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In this Update:
Langerholc, Rigby Deliver Key Authorization for Johnstown Walters Avenue Readiness CenterState Representative Jim Rigby and I announced passage of legislation that authorizes the State Armory Board to lease the Johnstown Walters Avenue Readiness Center to the United States Army Reserve. The Johnstown Walters Avenue Readiness Center is owned by the state and was used by the Pennsylvania National Guard in support of their mission for more than 68 years. In exchange for this lease to the U.S. Army Reserve, the PA National Guard will be able to utilize vital hangar space at the Johnstown Cambria County Airport. This new location will provide new opportunities for the PA National Guard and the airport. This authorization ensures that the Walters Avenue Center will remain a military installation, will not close, and will keep these jobs in our area. In negotiating this vital legislation, we were able to establish new opportunities for the PA National Guard, United States Army Reserve, and our area. It was a pleasure to work alongside Rep. Rigby in delivering this result. “I am proud and grateful to have worked with Sen. Langerholc to secure authorization for Walters Avenue,” stated Rigby. “The center will continue to service the PA National Guard, in addition to the U.S. Army Reserve, and serve our constituents with the economic activity and jobs which come from having a military installation. This authorization is a win for Pennsylvania and especially for residents of Senate District 35 and House District 71.” The legislation now goes to the governor for his signature. Senate Passes Empowering, Pro-Family, Pro-Growth Budget
The Senate approved a fiscally responsible 2024-25 state budget that is honest with taxpayers, creates new job opportunities for state residents, includes no new taxes and addresses the economic and demographic challenges the state faces in the years ahead. The $47.59 billion spending plan is $740 million less than Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposal, and it adds $740 million to the state’s Rainy Day Fund – a key priority of Senate Republicans to prevent painful tax hikes or service cuts in the future. The budget includes key measures to boost the economy by removing barriers for businesses to relocate to or expand in Pennsylvania: a continuation of the Corporate Net Income Tax phase-out and the elimination of the Start-Up Penalty. Lawmakers also addressed the persistent problem of permitting delays that have chased jobs and investment to other states. A new Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) Program will be created to establish permit review timelines by the Department of Environmental Protection and conservation districts. Additionally, a new permit tracking system will be implemented, and applicants will now have the option for third-party review of air, earth disturbance and water permit applications. Learn more about education funding and other budget highlights. Langerholc, Rigby to Introduce Legislation to Provide Reduced Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Law Enforcement
This week, State Representative Jim Rigby and I announced our intention to introduce legislation to provide law enforcement with hunting and fishing licenses for $1. The lawmakers noted that members of law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. Providing them with hunting and fishing licenses for $1 is a small token of appreciation for their dedication and bravery. Further, engaging in outdoor activities like hunting and fishing can significantly benefit mental health. This legislation will apply to all law enforcement officers empowered to enforce state laws as well as county and state corrections officers. Law enforcement is the backbone of our community and paramount to safety. In a world where the woke left demonize law enforcement, those who still choose this difficult career path deserve our gratitude. This legislation provides an additional benefit for those who heed the call to keep us safe. “Every day our law enforcement officers go to work not knowing what they will see or encounter in the line of duty. We can only begin to repay our debt of gratitude to them by providing $1 hunting and fishing licenses to enjoy Pennsylvania’s beauty,” shared Rigby. “Our men and women in blue make sacrifices each day they put on that uniform; I’d like to thank them for their service and hope my colleagues will join me in passing this legislation to support our police.” Program Connecting Veterans with Benefits Receives Senate Approval
The Senate this week unanimously approved legislation to establish in law the PA VETConnect program to help Pennsylvania veterans access programs, services and benefits in their communities. Senate Bill 447 would establish in law the PA VETConnect program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and helps the commonwealth’s more than 700,000 veterans access services in their communities. The database of resources enables local veteran advocates – including staff at county veterans affairs offices – to point veterans to information, resources, programs and services in their area and across the commonwealth. Senate Votes to Expand Authority of Hospice Licensed Practical Nurses
The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1080 to enable licensed practical nurses (LPNs) working in a hospice setting to make death pronouncements, saving money and limiting unnecessary emotional distress for the patient’s family. Pennsylvania law currently allows registered nurses (RNs), medical doctors, physician assistants and coroners to make death pronouncements. Many hospice facilities across Pennsylvania face workforce shortages. Giving LPNs the authority to make death pronouncements can help hospice facilities address their staffing issues. Online Dashboard Shows Tick Hot Spots
Tick season is in full swing, but there are ways to continue to enjoy the many benefits of the Great Outdoors while minimizing the risk of becoming a victim of a tickborne disease. Pennsylvanians should take precautions every time they spend time outside as the state leads the nation in the number of Lyme disease cases. A new Pennsylvania Department of Health online dashboard shows where ticks are prevalent and the latest data on tickborne disease activity, such as Lyme disease. Tick bites can be limited using preventative measures. Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents. Walk in the center of trails and avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. When returning indoors, check your clothing, gear and pets for ticks. Shower within two hours and check your body using a full-length mirror. Promoting Safe Driving Habits
Recognizing this week as Operation Safe Driver Week, which aims to reduce driving behaviors, here are some helpful tips so we can all enjoy the roadways safely. Speeding has been a factor in more than a quarter of crash deaths since 2008. Nearly half of passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2019 were not wearing seatbelts. Distracted driving is another behavior that puts people at risk. The AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index revealed that 88% of drivers believe distracted driving has outpaced all other traffic-related issues as a growing safety concern. In June, the Senate passed legislation, now law, limiting the use of handheld cellular and other devices while driving.
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