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In this Update:
Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Community Events
I am pleased to host two upcoming community events designed to provide valuable services and connect residents with important resources:
More details, including additional participating organizations and event information, will be shared in the coming weeks. Digital Advertising Tax — a New Tax in Pennsylvania and It’s Not Just for Billionaires
The Pennsylvania House recently advanced a bill imposing a new Digital Advertising Tax, House Bill 1678. Proponents frame it as a levy on “Big Tech”, but in reality, it represents one of the worst kinds of taxation: double taxation. Under current Pennsylvania law, companies like Meta, Google and X already pay the state’s Corporate Net Income Tax on their digital advertising revenue. This is thanks to the economic nexus standard enacted in 2020, which ensures that out-of-state businesses with significant economic activity in Pennsylvania contribute their fair share. The proposed new tax layers an additional burden on income that is already taxed. The costs will not fall on Big Tech billionaires. Instead, these companies will pass the added expense on to Pennsylvania businesses that rely on digital advertising to reach customers. Those businesses will face higher costs, which will ultimately be passed along to consumers through increased pricing. This makes Pennsylvania a less attractive place to do business. In classic Harrisburg fashion, a token property tax relief provision was included to try to make the new tax more palatable. But this relief is largely smoke and mirrors. The minimal relief directs the greatest benefit to the Philadelphia suburbs — areas that have seen the highest property taxes and sharpest increases over the last 10-20 years. Ironically, the proposed relief has no income limits unlike Pennsylvania’s current Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. This means the very billionaires they want to pay their fair share would receive the same rebate as a low-income senior living on a $20,000 fixed income. There is also no mechanism for what happens if rebate demand exceeds new tax revenue. For more than two decades, Harrisburg has promised meaningful property tax relief in exchange for new taxes. Yet, time and time again, that money has failed to deliver significant, lasting relief for hardworking Pennsylvanians. This is not serious policy. It is political theater designed to pass a new tax with the appearance of relief. I have consistently opposed new taxes, especially double taxation, and I intend to continue delivering on that promise. Pennsylvanians deserve genuine, sustainable property tax relief without gimmicks or additional burdens on our economy. That is why I continue to champion the School Property Tax Elimination Act, Senate Bill 962, which offers a far more effective solution to providing true relief through complete elimination of the school property tax. I remain open to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance real solutions that do not rely on creating new taxes. Taxpayers have been patient long enough. We need fiscal responsibility and honest policymaking, not more creative ways to reach into their wallets twice for the same income. Jubilee Day Marks Another Successful Year
I attended Jubilee Day in Mechanicsburg last week, and it was a pleasure to connect with so many members of the community and take part in the opening ceremony. It is always impressive to see an event of this scale right here in the 31st Senatorial District. Jubilee Day continues to stand out as the largest, longest-running, one-day street fair on the East Coast, drawing as many as 70,000 attendees each year. The 96th annual event featured more than 300 vendors, along with musical performances, businesses, community groups, local artists and craftsmen. Thank you to the organizers for putting together another successful event, and to everyone who came out to enjoy the day. Get Help with State Services at a Satellite Office Near You
In addition to my Harrisburg and district offices, I maintain satellite offices in Cumberland and York counties to make it easier for residents throughout the 31st Senatorial District to access state services closer to home. Residents can stop by for assistance with:
Below are my satellite office locations, hours and days of operation. Residents are welcome to stop by or schedule an appointment with my staff.
My team is committed to providing the assistance and resources you need. If you would like to set up an appointment at one of my satellite offices or have questions, please call 717-432-1730. We look forward to serving you. Senate Votes to Protect Your Right to Know About Government Actions
The Senate approved legislation to strengthen government transparency and protect the public’s right to know. Senate Bill 1150 would clarify Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act to ensure public agencies provide meaningful notice before acting on important matters. The bill reinforces the 24-hour agenda posting requirement and ensures exceptions for emergencies and small-scale matters remain limited. The legislation follows a state Supreme Court ruling allowing agencies to add agenda items and take official action on them with a simple majority vote, even when those items were not included on a publicly posted agenda. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about legislation to strengthen the Sunshine Act here. Department of Agriculture Issues Quarantine Order for Screwworm
Confirmed cases of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Texas and New Mexico has prompted the state Department of Agriculture to issue a quarantine order limiting the movements of livestock and pets. The quarantine order establishes movement restrictions and enhanced animal health requirements for susceptible domestic animals entering Pennsylvania from affected areas. The order includes provisions for veterinary inspection, animal health certification and preventative measures designed to reduce the risk of NWS entering the commonwealth through animal movements. Read the NWS quarantine order here. Find more information about the NWS outbreak here. There are currently no cases in Pennsylvania. Giving Pennsylvanians a Voice on Fluoride
Fluoride in our public water should not be a one-size-fits-all mandate. That’s why I introduced the Fluoride Choice Act, Senate Bill 849, which would prohibit the addition of fluoride to Pennsylvania’s public water systems and ensure that decisions about fluoride consumption are left to individuals and families, not the government. Those who wish to use fluoride can continue to access it in various forms through their dentist, pediatrician or other health care provider. This legislation is about ending a government-imposed mandate and restoring personal choice. Watch my interview with WGAL News 8 to hear the full discussion. PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties
Please see the latest PennDOT road work schedules provided to my office. These updates are issued periodically and may not include all projects or reflect the most current conditions. Additional updates are shared as they become available and posted on my Facebook page. If you have a road concern such as potholes, bridge issues or other roadway problems, you can report that information directly to PennDOT through the Customer Care Center form. I hope this information helps you plan your travel and avoid delays. |
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