HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania House Republicans Tuesday held a press conference calling on House Democrats to call up for a vote—without amendment or partisan gimmicks—the bipartisan Senate-passed tax cut plan that would reduce the Personal Income Tax and eliminate the Gross Receipts Tax on electricity.

House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) said passage of the tax cut plan, which would put more money in the pockets of every Pennsylvanian, starkly contrasts with Democrats’ vision for the future of Pennsylvania.

“While Bidenflation continues to be a problem, we cannot join Democratic leaders in looking at the reserves, the surplus, and the budgetary security we have built up as license to double down on government bloat,” Cutler said.

“If we are to use the surplus money we have now, we call on all lawmakers to join us in recognizing it is not ours to spend to balloon government bureaucracy. We must reject the notion it is fiscally sound to add unsustainable recurring costs onto the taxpayers and the Pennsylvanians who are already paying more and getting less. We believe this money comes from the taxpayers, and it must be returned to the taxpayers.”

The House version of the tax cut plan will be introduced by Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) and Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) with support from the entire House Republican leadership team.

“We are not talking about tax breaks for just a privileged few or for massive corporations. This plan would mean more money in every single paycheck in Pennsylvania and would immediately reduce electricity bills for every single consumer,” O’Neal said. “Think about what even a small boost in a working mom’s paycheck would mean for her family. Or what a reduction in an electricity bill would mean for a retired couple.”

Kail noted the elimination of the Gross Receipts Tax on energy bills would lower energy costs and make real the promise of Pennsylvania energy.

“If you live in this great Commonwealth, you should be able to reap the benefits of the richness that is Pennsylvania energy,” he said. “One component of this historic tax cut package includes the elimination of the Gross Receipts Tax on your utility bills. We’re proposing lower energy bills for you and your family.”

Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) added the tax cuts passed by the Senate and introduced in the House today will be a would for working class Pennsylvanians.

“These tax cuts, which passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, are a solution designed to provide much-needed financial relief to the backbone of our Commonwealth, working class people,” she said.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published June 5, 2024 10:52 A.M.

(Conway Borough, Pa) Workers were replacing the main line in the downtown area of Conway Borough and discovered issues and shut off the hose. It was done for the safety and health of the residents.

Danielle Smith – Keystone State News Service

The Environmental Protection Agency’s new clean car standards are getting praise from groups in Pennsylvania.

The EPA estimated by 2032, more than half of new passenger cars sold will be all-electric, and another 16% will be plug-in hybrids.

Rick Price, executive director of the nonprofit Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities, said the new standards will apply to light-duty and medium-duty vehicles, starting in model years 2027 to 2032. They will aim for zero emissions to reduce carbon pollution by 7 billion tons.

“Even in 2032, they’re estimating about 28% of the vehicles will still be internal combustion engines,” Price pointed out. “These are standards that are going to clean vehicles and protect the public health; again, address the climate crisis and eventually, it will save drivers money.”

Price added as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program allocates more than $170 million in federal funds in Pennsylvania to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

At a news conference, Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Allegheny, noted the transportation sector is Pennsylvania’s second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and the leading source in the United States. She said the new standards “address the root cause of climate change head-on,” and predicts they’ll also curb health risks, and drive economic growth and cost savings.

“The Biden administration is putting the auto industry and the country on a clear and predictable path towards reduced emissions, cleaner air and less extreme weather,” Williams stated.

Williams added with the changes, drivers will see $62 billion in reduced fuel, maintenance and repair costs annually.

According to a poll by the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, 57% of Pennsylvanians oppose government efforts to ban gas-powered cars and impose electric vehicle mandates.

LIGONIER, PA: June 3, 2024 – Idlewild & SoakZone, The Best Kid’s Park in the World, is taking kid fun to new heights with its beloved Kids Fest, featuring ‘Wild Foam Parties nearly every weekend and all-new experiences for kids and kids at heart every Saturday and Sunday, beginning June 8.  

The family-friendly event will run for four themed weekends this June, including unique and engaging entertainment, character meet and greets highlighted by the return of Marvel’s Spider-man and new interactive attractions. 

“There is no better place to host a month-long Kids Fest party than at the world’s best kid’s park, with the most robust lineup of entertainment and special activities ever,” said General Manager, Tim Heger. “The playful and imaginative event offers unique reasons to visit beyond the signature rides and attractions of Idlewild, plus a chance to cool off at SoakZone while also enjoying meet and greets with Marvel’s Spider-man and the return of our popular foam parties.” 

