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In This Update:
Pushing for Bridge Tolling Answers from PennDOT
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I had the opportunity to push PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian for answers on plans to toll nine bridges, including the I-79 bridge near Bridgeville, Allegheny County. Watch here as I ask for information about traffic impacts on surrounding roads as people seek to avoid the tolls and assurances from the Secretary that the bridge tax will not become permanent. I also am prime sponsor of a bill to put the brakes on the tolling plans. Senate Bill 382 reforms the Public-Private Transportation Partnership (P3) statute and voids the PennDOT Pathways Major Bridge P3 Initiative. Area Communities to Receive Almost $281,275 in State Funding for Local Projects Local communities will receive $281,275 in state funds that will contribute to the vitality of our community by improving safety and contributing to an improved quality of life. Our region will benefit from this much-needed state funding for important public improvements to better serve area residents and employers. I am pleased to be able to work in partnership with other local leaders to bring this funding home. The projects in the 37th Senate District receiving funding are:
Senators Continue to Highlight What a YES Vote Means on May 18
A group of senators held a news conference at the Capitol this week to highlight what a YES vote means when voters go to the polls to decide proposed Constitutional amendments on May 18. Lawmakers approved three potential amendments to the Constitution that will appear on the ballot for voters in the May 18 election, including one question to prohibit discrimination based on race or ethnicity and two questions designed to improve the way the state responds to future emergencies. The Wolf Administration has been widely criticized for wording the emergency response questions in a way that is deeply confusing and prejudicial. A YES at the ballot box means voters favor:
A new webpage offers a detailed explanation of what the proposed amendments would accomplish. Senators Call on Governor to Halt Unilateral Action on Carbon Tax
Pennsylvania Senate Republicans sent Governor Tom Wolf a letter Wednesday informing him that none of his nominations to the Pennsylvania Utility Commission (PUC) will be considered by the Senate if he continues to pursue a unilateral carbon tax on Pennsylvania employers and customers. The letter notes that the governor’s effort to force Pennsylvania to join the multi-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) without the input of the legislature is a clear violation of the checks and balances provided by the Pennsylvania Constitution. May 8 FREE Identity Theft Protection and Recycle Day From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday May 8 join state Rep. Anita Kulik and me at Burkett Park in Robinson Township, 5515 Mood Run Road, McKees Rocks, for a FREE paper shredding event (limit 1 box). There also will be an opportunity for glass recycling as well as disposing of unused and expired medication. Hearings Examining Governor’s Budget Proposal Conclude
The Senate Appropriations Committee completed a series of 21 public hearings that closely examined the details of Governor Wolf’s state budget proposal. The comprehensive review of the Governor’s proposed $40.2 billion General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22, which includes a massive increase in state spending, a substantial personal income tax rate hike, imposition of Marcellus Shale extraction tax, and elimination of funding for broadband expansion and vital agricultural and health programs. The complete coverage of the hearings can be found here. Senate Votes to Extend Program Helping Schools Find Substitute Teachers
Pennsylvania schools could have additional opportunities to find qualified substitute teachers under a bill approved by the Senate this week. Lawmakers created a program in 2016 that allowed individuals training to be teachers to serve as a substitute teacher, provided the individual has valid clearances and at least 60 credit hours. However, the program is set to expire on June 30. The legislation approved this week would make this temporary program permanent. As a result, schools, intermediate units and career and technical schools can ensure qualified substitutes are available to meet the needs of students. Protecting the First Amendment Rights of Teachers
The Senate approved a critical bill this week to ensure the First Amendment rights of teachers are better protected. The legislation would repeal a provision of the School Code which prohibits teachers from wearing any garb, mark, emblem or insignia that would indicate they are a member of or adherent to any religious order or sect while in the performance of their duties as a teacher. Although federal courts have held that the school’s religious affiliations policy violates the free exercise of religion and free speech clauses of the Constitution, these provisions are still in place and public school directors can be held criminally liable for failing to enforce this prohibition. Pennsylvania is the last state in the United States with this provision still in place. Comments on 2020 General Election Due by Friday, April 30
This is the final week for Pennsylvanians to share their experience from last year’s election with the Senate Special Committee on Election Integrity and Reform. Election surveys for Pennsylvanians who voted by mail or in person will be accepted through Friday, April 30. The committee is expected to use the survey responses and testimony gathered during its series of public hearings to produce a report with recommendations that will be presented to the General Assembly. |
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