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Dear Friends, On September 11th, we commemorate Patriot Day to honor the victims and first responders of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and in the fields of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Let us never forget their extraordinary sacrifice and bravery. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Veterans Appreciation Breakfast
I cordially invite you to my annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. The event will be held at the East Greenville Fire Company’s Banquet Hall, located at 401 Washington Street, East Greenville, PA 18041. We are honored to recognize the invaluable service of our veterans and their families. This event will feature a keynote address by Senator Ryan Aument (R-36), as well as certificates of appreciation from the Pennsylvania Senate. For Montgomery County veterans, please bring your DD214 and a photo ID to receive a Veterans ID Card. Your dedication and sacrifice have made an immeasurable impact on our nation. We look forward to honoring you at this free event. To RSVP, please contact my office at (215) 541-2388 or register online. September Food Drive
September is National Hunger Month. I am hosting a food drive to support our local community. My office will be accepting non-perishable food items at my Red Hill office from Sept. 3-30. Donations can also be dropped off at my mobile office locations during office hours only. Every donation, no matter how small, helps. Have questions? Please give my office a call at 215-541-2388. Supporting Military-Connected Students in Pennsylvania Schools
As a new school year gets underway, it’s important to recognize the significant presence of military families across Pennsylvania. Our Commonwealth is home to a vibrant community of service members and their families:
Understanding these numbers highlights the importance of supporting military-connected students in our schools. Pennsylvania Supports Military-Connected Students Four key policy initiatives are in place to support these students:
For additional resources, the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s support page for Military-Connected Students is available here. Berks County VA Moves to New Location
Exciting news for Berks County veterans! The Berks County Department of Veterans Affairs office is moving to a new, more accessible location at 20 Commerce Drive in Spring Township. This move will better equip the VA to serve the growing number of veterans seeking help with compensation claims, PTSD, etc. Learn more here. 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.
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