bulk by calling 717-346-0849. Recognizing Bravery and Sacrifice on Patriot Day
On Wednesday, we recognize the innocent lives lost 23 years ago when our country was brutally attacked in New York, Virginia and right here in Pennsylvania. With heavy hearts, we remember the bravery and sacrifices of emergency responders. Let us also remember the surge of patriotism. It was a unifier unlike anything else most of us had experienced. People focused less on what could divide us and more on what we had in common. Perhaps the best way to honor those who lost their lives is to resurrect that spirit. Hunting & Middle Creek Visitor Center Update
This fall, I plan to join the Pennsylvania Game Commission in hosting a Hunting & Visitor Center Update at Middle Creek Wildlife’s Visitor Center. The Pennsylvania Game Commission staff will present on the upcoming hunting season regulation changes, and general hunting information. The presentation will last about 1 hour and provide time for Q&A. Staff will also provide updates on recent activities occurring at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and Visitor Center. There is no charge for the event, but seating is limited, and pre-registration is required. Please register for the event by October 1st by visiting https://senatorgebhard.com/hvcu-registration/ or by calling my district office at 717-274-6735. Grant and Resource Workshop for Non-Profit Organizations
Navigating the Commonwealth’s complex and convoluted Departmental system of grant funding is challenging to say the least. To that end, I will be organizing and hosting a Non-Profit Grant and Resource Workshop on September 24th at the Lebanon Valley Exposition Center. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., with the program beginning at 5:30 p.m. The workshop will feature Deputy Secretary Rick Vilello from the Department of Community and Economic Development, Joe Marsicano from the Senate Grants Team, Nicole Gray from the Community Health Council of Lebanon County, and Vicki DeLoatch from Lebanon Family Health. As part of the workshops, you will receive a state reference manual that contains a comprehensive listing of grant programs and important contact information. I believe you will find the manual to be a valuable reference for many years to come. There is no charge for the Seminar, but seating is limited, and pre-registration is required. Please register for the workshop by September 20th by visiting https://senatorgebhard.com/non-profit-workshop-reg/ or by calling my district office at 717-274-6735. Local Events
Friday, September 6-7: Chile Pepper Festival Saturday, September 7, 1pm-5pm: Game Commission Crossbow Event Saturday, September 7, 9am-3pm: Lebanon Valley Fall Craft & Vendor Fair Saturday, September 7, 1pm-4pm: Kids Fall Fun Day Saturday, September 7, 1pm-6pm: Navy Club Car Show Sunday, September 8, 9am-2pm: 9th Annual Campbelltown Car Show Saturday, September 7, 2pm: Schoeneck Fire Company 100th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, September 7, 10am-1pm: Fall Festival in Our Garden Tuesday, September 10-14: 2024 Denver Fair
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