Latest news with #Pennsylvanians'
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Legislative roundup: Shapiro, Carroll highlight need to invest in mass transit
Jun. 6—Gov. Josh Shapiro and PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll joined transit leaders and other officials to highlight the critical role of mass transit to connect communities across the Commonwealth, create jobs and grow Pennsylvania's economy. This comes as the governor continues to advocate for his 2025 — 26 budget proposal, which includes $292 million in new mass transit funding next year — generating more than $1.5 billion in the next five years. This is the first significant increase in state support for mass transit in more than a decade, benefiting 52 transit systems that serve nearly one million riders each day in rural, urban, and suburban communities across the Commonwealth. "Just like we repair and maintain the bridges in rural and suburban communities, we owe it to the Pennsylvanians who take mass transit to be there for them and their families too," Shapiro said. "Mass transit drives $5.4 billion in economic activity every year in Pennsylvania, and it enables businesses to affordably get their employees to offices and job site — it's well worth the investment in our budget. For two years in a row, I've proposed the first major new investment in mass transit in more than a decade — the House has passed that proposal three times and it's now up to the Senate to act." Strengthening Pa.'s transportation network Since taking office, Shapiro said he has already delivered more than $380 million in new funding for roads and bridges, leading the nation in repairing more poor condition bridges than any other state in the country and improving over 12,000 miles of roads — more than any other time in the last decade. The governor's proposed budget builds on that success by addressing a long-standing gap — dedicated, sustainable funding for public transit. The governor's proposal would not raise taxes. Instead, it would increase the portion of the Sales and Use Tax dedicated to public transit — from 7.68% to 9.43% — generating $292 million in new annual funding next year and more than $330 million annually by 2029 — 30. Shapiro said he is also helping the Commonwealth maximize federal investments and accelerate critical construction and maintenance projects statewide by continuing to reduce the Pennsylvania State Police's reliance on the Motor License Fund. "Pennsylvania's economic growth relies on our ability to build out a transportation network that puts our tradespeople to work, strengthens our businesses, and improves Pennsylvanians' lives," Carroll said. "We've got to meet everyone's transportation needs to grow our economy and our communities. Transit is critical — 65% of fixed-route riders say they have no other option. We've been here before. The House acted — three times — but the Senate didn't. Now we're at the deadline again, and it's time to fund transit. Shared ride powers our economy, supports seniors' quality of life, and connects Pennsylvanians to opportunity, no matter where they live." McCormick passes bills through Senate committee U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pittsburgh, this week passed two bills through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that would require the State Department to develop a strategy to dismantle the Mexican drug cartels and support Taiwan's participation in the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These are the first two bills authored by McCormick to be adopted by a Senate committee. "I will always work to protect the economic and national security interests of Pennsylvanians," McCormick said. "These bills will strengthen our national security, stop the scourge of fentanyl from coming into American communities, and counter China's pernicious influence. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Foreign Relations Committee to continue advancing them through the legislative process." McCormick introduced S. 1780 — the Mexico Security Assistance Accountability Act — with Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona, on May 15. This bill would require the State Department to develop a strategy for U.S. security assistance in Mexico to dismantle the cartels, increase the capacity of Mexico's military and public security institutions to degrade the cartels and combat public corruption and impunity. The Mexican drug cartels are the leading driver of the fentanyl overdose crisis that has killed more than 300,000 Americans, including more than 4,000 Pennsylvanians each year. On May 22, McCormick introduced S. 1900 — the Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act — with Senators Jacky Rosen, D-Nevada; Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska; and Elissa Slotkin, D-Michigan. This bill would require the U.S. Governor of the International Monetary Fund to use the voice and vote of the United States to support the admission of Taiwan as a member of the IMF, to the extent that admission is sought by Taiwan. Taiwan is the 21st largest economy in the world and the 10th largest goods trading partner of the United States, yet it is not one of the 191 members of the IMF. House passes bill to restore accountability to SBA lending The U.S. House of Representatives this week passed U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr.'s legislation — H.R. 2987, the Capping Excessive Awarding of SBLC Entrants (CEASE) Act. The legislation, which passed by a bipartisan vote of 214-198, will restore responsible