Senator Pennycuick E-Newsletter

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Dear Friends, I’ve been busy in Harrisburg and the district working on legislation to address public safety, grow our innovation economy, and help provide state resources for our EMS and Fire Departments for the important work they do everyday. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you need assistance. It’s a great honor to serve as your state Senator and I’m happy to help.

Sincerely,

In this Update:

  • “Grow PA” Higher Education Reform Plan
  • Bipartisan Bill Requiring Prosecutors to Notify ICE of Illegal Migrants Passes Senate
  • Hearing on PA as an Innovation Leader
  • Municipal Leaders Meet & Greet/Grant Seminar
  • Increasing Student Safety, Eliminating Vehicle Owner Fee
  • VideoRay Submersible Welcomed to the 24th District
  • Beware of E-ZPass Scam
  • Luncheon Honoring Local Veterans
  • Youth Fishing Derby!
  • FREE Replacement License Plate Event
  • April is National Financial Literacy Month

“Grow PA” Higher Education Reform Plan

As your state Senator, I believe we must do more to help attract and retain our young people. That’s why I am a lead sponsor of the Grow PA initiative. I believe a highly skilled workforce is the bedrock of any strong economy and the best way for Pennsylvania to invest in higher ed is to fund the student, not systems. As important, this proposal provides real incentives for graduates to remain in Pennsylvania after graduation.

Bipartisan Bill Requiring Prosecutors to Notify ICE of Illegal Migrants Passes Senate

The Senate approved legislation that would require prosecutors across the state to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) whenever illegal migrants are charged with violating state law. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. After being approved by a bipartisan Senate vote, the measure now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Currently in Pennsylvania, violations of state law by illegal migrants are not required to be reported to ICE, but Senate Bill 1127 would ensure illegal migrants who violate our laws are held accountable. The change will better safeguard our communities and protect Pennsylvania’s law-abiding citizens.

Earlier this year, two NYPD officers were assaulted in broad daylight by illegal migrants. Several of the offenders had been previously arrested but not reported to ICE and were released back on the streets. The shocking crime prompted New York City Mayor Eric Adams to call for ICE to be informed when illegal migrants have been charged with violations of state law.  

Hearing on PA as an Innovation Leader

On April 11, the Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing about innovation and emerging technology in Pennsylvania at the Montgomery County Community College Pottstown Campus.

The committee heard from various technology experts and industry leaders regarding the significant innovation assets opportunity in Pennsylvania and examined how innovation industries are vitally important to regional and statewide economies. I provided remarks highlighting the importance of attracting new and innovative businesses to grow Pennsylvania’s economy. The panel discussion highlighted efforts to expand academic research and workforce training, start-up development support, and regulatory reform.

Testifiers stated that additional public funding for workforce training and start-up development, and legislation to lift the cap on business’s Net Operating Loss (NOL) carryforward deduction as ways to support the continued growth of these companies. Pennsylvania currently caps a business’s NOL carryforward deduction at 40 percent of taxable income — one of only two states that cap NOL deductions below the federal limit of 80 percent of taxable income. The ability to carry losses forward particularly benefits start-ups that often experience significant losses in early years that could be reinvested by reducing future tax liabilities if they become profitable. Testimony was presented by the following entities:

Academic Research and Support
John Swartley, Chief Innovation Officer, University of Pennsylvania – Testimony
Dr. James Bretz, Dean of STEM, Montgomery County Community College – Testimony
Aldo Romano, Chief Business Officer, Jefferson Institute of Bioprocessing – Testimony

Nurture Start-Up Development
Scott Nissenbaum, President & CEO, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Testimony
Louis Kassa, President & CEO, PA Biotechnology Center – Testimony
Al Gianchetti, President & CEO, XyloCor Therapeutics – Testimony

Maintain and Expand Established Company Growth
Rick Taylor, Senior Director, Government Affairs, Adare Pharma Solutions – Testimony
Dr. Carl Ascoli, Chief Scientific Officer, Rockland Immunochemicals – Testimony
Scott Bentley, Executive Chairman, VideoRay – Testimony
Anne Brooks, Senior VP of US Commercial, Iovance – Testimony

For video of the full hearing, visit here.

Municipal Leaders Meet & Greet/Grant Seminar

I recently met with key municipal leaders, fire, and EMS all across my district. We discussed securing state grants to support our communities.

My focus is bringing back state funding for local needs: revitalization projects, first responders, and upgrading aging infrastructure.

Thank you Limerick Township for your gracious hospitality!

Increasing Student Safety, Eliminating Vehicle Owner Fee

As a result of action taken by Senate Republicans, students will be safer on their journey to and from school. Because of legislation now in effect, school districts may install and operate automated camera systems on school buses to capture violations committed by motorists.

Violations identified by the camera system will be reviewed by police under agreement with the school district. After that review, the school district may issue a violation and a $300 fine to the vehicle owner. These violations are civil penalties only and no points will be assessed to driver’s licenses.

Vehicle owners may request a hearing before a PennDOT hearing office, at no cost to the vehicle owner, if they feel they are innocent. Before the passage of the legislation, the vehicle owner was responsible for paying applicable civil filing fees.

VideoRay Submersible Welcomed to the 24th District

I joined Senator Frank Farry, Senator Dan Laughlin and Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill in welcoming a VideoRay submersible. VideoRay is located in the 24th district.  

This innovative technology played a critical role in the recent Baltimore Bridge collapse recovery efforts.

VideoRay submersibles stand as a testament to human ingenuity and innovation. This was such a neat thing to see!

Beware of E-ZPass Scam

A new phishing scam is targeting E-ZPass account holders requesting information to settle outstanding toll amounts. The texts claim to be from “Pa Turnpike Toll Services” and center around urgent requests with your account that would result in a late fee if the balance does not get settled. Similar scams have been reported by toll agencies across the country in the past several days.

Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email or similar message suggesting it is from E-ZPass or another toll agency should not click the link. E-ZPass account holders can use approved safe methods to check their accounts such as the PA Turnpike E-ZPass website or the PA Toll Pay app available from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.

Those who receive a fraudulent text can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. The site is dedicated to sharing information on internet crimes across law enforcement agencies.

Luncheon Honoring Local Veterans

Youth Fishing Derby!

I will be hosting my annual Youth Fishing Derby at Bergey Park (675 Bergeys Mill Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473) on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

This free event is a fantastic opportunity for children (14 and under) to enjoy a fun morning of fishing in the park’s scenic stream while learning about Pennsylvania’s diverse wildlife and the importance of environmental conservation.

Participants will have the chance to learn from experts, compete for prizes, and enjoy snacks/refreshments. Educational material will also be provided. Please find the event flyer here.

Pre-registration is required and can be completed online or by calling my Red Hill office at (215) 541-2388.

FREE Replacement License Plate Event

Attention Drivers! I will be hosting a FREE License Plate Replacement Event on May 15, 2024 at Topton Borough. Is your license plate:

  • Faded or peeling paint?
  • Cracked or damaged material?
  • Reduced reflectivity?

An unreadable plate can be a safety hazard and lead to citations. This event provides a convenient opportunity to replace your plate at no cost. Register NOW!

April is National Financial Literacy Month

In April, we recognize National Financial Literacy Month, a time to celebrate work being done to improve the knowledge that helps people achieve their money-focused goals.

Senate Republicans recognized that young adults face financial decisions that can come with long-term consequences and passed legislation to arm high school students with money management skills. The new law requires completion of a half-credit personal finance course to graduate high school.

The course will give high school students the understanding they need about topics like credit and credit scores; savings and investments; college, home and auto loans; and planning for postsecondary education and retirement.

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