|
View this email in a browser
In this Update:
- Celebrating Labor Day and American Workers
- York County at the Center of U.S. Defense Production
- Groundbreaking for New Mechanicsburg Fire Station
- Momentum Builds for School Property Tax Elimination
- Improving Public Safety
- Senate Acts to Help Charitable Organizations Raise Funds
- PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties
Celebrating Labor Day and American Workers
This Labor Day, we honor the hardworking men and women whose dedication keeps Pennsylvania and the nation moving forward. First observed in 1894 to recognize the contributions of American workers, the holiday reminds us of the vital role of every profession, from factories and farms to schools and hospitals.
I am proud to represent Cumberland and York counties, home to so many individuals whose effort and commitment strengthen our communities, commonwealth and nation. We are grateful for your hard work, which continues to shape a brighter future for everyone.
York County at the Center of U.S. Defense Production
Recently, I joining U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, state Rep. Seth Grove and York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler for a tour of BAE Systems in York.
The facility is the largest manufacturing site in the world for warfighting vehicles and employs more than 1,800 people. These combat vehicles are essential to protecting American troops on the battlefield and ensuring the nation remains prepared to meet modern defense challenges.
Our visit highlighted the critical role BAE Systems plays in strengthening America’s defense, supporting military readiness and contributing to the ongoing effort to modernize U.S. and allied forces. I am proud that York County is home to such innovation and hard work, and I am grateful for the men and women at BAE Systems whose efforts directly impact national security.
Groundbreaking for New Mechanicsburg Fire Station
This past Saturday, I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Mechanicsburg Fire Department’s new fire station. The facility will centralize operations, improve response times and support the recruitment of dedicated volunteers who serve the community. It is an important investment in public safety that will benefit residents for years to come.
The new station will be located at the corner of West Simpson and South York streets in Mechanicsburg Borough, replacing the former Citizens firehouse, which was demolished earlier this year to make way for the facility.
I look forward to seeing this project take shape and remain grateful for the men and women of the Mechanicsburg Fire Department who selflessly protect our community.
Momentum Builds for School Property Tax Elimination
What an incredible turnout at our School Property Tax Elimination Town Halls! The strong participation shows just how much Pennsylvanians want real relief from skyrocketing property taxes.
That’s why I introduced Senate Bill 962 and Rep. Wendy Fink introduced House Bill 1649—the School Property Tax Elimination Act. This plan replaces school property taxes with a fairer, more stable revenue model while ensuring strong funding for our schools.
Key highlights of the plan:
- Replaces school property taxes with a 1.88% Personal Income Tax increase and a 2% Sales and Use Tax increase.
- Provides $300 million in new funding to Philadelphia schools in the first year.
- Lowers mortgage escrow payments and boosts housing affordability.
- Requires landlords to pass on tax savings to tenants for one year.
- Spurs economic growth, revitalization and teacher support.
- Provides more funding than proposed COLAs for educators.
- Incentivize blight reduction and community revitalization.
I encourage you to attend one of our upcoming town halls:
- Sept. 13, 9 a.m. – Chapel Church of Red Lion, 3050 Cape Horn Rd., Red Lion
- Sept. 15, 7 p.m. – 960 Plaza Dr., Montoursville
Want to bring a town hall to your community? Call my office at 717-432-1730. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Improving Public Safety
Public safety is one of my top priorities, and the Senate has taken many important steps this year. We passed new laws closing a legal loophole to require sports officials and nonprofit volunteers and employees convicted of sexual assault to register as sexual offenders, and improving the enforcement of Protection from Abuse petitions.
To boost fire protection, we enacted measures targeting Pennsylvania’s volunteer firefighter shortage, fixing issues with emergency services funding and making it less cumbersome for firefighters to obtain their certification.
Legislation passed by the Senate and awaiting action in the House of Representatives includes a bill prohibiting non-monetary bail for the most dangerous individuals and cracking down on thieves using new technology to steal vehicles by spoofing key fobs.
I’ll keep working hard to make our communities safe. You can review other measures we passed to increase public safety and address other subjects here.
Senate Acts to Help Charitable Organizations Raise Funds
More Pennsylvanians are using cashless payments for transactions, so we approved legislation to allow charitable organizations to accept electronic payments, such as credit cards and Venmo, to raise funds.
Senate Bill 416 would allow nonprofits such as volunteer fire companies, youth sports leagues, churches and veterans’ groups to accept electronic payments for raffle tickets. Under current law, nonprofits are limited to accepting only cash or checks for these transactions, which has made it harder to raise funds in today’s increasingly cashless society.
The legislation also adds safeguards to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of digital payment methods. Organizations must still comply with the Small Games of Chance Act. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties
To help you stay informed and plan your travels, I will be sharing weekly updates on PennDOT’s roadwork schedules for Cumberland and York counties. This information comes directly from PennDOT but may not include every roadwork project or be completely accurate. Updates will be posted every Friday as long as PennDOT provides the information. There may be weeks when no new details are shared. I hope these updates help you avoid delays and make your travel easier.
|
