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In this Update:
Pennsylvania Pipe Trades
This week, I had the privilege to address the Pennsylvania Pipe Trades Association Convention, which includes plumbers, steamfitters and sprinkler fitters from across the Commonwealth. As Chairman of the Senate Labor and Industry committee, I will ensure that our skilled trades have the resources they need to recruit and train new members to grow Pennsylvania’s economy for generations to come. Purple Star School Program Benefitting Military Children Launches in PA
I am pleased to see the effects of my legislation taking place! Last session I sponsored a bill, along with Senator Pat Stefano, to establish the Purple Star School Program in Pennsylvania. This program supports military-connected children as they relocate to new schools due to a parent’s change in duty station. Read more in my press release here. Senate Bill 226 Passes the PA House
On Wednesday, the PA House passed Senate Bill 226. My bill corrects the effective date of Act 42 of 2022, which requires interconnected smoke alarms in family child care homes. I am really glad to see this move quickly through the legislature, and we now await the Governor’s signature! Providing Critical Information in Emergencies
Pennsylvania offers two free voluntary programs to save the lives of residents in emergency situations: the Yellow Dot program and the Emergency Contact Information program. PennDOT’s Yellow Dot program allows participants to fill out the program form with emergency contact, medical contact and medical information, insert it in the program’s folder and then place it in their vehicle’s glove compartment. A yellow dot sticker affixed to the rear window alerts emergency responders to the availability of information to help them provide better care to crash victims. The Emergency Contact Information program offers Pennsylvania driver’s license and PennDOT-issued ID holders the opportunity to log into a secure database and list two emergency contacts. Participants can update their records as needed, but only law enforcement officials can view the information in the system. In an emergency, law enforcement can use a participant’s ID to find his or her emergency contact information. The Yellow Dot program is used only in vehicle crashes, but the Emergency Contact Information program can be used in other emergencies as well as crashes. Grants Available for Emergency Service Training Centers
Because of legislation passed by the Senate last November, emergency services training centers, community colleges, county-owned facilities, municipal or fire department-owned facilities and nonprofit countywide associations can apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Through the Emergency Service Training Center Capital Grant Program, funds can be used to establish or modernize facilities that house firefighting equipment, ambulances or rescue vehicles and to repair or purchase firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment. The application period ends June 30. Learn more or apply for a grant here. Watch Out for This Rental Scam
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General warns people in the market for rental properties to be aware of sophisticated scammers placing fake ads and altering existing, legitimate ads to obtain personal information, security deposits and rent payments. Protect yourself by being wary if you cannot physically see the property. Avoid purchasing gift cards for payment, providing your Social Security number without verifying with whom you are dealing and wiring payments for application, security deposit or first month’s rent. Read more here. General Fund Tax Revenues Below Estimate Again
Each month, the Senate Appropriations Committee prepares an update about the state’s financial health. The most recent report shows that General Fund tax revenues were $90.7 million lower than the monthly estimate in May, the third time in the past five months that tax revenues have failed to meet projections. For the 2022-23 Fiscal Year, which ends June 30, Personal Income Tax collections are nearly $400 million below projections. The full update, including the monthly revenue report, is available here. Helping Nonprofits and Local Governments Stretch Investment Dollars
Nonprofits and local governments can take advantage of an investment opportunity offered by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department. The program, known as INVEST, is similar in concept to money market funds and offers two short-term pools and custom options. For more than 30 years, INVEST’s performance has matched or exceeded that of its competitors. INVEST offers daily liquidity and has no minimum balance requirements. More than 260 entities – like townships, school districts, counties, volunteer fire companies, libraries and other nonprofit organizations – have assets of approximately $1.317 billion in INVEST portfolios. If you would like more information about INVEST, please call 866-300-4603, email investoperations@patreasury.gov, or visit patreasury.gov/invest. June is National Men’s Health Month
To promote awareness of preventable health problems, June is recognized as National Men’s Health Month. It also encourages early detection and treatment of diseases including cancer, heart disease and depression among men who may be more hesitant to make doctor visits a priority. Medical experts say men should focus on taking care of their bodies by eating right, exercising and working to prevent disease. Part of being healthy is also cultivating good mental health. For the benefit of men and all Pennsylvanians, Senate Republicans will continue to press for mental health funding that stimulates innovation within our health care delivery system. Bicyclists and Motorists Must Safely Share the Road
Bicyclists and motorists, who both have the right to use Pennsylvania roads, also have responsibilities to ensure everyone gets home safely. Both parties must obey all the rules of the road and allow at least 4 feet of separation when passing. Motorists are allowed to overtake a bicycle in a no-passing zone, provided they leave a 4-foot clearance. Learn more about Pennsylvania’s bicycle laws.
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