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In this Update:
State Budget Progress
With Democrats removing transit from the budget table last week by providing funding through the method PA Senate Republicans 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 state government services. Following the conclusion of three voting session days this week, the Senate 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. Ox Hill Fair – Youth Livestock Sale
(Raelynn – Reserve Grand Champion Hog) Congratulations to all participants in the Ox Hill Community Agricultural Fair Junior Livestock sale last week. It was a pleasure meeting the youth to commend them for their commitment and hard work in raising and showing their animals. Kudos to everyone on a job well done! Violence Has No Place
The horror we saw this week 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. Protecting Animals from Painful Experiments
The Senate unanimously approved legislation aimed at protecting dogs and cats from painful, taxpayer-funded experiments. Senate Bill 381, also known as the Beagle Bill, would:
Senate Bill 381 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. School Bus Bill Improves Safety for Pennsylvania Children
Legislation to improve school bus safety and better protect children traveling to and from school was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 65 increases the required stopping distance from 10 feet to 15 feet for drivers approaching from the opposite direction when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. It also raises penalties for violations, including higher fines and license suspensions for repeat offenders, and mandates additional driver education or examinations. It also establishes penalties for drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights, adding an important layer of accountability. During Operation Safe Stop in October 2024, law enforcement and bus drivers across 22 school districts reported 131 violations in a single day, underscoring the urgency of these reforms. Senate Approves Bill to Expunge COVID-Era Citations
The Senate approved legislation to expunge punitive COVID-related citations issued by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) against small businesses with liquor licenses. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Every other commonwealth agency has dropped enforcement actions for COVID-era rule violations, recognizing the difficult situation restaurants faced. However, the PLCB has been using its license renewal process to punish license holders for not complying with COVID-related executive orders. This includes issuing conditional licenses, which come with higher insurance premiums, and requiring the sale of a liquor license, effectively putting someone out of business. Senate Bill 241 would help local businesses by expunging COVID-related citations from the record of restaurants and bars that are under the purview of the PLCB. Helping Disabled Veterans Enjoy Outdoor Activities
The Senate passed legislation supporting opportunities for Pennsylvania’s disabled veterans to participate in outdoor traditions. Senate Bill 533 would streamline requirements for hunting and furtaking licenses and refine special permits for regulated hunting grounds to specifically benefit disabled veterans who take part in hunting events. The legislation makes it easier for organizations to host hunts for disabled veterans by clarifying the permitting process and reducing unnecessary barriers, ensuring more veterans can be included in these events. Senate Bill 533 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Importance of Community Pharmacies Highlighted at Briefing
Community pharmacies and the important role they play for Pennsylvania residents was the focus of an informational briefing with pharmacists, the state Department of Human Services, the Insurance Department and others. Roughly 600 pharmacies have closed across the commonwealth within the last two years, reducing access to professionals serving on the frontlines of health care. The Senate Community Pharmacy Caucus discussed the impacts of Act 77 of 2024, the Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) reform measure. The law banned harmful practices, strengthened network adequacy requirements, increased PBM transparency and accountability and implemented additional oversight. Further action needed to protect community pharmacies was among the topics explored at the briefing, which can be viewed here.
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