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In this Update:
Senate Votes to Let Citizens Decide Voter ID, Legal Relief for Sexual Abuse Victims, Regulatory Reform
The Senate passed legislation this week that will let voters decide whether the Pennsylvania Constitution should be amended to create a voter ID requirement, provide sexual abuse victims with a way to sue their abusers and reform the state regulatory review process. Thirty-five states, the world’s developed countries and many developing ones have voter photo ID requirements, and a 2021 Franklin and Marshall College poll found that 74% of Pennsylvania voters said the commonwealth should join them in making elections more secure. Senate Bill 1 also includes a proposed constitutional amendment that will create a two-year window to allow sexual abuse victims to sue their abusers. Victims of sexual abuse who were abused as children have been unable to seek justice after the age of 30 due to a statute of limitations provision in Pennsylvania law. In addition, Senate Bill 1 includes a separate proposed amendment that would allow the General Assembly to reject a regulation by majority approval, as opposed to a two-thirds vote, in both legislative chambers. Under Pennsylvania’s current regulatory review process, the executive branch has circumvented the General Assembly and the normal legislative process, ignoring any legislative or public input that runs counter to executive branch regulatory goals. The General Assembly previously approved the amendments in the 2021-22 legislative session. With passage of Senate Bill 1, the Pennsylvania Senate has fulfilled and completed our commitment to provide voters with a direct voice on these consequential matters. This bill has been delivered to the House, and we look forward to their swift action to ensure the people of Pennsylvania will be presented with these questions in May. Senate Approves Bill to Eliminate Gas Tax Increase, Help Pennsylvanians at the Pump
Taking significant action to protect Pennsylvanians’ wallets, the Senate approved a bill to stop the automatic gas tax increase for 2023. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives. For the first time, the average wholesale price of gasoline exceeded $2.99 per gallon last year, triggering an automatic increase in Pennsylvania’s gas tax that went into effect Jan. 1. Senate Bill 35 would eliminate the automatic gas tax increase for 2023 moving forward, preventing what would produce the second-highest gas tax in the nation behind California, and permanently set the average wholesale price at $2.99 per gallon. The bill also requires the Department of Revenue to reassess this year’s gas tax structure. Projections indicate the average Pennsylvania household will spend nearly $2,500 at the gas pump in 2023. Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Recipient
The 107th Pennsylvania Farm Show is taking place this week, and it was great to stop by the Farm Show Complex on Tuesday to take part in the annual scholarship event. Congratulations to Elizabeth Bruner, recipient of a Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship! Elizabeth is a constituent from Indiana County and is currently a freshman at Penn State, Dubois campus. She has exhibited at the PA Farm Show for 14 years in addition to participating in local 4-H and agriculture programs. You can watch the scholarship presentation and my interview with Elizabeth here. Well done, Elizabeth and best wishes in all your future endeavors! Virtual Job Fair Set for Wednesday, Jan. 18
The Pennsylvania National Guard Associations will be holding a virtual job fair Wednesday, Jan. 18. Jobseekers should be prepared to interview online with hiring managers and recruiters from top hiring companies. This online chat will connect the public directly with organizations. After signing in, participants will be able to explore the available information and opportunities and participate in live one-on-one, text-based chats with representatives from participating organizations. Participants may also visit the job fair before and after the live event to continue making connections with top employers. Assistance Available for Local Historic Preservation
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is now accepting applications from nonprofit organizations and local governments for the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program. Grants support projects that identify, preserve, promote and protect historic and archaeological resources in Pennsylvania for the benefit of the public and community revitalization. Two categories of grants – construction and planning – are available for historic resources in Pennsylvania that are listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places. Applicants may apply for only one type of grant. Prospective applicants for construction grants can attend a webinar on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. A planning grant webinar will be held Thursday, Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. Pennsylvania Senate Guest Chaplain
I had the distinct honor to have a constituent serve as guest pastor in the Senate on Monday. Senior Pastor, Jack Lucas of Hilltop Baptist Church offered the opening prayer for session. Pastor Lucas was accompanied by his Assistant Pastor, Steve Rearick. I’ve known Pastor Lucas for many, many years. He served our Commonwealth as a game commission enforcement officer and serves our local community as a chaplain for law enforcement, EMS and the fire services. It was an honor to welcome Pastor Lucas and Pastor Rearick to the Senate chamber! Anti-Litter Contest Open to K-6 Students
Entries are now being accepted for the Litter Hawk Youth Award Program, a way for students in kindergarten through sixth grade to promote anti-littering efforts through art, words or video. Two entries will be selected as winners in each grade level. First place will receive a $50 gift card. First runner-up will receive a $25 gift card. All participants will be recognized with certificates. The deadline to participate is Jan. 31. Winners will be announced in April. Kids can participate individually or as part of a lesson initiated by schools, home-schools, scout troops, 4-H clubs, environmental clubs or other organized groups. More information and entry forms are available here. New District Office Opening
As a result of redistricting, I am opening a new district office in New Kensington, Westmoreland County. My staff and I look forward to serving this new area of the 41st Senatorial District. Office location and contact details are shown above. Information regarding each of my offices can be found on my website. Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Nearly 60 years after he shared his dream in an Aug. 28, 1963, Washington, D.C. speech, Martin Luther King Jr.’s wish is shared by the overwhelming number of Americans of all backgrounds. We must defend this unifying ideal for the well-being of our children and nation. |
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