Latest news with #RussellRedding
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CAPITOL ROUNDUP: State leaders unite to support farmers, food banks, families
Jul. 5—WILKES-BARRE — Gov. Josh Shapiro visited Destiny Dairy Bar in Carlisle this week, alongside Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and the bipartisan chairs of the Pennsylvania General Assembly's Agriculture Committees — Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, Rep. Dan Moul, Sen. Elder Vogel, and Sen. Judy Schwank. The Governor was joined by this group of bipartisan legislative leaders, who recently sent a joint letter to Congress urging federal officials to restore the $13 million in federal funding that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) abruptly and unlawfully terminated earlier this year. Together, they highlighted the critical importance of the Commonwealth's Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, which has supported 189 Pennsylvania farms and 14 food banks — helping farmers feed families in need. "Pennsylvania farmers work hard every day to put food on our tables — and with Washington breaking its promise to them, we're standing up for our farmers and food banks," said Shapiro. "This funding helps hundreds of family farms and food banks feed people in need. This isn't a partisan issue — it's about doing what's best for Pennsylvania farmers and communities, and about making sure the federal government keeps the contract it made with the people of Pennsylvania." Representatives Pashinski and Moul and Senators Vogel and Schwank are also calling on Congress to act swiftly to restore this critical funding for Pennsylvania's farmers and families. In their joint letter, they wrote: "As members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, we work across the aisle to uphold support for our farmers and food system in every community. The USDA's decision not only jeopardizes food access but also undermines the farmers who are the foundation of our food system and work tirelessly to keep America fed." Since 2022, nearly $30 million in LFPA funding has helped small and mid-sized farms across Pennsylvania supply fresh, locally grown products to food banks — keeping every federal dollar in the Commonwealth — and supporting farmers in the dairy, produce, meat, poultry, egg and grain sectors. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Pennsylvania's economy, with more than 53,000 farms generating $132.5 billion annually and supporting 600,000 jobs. "This isn't just a bureaucratic disagreement — it's about real people, real livelihoods, and real meals for families who need them," said Redding. "We are deeply grateful to our legislative leaders for standing with us and ensuring that agriculture remains a united front in Pennsylvania." Meuser co-sponsors Reliable Power Act U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, co-sponsored H.R. 3616 — the Reliable Power Act — legislation that aims to ensure federal agencies consider the impact of their regulations on electric grid reliability before finalizing new rules. The bill is a direct response to growing concerns that rushed, ideologically-driven policies from the Biden Administration put America's power supply at risk. The Reliable Power Act aims to strengthen coordination between federal agencies and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission whenever new regulations could impact electric generation or threaten the long-term dependability of the bulk-power system. Meuser said it builds on the framework of previous grid reliability legislation by requiring annual assessments of electric reliability and empowering FERC to intervene if a proposed regulation would compromise the grid's integrity. Meuser said the bill prevents any federal rule from moving forward if it's determined to cause a substantial negative effect on grid reliability. He said this ensures agencies like the EPA can't implement new mandates without first understanding their real-world consequences for energy access, affordability and reliability — particularly in high-demand regions like Pennsylvania. "As we pursue energy innovation and independence, we must not sacrifice reliability," said Meuser. "This legislation is about keeping the lights on, protecting jobs, and ensuring that working families and small businesses aren't harmed by short-sighted or poorly coordinated federal policies. The Reliable Power Act makes clear that federal agencies must evaluate the consequences of their actions before putting our electric grid at risk." The legislation reported favorably out of the Energy and Commerce Committee by a vote of 28-23 and awaits further consideration in the House. Pennsylvania remains in strong fiscal standing The Shapiro Administration reported this week that the Commonwealth ended the 2024 — 25 Fiscal Year collecting $321 million more in revenue than originally estimated, further strengthening its position at the start of the fiscal year. The Commonwealth is sitting on a nearly $11 billion surplus, including the General Fund surplus and the Budget Stabilization Fund (i.e. rainy day fund). In total, the Commonwealth collected $46.4 billion in General Fund revenue in FY 2024 — 25, $321 million, or 0.7% above initial estimates from last June. Comparatively, the Commonwealth further outperformed the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO)'s original projection, which was $639 million below actual collections, or 1.4% off. Final collections were also within the 2% forecast range targeted by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. A recent bond refinancing will save taxpayers more than $71 million over the life of the bonds. Altogether, through bond refinancing completed under Shapiro, taxpayers will benefit from $193 million in savings over the next decade. Moody's Ratings, Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings all reaffirmed Pennsylvania's positive rating status, citing responsible budgeting and a solid financial position. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Over $21 million awarded to Pennsylvania farms and food manufacturers