and correct oversight capabilities of the Small Business Administration (SBA) for small business lending companies (SBLCs) for which they are the primary regulator. "Small businesses deserve a reliable program that works for them, and that means keeping our community banks at the core of the system," said Bresnahan, R-Dallas Township. "President Trump and I agree, we shouldn't be incentivizing fraud and abuse by flooding the program with risky, under-regulated institutions. My legislation caps the number of non-bank SBLC licenses, ensuring taxpayer-backed guarantees are not handed out to lenders the SBA cannot properly oversee. I am proud to see my legislation passed today, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law." The SBA is authorized to issue government-backed 7(a) loans through certified depository institutions, like banks and credit unions, as well as certified non-bank lenders, like fintech companies. Unlike certified depository institutions, whose primary regulator is the Federal Reserve, the non-bank SBLCs are primarily regulated by the SBA, meaning they are not subject to the same regulations and requirements. Bresnahan announces Tuesday , June 10, telephone town hall Bresnahan announced the details of his next telephone town hall, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday , June 10 . Bresnahan held his first town hall on March 25 — which was the first Congressional town hall held in Pennsylvania's Eighth Congressional District in over four years. "I came to Congress to make a difference and fight for my home, and the best way to effectively do that is by hearing directly from the people I represent," Bresnahan said. "This telephone town hall will give me a chance to hear directly from the people who matter most. At the end of the day, it's Northeastern Pennsylvania — my home — that put me in Congress, not Washington, D.C., and I look forward to hearing how I can continue to best serve them next week." Bresnahan's first telephone town hall drew more than 9,000 constituents to join over the phone and an estimated additional 1,000 tuned in on Facebook. During the town hall, he answered questions on topics including Medicaid, the Tobyhanna Army Depot, the Rain Tax, inflation, the housing market and veterans. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rep. Pashinski bill providing healthy eating, stretching SNAP dollars passes House
Jun. 3—WILKES-BARRE — Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski said on Tuesday that the Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program would support PA's agricultural economy while simultaneously increasing access to nutritious food at a time when many Pennsylvanians' budgets are tight. Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, celebrated the passage of his legislation establishing a statewide program to provide benefit incentives — called Food Bucks — to SNAP recipients purchasing qualifying fruits and vegetables. Rep. Pashinski said under the Pennsylvania Food Bucks program established by H.B. 1096, a Pennsylvania nonprofit would administer the program, providing benefit incentives of no less than 40 cents for each dollar a SNAP participant spends on certain healthy foods at participating retailers. Rep. Pashinski said that similar programs have been passed and implemented in other states and have been proven to improve diets through increased fruit and vegetable consumption. "SNAP nutrition incentive programs like this can reduce hunger, support local farmers and retailers, and improve the health of Pennsylvanians," Rep. Pashinski said. "I thank my colleagues for ensuring that Pennsylvania families who rely on SNAP have more consistent access to the essential fruits and vegetables needed for balanced nutrition and a healthy life." The incentives — often taking the form of a paper or digital coupon issued when a shopper pays with SNAP/EBT — would allow shoppers to purchase additional fruits and vegetables at participating food retailers. In addition to any state funds allocated, Rep. Pashinski said matching dollars may be available from the federal government to stretch these investments even further. House Bill 1096 is supported by Feeding Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, and The Food Trust — a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to delicious, nutritious food for all. "The Pennsylvania Food Bucks program would be a game-changer for our Commonwealth — delivering a triple win for families, farmers and the economy," said Mark Edwards, president and CEO, The Food Trust. "Pennsylvania's farmers stand to gain significantly — as families fill their tables with fresh, local food, farmers expand their customer base, increase revenue and scale up production." "The PA Food Bucks Program is a win for food retailers and families," said Alex Baloga, president and CEO, Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association. "It drives produce sales, increases SNAP customer traffic, and strengthens relationships between stores and their communities." Julie Bancroft, CEO, Feeding Pennsylvania, said, "Ensuring children, seniors and families have access to adequate nutrition is not a partisan issue. Access to healthy food items like fruits and vegetables is proven to reduce long-term health care costs, increase lifetime earnings, and will make Pennsylvania a healthier, better place to live." House Bill 1096 moves to the state Senate for further consideration. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Could back-to-school supplies in Pennsylvania be tax exempt?
