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In this Update:
Remembering Fuller Hose Co. Firefighter Shawn Giles
The Pennsylvania Senate this past week unanimously approved a condolence resolution I sponsored to remember Fuller Hose Company #1 Firefighter Shawn Giles who was tragically killed on Aug. 20, 2023, by a speeding motorist while directing traffic at an accident scene. Shawn died while selflessly serving the citizens of this commonwealth. His sacrifice underscores how our Pennsylvania volunteers put their lives on the line for our safety each and every day. He served 13 years as a firefighter and performed fire police duties for the Fuller Hose Co. Prior to that, he served as a volunteer firefighter with Brookside Fire Department in Harborcreek Township. He was also a veteran of the United States Army, having served in Germany from 1989-1993. Shawn is survived by his wife, Adele, stepchildren, Alyssa and Alex, and grandson, Lucas. The unimaginable loss is felt keenly by his family, colleagues, friends and community. My deepest condolences go out to his entire family, his friends and the Fuller Hose Company. A video of my floor remarks can be viewed here. Public Transportation Modernization Bill Reported from Committee
The state Senate Transportation Committee this week reported to the full Senate legislation I sponsored in hopes of modernizing the management of Pennsylvania’s public transportation systems. Senate Bill 597 seeks to ensure both funding predictability and local control over spending decisions so that our public transportation systems can provide critical mobility to citizens across the commonwealth. To preserve transit operations across the commonwealth, SB 597 is designed to address its diverse funding challenges in a comprehensive way. This legislative initiative will modernize the management of our public transportation systems with a focus on capital funding predictability and ensuring funding is spent as dictated by local decision-making. Each day, public transportation provides over one million rides to people throughout all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. We need to make sure these systems can continue to contribute to mobility, economic vitality, sustainability and an enhanced quality of life throughout our state.” Jeremy Peterson, CEO of the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority, said following the committee vote: “I want to thank Sen. Laughlin for his leadership on this vital issue. Today’s committee action signifies the beginning of a broader discussion surrounding public transportation funding in the commonwealth. SB 597 is an important first step in improving local control of transportation decision making and increases predictability in planning for public transportation providers all without increasing taxes. We look forward to working with Sen. Laughlin and transportation stakeholders as we move forward toward a final product.” SB 597 now heads to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Approves Bill to Limit Financial Burden on Private Individuals Helping to Protect Lake Erie’s Coastline Against Erosion
The state Senate this week approved legislation I sponsored seeking to limit the financial burden placed on private individuals helping to minimize coastal erosion on Lake Erie. Erie County residents and visitors are fortunate to have quick access to the beautiful coast of Lake Erie as well as Presque Isle State Park, but there’s a lot that goes into protecting the coastline from erosion. To help preserve the shoreline, structures called “groins” are used to stabilize stretches of the beach against erosion. However, private individuals who own groin structures must pay fees to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), with the fee skyrocketing from $25 to $750 annually. DEP and other government entities that own and operate groins are exempt from the fee. Since “groins” are not defined in Pennsylvania statute, my legislation, Senate Bill 382, would add a definition to current law as well as cap what is now an excessive fee for private individuals. While I had hoped to offer private individuals a full exemption to the DEP-charged license fee, a compromise to cap the fee at $250 was necessary to advance the legislation. We should be doing what we can to encourage private individuals to help with the protection of our precious natural resources, not making them pay exorbitant fees the government has exempted itself from paying. SB 382 now heads to the state House of Representatives for consideration. A video of my floor remarks regarding the legislation can be viewed here. Policy Committee Hearing on Emerging Technologies
The Senate Majority Policy Committee, which I chair, recently held a public hearing in Pittsburgh about innovation and emerging technology in Pennsylvania. The committee heard from various technology experts and industry leaders regarding the significant innovation assets opportunity in Pennsylvania. During the hearing we examined how innovation industries are vitally important to regional and statewide economies. A recording of the hearing can be viewed here. Pennsylvania Veteran Service Award
