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In this Update:
Northumberland County Conservation District Names Farmer of the Year
Congratulations to Marr Woodruff for being named the Farmer of the Year by the Northumberland County Conservation District for his efforts to implement conservation practices in his operations. He uses no-till farming, cover cropping and installed a roofed heavy-use area to keep livestock out of wet areas on the property to reduce erosions. Point Township Family Recognized for Century Farm
Congratulations to the Troxell Family of Point Township for achieving the distinction of having a Century Farm! Century Farms have remained with the same family for at least 100 years. The farm was originally purchased in April 1851 by the great-great-grandfather of the current owner, John Troxell. I congratulated John and his wife, Bonita, for this amazing achievement. Pack-A-Thon Prepares Food for Distribution to Local Residents
I recently volunteered at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank during its Pack-A-Thon! We packed boxes full of nutritious food to be distributed to families, seniors, veterans and others across central Pennsylvania. There are 1.5 million people across the commonwealth facing food insecurity. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank serves 27 counties across central Pennsylvania and works with more than 1,000 agencies and programs to help fight hunger. Learn more here. A Closer Look at Increasing Job Growth in PA
Pennsylvania’s notoriously long waits for permit reviews in the past have unfortunately led to employers and entrepreneurs taking their jobs to other states. As part of the current state budget, we worked to keep and attract more jobs by including an initiative to speed up permit reviews, make the process more transparent and eliminate this barrier to Pennsylvania job creation. We need to stop delays that impede job growth. We also need to be on a level playing field, working to surpass other states to promote job growth, but we haven’t been when it comes to the startup penalty new businesses face in the commonwealth. All but one other state allow new businesses to get on their feet by limiting the tax liability they face. Pennsylvania is finally beginning to phase out this penalty with language in the state budget. The new Max Manufacturing Initiative Act will support job growth by providing grants and loans to state universities to partner with engineering entities. Along with creating family-sustaining jobs, it will enhance research capabilities, promote business alliances and produce high-value products. In addition, we’ve made the state more business friendly by reducing the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) rate. Incremental reductions to halve the rate began in 2023 and will end with the state boasting one of the lowest CNIT rates in the country. Keeping Pennsylvania on a path to prosperity by promoting initiatives and policies to foster greater job growth remains a key area of focus as we continue our legislative work this fall. More Convenience for Customers with PA’s Expanded Liquor Law
In response to a call for increased convenience, people will soon enjoy a greater selection of canned cocktails available at more Pennsylvania businesses. The Legislature has been working to give customers access to products they want without requiring them to visit numerous stores to purchase beer and canned cocktails. Because of a new law, restaurants, hotels, convenience stores and grocery stores may now apply for a permit to sell drinks containing spirits like vodka, gin and tequila. Those drinks could previously only be purchased at state-run Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores. As soon as Monday, Sept. 16, businesses with approved permits may begin selling spirit-based cocktails with an alcohol volume ranging from 0.5% to 12.5% in containers up to 16 ounces, to individuals aged 21 or older with valid identification. They may not sell more than 192 ounces of ready-to-drink cocktails per sale. Making Payments in Lieu of Taxes Fairer
Providing schools, local municipalities and counties with greater funding through state agency payments in lieu of taxes was a key priority as we worked to implement the 2023-24 and 2024-25 state budgets. Payments in lieu of taxes benefit everyone in Pennsylvania, especially those who live in rural communities where increased state ownership of land depresses local property tax revenues. As such, casino tax revenues deposited in the state Gaming Fund to provide property tax relief are used to cover part of the cost of the state agencies’ payments in lieu of taxes. I am pleased that, because of our efforts, the increase to the statutory payments for each acre of land owned by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will result in more than $35 million annually for schools, local municipalities and counties. In addition, these statutory payments will automatically adjust with inflation every five years. Tools Available to Help Farmers Fight Avian Flu
As agriculture is Pennsylvania’s top industry, farms play a critical role not only in putting healthy foods and drinks on our tables, but also in maintaining the health of our economy. Anything that could affect farms has the potential to hurt us all. Highly pathogenic avian influenza is primarily transmitted by birds to animals and will spread on farms by people carrying dust, dander and droppings from infected birds on their clothing, gloves, shoes, vehicle tires and animal trailers. To minimize the spread and control the rapidly changing health situation, biosecurity kits are available with resources to enhance biosecurity on all farms. Each kit includes National FARM’s Everyday Biosecurity Plan, signage, training posters and a visitor sign-in sheet. Request a kit online or in bulk by calling 717-346-0849. Recognizing Bravery and Sacrifice on Patriot Day
On Wednesday, September 11, we recognize the innocent lives lost 23 years ago when our country was brutally attacked in New York, Virginia and right here in Pennsylvania. With heavy hearts, we remember the bravery and sacrifices of emergency responders. Let us also remember the surge of patriotism. It was a unifier unlike anything else most of us had experienced. People focused less on what could divide us and more on what we had in common. Perhaps the best way to honor those who lost their lives is to resurrect that spirit.
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