|
||
|
Dear Friends, As the weather gets colder, heating bills tend to go up. Helping keep electricity prices low is a priority. One of the big cost drivers is the state’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). It allows the Governor to unilaterally raise electricity taxes without going through the legislative process. As you’ll read below, the courts ruled that RGGI is a tax and is illegal. Unfortunately, the Governor chose to appeal the ruling. This week, the Senate voted to end our participation in RGGI. Hardworking families can’t afford further tax increases to heat their homes and turn their lights on, and businesses can’t afford to operate with concerns about grid reliability and affordability. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Senate Approves State Budget that Funds Essential Services Without Raising Taxes
For the second time this year, the Senate approved a state budget that respects taxpayers and protects the financial stability of our commonwealth while ensuring that counties, school districts and other state government partners receive needed funding. The amended budget bill, Senate Bill 160, totals $47.9 billion, a responsible spending level that continues to meet the Senate Republican requirement of imposing no tax hikes on Pennsylvania families and ensuring Pennsylvania’s credit rating remains strong. Leading by example, the Senate budget plan includes a 5% cut in spending for the General Assembly, reflecting the Senate Republican priority of right-sizing legislative spending. It’s past time for the House of Representatives to follow suit and bring this impasse to an end. PA Senate Shows Support During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The Senate came together this week to Rock the Ribbon in support of the PA Breast Cancer Coalition’s statewide campaign. Rocking the ribbon is a simple act that makes a powerful statement, it shows support for breast cancer survivors, honors those we’ve lost, and encourages lifesaving conversations, like “Did you get your mammogram?” Rocking the Ribbon
I was honored to join the fight against breast cancer and show my support by Rocking the Ribbon! Senate Again Acts to Repeal RGGI Electricity Tax
Bipartisan legislation preventing a new electricity tax by repealing Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) was approved by the Senate. RGGI, a multi-state compact, would increase electricity rates on families and employers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs and cause Pennsylvania power plants to close. Senate Bill 1068 formally repeals Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI, ensuring that any decision to impose electricity taxes or emissions programs must go through the legislative process rather than being enacted unilaterally by the governor. The Commonwealth Court has ruled that RGGI is a tax and cannot be implemented without legislative approval. However, the governor appealed the decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. His action has deepened concerns about energy grid reliability and affordability, prolonged uncertainty for workers and businesses across the commonwealth – and caused electricity prices to go up for hardworking families. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Landmark Bill to Modernize PA’s Broken Permitting Process Approved by Senate
A sweeping permitting reform measure to bring greater accountability, transparency and efficiency to how state agencies handle permit applications was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 6 sets clear timelines for state agencies to review permit applications, creates a permit tracking system and ensures applicants receive timely, consistent answers not endless delays. The measure, which passed with bipartisan support, also requires regular performance reporting so Pennsylvanians can hold their government accountable. The bill builds on the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program that required the Department of Environmental Protection to implement a permit tracking system. This legislation expands those transparency and accountability measures to all state agencies. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Updated Mobile Office Hours and New Location Added
My mobile offices provide a convenient way to connect with my office for assistance with state services, resources, and any questions you may have. We’ve updated our mobile office hours to better serve you: We are now in Amity from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, and in Bally from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, and we’ve added a new location in Washington Township on the first Monday of each month. Please see below for the full list of times and locations. Montgomery County Montgomery County Community College – Pottstown Campus North Wales Borough Municipal Building Skippack Township Building Towamencin Township Municipal Building Trappe Borough Municipal Building Berks County Amity Township Municipal Building Bally Borough Municipal Building Longswamp Township Municipal Building Washington Township Municipal Building Tuesday is the Deadline to Apply to Vote by Mail in the Nov. 4 Election
If you plan on voting by mail in Nov. 4 election, your application for a ballot must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28. You can apply online, by mail or at your county election office. Find details for each along with other useful information here. Military or overseas civilian voters can find information here on how to obtain a mail ballot. County election offices must receive completed mail ballots by 8 p.m., Nov. 4. Auditor General’s Activity Book Contest Accepting Submissions
Pennsylvania students in grades K-12 are invited to help the state Auditor General’s office design the cover of its new Be Money $mart activity book. The book will include coloring pages, word searches, word scrambles, crosswords and budgeting sheets – all focused on financial literacy. The deadline to submit a design online is Oct. 31. The winner’s artwork will be featured on the cover of the new activity book and recognized at the PA Farm Show, and will win their school a visit from Auditor General Tim DeFoor. The activity book will be distributed statewide through libraries, YMCAs and credit unions. Assessing Your Personal Breast Cancer Risk
The pink ribbon is a symbol of hope, strength and solidarity in the fight against breast cancer. It reminds us to support those affected, promote early detection and raise awareness about the importance of knowing your risks. You can assess your personal breast cancer risk using this free online risk calculator.
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. |
||
|
||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorpennycuick.com | Privacy Policy |