It was truly an honor for me to present the Pennsylvania Veterans Service Award to John Boyko, Gregory Henning and Andrew Smith. Your efforts do great service to the veterans in our area and beyond. Thank you for making a real difference in the lives of those who have bravely served our country. Roberto Clemente Gala
Last week, I had the honor of attending the Roberto Clemente Gala in Pittsburgh to support the Roberto Clemente Foundation and celebrate the 50th anniversary of “The Great One” being inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame. Roberto left a lasting legacy of a compassionate and gracious humanitarian who happened to play baseball, and it was special to be able to meet and talk to his two sons, Luis and Roberto, Jr., as well as his grandson, Roberto Clemente III. 8th Annual Youth Civic Engagement Symposium
In recognition of Constitution Day, Erie Together and Gannon University organized the 8th Annual Youth Civic Engagement Symposium. The event welcomed high school students from nine different schools, aiming to educate them about the workings of local, state and federal governments through the executive, legislative and judicial branches. It was great to see Katie Nagle, my director of community relations, sit on the State Government panel alongside state Rep. Bob Merski, State Trooper Brian Arrington, and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Vince Mazzochi. I would like to thank Erie Together and Gannon University for their dedication to investing in our youth, who are indeed the future of our community. Senate Votes to Streamline and Increase School Safety Measures
This week, the Senate passed House Bill 27 to more effectively keep Pennsylvania children safe at school by streamlining and increasing school safety measures. House Bill 27 would consolidate school safety programs and operations under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) and create a new Executive Committee under PCCD to review school safety issues and to identify current and emerging trends. The bill would also ensure schools and counties can develop best practices for emergency response by developing a safe schools collaborative, release $100 million that was included in the 2023-24 state budget for K-12 mental health programs and provide greater flexibility for school districts experiencing shortages of substitute teachers. Read More PA Voters Get Greater Say with Senate Bill
The Senate passed a bill that would give Pennsylvania voters a significant say in presidential elections by moving up the primary election date. In many presidential elections, the outcome is largely decided before Pennsylvania voters have a chance to cast a ballot. Moving up the spring election date gives voters in the fifth-largest state a better chance of weighing in on the presidential primary. Currently, the primary takes place on the fourth Tuesday of April. Senate Bill 224 would move the primary to the third Tuesday in March, making the next presidential primary election date March 19, 2024. The change would also prevent a conflict with Passover, during which observant Jewish Pennsylvanians are prohibited from writing, driving or using electricity. Tax Seminars Held Virtually and Across PA
Tax professionals can learn about changes to state tax laws and policies during one-day seminars offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue held across the state and virtually. The tax seminars will educate tax professionals on Personal Income Tax, sales tax corporate taxes, compliance initiatives and using the department’s website to establish tax accounts for new businesses, file tax returns and pay state taxes. Find a local or virtual seminar here. Grants Available to Increase Economic Benefits Boaters Offer PA Communities
Communities can apply now for grants to enhance the economic and social benefits of providing convenient boating access along their waterways. Townships, boroughs, municipal and county governments, and nonprofit groups may apply. Private businesses and service clubs are not eligible. Applicants can seek grants for site acquisition, development, expansion, prevention of the spread of aquatic invasive species and rehabilitation of recreational boat access facilities. Eligible construction projects may include boat ramps, courtesy floats, restrooms, access roads, parking areas and signs. Funds may also be used to make facilities ADA compliant. While the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will accept applications from anywhere in the commonwealth, special consideration will be given to projects that provide public boating access in the Delaware River watershed. Learn more or apply online by Dec. 30. Yom Kippur Begins Sunday
Yom Kippur – the holiest day on the Jewish calendar – begins at nightfall on Sunday, Sept. 24. The Day of Atonement, which ends the following day at nightfall, is spent fasting, praying and seeking forgiveness. I wish everyone who observes this important holiday a meaningful Yom Kippur. May you be sealed in the Book of Life.
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