Kids Fest features new activities each weekend in June, offering families even more reasons to visit throughout the month. Details include:  

·       Meet and Greets with Marvel’s Spider-man, families are invited to meet and one-and-only Spider-man, enjoy bubble dance parties and more June 29 and 30;  

·       ‘Wild Foam Parties are back by popular demand, Ricky Racoon hosts Summer Beach Parties, the kiddos are invited to interactive magic shows and the all-new walk-through Whimsy Way delights park-goers June 8, 9, 15 and 16;  

·       Duke the Dragon’s Birthday will be celebrated the Idlewild way, June 22 and 23, with high-energy dance and bubble parties plus much more.  

In addition to all the special entertainment and activities lined up, each weekend includes a dance party with select Idlewild characters such as Ricky Racoon and Duke the Dragon at the park’s Hillside Theater.

FILE – U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., speaks before President Joe Biden about his infrastructure agenda while announcing funding to upgrade Philadelphia’s water facilities and replace lead pipes, Feb. 3, 2023, at Belmont Water Treatment Center in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is announcing that Pennsylvania will receive $28.67 million from the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program from the U.S. Department of the Interior. This funding will help further develop previously reclaimed abandoned mine land to make it viable for recreation, business, or energy projects. One-third of the Nation’s abandoned mine land (AML) is in Pennsylvania, with approximately 43 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties affected by abandoned coal mines.

“Too many Pennsylvania communities still face the environmental hazards of abandoned mine land — polluted waterways, property damage, and underground mine fire. Thanks to this funding, we can keep cleaning up this land, protecting our environment, and delivering a boost to Pennsylvania local economies with new, good-paying jobs,” said Senator Casey.  “I have always fought for the health and safety of Pennsylvania communities and I will continue to advocate for investments that ensure we can clean up legacy mining sites.

Senator Casey has been a strong advocate for AML cleanup. He has delivered a total of $488 million to reclaim abandoned mine land in Pennsylvania from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Casey secured $26.6 million  in May 2022 to revitalize AML through the AMLER Program.

After hearing from Pennsylvania communities about the lack of flexibility to use IIJA AML funding to clean up water polluted by acid mine drainage (AMD), Senator Casey pushed Secretary of the Interior Deb Holland and introduced and passed the STREAM Act. The STEAM Act allows states more flexibility to use infrastructure law funding to clean up acid mine drainage, which pollutes Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams, and address other long-term impacts of abandoned mine land.

In addition to voting to pass the infrastructure law, in April 2021, Casey introduced legislation to extend AML cleanup funding and to provide a boost for coal reclamation projects that provide economic development and growth in communities impacted by the downturn in the coal industry. Senator Casey also fought to pass the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which included his provision to provide a tax credit for clean energy projects built in energy communities like those in Pennsylvania. A 2023 report shows that, since the passage of the IRA, energy communities are leading the Nation in new clean energy investment.

Senator Casey is also fighting for specific projects in PA coal communities including Clearfield County’s Mineral Basin solar project. In March 2024, Senator Casey delivered $900 million from the infrastructure law to build solar facilities on former mine lands in Clearfield County. This project is expected to produce enough energy to power 70,000 homes per year.

HARRISBURG – Today, the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee unanimously passed Sens. Elder Vogel Jr.’s (R-47) and Judy Schwank’s (D-11) Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program Financial Assistance legislation.

Senate Bill 1229 would permit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to provide financial assistance to producers who enroll in the federal dairy margin coverage program, based on availability of funding, and requires the department to develop and establish guidelines and eligibility criteria for the financial assistance.

“With June being national dairy month, there’s no better time to show support for our dairy farmers than by passing our Dairy Margin Coverage Program legislation,” said Vogel, majority chair of the committee. “In an industry full of uncertainty, it’s important to provide our dairymen and women with the security and stability they deserve when prices drop. Farmers are no stranger to managing risk and Senate Bill 1229 will provide them with valuable options to protect themselves and their operations.”

“Senate Bill 1229 is a key component of the long-term sustainability of our dairy industry and provides an incentive for farmers to join the federal Dairy Margin Coverage Program,” said Schwank, minority chair of the committee. “Dairy is a major contributor to our commonwealth’s robust agriculture sector, and this bill demonstrates our commitment to protecting the livelihoods of dairy farmers.”

The federal DMC program, authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill, is a voluntary program that provides dairy operations with risk management coverage that will pay producers when the difference (the margin) between the national price of milk and the average cost of feed falls below a certain level selected by the program participants.

Senate Bill 1229 now awaits the consideration of the full Senate.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that a new Driver License and REAL ID Center will be opening in Beaver Falls, Beaver County on June 11, 2024. The new Beaver Falls location will replace the currently operating center located in the same plaza.

“We’re proud to open the new Beaver Falls Driver License and REAL ID Center,” said Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton. “In addition to driver licensing and photo services, the new location will offer same-day REAL ID services, giving customers the option to have their documents verified, imaged, and their REAL ID product obtained at the time of service.”

