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Dear Friends, Recently, we marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy. As a retired Army combat veteran, I stand in deep respect for the immense courage of the soldiers who stormed the beaches and parachuted behind enemy lines on that fateful day. Their sacrifice, ensuring freedom for so many, is a powerful reminder of the importance of serving our country. Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania Senate passed a bill (Senate Bill 194) that I’m proud to have sponsored. This legislation expands property tax relief for disabled veterans, helping them afford essential services like caregiving, medication management, and home modifications to accommodate their disabilities. Supporting our veterans and their families remains as one of my top priorities. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Measure Expanding Disabled Veteran Property Tax Relief Approved by Senate
My legislation allowing more disabled veterans to receive property tax relief was approved by the Senate this week. Senate Bill 194 would exclude U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Aid and Attendance benefits as income when calculating eligibility for Pennsylvania’s 100% Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption. Including these benefits when calculating income is preventing some disabled veterans from qualifying for property tax reductions. Some of the veterans receiving federal Aid and Attendance benefits have the greatest need for the property tax exemption and receive this disability benefit to assist them in paying for everyday functioning, care services, medication management and renovations to their residence to accommodate their disability. Full release here. Welcoming Taiwanese Ambassador to Senate
Last year, I traveled to Taiwan on a mission to solidify economic ties, a trip particularly meaningful for my district with its large Asian-American population, many of whom have Taiwanese heritage. This week, I was honored to introduce Ambassador Lee on the Senate Floor. Trout Release
Recently, I joined the Perkiomen Valley School District Foundation for a trout release event! The students participating in the “Trout In the Classroom” program had raised trout throughout the year, learning about environmental science, water resource management, and the importance of protecting Pennsylvania’s coldwater habitats. To culminate their project, the students released the healthy trout into a state-approved stream. I even got to lend a hand (or should I say fin?) in releasing these healthy trout back into their natural habitat. Talk about a rewarding way to start my morning! Collegeville Creekside Park
Recently, I had the pleasure of joining Collegeville Borough and the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy for the exciting dedication of the new Collegeville Creekside Park! This park became a reality thanks to two Montco 2040 grants that allowed for its development along the Perkiomen Creek on W. First Ave. The highlight of the ceremony was the official naming of the park in the Lenape language, the language of the Delaware Tribe who are the original inhabitants of the area. Welakamike, which translates to “pretty place,” perfectly captures the essence of this new community treasure. Property Tax/Rent Rebates: June Outreach Locations
My office will be hosting outreach locations in June to provide assistance to residents applying for the state Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and urges interested area seniors to make an appointment. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is open to residents age 65 or older, widows and widowers age 50 or older, or anyone age 18 and older who is 100% disabled, with a household income of $45,000 or less, counting only half of Social Security. Rebate amounts are calculated based on 2023 income and the amount of property tax or rent paid in 2023, with rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000. Residents can call my office at 215-541-2388 or visit online to schedule an appointment for one of the following dates: June 10, 12, 17, 24, 26, 9 a.m. to noon June 18, 9 a.m. to noon June 10 & 24, 1-4 p.m. June 11 & 25, 9 a.m. to noon June 11 & 25, 1-4 p.m. June 12 & 26, 9 a.m. to noon June 12 & 26, 1-4 p.m. The following documents are required to complete the process:
Property owners will need proof of taxes paid, either stamped or signed by their local tax collector. Renters need a rent certificate filled out and signed by their landlord. More information on the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program can be found at www.revenue.pa.gov. Community Shred Event: Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
In today’s digital age, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. Identity theft is a serious crime that can wreak havoc on finances and credit. To help residents safeguard their sensitive information, I am hosting a Free Drive Through Shredding Event on June 8, 2024 from 9 A.M to 12 P.M. at the Boyertown Area Multi-Service (200 Spring St., Boyertown, PA 19512). Identity theft is a growing concern, and properly disposing of documents containing personal information is a crucial step in protecting yourself. This free event provides a safe and secure way for residents to shred old documents and minimize the risk of fraud. What You Can Shred: What We Cannot Shred: As the Senate Communications and Technology Chair, I am committed to helping our community stay safe and secure. By working together, we can fight identity theft and protect our personal information. Preston’s Pantry volunteers will also be on hand to collect food donations. For more information, please see the event flyer. PECO Electric and Gas Rate Increase Public Input Hearings
PECO is proposing a significant increase to electric and gas rates, totaling $575 million per year. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is holding public hearings to hear from customers about this proposal. There will be in-person hearings in Media, Kennett Square, and Center City Philadelphia, along with telephonic hearings. Attending a hearing or testifying by phone is a great way to make your voice heard and fight against this rate hike. If you have any questions, please feel free to email, consumer@paoca.org, or call 1-800-684-6560. PennDOT to Host Virtual Public Meeting for Route 73 (Skippack Road) Bridge Replacement Project in Skippack Township
