Senator Langerholc E-Newsletter

View this email in a browser

In this Update:

  • RGGI Electricity Tax Repealed 
  • 2025-26 State Budget Update
  • Establishment of Advanced Air Mobility Site in Cambria County
  • Sweeping Permitting Reform
  • Potchak Brothers Memorial Bridge Dedication Ceremony
  • Touring Gasbarre Products, Atlas Pressed Metals, Penn State DuBois
  • Pheasant Stocking with Pennsylvania Game Commission
  • Fight Night in Johnstown
  • Keystone Scholars Offers November Incentive to Start Saving for College
  • Community Food Resources

RGGI Electricity Tax Repealed

As part of the budget agreement, the unconstitutional regulation mandating Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) – a multi-state pact that would have added more than a billion dollars from a new electricity tax on Pennsylvania families and job creators – was repealed.

Since 2019, I’ve been warning about the crushing impact the RGGI electricity tax would have on our communities. The facts were never in doubt: RGGI meant higher electric bills, fewer jobs, and weaker energy independence.

Ending RGGI is a major win for hardworking Pennsylvanians who are tired of paying more and getting less. It tackles rising costs head-on, protects family-sustaining jobs, and keeps government living within its means.

2025-26 State Budget Update

The Senate approved a bipartisan state budget plan, now signed into law, that will help grow Pennsylvania’s economy and make key improvements to the commonwealth.

The $50.1 billion budget, passed by both the Senate and the House, represents a meaningful compromise that brings together priorities from both parties to serve the best interests of Pennsylvanians. It balances fiscal responsibility with strategic investments, protects residents from unnecessary financial burdens, and supports job growth across the commonwealth. This agreement reflects a shared commitment to finding common ground and delivering results for Pennsylvania families.

Find more details about the final 2025-26 state budget plan here.

Establishment of Advanced Air Mobility Site in Cambria County

This budget includes a policy that I developed and spearheaded which is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania. It will designate an Advanced Air Mobility Site at the Johnstown-Cambria County Airport.  This investment puts our region at the cutting edge of aviation technology, bringing innovation, high-paying jobs, and new opportunities to our region.

This builds on my work to make Pennsylvania a leader in drone research and the future of aviation.  Earlier this year, the Senate passed legislation that would allow the commonwealth to join an interstate agreement on drone research and deployment.  At the same time, Aerium is bringing together the aviation industry to tackle real-world challenges in aviation and technology. Together, these efforts are driving growth and showing that our region is ready for the future.

Sweeping Permitting Reform

The new budget includes new permitting reforms that will continue the significant progress we’ve made in recent years to cut red tape and prevent endless layers of bureaucracy from limiting business and job growth statewide.

The reforms will require a wide variety of environmental permits to be deemed approved after a certain period of time, ensuring applicants will know the time frame for consideration of their application and can appeal any permits that are denied.

This provides certainty to the process and ends the current practice of dragging out the permitting process for months without resolution. In addition, the reforms will require permit tracking for applicants across all state agencies, adding transparency to the process.

Potchak Brothers Memorial Bridge Dedication Ceremony

I had the privilege of hosting a bridge dedication ceremony honoring the Potchak Brothers: Stephen, John, Michael, Frank, Charles, and Peter Potchak.

Each one of the brothers served with distinction in the U.S. military during World War II and contributed to their communities in various professions after the war. Together, the Potchak brothers, who were born in Wilmore and all alumni of Wilmore High School in what is now the Forest Hills School District, represent a remarkable example of service, sacrifice, and lifelong dedication to both country and community.

The bridge, carrying State Route 160 over the North Branch of the Little Conemaugh River in Wilmore, Cambria County, commemorates their legacy and sacrifice.

Touring Gasbarre Products, Atlas Pressed Metals, Penn State DuBois

During my visit to DuBois, I toured Gasbarre Products and Atlas Pressed Metals, then wrapped up with a great conversation about the future of the Penn State DuBois campus.

Pheasant Stocking with Pennsylvania Game Commission

Thank you to the Pennsylvania Game Commission for bringing me out to help with pheasant stocking.

Fight Night in Johnstown

I joined state Rep. Jim Rigby to watch Fight Night in Johnstown.

Keystone Scholars Offers November Incentive to Start Saving for College

State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced a statewide incentive for Keystone Scholars this month which will give children a head start on education savings.

Families who claim their child’s $100 scholarship from Keystone Scholars in November and open and link their own companion PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account will get an additional $50.

Keystone Scholars provides a $100 scholarship for every child born in Pennsylvania since 2019. This money grows alongside the child and will be available to use after their 18th birthday to help pay for costs associated with four-year degrees, community college, technical training, apprenticeships and credential programs.

To learn more, visit pa529.com/keystone.

Community Food Resources

For anyone facing food insecurity in the Cambria, Centre, and Clearfield County areas, there are resources available to download and print on my webpage at www.senatorlangerholc.com/community-food-resources/.

For additional resources, visit www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/food/food-assistance/food-security-in-pennsylvania/food-resources-for-pennsylvanians, or call 2-1-1 for live help.

divider

If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here

Facebook Twitter/X Instagram Website

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorlangerholc.com | Privacy Policy