The address for the new Driver License Center remains unchanged at 2580 Constitution Boulevard in the Chippewa Plaza, Beaver Falls. Hours of operation for the new facility will remain the same, Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM.

The Beaver Falls location has been built to federal facility security standards for the over-the-counter issuance of REAL ID. REAL ID is a federal law that affects how states issue driver’s licenses and ID cards if they are going to be acceptable for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic commercial flight, or entering a military installation or federal facility that requires ID. Beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant license/identification card, or another form of federally-acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to:

• Board domestic commercial flights.
• Enter a military base.
• Enter a federal facility that requires ID at the door.

The facility is conveniently located only a few feet from the current location and offers ample parking, a large customer waiting area, and free wi-fi for its customers.

FILE – A black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, as a result of a controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk Southern trains, Feb. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

HARRISBURG – The state Senate today approved legislation introduced by Sens. Doug Mastriano (R-33), Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47), and Michele Brooks (R-50) that would enable Pennsylvania victims of the Norfolk Southern train wreck near East Palestine, Ohio, last year to keep more of their own money.

“This bill would enable the families and businesses harmed by the Norfolk Southern train wreck to keep more of the money from their relief payments and settlements,” said Mastriano, who serves as chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, hosted a hearing immediately following the train wreck, and subpoenaed Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw to appear before the committee. “Rather than creating a new government program, this bill would exempt from the state income tax the money these families and businesses are already receiving. I want them to be able to use that money for medical bills and personal expenses rather than paying the state income tax.”

Senate Bill 1149 would exempt from the state income tax any disaster relief payments the families or local businesses receive from the state or federal government, Norfolk Southern or an insurer as the result of the Feb. 3, 2023, train wreck. The deduction would also be retroactive to any payments received by victims in 2023.

“Many local families and businesses continue to suffer the longstanding negative effects of this tragedy,” Vogel said. “This bill would enable the people affected by the train wreck to use more of the relief payments and settlements to pay their bills and rebuild their lives.”

The train wreck took place just across the western border of Pennsylvania and was followed two days later on Feb. 5, 2023, by the planned ignition and burning of five railroad cars carrying dangerous chemicals. The toxic plume resulted in residents reporting various medical problems including rashes, burning lips, sore throats, itchy eyes and other skin irritations. Residents reported additional medical concerns at a follow-up hearing held last month by the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

“I would rather see these families and businesses keep their relief and settlement payments than see part of it taken by the state through the income tax,” Brooks said. “Many of these businesses are struggling and families are suffering long-term medical conditions, and they need all the financial resources they’re receiving. This tax change would have a relatively small effect on the state’s finances, but can mean a lot for these families in the aftermath of this tragedy.”

Danielle Smith – Keystone State News Service

A new report is sounding the alarm on Pennsylvania’s juvenile-detention capacity challenges, citing understaffing and long wait times for the young people awaiting placement.

The report says five of the 13 youth detention facilities are used by just five counties, and that 57 counties must vie for beds at only six facilities statewide.

Dr. Abigail Wilson, director of child welfare, juvenile justice and education services at the Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth and Family Services, said some counties are forced to send kids hundreds of miles away to find detention space. She noted that more funding could help clear the waitlists and reduce disruption to families and communities.

“Funding impacts the workforce issues,” she said, “and it’s difficult to staff some of these facilities, because the pay doesn’t quite match the need, and the higher level of risk that you take, when you work at a secure detention center.”

Wilson added that it’s also difficult to move a young person into a probation or “step-down” program, since these struggle with understaffing and underfunding. The report notes that detention is meant to provide “temporary, secure and safe custody,” and is used only when less restrictive alternatives have been considered.

On the other hand, Wilson said she thinks Pennsylvania has done a good job identifying the needs of youths in trouble, with a big commitment to evidence-based assessments and services within the juvenile justice system.

“So currently, our system uses the youth level-of-service assessment to look at risk for recidivism, as well as appropriate level of service,” she said. “They’re able to very quickly see, while placing a youth in a family-like setting is the main priority.”

The report reveals that almost 90% of all corrections agencies reported moderate or severe difficulties hiring and retaining front-line facility staff, with job vacancy rates as high as 30% to 40%.

Wilson said the report makes several recommendations, but tackling the workforce shortage through improved funding is the key to all of them “because we can’t effectively run programs and serve youths without highly qualified staff.

“So, when we offer those pay increases, smaller youth-to-staff ratios, reformed onboarding training,” she said, “we can continue to recruit these highly qualified staff.”

Wilson said alternatives to detention are often community-based programs that offer supervision, mentoring and therapy for a young offender as they await their court date, and may include working with their family.