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Two Pennsylvania legislators are trying to lift some of the burden that parents and guardians feel when back-to-school shopping comes around. Representatives Ann Flood (R-Northampton County) and Robert Freeman (D-Northampton County) are hoping to ease the financial burden on Pennsylvanians' pockets when it comes to their children's education. According to the United States Senate Federal Credit Union, in 2024, it was estimated that parents would spend over $500 per child on school supplies. Average items and expenses: Clothing: $169 Shoes: $113 Electronics & technology: $206 School supplies (i.e., notebooks, folders, glue, pencils, markers, scissors): $94 However, families who may be sending a child off to college are estimated to spend over $1,000, as the jump to further education may come with a larger price tag. Pennsylvania bill looks to prohibit use of AI in political campaigns In a memo to other lawmakers, they announced plans to create an annual back-to-school sales tax holiday. The legislation would create a three-week holiday during which various school supplies can be bought tax-free. They have suggested that this holiday take place for the first three weeks of August. They went on to say that the bill would cover computer equipment under $1,500, instructional material and other school supplies under $50. Pennsylvania would not be the first to have a tax-exempt period, as several other states have already passed pieces of legislation. The Federation of Tax Administrators notes that states like Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee and West Virginia are among the states that have different legislation aimed at reducing back-to-school costs. Let's take a look at what these states currently offer: Alabama Clothing $100 Computer $750 or under School supplies $50 Books $30 or less Arkansas Back to school clothing/footwear $100 or less Clothing accessories $50 or less School supplies, including art supplies Instructional material Electronic devices Tennessee (Began in 2006) Clothing School supplies Computers West Virginia (Began in 2021) Clothing $125 or less Computers $500 or less School instruction material $20 or less School supplies $50 or less Sports equipment $150 or less Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania Primary Election next week; How it impacts you
(WHTM)– The primary election in Pennsylvania hasn't been greeted with the same fanfare as in November, and this time, it's for people who directly impact Pennsylvanians' lives. The Primary Election happens on Tuesday in Pennsylvania, one of nine states with closed primaries. This means only registered Republicans can vote for Republicans and only registered Democrats can vote for Democrats. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'These races get the least attention. The least excitement, the least amount of fundraising, which means you're seeing them on TV, in commercial breaks, a whole lot less. But they're the ones that actually impact your day-to-day life, probably more than any other race,' Bittany Crampsie from Brit Crampsie Communications said. There are contested primaries in both the Commonwealth and Superior Courts, but there are also many city and borough council races and school board seats up for grabs across the Commonwealth. Additionally, there are mayoral races across Pennsylvania, including in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, York, Lancaster, and Lebanon. The election is on Tuesday, with polls open at 7 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
John Fetterman finds himself increasingly alone
John Fetterman has long been on a political island — and now his tendency to rebuff professional relationships is coming back to bite him. Few fellow Democrats have rushed to Fetterman's defense after an explosive article in New York magazine reported that current and former staffers are seriously concerned about his mental and physical health. The Pennsylvania senator, who has strongly denied claims that he is unfit to serve, is not doing traditional damage control, and most top Democrats aren't going out of their way to do it for him. Instead, private chatter about primary challenges to Fetterman has ramped up. And in recent days, some Pennsylvania Democrats have begun to quietly review the rules about what would happen if he stepped down and whispered about potential replacements. Fetterman has vowed to serve his full term, which ends in 2029. Even some top Democrats in his state, who would normally be expected to be in contact with their legislative counterpart, aren't speaking out in support of their party's only senator. 'I have had no contact or conversation with him, so I have no way of weighing in on that,' said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), when asked to comment on the report. She added that 'I couldn't tell you' when she'd last talked to Fetterman. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.) said she hadn't spoken to Fetterman 'recently' and didn't know the 'underlying facts' about Fetterman's situation, but that the article 'obviously raises questions.' Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.), a progressive whose district includes the town where Fetterman lives, said she hadn't talked to him recently. Asked about the story, she responded pointedly that Pennsylvanians' thoughts matter more than her own: 'I hope they read it.' The episode has illustrated Fetterman's standing — or lack thereof — in a party where many who once embraced him as a potential model for the future have now ostracized him over his shifting political persona. The public defense of Fetterman has largely come from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the few Democrats with whom Fetterman has existing relationships. In a sign of evolving political allegiances, the home-state elected official offering the strongest defense of Fetterman is actually a Republican. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) told POLITICO that Fetterman 'is authentic and a fighter, and these disgraceful attacks against him are not the John that I know and respect.' McCormick said he and Fetterman have a 'great relationship, both professionally and personally.' Fetterman declined to comment for this story. But in a Tuesday interview with CNN, he said the New York article is 'a one-source hit piece, and it involved maybe two or three and anonymous disgruntled staffers saying just absolute false things.' He denied missing medical check-ups or doses of medication. Fetterman has always had a go-it-alone attitude, and while progressives once adored him, he has never been a favorite of the Democratic establishment. In his 2022 Senate primary, only a handful of elected Democrats endorsed Fetterman. Going as far back as when he was mayor of Braddock, he ruffled feathers among Democrats. So it's no surprise to Fetterman's current and former aides, at least, that he finds himself relatively alone at a perilous moment in his career. 'He's never been somebody that has all these long-standing relationships with other elected officials,' said a Fetterman adviser who was granted anonymity to speak frankly. 'That's been his whole career. So I don't think it's abnormal when it comes to him to not see an outpouring of defense or support for him.' The adviser argued voters like 'that he isn't seen as his fellow colleagues' best friend' and 'he partly got elected for that reason.' Recent Morning Consult polls have found Fetterman's popularity on the rise in Pennsylvania, as Republican voters have increasingly given him a thumbs-up while Democratic voters have stood by him despite criticism from some on the left. Fifty percent of state voters approved of his job performance, while 35 percent disapproved. But a survey of adults across the nation painted a different picture, showing his approval rating underwater among Democrats and independents, but positive among Republicans. Schumer told reporters that Fetterman is an 'all-star' who is 'doing a good job.' Peter Welch (D-Vt.), who joined the Senate in the same class as Fetterman, 'recently had dinner with Senator Fetterman,' a spokesperson said. 'He's a friend and he'll continue to support him.' Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), a fellow western Pennsylvania Democrat, said Fetterman has been 'up front in the past about his mental health treatment,' and 'should get a chance to weigh in and address the reports here.' Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Pa.), who has suffered his own health setbacks since having a stroke in 2024, said that he had 'no' concerns about Fetterman's fitness. But he also acknowledged that he has not talked with him recently, something he didn't read too much into and said was 'par for the course.' When Fetterman faced medical crises in the past, Democrats united around him in a tight battleground election while Republicans expressed concern. After Fetterman suffered a stroke in his 2022 campaign, top Democrats, especially then-Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), strongly vouched for him. Democrats also came to his defense when he checked himself into the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for clinical depression in 2023. They hailed him as courageous for speaking out about his mental health struggles — a marked departure from past elected officials. But Fetterman's personal and professional support has dwindled since then. Online progressives, once his social media army, now detest him over his hardline views on Israel and meeting with President Donald Trump. His congressional office has hemorrhaged staff. And Casey, who lost reelection last year, is no longer in the Senate. The article in New York magazine reported that his former aides claim he has avoided doctor's appointments, driven away people close to him and potentially not taken his medication. The fallout has exacerbated existing party tensions. Even before the most recent accusations, Democrats had floated the prospect of primary challenges against Fetterman, including by current and former members of the congressional delegation. Talk of a contested primary — an attempt to oust the party's own swing-state incumbent — has also increased, years before the seat is up for election in 2028. Fetterman's erstwhile primary rival, former Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Pa.), has drawn attention recently by criticizing Trump — and, now, Fetterman. 'I've seen politics be hard on people so I'm concerned for the Fettermans,' Lamb said. 'I think I share the feeling of many that I don't know his true condition, but if he is okay, as he says, I don't understand why he's rarely seen in our state and he doesn't answer constituent questions on things like his vote for [Attorney General] Pam Bondi or his advocacy for war with Iran.' Asked if he is weighing a challenge against Fetterman, Lamb said he is 'not considering any campaign right now' and that his recent appearances at public demonstrations against Trump are aimed at 'just trying to help others.'
