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In this Update:
Annual Seersucker Caucus
Another year of a fun tradition at the Capitol! I enjoyed participating in the annual Seersucker Caucus to kick off summer. Robinson Bill Approved in House
I am so pleased the House approved my legislation to provide grant and loan opportunities for those involved in advanced manufacturing initiatives! It has been sent to the Governor’s desk this week, and upon his signature, we will be able to support these businesses who partner with state-related universities in enhancing research, products, and jobs. This will bring great opportunity to the Pittsburgh region and statewide, too! Read my full press release here. Robinson Bill Approved in Senate Finance Committee
Thank you to the Senate Finance Committee for approving my bill to allow small community banks relief from unfairly high tax rates. Senate Bill 858 reduces the Mutual Thrifts Institutions Tax rate similar to the widely supported Corporate Net Income Tax Reduction and extends the net operating lookback period. Our community banks are vital to a thriving community, and I’m thrilled to receive this support from my Senate colleagues. Labor & Industry Committee Moves Legislation
As chair of the Labor & Industry Committee, I was pleased to advance three bills this week. The House version of my legislation, Senate Bill 756, would allow for the use of recycled materials in stuffed toys. We also advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Tracy Pennycuick to provide for the payment of workers’ compensation benefits by direct deposit, as well as legislation sponsored by Senator Cris Dush to require the publishing of additional unemployment rate data. View our remarks from the Labor and Industry Committee here. 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. Property Tax, Rent Rebate Deadline Extended
The deadline to file a property tax or rent rebate for 2023 has been extended to December 31st. The rebate program is open to Pennsylvanians 65 and older, widows or widowers age 50 and older, or anyone 18 and older who is 100% disabled. New income limits for this year are $45,000 for both renters and homeowners. You can find more information about the program here. Legislation Giving Disabled Veterans Financial Relief Receives Senate Support
To provide financial relief to more disabled veterans, the Senate passed Senate Bill 194 to exclude U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Attendance benefits as income when calculating eligibility for Pennsylvania’s 100% Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption. Federal Aid and Attendance benefits provide monthly payments to disabled veterans who are housebound or need help with daily activities. Without the exclusion of this federal benefit, some disabled veterans are prevented from qualifying for property tax reductions. I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation and glad to see it pass the Senate. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Visit from Colonel George Flynn
It was an honor hosting Colonel George Flynn at the Capitol this week. We haven’t seen each other in twenty years since I was a Lance Corporal and he was Lieutenant at the Battle of Nasiriyah. Thank you for visiting, Colonel Flynn, and thank you for your service. Remembering D-Day 80 Years Later
June 6th marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Europe during WWII. Over 2,500 Americans were killed, the largest loss of American life in a single day of a foreign war. Codenamed Operation Overlord, D-Day paved the way for the United States and its allies to liberate occupied Europe. May we always remember the significance of this historic day, and may we never forget those who gave their lives for it.
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