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In this Update:

• ICYMI: Highlighting Pro-Growth Measures in State Budget
• A Closer Look at Farm Conservation Efforts
• Unclaimed Property is Available for Nonprofits
• Protect Against Mosquito-Borne Viruses
• Honoring the Elders of Our Communities

ICYMI: Highlighting Pro-Growth Measures in State Budget

The 2024-25 state budget that was enacted last month included several key pro-growth measures to help address Pennsylvania’s economic and demographic challenges in the years ahead.

The budget helped break down significant barriers to job growth, including improvements to the state’s tax structure and permitting reforms that will help prevent Pennsylvania from losing new jobs and investments to other states. We also created the innovative Grow PA program to keep more of our young people in PA and connect them with in-demand jobs, while making college and career training more affordable for thousands of students.

I recently outlined the importance of these plans in an op-ed published by Broad and Liberty here.

A Closer Look at Farm Conservation Efforts

Farmers play a critical role in Pennsylvania as agriculture is the state’s top industry. They also improve our food security by reducing our dependence on food supplied by other countries.

This week, the Senate and House Agriculture and Rural Affairs committees led discussions about on-farm conservation efforts. Farmers across the state are focused on addressing food waste, pursuing manure management and, most importantly, ensuring the long-term sustainability of vital resources like our water and soil that will allow them to preserve our agricultural heritage.

To support these important initiatives, Senate Republicans voted to dedicate $10 million in the state budget for conservation efforts among Pennsylvania farmers through the new Agriculture Innovation and Development Program. The program is focused on providing farmers and agribusinesses with the resources to adopt new technological practices.

The investments in farm conservation were made in addition to recurring funding for the Clean Streams Fund, which helps farmers implement practices that improve water quality. More information on the Clean Streams Fund is available here.

Unclaimed Property is Available for Nonprofits

The Pennsylvania State Treasury is safeguarding $4.5 billion of unclaimed property, and it’s not just for individuals. Many nonprofits also have money available to claim.

Unclaimed property includes things like dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, rebates, insurance payments and more. Every dollar returned to a nonprofit can help to fulfill its core mission.

Volunteer fire departments, service organizations and libraries should see if any money is available for them to claim. Search online using these tips to help nonprofits search for unclaimed property.

Protect Against Mosquito-Borne Viruses

Pennsylvania boasts so many opportunities for outdoor recreation, especially in the summer. To safely enjoy all nature has to offer, it’s important to know about potential risks and how to minimize them.

The leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States is West Nile Virus (WNV), which can cause inflammation of the brain. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection tracks cases of WNV and Jamestown Canyon Virus by county.

Since 2000, Pennsylvania’s state budget has included funding to monitor and control WNV. There is no treatment or vaccine for WNV, but people can protect themselves by wearing shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Consider the use of mosquito repellent and wash all treated skin and clothing when returning indoors.

Honoring the Elders of Our Communities

National Senior Citizens’ Day – Wednesday, Aug. 21 – is the perfect opportunity to spend time with older men and women. Whether you take time to help them with chores or listen to their stories, they will certainly appreciate the extra attention.

Seniors made incredible contributions to our society and continue to be valued members of our communities.

To support them, Senate Republicans passed bills that are now law to prevent the exploitation of older Pennsylvanians, ensure Pennsylvanians receive access to health care services at nursing homes, preserve prescription drug benefits for seniors and assure nursing homes continue to serve Medical Assistance (MA) recipients by requiring timely MA payments.

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