HARRISBURG – Following Constellation Energy’s announcement today that it signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft to launch the Crane Clean Energy Center (CCEC) and restart Three Mile Island (TMI) Unit 1, Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27) expressed excitement and optimism about the news.
“It is exciting to hear that Constellation Energy has agreed with Microsoft to restart TMI Unit 1,” Culver said. “This investment will have a huge impact on the immediate community, the region and the entire commonwealth. Investments in Pennsylvania’s energy capacity will make us more attractive for industries looking to expand. It’s simple: investments in Pennsylvania energy create new jobs with family-sustaining wages.”
The announcement states that CCEC expects to be online by 2028.
“Nuclear generation produces clean, carbon-free and sustainable energy,” Culver said. “Expansions in nuclear energy will strengthen grid reliability, diversify Pennsylvania’s energy portfolio and enable us to be the top energy exporter in the nation.”
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Senate passed two critical pieces of legislation to reform the state’s juvenile justice system. Introduced by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), the bills implement key recommendations from Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Justice Task Force.
“These reforms are designed to align our juvenile justice system with proven methods for improving youth outcomes and addressing significant gaps in current practices,” said Baker. “By passing this legislation, we are taking important steps to give young people a true second chance.”
The bills address recommendations from the Juvenile Justice Task Force Report to help streamline the expungement process, provide equitable legal representation for juveniles and improve accountability and oversight in juvenile court proceedings.
Senate Bill 169 updates the juvenile court system by requiring disposition review hearings every 3 months instead of 9. The hearings are designed to ensure juveniles receive necessary services and treatment, assess their threat to the community and decide if they should remain in placement or be released under supervision. The court will also set the date for the next review hearing.
“This outdated practice poses a serious obstacle to employment, education and housing for many individuals who have completed their supervision or had their cases dismissed,” Baker said. “It’s only fair that we extend the same second-chance opportunities we’ve granted for adult offender to these young people.”
Senate Bill 170 modifies the expungement of juvenile records by reducing the waiting period for expungement from 5 years to 2 years for most misdemeanors, while maintaining the 5-year period for felonies, misdemeanor firearm offenses and indecent assault. The bill also standardizes the expungement process by requiring the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer to initiate expungements for eligible individuals, with the district attorney having the opportunity to object. Exceptions to expungement, such as for sex offenses and cases with subsequent convictions or pending proceedings, remain unchanged.
“These are meaningful reforms that will offer fairness, accountability and hope to young people across Pennsylvania,” said Baker.
Both bills now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.
HARRISBURG – The Senate today passed the Denise Williams Act, sponsored by Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35), which would create a grant program to be used to establish Safe Exchange Zones throughout Pennsylvania.
Senate Bill 173 is named in memory of Denise Williams, a Cambria County resident who went to purchase an item on Facebook Marketplace and was brutally murdered during the exchange.
This legislation would help establish safe areas in public view and close proximity of law enforcement for individuals to exchange goods purchased through an online marketplace, carry out child custody exchanges, and conduct similar interactions.
“Safe Exchange Zones have been created in Johnstown and other areas to ensure the safety of individuals during transactions and exchanges, protecting them from potential threats or assaults,” Langerholc said. “This legislation codifies the work of District Attorney Greg Neugebauer and various law enforcement agencies in Cambria County. It will strengthen the safety of communities across the commonwealth by providing the necessary assistance to establish more of these zones.”
The establishment of Safe Exchange Zones will be voluntary and contingent upon approval of the participating law enforcement agencies. These zones will be equipped with video surveillance and be located either within 100 feet of a law enforcement office or near a public area with an active public presence.
The bill will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation today to repeal the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) carbon tax enacted through executive order by the Wolf Administration in 2019, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39), Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41), Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-13) and Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Chair Gene Yaw (R-23).
RGGI, a multi-state compact, would increase electricity rates for consumers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs and lead to the closure of Pennsylvania power plants. No new investments in baseload generation have come to Pennsylvania in the five years since the Wolf Administration attempted to enter the state into RGGI.
Last year, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled Pennsylvania’s entrance into RGGI may only be achieved through legislation duly enacted by the General Assembly, not merely through rulemaking promulgated by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Environmental Quality Board (EQB). This ruling has been appealed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court by Gov. Josh Shapiro, and that appeal remains pending.
Govs. Tom Wolf and Shapiro have faced sharp criticism for pushing Pennsylvania to participate in RGGI despite bipartisan objections from the General Assembly.
Senate Bill 1058, introduced by Yaw, will abrogate the CO2 Budget Trading Program regulation that was promulgated by DEP and EQB.
“Pennsylvania’s greatest asset is our ability to produce energy. Gov. Shapiro’s push for a carbon tax has already increased costs for Pennsylvania families who are already grappling with the rising costs of food and gas,” Ward said. “RGGI is an unnecessary carbon tax that would increase Pennsylvanians’ electric bills by 30%, eliminate 22,000 homegrown jobs and increase the cost of everyday products with no significant environmental benefit. Instead, our focus should be on unleashing our commonwealth’s energy potential to strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy now and for the future.”
