Latest news with #JohnstownFloodTax
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
New Pennsylvania driving law banning cell phone use takes effect Thursday
HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Police and PennDOT are reminding drivers to 'Put down the phone and make it home.' Paul Miller's law goes into effect across Pennsylvania Thursday. It means anyone using a cellphone or other hand-held device behind the wheel can be pulled over by police and issued a warning. The law defines cellphone use as holding it in one hand, supporting it with any body part, pressing more than a single button to answer a phone call or otherwise operate it and reaching for a hand-held device in a way that makes the driver move from a proper seated position. Starting in June 2026, drivers will be issued a summary traffic violation and a $50 fine for distracted driving. At a press conference Wednesday, police from many Blair County departments said this law couldn't come soon enough as in 2024 alone, distracted driving killed 49 people and injured more than 6,000 others in the state. Pennsylvania Representative aims to repeal 'Johnstown Flood Tax' 'Studies show that people are on the phones checking the phones 100, 200 times a day and roughly on them 4 to 6 hours. And they're doing that whether they're in a car, at home or anywhere else. And obviously being behind the wheel doing that is extremely unsafe,' said Sergeant Patrick Tomassetti, Public Relations Officer with the Altoona Police Department. The new law is named after Paul Miller who was killed in 2010 after a distracted driver of a semi-truck crossed a center divider and hit Miller's car head-on. 'This is a long time coming. We always complain about doing the right enforcement and getting the right bills in there, getting the right laws made. This is one that's been, should have been done years and years ago,' said patrol officer Jeff Ketner with Duncansville Borough Police Department. Police said they will be taking the new law very serious and that drivers may see an increase in police presence along roadways while officers work to inform drivers of the new changes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania Representative aims to repeal ‘Johnstown Flood Tax'
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A Pennsylvania Representative announced plans for legislation that aims to repeal the 'Johnstown Flood Tax.' The flood tax, originally implemented as a way to help Johnstown rebuild after the 1936 flood, applies an 18% tax on liquor sold in Pennsylvania. Representative Joseph D'Orsie (R-York) argued in his most recent bill that Johnstown was successfully rebuilt in 1942, which means the tax is 'outdated and unfair.' 'It's essential that we as a general assembly have a look at antiquated fees and taxes, like this temporary tax that was applied to aid in the aftermath of an unusual natural disaster,' The legislation reads. D'Orsie added that lawmakers must protect local businesses, restaurants, grocery stores and convenience stores to drive opportunities to Pennsylvania and keep them here. The Representative ended his memo by noting that it is 'a commonsense step' to make the Commonwealth competitive, stand by restaurants and stores and lessen the burden on businesses and consumers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Bill to ban TikTok on state devices passes Pennsylvania Senate
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A bill that would ban the use of the app TikTok on state devices and networks seems to have most Pennsylvania senators in agreement. The bill, sponsored by Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill, notes that the app on state devices presents 'an unacceptable level of cybersecurity risk.' Under Senate Bill 376, all agencies, departments or commissions that are state government entities must do the following: Remove the application from state networks Implement measures to prevent the installation of the app Implement network-based restrictions to prevent workers from using and accessing the app Pennsylvania Representative aims to repeal 'Johnstown Flood Tax' 'The people of Pennsylvania's personal safety and our national security are threatened by cyber vulnerabilities of systems that support our daily lives. It is imperative that Pennsylvania takes bold and decisive actions to prepare for and address cybersecurity threats,' Phillips-Hill noted in her memo about the bill to other lawmakers. Over half of the other states have already banned the app on government devices, along with several other countries. The bill passed the Pennsylvania Senate with 49 votes yes on Wednesday, June 4. This comes after it passed both the Communications and Technology and the Appropriations Committee. It will now head to the House for consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania lawmaker proposes repealing Johnstown Flood Tax
(WHTM) — The Johnstown Flood Tax, originally intended to help rebuild the city of Johnstown after the 1936 flood, is still in effect today, and this Pennsylvania lawmaker proposes repealing it. The bill, circulated by State Representative Joseph D'Orsie (R-47), proposes to repeal the Johnstown Flood Tax, which was initially implemented to provide aid to a city that suffered a natural disaster nearly a century ago. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The memo says that despite Johnstown being rebuilt in 1942, the tax still applies an 18% tax on liquor sold in Pennsylvania. The memo adds that the tax has increased over the years, putting additional strain on liquor sellers. D'Orsie argues that repealing the tax is a step toward supporting Pennsylvania's restaurants and stores. The bill has not yet been introduced for consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
