|
|
|
| |
|
Capitol Report
|
#Listrak\DateStampLong#
|
The latest news from the State Capitol
|
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
|
In the Fifth
Coffee and Conversation
It was a pleasure hosting our monthly Coffee and Conversation with Municipal Leaders this past week! Thank you to all who attended for the wonderful company and thought-provoking discussions. |
Happening in Harrisburg
Last week in Harrisburg, I had the pleasure of hosting three classes from Conrad Weiser Elementary and from Perry Elementary.
Pictures of the Conrad Weiser classes are above, pictures of the Perry classes are below.
|
Primary Election Day Tuesday, May 20
Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 20, is primary election day. Voters will have the opportunity to choose their party’s candidates for vacancies on the Commonwealth and Superior courts, as well as for a variety of municipal positions.
Voters who have chosen to vote by mail-in or civilian absentee ballot must have those ballots back to their county Board of Elections no later than 8 p.m. on election day.
Otherwise, voters may cast their ballots in person at their local polling place. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Additional information about in-person voting is available here.
For comprehensive information about the state’s elections, visit vote.pa.gov.
My offices will also be closed Tuesday, May 20. |
Democrat Initiative Would Weaken Election Integrity
Ensuring integrity and trust in our election system is vital to the survival of our democracy. Unfortunately, both took a hit last week when the House, on a party-line vote, passed several Election Code changes that would be costly while doing nothing to improve voter confidence.
House Bill 1396 would establish a permanent mail-in voting system that sends unsolicited ballots to voters in perpetuity and mandate the establishment of drop boxes across the Commonwealth.
The bill would require both 30 days of mandatory drop boxes (with 24-hour surveillance and daily ballot removal), as well as 10 days of in-person early voting (staffed for at least eight hours daily), in every future election and on the counties’ dime. Counties would receive only a $60 million bond issuance for equipment.
For the second week in a row, majority House Democrats rammed through major legislation without providing adequate time for input by affected parties, especially county elections officials who would have to implement the measure.
Elections are too important to rush a vote on changes that will likely do more harm than good.
|
Policy Committee Discusses Efforts to Cut Costs, Create Commerce
As working families and small businesses across Pennsylvania continue to grapple with inflation and economic uncertainty, House Republican policymakers are calling for transformational tax reforms to provide immediate relief and long-term growth.
The House Republican Policy Committee recently hosted a hearing in Adams County focused on pro-growth tax policy solutions, including expanding Net Operating Loss (NOL) carryforwards and ending Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Sales and Use Tax, that would allow small businesses to invest, grow and create jobs.
The committee heard from Stephen Kelly, senior associate, government affairs, Commonwealth Foundation; Isaac Bucher, owner and operator, Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum and Candy Emporium; and Robin Fitzpatrick, president, Adams Economic Alliance.
When businesses aren’t weighed down by burdensome taxes and unpredictable regulations, they innovate, hire and expand. If we want Pennsylvania to be competitive, we must listen to what Pennsylvania businesses are asking for and enact meaningful, permanent tax relief.
|
Supporting Our EMS Providers
This week, May 18-24, is National EMS Week, an opportunity for each of us to recognize and extend special thanks to the men and women who answer the call every day to help save lives. This year’s theme is “We Care. For Everyone.”
Caring for everyone, though, carries a significant cost. Here in Pennsylvania, more than four dozen emergency medical services (EMS) providers closed their doors since the start of 2023, often due to a shortage of funds, personnel or both.
We all tend to take it for granted that when we call 9-1-1, someone will be there to help. As we mark EMS Week this week, think about how you might be able to help your local ambulance company keep its doors open and keep saving lives. |
Armed Forces Day Saturday
This past Saturday, May 17, was Armed Forces Day, a day set aside to recognize and honor the men and women who are currently serving in a branch of our armed forces.
The day was first celebrated in 1950, soon after the branches of the military were united under the leadership of the U.S. Department of Defense. In his proclamation marking the day, President Harry S. Truman called upon fellow citizens to “display the flag of the United States at their homes on Armed Forces Day and to participate in exercises expressive of our recognition of the skill, gallantry, and uncompromising devotion to duty characteristic of the Armed Forces in the carrying out of their missions.”
In other words, seek out opportunities to thank our men and women in uniform, not just last Saturday but every day. |
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. By consistently following safe driving and riding practices and sharing them with others, all motorists can help reduce the number of motorcyclist fatalities on America’s roads.
The following are safe driving and riding practices that all road users – vehicle drivers and motorcyclists alike – should follow to help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our roadways:
• Observe all traffic laws and always obey the speed limit.
• Drive and ride alcohol- and drug-free.
• Avoid distractions while driving or riding.
• Drivers should yield to motorcyclists, especially while turning at intersections.
• Motorcyclists should wear high-visibility protective gear.
One other significant step that motorcycle riders can take toward promoting road safety for all motorists is completing a rider education and training course. Please visit www.pamsp.com to learn about Pennsylvania’s free motorcycle training courses. |
Fish for Free Coming Up Next Weekend!
On Sunday, May 25, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will host a Fish for Free day to allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways. No license is required, but all other fishing regulations still apply.
This is the first of two dates set by the PFBC to enhance fishing opportunities. The next day is Independence Day, Friday, July 4. This is a great way to expose the next generation of anglers to the outdoors. More information about fishing in Pennsylvania is available here. |
Let's Get Connected
|
Our District
 |
Web Site
rep .com
|
|
| Office Locations |
| District Office: Reading Regional Airport - Main Terminal, 2501 Bernville Road, Box 4, Reading, PA, 19605 | Phone: (610) 378-4407, FAX: (610) 378-4412 | Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| |
| Capitol Office: 432 Irvis Office Building, Harrisburg, Pa 17020-2005 | PO Box 202005 | Phone: 717-772-9940 |
|
|