“The RGGI Electricity Tax must be stopped. Even though the Commonwealth Court has ruled RGGI is unconstitutional, Gov. Shapiro has continued his push with the Supreme Court,” Pittman said. “If the RGGI Electricity Tax would go into effect, it would mean hundreds of millions of dollars of increases on electric bills, impacting every electricity consumer in this commonwealth. We must help families feeling the strain of inflation – not put more pressure on their household budgets.”
“We face tremendous challenges in the years ahead to ensure our electricity grid is reliable and energy is affordable for Pennsylvanians. RGGI makes it much harder for us to achieve both these goals,” Martin said. “The idea of Pennsylvania participating in this multi-state electricity tax scheme was wrong from the beginning, and it’s a mistake we need to remedy so our state can have a prosperous future.”
“Leaving our environmental and economic destiny to the whims of RGGI’s New England states is just bad policy for Pennsylvania when our electric power is distributed east and west in the PJM grid,” Yaw said. “It is time to repeal this regulation and focus on putting forth commonsense, environmentally responsible energy policy that recognizes and champions Pennsylvania as an energy producer.”
This legislation comes on the heels of a series of hearings with members of the Ohio General Assembly to discuss PJM and reliability of the mid-Atlantic power grid it manages. PJM projects that 20% of its existing capacity will retire between now and 2030, leaving them without sufficient power to meet the demands of consumers.
Thermal generation retirements, like the recently announced Brandon Shores power plant closure in Maryland, coupled with the threat of RGGI, only further compromise the integrity of the electric grid. Recently, one Federal Energy Regulatory Commissioner (FERC) said the shutdown could cause a “potentially catastrophic” scenario. However, a recent FERC order shows that concerns about the outlook of the region’s power production are being heard.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives.
Sen. Elder Vogel Jr. (R-47), co-chair of the Hunger Caucus, stood with Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-20), co-chair of the Hunger Caucus, Hunger-Free Pennsylvania Executive Director Stuart I.R. Haniff, Feeding PA CEO Julie Bancroft, Hunters Sharing the Harvest Executive Director Randy Ferguson, Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Dept. of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, and Central PA Food Bank CEO Joe Arthur; and, as they shed light on the reality of food insecurity and how it impacts Pennsylvanians.
HARRISBURG – In recognition of Hunger Action Month, Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) stood with local and state leaders to shed light on the impacts of food insecurity in Pennsylvania and how the state is involved in addressing and spreading awareness about hunger.
According to Feeding America, with a population of almost 13 million, one in eight (1.5 million) Pennsylvanians and one in six (436,250) children continue to face some kind of food insecurity.
“There is no county in our commonwealth that has been untouched by food insecurity,” said Vogel. “With many factors contributing to Pennsylvanians experiencing hunger, such as the rise in inflation and overall price increases, residents continue to face the difficult decision of choosing between paying their bills and purchasing groceries for their family. All our residents deserve to have access to quality, healthy food, and as a legislator I remain committed to supporting responsible initiatives that will make this a reality.”
Vogel and Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-20) lead the bipartisan Legislative Hunger Caucus and oversee the Capitol Hunger Garden.
The Hunger Garden has been in operation since 2010 and has been maintained by volunteers, Penn State Master Gardeners, and the Department of General Services. Hundreds of pounds of produce continue to be donated to Downtown Daily Bread who in turn provides hearty meals to the homeless in the Harrisburg area. This year so far 426 pounds of produce have been donated with more to come as the season continues.
Other press conference attendees included Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding; Pennsylvania Dept. of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh; Feeding PA CEO Julie Bancroft; Central PA Food Bank CEO Joe Arthur; and Hunters Sharing the Harvest Executive Director Randy Ferguson.
The state departments of Agriculture and Human Services continue to play a critical role in assisting with nutrition and food assistance which are available statewide to those in need.
Secretaries Redding and Arkoosh provided their perspectives as to how their departments actively assist to address food insecurity.
“In a state where we have so much bounty, no one should go hungry,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Partnerships with Feeding Pennsylvania, Hunger-Free Pennsylvania, and groups like Hunters sharing the Harvest extend our reach to Pennsylvanians who need our help. The department connects more than two million Pennsylvanians annually with healthy, local food through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System and Local Food Purchase Assistance and other food assistance programs. Over the past year, these state and federal investments alone meant that $15 million in Pennsylvania-produced fruit, vegetables, animal protein, and dairy products reached families in need in every county in the state, while also supporting our farms and communities.”
“Every Pennsylvanian deserves the dignity and peace of mind of knowing where their next meal is coming from. Helping our communities affected by food insecurity requires public investment in anti-hunger initiatives and strong partnerships with agriculture, anti-hunger organizations, and private partners – work that DHS is proud to support,” said Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “SNAP and anti-hunger programs are here to help, so I urge those who need help paying for food to apply for nutrition assistance rather than going without and putting your health at risk. For those who are able, please consider donating your time or treasure to local food banks, pantries, and community kitchens. Our communities are only as strong as our neighbors who are struggling, so let’s work together to make sure every Pennsylvanian has what they need to be healthy, pursue their goals, and thrive.”