(WHTM) — Pennsylvania announced more than $21 million in federal grants for 77 farms and food manufacturers on Friday. Millions will benefit operations in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster and other counties. The funding comes from PA's Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program, a partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'Pennsylvania is investing to feed our future through a stronger local supply chain, which means healthier communities, thriving businesses, more job opportunities and more resilience in challenging times,' said Russell Redding, secretary of the PA Department of Agriculture. The grants support equipment upgrades, safety improvements and facility modernization, the department said. The program provides infrastructure grants for system-wide improvements that benefit groups of producers and equipment-only grants for critical upgrades and new purchases. Pennsylvania purchases development rights for 35 farms Investments in the Midstate include: Hollabaugh Bros. — $100,000 — Installation of a semi-automated apple-packing line to increase efficiency, reduce labor costs and expand into six new regional markets, benefiting over 40 local producers Keystone Tree Crops Cooperative — $80,802 — Expanding tree crop processing capacity with new equipment including nut hullers, crackers, mills and oil pressers. Knouse Foods Cooperative — $100,000 — Installation of advanced optical apple sorting machinery to improve food safety and processing efficiency, supporting 116 cooperative producers Rice Fruit Company — $1,250,000 — Constructing a controlled atmosphere storage building to extend fresh apple storage from 25 local and regional farms, reduce waste, and expand markets Country Food — $160,000 — Installing steam systems to expand shelf-stable yogurt production and support 60 local dairy farms Painterland Sisters — $1,250,000 — Upgrading equipment to double organic cream sourcing from Pennsylvania farms and increase skyr yogurt production Honey Bear Natural Foods— $91,650 — Expanding plant-based frozen dessert manufacturing with new chilling and freezing equipment, sourcing more local ingredients and building new retail partnerships Lady Moon Farms— $88,690 — Purchasing automated bagging equipment to expand organic pepper production and reach regional and national markets Cedar Meadow Farm — $449,898 — Constructing a packing house and cold storage to improve local produce quality and market access. Coddiwomple Canning Company — $96,530 — Expansion of custom preservation and delivery services to support fruit and vegetable farmers in 42 counties. Hess Bros Fruit Company — $100,000 — Software upgrade for enhanced inventory management and product traceability supporting more than 90 local orchards Reist Popcorn Company — $100,000 — Acquisition of ozone generation technology to improve popcorn processing efficiency, reduce waste, and support more than 15 producers. Taylor Chip — $510,971 — Launching ice cream production and expanding processing to new markets with support from local dairy farms More than 48,800 farms contribute $132.5 billion and almost 600,000 jobs to the Commonwealth. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CAPITOL ROUNDUP: State officials highlight vital role SNAP plays in supporting the economy
Jun. 22—WILKES-BARRE — Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding joined leadership from Feeding Pennsylvania and the Central PA Food Bank this week to discuss the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The discussions come amid federal proposals that would take food assistance away from at least 140,000 Pennsylvanians and significantly alter the program, costing the state over $1 billion more annually and jeopardizing the program's sustainability. Governor Josh Shapiro has made clear that Pennsylvania cannot backfill these costs. While SNAP helps nearly two million people in all communities of our Commonwealth purchase food for themselves and their families, SNAP participation rates are higher in rural areas than in urban or suburban areas. Children and older adults represent more than half of Pennsylvanians helped by the SNAP program, and the program also allows lower-income working families and people with disabilities to keep food on their tables. "SNAP helps people meet one of our most essential needs — allowing them to participate fully in work and school and live healthier," said Arkoosh. "Should these proposals to change SNAP become law, vulnerable children, people with disabilities, older Pennsylvanians, and many others would see their access to food at risk