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to attend a live virtual public meeting on Thursday, June 13, for the upcoming project to replace the bridge that carries Route 73 (Skippack Pike) over Skippack Creek in Skippack Township, Montgomery County. This proposed project will replace the existing structure with a single-span, reinforced concrete PA Bulb-Tee beam bridge carrying two 12-foot travel lanes and 8.3-foot shoulders. Other proposed improvements include installing a new DCNR trail connection and improved performance during storm events. As part of PennDOT’s public outreach program, the department encourages the public to attend the live virtual public meeting on Thursday, June 13, beginning at 7:00 PM, by clicking on this Microsoft Live Teams meeting link prior to the presentation start time. The department’s design team will deliver a brief project presentation before answering questions using the platform’s Q&A feature. Please note that internet access and a computer or mobile device are required to view the virtual meeting. Anyone with special needs or requiring special aid is requested to contact PennDOT Project Manager Judith Arena or Consultant Designer Project Manager Cathy Farrell. Members of the public who are unable to attend the meeting can view the meeting recording and copy of the project materials on the project webpage. An online comment form is also available to submit feedback or questions. Information about infrastructure in District 6, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D6Results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at the PennDOT Projects page. New Distracted Driving Law Bans Use of Handheld Devices
A new law prohibits the use of handheld cellular and other devices while operating a vehicle on a Pennsylvania highway or traffic way. Drivers may still use their phone if they are using hands-free technology, such as a docking station, Bluetooth or speaker technology. For the first year, only warnings will be issued for violations. After that, there will be a $50 fine. Distracted driving fatalities in Pennsylvania surged to a decade high in 2022, claiming 80 lives. The AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index found that the majority of drivers believe distracted driving has outpaced all other traffic-related issues as a growing safety concern. All of Pennsylvania’s border states and 28 others have enacted hands-free laws. Respecting Taxpayers Remains a Top Priority in State Budget Negotiations
In Pennsylvania, the state budget is to be completed by June 30 of each year. As we work to reach consensus, Senate Republicans are continuing to fight for a budget that respects taxpayers and makes the best use of the state’s resources. In February, Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a massive $3.2 billion increase in state spending. Last month, Senate Republicans unveiled an alternative approach that would reduce taxes by approximately $3 billion annually. Instead of growing government bureaucracy and picking winners and losers, our plan would allow Pennsylvanians to decide how their money should be spent. These historic tax cuts would provide relief to every Pennsylvanian who earns a paycheck by reducing the personal income tax rate from 3.07% to 2.8%, and every person paying an electric bill by eliminating the Gross Receipts Tax on energy. Learn more about the process of enacting the 2024-25 state budget and watch the Senate in session here. Senate Approves Bills to Reverse Nursing Home Worker Shortage
With the number of older Pennsylvanians rising and nursing homes struggling to find qualified workers, the Senate passed two bills this week to reverse the worker shortage. Both bills now head to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 1102 would increase the number of nursing home workers by streamlining the training and certification process and removing barriers that prevent people from entering the health care workforce in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1104 would further increase the nursing home workforce by enabling high school juniors and seniors to earn up to two elective credits for working or volunteering at a nursing home, personal care home or assisted living facility. Schools would establish program guidelines and procedures to allow students to earn one elective credit for each 250 hours of paid or volunteer work at a qualifying facility. Senate Acts to Modernize Rules for Electronic Commerce
The Senate passed legislation to modernize the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), updating rules that govern digital asset transactions to ensure security, consistency and confidence. It now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration. The UCC has provided consistency for commercial law and interstate commerce since 1954, when Pennsylvania led the initiative to adopt it. Since then, it has been adopted by all states and gives Americans legal confidence when transacting business across state lines. The last major revisions to the UCC took effect in 2001. In the two decades since, electronic property, or digital assets, have become much more prevalent in commercial transactions. Senate Bill 1084 would bring the law into the 21st century by establishing guidelines to cover digital asset transactions involving virtual currencies, non-fungible tokens, electronic accounts and other forms of electronic commerce. It would also make other needed technical updates to the UCC. Celebrating the Contributions of PA Dairy Farmers
Agriculture is Pennsylvania’s top industry, and dairy products play a significant role by generating $11.8 billion in economic revenue and supporting 47,000 jobs statewide. Of the nearly 5,000 dairy farms in the state, 99% are family-owned with many being handed down generation after generation. Our dairy farmers work tirelessly each day to provide families everywhere with nutrient-rich foods. Dairy products contain nine essential nutrients that help to manage weight and reduce the risk of high blood pressure, osteoporosis and certain cancers. The nutrient powerhouse also helps build and repair muscle tissue and maintain healthy skin. Celebrate National Dairy Month by raising a glass of milk or enjoying some delicious ice cream. Pennsylvania has an Ice Cream Trail that boasts great creameries all across the state.
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