Ferguson, who is the executive director for Hunters Sharing the Harvest, shared a unique account of how his organization helps fight hunger through distribution of donated venison.
“Pennsylvania hunters are not just taking care of their families with the deer they are harvesting here in Pennsylvania, but they are performing a social service on a scale that may surprise you,” said Ferguson.
Ferguson stated that last year alone, Pennsylvania hunters donated 262,000 pounds (about 7,000 deer) of venison, which they equate to 1.3 million servings of venison, to the food insecure in the state. Over the course of the organization’s 33 years in operation approximately 2.5 million pounds of venison have been donated in Pennsylvania.
On the legislative front, the General Assembly has helped fight against hunger in many ways, especially through its state budget.
Specifically in this year’s budget, the legislature allocated:
$98.8 million toward School Food Services.
$26.7 million toward the State Food Purchase Program under PA Dept. of Agriculture.
$2 million toward the Fresh Food Financing Initiative under the PA Dept. of Agriculture.
$1 million toward the Food Access Initiative under the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development which funds the DCED Fresh Food Financing Initiative administered by The Food Trust.
If you or someone you know is struggling with food insecurity, visit https://bit.ly/4g72rfD to learn more about the state and federal resources that are available.
HARRISBURG – The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee today approved a bill introduced by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) that would authorize bonus payments for Pennsylvania military veterans who served in the Global War on Terror.
“In each and every one of our nation’s wars, Pennsylvanians have stepped up to protect and serve us,” said Mastriano, who chairs the committee. “Pennsylvania, in turn, has provided a monetary bonus to those who served in each of those wars. Now that the Global War on Terror has ended, it is time for Pennsylvania to once again say ‘thank you’ by approving these bonuses.”
The bill would authorize bonuses for Pennsylvania residents who served during the Global War on Terror, including Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Veterans would be eligible if they were Pennsylvania residents while they served and are current residents of the commonwealth.
Military veterans who were engaged in active service during the Global War on Terror would be eligible for a $500 bonus.
Veterans engaged in active service in direct support of the Global War on Terror would receive a $1,000 bonus. Those recognized as engaging in direct support would include veterans who received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal or Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal.
Veterans designated as a prisoner of war and the family of a veteran killed in action during the Global War on Terror each would receive a $5,000 bonus.
“Pennsylvania’s longstanding support of our military personnel who bravely and selflessly served in prior conflicts is well established,” Aument said. “The positive movement of this legislation today is a continuation of that well-deserved support for those who sacrificed it all to serve our nation in its fight against terrorism.”
“It is now 23 years since the horrific events and terrible losses of 9/11 compelled America to launch a Global War on Terror,” Baker said. “These actions in many places across the globe involved the service and sacrifice of many Pennsylvania servicemen and women. In our previous conflicts and deployments, the commonwealth has provided a service bonus to those who were in an active theatre of war. It is highly appropriate that we offer a bonus to those who fought terrorists, to those who were prisoners of war, and to the families of those who were killed in action. We can never say enough how grateful we are to the courageous and committed individuals who protect us and defend democracy.”
“Pennsylvania has a long and proud history of recognizing the sacrifices made by our brave men and women who answered the call to serve our nation,” Pennycuick said. “It’s time for our commonwealth to express that same gratitude for those who put their lives on the line to protect our homeland during the Global War on Terror.”
Pennsylvania previously provided a monetary bonus to veterans of the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War.
Senate Bill 1316 now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
HARRISBURG – The state Senate today adopted a measure sponsored by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) urging Congress to provide lifesaving therapy to Americans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Senate Resolution 311 calls on Congress to pass the Treatment and Relief through Emerging and Accessible Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act, also known as the TREAT PTSD Act.
The TREAT PTSD Act would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense to provide veterans suffering from PTSD with access to a lifesaving therapy known as stellate ganglion block (SGB). SGB works by applying an injection into the bundle of nerves that send signals of fight or flight to the body. The treatment relieves feelings of stress quickly for those with PTSD and provides them with a renewed chance to heal. This procedure has been used for nearly 100 years for pain conditions, including shingles and phantom limb pain.
“Our veterans who suffer from trauma deserve the best available care,” said Pennycuick, a U.S. Army combat veteran. “The battle isn’t over for them. Congress must approve the TREAT PTSD Act to provide this critical therapy and send the message that we’re not leaving any of our fighting men and women behind.”
The federal legislation, H.R. 3023, is now before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Health.
WATCH: Sen. Pennycuick urges action on the TREAT PTSD Act.
• S.B. 787 (Dush): Directs PennDOT to install dry hydrants at bridges under certain conditions.
• Immediately following the voting meeting, the Committee will consider the nomination of Douglas Farnham as Commissioner at the PA Turnpike Commission – Testimony
