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In this Update:
Appropriations Monthly Update Highlights Five-Year Budget Outlook, Inflation
Each month, the Senate Appropriations Committee – which I chair – provides an update on the state’s current revenue performance, as well as information on issues of financial importance for Pennsylvania in the months and years to come. This month’s edition highlights the state’s five-year budget outlook, as well as the impacts of inflation, the state’s new revenue reporting system, and more. Monthly Report Measures Taken to Prevent Tax Hikes and Create Jobs
In the 2021-22 legislative session, the General Assembly enacted measures that shielded Pennsylvanians from tax hikes and reduced the burden on job creators to bring good-paying and family-sustaining jobs to our commonwealth. We cut the Corporate Net Income Tax to attract employers to Pennsylvania, modernized expense deductions allowing small business owners more flexibility and tax planning opportunities, and provided tax incentives for small businesses to grow and invest in Pennsylvania. Other steps taken to expand job growth included establishing the Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) tax credit program and other targeted initiatives directly linked to creating jobs for Pennsylvanians. I’ll continue to work in the 2023-24 legislative session to ease the tax burden on Pennsylvania families and enact measures that promote job growth. New Appointment Offers Greater Involvement in Public Safety
Lawmakers have an important responsibility to enact policies that create safer communities. I was honored to be appointed recently to serve on a key commission that works to reduce crime throughout Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) brings together a wide range of experts in the fields of criminal and juvenile justice, victim services, and related professions to explore solutions to prevent crime. The Commission also plays a key role in approving state and federal funding for community safety initiatives, including grants to enhance school safety and support local law enforcement agencies. More information on PCCD is available here. Reports Outline Natural Gas Costs and Readiness this Winter
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has released its 2022 Winter Readiness Overviews covering the reliability and expected cost of natural gas service this winter. According to the Readiness Report from the Energy Association of Pennsylvania, home heating costs are expected to rise significantly over the winter, driven by an estimated 5% increase in consumption (for households that use natural gas as their primary heating fuel), along with a 28% rise in natural gas prices compared to last winter. Additionally, all of Pennsylvania’s major natural gas distribution companies indicated that they have sufficient supplies and procedures in place to ensure reliable natural gas service this winter. You can find details and local utility reports here. Making the Holidays Brighter for Military Families and Veterans
Please consider making the holidays brighter for veterans, service members and their families with a tax-deductible donation to any of these support programs run by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Military Family Relief Assistance Program provides financial assistance, in the form of grants, to eligible Pennsylvania service members and their eligible family members who have an immediate financial need based on circumstances beyond their control. Veterans’ Trust Fund issues grants to statewide charitable organizations that assist veterans, veterans service organizations and county directors of veterans affairs to help veterans in need of shelter and necessities of living. You can also give to Residents’ Welfare Funds at any of the DMVA’s six veterans homes to keep our residents active, healthy and engaged. You can donate online or by mail to: DMVA Office for Veterans Affairs, Bldg. 0-47, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003-5002. Celebrating and Protecting Our Bill of Rights
The right to free speech, the right to bear arms and eight other amendments to the U.S. Constitution make up our Bill of Rights. This week, we celebrate its ratification and pledge to defend these rights forever. Happy Hanukkah
To everyone observing Hanukkah, I hope these eight days bring you joy and a sense of rededication. |
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