and will further destabilize our agricultural economy and workforce during a tumultuous time." Every month, SNAP brings more than $365 million in cash benefits that can only be used on food — supporting local businesses, food producers, and Pennsylvania's agricultural economy. "Farmers receive nearly a quarter of every dollar Pennsylvania families spend on groceries, whether those dollars are from SNAP or any other source," Redding said. "Most of Pennsylvania's 48,800 farms are family-run. Losing SNAP dollars would hit Pennsylvania's farm families as well as the families of the 12,000 people working in the grocery industry whose jobs are directly supported by monthly SNAP spending." Congress is currently in the midst of a budget reconciliation process that is seeking to make major cuts to federal programs — primarily Medicaid and SNAP. The bill still needs to pass the U.S. Senate and be signed into law, so there are currently no changes to SNAP. Rep. Meuser co-sponsors SAFE Cities Act U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, co-sponsored H.R. 3894 — the Stop Anarchists From Endangering (SAFE) Cities Act — this week. The legislation would ensure federal resources support jurisdictions that maintain law and order and take reasonable steps to protect their residents. The SAFE Cities Act directs the Attorney General to identify "anarchist jurisdictions" — defined as state or local governments that prevent law enforcement from restoring order, reject federal assistance, defund or disempower their police, or otherwise fail to respond to widespread violence and property destruction. Jurisdictions identified as such would face restrictions on certain categories of federal funding. The legislation codifies a Presidential Memorandum issued by President Trump during his first term to restrict federal funding from jurisdictions that tolerate lawlessness and undermine public safety. Meuser said this legislation was introduced following recent incidents in Los Angeles where protests against federal immigration enforcement escalated into violent riots. Demonstrators attacked federal law enforcement officers with rocks and Molotov cocktails, vandalized federal buildings, set vehicles ablaze and attempted to obstruct immigration enforcement efforts. To restore order in Los Angeles, Meuser said President Trump authorized the deployment of National Guard troops. Despite these efforts to restore public safety, California Gov. Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit to end the federalization of the National Guard. "The SAFE Cities Act is a crucial piece of legislation that puts the safety and security of our communities first," said Rep. Meuser. "We cannot allow public safety to take a backseat to political ideology. This bill ensures federal support goes to communities that protect their citizens, support their law enforcement, and take appropriate action in the face of violence. Our constituents — and the law enforcement officers who serve them — deserve no less." This bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration. Bipartisan resolution condemns antisemitic violence U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pittsburgh, and U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock, introduced S. Res. 288 this week. The bipartisan resolution condemns the horrific rise in violent antisemitic attacks across the country. Citing the attempted murder in Boulder, Colorado, the arson attack on the Pennsylvania Governor's residence, and the tragic murder of two Israeli embassy staffers outside the Capitol Jewish Museum, Sen. McCormick and Sen. Fetterman, along with 34 of their colleagues, remain unified in denouncing anti-Jewish hatred. "Antisemitism has no place is America," said McCormick. "Since October 7, 2023, the Jewish community has faced unprecedented and persistent antisemitic hate and violence. This hatred cannot stand. Living in Squirrel Hill, right around the corner from the site of the devastating Tree of Life Synagogue attack in 2018, really brings this issue home for me. Protecting my friends and neighbors, and all Jewish people across the country, must be a national priority." "Amid a despicable rise in antisemitism, we are starkly reminded that silence is complicity," said Fetterman. "These appalling attacks on our Jewish communities are not isolated events. After 11 lives were stolen at the Tree of Life massacre in 2018, I've felt an even stronger moral obligation to confront antisemitism wherever it appears and stand united against hate." U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) introduced the House of Representatives companion to this resolution. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP: State invests nearly $10M to ensure 35 farms in 18 counties stay farms forever
