Senator Pittman

𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐬𝐲𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚

It was great to sit down with the @pachamber in my Harrisburg office earlier this week to discuss the significance of permitting reform in Pennsylvania. We recognize the trajectory of this Commonwealth is such that we need #EconomicOpportunity, and the only way we have economic opportunity is if we get more shovels in the ground. #permitting reform still means responsible projects, protecting the environment, making sure the projects are done safely and properly - but also promptly.

There is certainly a lot more to do, but the reforms we have worked to implement already, signal that #Pennsylvania is open for business and that we`re prepared to embrace new development and new economic opportunity. Senate Republicans know this is a critical part of #JobCreation and helping to increase access to family sustaining jobs. ...

𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐬 𝐍𝐨 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞
“The horror we saw yesterday with the murder of Charlie Kirk, the recent mass violence within communities, and the targeting of individuals who offer a different political perspective is abhorrent. The epidemic of violence in all forms must be condemned.

“24 years ago on September 11, 2001, the United States of America was attacked. The vile and cowardly actions of terrorists that day changed our world. In the days, weeks, and months following the attack, the violence which shook our nation to the core ultimately led to Americans becoming more united in our resolve to come together.

“The past cannot be changed, but it is imperative we continue to learn from it, as we did after 9/11. Violence and hate have no place, and we must work to shape a better future in which discord is respectful. May God Bless our Nation.”
#neverforget #charliekirk #unitedwestand ...

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬

With Democrats removing transit from the budget table last week by providing funding through the method we suggested, the frequency and detail of discussions have increased and could allow for a budget agreement to be finalized within the next several days.

While I am encouraged by the meaningful work at the negotiating table, currently there is no global agreement on a budget deal, as several fiscal and policy issues remain outstanding. Reaching consensus swiftly would prevent negative impacts of a budget impasse being shouldered by #counties, school districts, hospitals and all those who rely on #StateGovernment services.

Following the conclusion of three voting session days this week, the #PASenate now remains on a 24-hour call. Session days beyond what are presently scheduled for the Fall will likely be necessary once a budget agreement is reached. ...

Investing in transit in a responsible manner using existing PTTF support, which won’t divert money from the General Fund and without jeopardizing a single capital project, is what we have been unwavering advocates for over the last several months.

Had our Democrat colleagues joined us in putting people over politics by supporting and advancing House Bill 257, as passed by the Senate on August 12, this money could have been utilized three weeks sooner – and there would have been no negative impacts to school children, seniors, and everyone who relies on transit services as part of their daily commutes. ...

𝐑𝐢𝐛𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 ✂️

Congratulations to @luxenbergs Jewelers on the ribbon cutting for their new location in downtown Indiana! The new location came about due to unfortunate water damage incurred at their long-time previous location.

Luxenberg’s has been a fixture in the Borough since 1916 and offers a second location at the Indiana Mall. While ownership has changed over the years, I am certain they will continue to be a part of Indiana’s viable shopping area for many years to come. Best wishes for continued success! ...

𝐏𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐀 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡
The #PASenate advanced a mass transit and #transportation infrastructure bill earlier this month, which would have prevented any of SEPTA’s cuts. The use of excess money in the Public Transportation Trust Fund (PTTF) is a responsible approach to address transportation needs across PA right now, while respecting #taxpayers and ensuring safety and accountability in transit operations.

House Democrats, whose leadership hails from the SEPTA region, immediately rejected the plan. They should reconsider. Negotiations continue as we work to reach consensus on a final budget product that puts our commonwealth on a stable spending path for future years. ...