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Click here to find the latest information on coronavirus from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Updates

Proud to Support Pro-Agriculture Policies.

DEP’s Onerous Manganese Regulation Plays Favorites.

Help for Veterans and Beneficiaries Facing Unexpected Hardships.

Traffic Congestion Likely During Little League World Series.  Grand Slam Parade Kicks-Off Today in Williamsport.

Jersey Shore Receives $375K State Investment to Improve, Expand Water Service

On Friday, I was pleased to join the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce to present the Jersey Shore Area Joint Water Authority with a state investment to assist them with water line needs to service the industrial and residential community in the service territory.  Funding will allow for much needed line repairs and the creation of additional job growth in the region. 

EQT Corp. Holds Town Hall in Trout Run

I recently attended a town hall discussion in Trout Run hosted by EQT, a leading independent natural gas producer in the country.  Members of EQT’s senior leadership team, including President and CEO Toby Rice, were on hand to answer questions and meet with community members individually about their operations in the region.

Thanking Local Law Enforcement Supporting Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine

My office recently recognized the Williamsport Bureau of Police for its donation of protective equipment to humanitarian aid workers in Ukraine.

In the days following the initial Russian invasion of Ukraine, Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies and volunteers began an effort to donate decommissioned or nearly decommissioned equipment to better protect aid workers.

I know the Williamsport PD was not looking for headlines or publicity when they made these donations; they were just trying to do what they could to help people in need. I strongly believe that kind of selflessness deserves to be recognized and honored.

Not pictured is Lieutenant Steve Helm, former President of the Fraternal Order of Police, who has since retired from the department. He played a pivotal role in organizing the Bureau’s donation to Ukraine before his retirement.

Employers Applaud Action to Expand Jobs in PA

Job creators are taking note of the bipartisan action taken to attract new employment opportunities and residents to Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, business operators and others discussed the changes last week at a gathering in Lancaster.

One of the most significant steps they cited is the phase-down of the job-killing, corporate net income tax (CNIT). Under a provision of the new state budget, the rate will drop to 8.99% in 2023, and then continue to drop until it hits 4.99% in 2031. Once the reduction is fully implemented, Pennsylvania will go from imposing one of the nation’s highest CNIT rates to the eighth lowest in the country.

The consensus is that this will make Pennsylvania highly competitive among neighboring states in the northeast and others across the U.S.

Other changes made to the state’s tax code will be very helpful for mom-and-pop businesses. More than 99% of Pennsylvania businesses are small businesses, and those 1.1 million small businesses employ 2.5 million people, which is 46.3% of all Pennsylvania employees.

Under the new law, Pennsylvania will recognize “like-kind” exchanges for state tax deferral when property is exchanged for similar property. Federal tax law already allows for the tax deferral on federal taxes, providing some incentive for employers to invest in the job-creating assets businesses need to remain competitive, but Pennsylvania had been the only state not to recognize these exchanges for state tax purposes.

State tax law governing expense deductions is also being changed to bring it in line with federal law, eliminating the unequal treatment of Pennsylvania’s small businesses. The increase in limits will make it easier for employers to buy equipment and to invest, which promotes job growth.

Pennsylvanians need employment opportunities if they are to stay and raise families here. It’s exciting to hear job creators applauding the steps we’ve taken to increase the number of good-paying jobs that support healthy, thriving communities.

Grants Available for Very Small Meat and Poultry Processors

The application period for the Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Program is open and will run through Sept. 26. The assistance is aimed at increasing locally produced meat and poultry.

The funding can be used for the start-up costs associated with meeting federal inspection and certification guidelines for very small meat processors, defined as entities with sales of less than $2.5 million and fewer than 10 employees.

Applicants can submit their application through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Single Application for Assistance online application system at www.esa.dced.state.pa.us.

Game Commission Seeks Help Counting Wild Turkeys

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is again seeking input from the public in surveying wild turkeys this summer. The Pennsylvania Wild Turkey Sighting Survey is open through Aug. 31.

Participation is important for turkey population management. Survey data allow the agency to determine total wild turkey productivity and compare long-term reproductive success within Pennsylvania and across states, as this is a standard methodology used across the country. Data also are used in the turkey population model to track population trends.

Turkey sightings can be reported through the Game Commission’s website. The mobile app is no longer available.

Application Period Open for Rail Freight Assistance Programs

Pennsylvania ranks first in the country in the number of operating railroads, and state grants are available to support them through investment in rail freight infrastructure.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation operates the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program. Both programs have become very competitive and not all applications will receive funding.

For eligible organizations wishing to apply for funding through either program, applications will be available on the application website until 4 p.m., Sept 2.

Slow Down, Save a Life

Kimberly A. Smith | Safety Press Officer
PA Department of Transportation
Engineering District 3-0

Speeding translates to death on our roadways. It greatly reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object, or an unexpected curve. Speeding drivers put themselves, their passengers, and other drivers at tremendous risk.

In 2019, there were 29,640 speeding-related crashes in Pennsylvania, resulting in 415 fatalities.

Speeding is usually defined as driving in excess of the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions. It can have dangerous consequences including:

• Reducing a driver’s ability to negotiate curves or maneuver around obstacles in the roadway;
• Extending the distance traveled before a vehicle can stop;
• Increasing the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a hazard;
• Increasing the risk of crashes and injuries because other vehicles and pedestrians may not be able to judge distance correctly.

Remember, speeding puts you, your passengers, and others on the road at risk. Slow down, save a life.

For more traffic safety information, please visit www.penndot.pa.gov/safety.

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