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In this Update:
Senate Passes Empowering, Pro-Family, Pro-Growth Budget
The Senate approved a fiscally responsible 2024-25 state budget that creates new job opportunities for state residents, includes no new taxes, and addresses the economic and demographic challenges the state faces in the years ahead. The $47.59 billion spending plan is $740 million less than Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposal, and it adds $740 million to the state’s Rainy Day Fund – a key priority of Senate Republicans to prevent painful tax hikes or service cuts in the future, and an important tool to promote the financial stability of our state. The budget includes key measures to boost the economy by removing barriers for businesses to relocate to or expand in Pennsylvania: a continuation of the Corporate Net Income Tax phase-out, and the elimination of the Start-Up Penalty. Lawmakers also addressed the persistent problem of permitting delays that have chased jobs and investment to other states. A new Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) Program will be created to establish permit review timelines by the Department of Environmental Protection and conservation districts. Additionally, a new permit tracking system will be implemented, and applicants will now have the option for third-party review of air, earth disturbance and water permit applications. Importantly, we also approved the innovative Grow PA plan to help more young people attain college degrees and career training programs and get connected to quality jobs in Pennsylvania communities without having to take on as much student loan debt. Significant resources are included to empower parents and families to make the best decisions regarding the educational needs of their children. Learn more about education funding and other budget highlights. I look forward to sharing more details on the state budget with you in the weeks ahead! Program Connecting Veterans with Benefits Receives Senate Approval
The Senate this week unanimously approved legislation to establish in law the PA VETConnect program to help Pennsylvania veterans access programs, services and benefits in their communities. Senate Bill 447 would establish in law the PA VETConnect program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and helps the commonwealth’s more than 700,000 veterans access services in their communities. The database of resources enables local veteran advocates – including staff at county veterans affairs offices – to point veterans to information, resources, programs and services in their area and across the commonwealth. Senate Votes to Expand Authority of Hospice Licensed Practical Nurses
The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1080 to enable licensed practical nurses (LPNs) working in a hospice setting to make death pronouncements, saving money and limiting unnecessary emotional distress for the patient’s family. Pennsylvania law currently allows registered nurses (RNs), medical doctors, physician assistants and coroners to make death pronouncements. Many hospice facilities across Pennsylvania face workforce shortages. Giving LPNs the authority to make death pronouncements can help hospice facilities address their staffing issues. Promoting Safe Driving Habits
Recognizing this week as Operation Safe Driver Week, which aims to reduce driving behaviors, here are some helpful tips so we can all enjoy the roadways safely. Speeding has been a factor in more than a quarter of crash deaths since 2008. Nearly half of passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2019 were not wearing seatbelts. Distracted driving is another behavior that puts people at risk. The AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index revealed that 88% of drivers believe distracted driving has outpaced all other traffic-related issues as a growing safety concern. In June, the Senate passed legislation, now law, limiting the use of handheld cellular and other devices while driving.
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