|
|||||
|
In this Update:
A Spending Plan to Fund Critical Needs
Counties, school districts, hospitals and others would receive critical funding from the commonwealth immediately under a bill approved by the Senate this week. As negotiations continue on a final 2025-26 state budget, Senate Bill 160 would provide funding at the levels included in the final 2024-25 budget. If the House of Representatives also approves the bill, the state can immediately begin disbursing nearly $47.6 billion, without the need for any new taxes. Passage of this measure marks an important step forward in this year’s budget process, putting people above politics as budget discussions continue. Many of the line items in the budget are not in dispute, so this is a responsible way to ensure that counties, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, social service providers and other entities receive immediate funding to meet their fiscal needs. Update on Mount Carmel Office Renovations
We are continuing to work through the renovation process at our Mount Carmel District Office, and I want to thank everyone for their patience as we make improvements to better serve the community. Due to construction delays, the reopening of the office has been pushed back slightly. While we hope to reopen soon, we encourage constituents to stay tuned for updates in case additional adjustments are necessary. In the meantime, my team remains available to assist with state-related questions and services through our other district offices or by phone and email. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Mount Carmel office as soon as possible. Senate Education Committee Advances Dr. Carrie Rowe’s Nomination
This week, as Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I led a hearing on the nomination of Dr. Carrie Rowe to serve as Secretary of Education. A lifelong Pennsylvanian and former teacher, principal, superintendent, and Deputy Secretary, Dr. Rowe shared her background and priorities for the department. Committee questions focused on accountability for all public schools, equitable funding for rural districts, and coordination between higher education and workforce needs. Following discussion, the committee voted unanimously to report Dr. Rowe’s nomination to the full Senate with no recommendation. If confirmed, she will oversee policies affecting more than 1.7 million public school students. She has been serving as Acting Secretary since her nomination. Watch the hearing and read the release here. Transportation Bill Addressing Funding, Safety, Accountability Approved by Senate
A bill to fund transportation infrastructure and help improve the safety, accountability and stability of Pennsylvania’s mass transit systems was approved by the Senate on Tuesday. As amended by the Senate, House Bill 257 provides necessary additional funding in a way that protects taxpayers, improves safety on transit systems and implements new accountability measures. Importantly, the plan does this without impacting the General Fund, ensuring other critical programs aren’t threatened in the future. The legislation matches and exceeds the governor’s own funding proposal by providing $292.5 million to mass transit this year and another $300 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year. The plan provides the same amount of funding for roadway reconstruction, including many roads that have been overlooked or in need of repair for some time. Public Hearing Examines Data Center Development in Pennsylvania
As the development of new data centers accelerates across Pennsylvania, including in the 27th District, the Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing to review the potential impacts for communities and the economy. The hearing brought together economic development organizations, utilities, environmental commissions, municipal associations and other groups for a discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of establishing data centers. Some testifiers discussed the increased local tax revenue these centers would bring, boosting support for schools and fire departments. Others addressed two widely cited concerns with operating data centers – the demands on local electrical grids and watersheds, as well as the issue of using local workforce in constructing the facilities, a topic of concern being raised in our own area. You can find a hearing summary, testimony and video here and additional testimony here. Assistance Available to Support PA Rail Freight Infrastructure
With 65 railroads and more than 5,600 track miles, Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of operating railroads and ranks near the top in total track mileage. To preserve this essential service and stimulate job creation, the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program provide financial and technical assistance to rail operators and businesses served by rail for investment in freight infrastructure, through new or expanded service. The application period is open until August 29. Eligible applicants can find details and application information here. STEM-Related Activities Available from PennDOT
Transportation and STEM-related activities for children of all levels are available online from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The materials include a PennDOT-themed coloring book, traffic safety activity book, word searches and crossword puzzles (with answer keys), hands-on activities to help children think like an engineer and fun games teaching bicycle safety. Help PA Celebrate Your Barn
The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office invites you to contribute to the effort of documenting and celebrating the barns that define our state’s rural traditions. Barns represent the agricultural heritage, craftsmanship and local pride found throughout the commonwealth. You can go here to find out how to submit your photos and background information and have your barn added to the Pennsylvania Inventory of Historic Places.
For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my e-newsletters, you can get on the mailing list here. |
|||||
|
|||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorculver.com | Privacy Policy |
