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The latest news from the State Capitol |
In this Edition:
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New Tax Credit Scheduled for Key Vote |
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Conferences Provide Insights into Industry Challenges |
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Reminder: Voter Registration Deadline Monday |
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Growing Greener Plus Grant Program Accepting Applications |
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Agricultural Deer Program Changes Adopted |
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Health Expo Coming May 22 |
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Busy Spring Blooming in 106th District |
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New Tax Credit Scheduled for Key Vote
The proposed Reliable Energy Investment Tax Credit would support new or expanded power plants that produce at least 100 megawatts of electricity. It is a component of House Bill 500, which includes other economic development tools.
I partnered with Reps. John Inglis (D-Allegheny) and Rob Matzie (D-Beaver) to introduce House Bill 500. The legislation is teed up for a House Finance Committee vote Wednesday.
I recently testified about the proposed tax credit (video linked above) and explained how Constellation Energy has pursued redevelopment of Three Mile Island without using a dime of taxpayer dollars. The current redevelopment plans would not be eligible for this tax credit, but future projects to increase production by at least 100 megawatts may be eligible.
Our 13-state power grid operator, PJM Interconnection, has sounded the alarm about a looming capacity shortage. PJM serves 65 million customers and expects load demands to grow exponentially in the coming years.
Much of the demand comes from the electric needs of data centers and artificial intelligence. We need to position Pennsylvania to properly allow for these data centers with appropriate zoning, workforce development and PA-produced power.
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Conferences Provide Insights into Industry Challenges
This week, I spoke at the spring conferences for both the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association and Pennsylvania Health Care Association.
At PEDA’s conference, business owners asked questions about power shortages and increased demands for energy. The PHCA members shared concerns about private equity investments in long-term care centers.
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Reminder: Voter Registration Deadline Monday
Just a reminder that if you are not already registered to vote but wish to participate in the May 20 municipal primary election, the deadline to register is this Monday, May 5.
To be eligible to vote in the primary, you must be a citizen of the United States for at least one month before the election; a resident of the election district in which you register to vote for at least 30 days before the primary; and at least 18 years of age on or before the date of the primary.
Under state law, only voters registered as Republicans or Democrats may vote for candidates in the primary election.
You may register to vote online here or visit your county voter registration office. Not sure of your registration status? Check it here.
Voters who prefer to vote by mail-in or absentee ballot have until May 13 to apply for the ballot and until 8 p.m. on May 20 to return it. For more information, click here.
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Growing Greener Plus Grant Program Accepting Applications
The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now accepting applications for a new round of Growing Greener Plus grants.
This opportunity includes three grant programs, which are intended to address nonpoint source pollution through local, watershed-based planning, restoration and protection efforts. These include:
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Growing Greener Watershed Restoration and Protection Program grants are to restore impaired waters and protect waterways from nonpoint source pollution. |
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Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act Grants are intended to help treat abandoned mine discharge sites. |
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Act 167 Stormwater Management Planning Grants are to assist in the preparation of stormwater management plans. |
Growing Greener grants can be awarded to watershed groups, local or county governments, municipal authorities, county planning commissions, county conservation districts, councils of governments, educational institutions or nonprofit organizations. Applications are due by Friday, June 20. Learn more about the program and application process here.
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Agricultural Deer Program Changes Adopted
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has adopted four changes to the agency’s agricultural deer control permit program, which allows farmers to address deer damage through hunters harvesting additional antlerless deer on enrolled farms and in longer hunting seasons. The program aims to expand accessibility to agricultural deer depredation programs and provide opportunities to hunters.
Most notably, the rule limiting hunters to four agricultural deer permits, also known as “ag tags” or “red tags,” to harvest antlerless deer for any particular property is removed. Additionally, the time frame during which the tags can be used is more than doubled. A brief closure will be held during the peak of fawning season in spring and early summer.
With ag tags now permitted during regular deer seasons, hunters using those tags will be limited to using the sporting arms allowed in those seasons. Otherwise, hunters may use any lawful sporting arm.
Finally, those who apply to enroll their farms in the program will be required only to certify they are the owner or lessee of both the agricultural interest adversely affected by deer damage and the hunting rights to be covered by the permit. Previously, to be eligible, applicants had to supply a deed or a lease agreement.
Read more here.
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Health Expo Coming May 22
Mark your calendars for my health expo, which will be held Thursday, May 22, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Leader Center for Active Life. Attendees do not need to pre-register.
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Busy Spring Blooming in 106th District
Schaffner Park in Hummelstown added a tree for Arbor Day. It is dedicated to Francis “Buck” and Blanche Fenner.
Sen. Patty Kim (D-Dauphin), Rep. Nate Navidson (D-Dauphin/Cumberland), Rep. Dave Madsen (D-Dauphin) and I recently paid tribute to union workers who have died and suffered in the workplace. The City of Harrisburg has a monument to those workers on Front Street.
Cubby’s Ice Cream Café offered sweets last Friday to benefit the Emily Whitehead Foundation, which raises awareness for childhood cancer immunotherapy treatments.
Kathryn Weeter, Kayleigh Butler, Alexis Ushman, Ayla Treven, Addy Andy, Iyanna Walker, Cara Hallinan and Brannon Howlett earned their Girl Scout Silver Awards. Congratulations to them!
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