Jun. 13—Gov. Josh Shapiro's administration announced this week that Pennsylvania is investing nearly $10 million to purchase development rights for 2,672 acres on 35 farms in 18 counties — protecting them from future residential or commercial development. These joint investments by state and local government ensure that Pennsylvania farmers will have the prime-quality land they need to continue feeding families and supporting jobs and communities in the future, the governor's adminstration said. Since the Shapiro administration began, Pennsylvania has invested $125.2 million to preserve 415 new farms and 35,177 prime acres of farmland across the state. "Preserving Pennsylvania farmland is an investment in the future of our economy and farm families," said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. "When that land is lost to development, we lose one of our most valuable economic assets." More than 48,800 farms across Pennsylvania contribute $132.5 billion to our economy and support almost 600,000 jobs, making agriculture a key driver of Pennsylvania's economy. To continue Pennsylvania's national legacy as an agriculture leader, Shapiro's 2025-26 budget proposes: —An additional $13 million investment in the historic Ag Innovation Grant to help build the future of American agriculture right here in Pennsylvania. —Investing $2 million to keep Pennsylvania's new animal diagnostic laboratory in the western part of the state operational, providing critical testing services for farmers to ensure their livestock remain healthy and viable for continued farming operations. —A $4 million funding increase to connect Pennsylvanians at risk of hunger with healthy, local food through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System. —An additional $4 million funding increase to the State Food Purchase Program to provide emergency food assistance for low-income Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in preserved farmland. Since 1988, Pennsylvania has protected 6,564 farms and 654,551 acres in 58 counties from future development, investing nearly $1.76 billion in state, county, and local funds. Farms preserved at the State Agricultural Land Preservation Board meeting include: —Luzerne County — total investment, $555,160, state only. —Raymond H. and Corrine A. Barchik, 115-acre crop and livestock farm, Fairmount Township. —Joseph A. Disabella Sr. and Deborah A. Disabella, 54-acre crop farm, Sugarloaf Township. Bill to move DOE office to Pittsburgh introduced U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pittsburgh, and U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock, this week introduced S. 2044 — which would move the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management to Pittsburgh. "For far too long, federal agencies in Washington have been physically removed from the workers and industries they regulate," McCormick said. "I'm proud to partner with Sen. Fetterman on this legislation to bring a critical Energy Department office to Pittsburgh near the heart of the Marcellus." "With its rich history of energy production, top-tier universities, and state-of-the-art manufacturing infrastructure, Pittsburgh is uniquely qualified to be the home of the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management," Fetterman said. "I'm proud to join Sen. McCormick to introduce legislation calling for this move while protecting the union way of life. FECM is an important agency that supports lower-carbon fuels like natural gas while addressing and lowering carbon emissions. Housing federal agencies in the communities they impact is a no brainer." Last year, McCormick proposed moving DOE operations to Pittsburgh to place agency officials closer to the industry they regulate and work with every day. Pennsylvania is the second largest producer of natural gas in America, with most of that production happening in western Pennsylvania. The Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (OFECM) is made up of about 750 federal employees — scientists, engineers, technicians and administrative staff. The Office is responsible for research, development, and demonstration on advanced power generation; power plant efficiency; carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies; emission control technologies; and so much more. It is responsible for the technological solutions for the development of our unconventional oil and gas domestic resources and also manages the Nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve and Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve. The OFECM also manages the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). This is the lead field center for research and program development. Through this laboratory there are nearly 700 federal sponsored projects that are conducted through private sector research partners. The bill would require the Department of Energy to move the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (OFECM) within the DOE to Pittsburgh one year after passage. It would also require the Secretary of Energy to provide a report to Congress on employment changes and any impacts to collective bargaining rights. The OFECM houses the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), which is already based in Pittsburgh and does a significant amount of OFECM's functional work. The impact on staffing would be minimal and provide more jobs to Pennsylvania while having a federal office housed in the Commonwealth. Recommendations to help gun violence victims The importance of supporting the basic needs of gun violence victims — including housing, transportation, food — and providing tailored supports for youth were some of the key findings released this week by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), following a statewide needs assessment conducted at the request of PCCD Chair Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. "The people closest to the pain should be closest to the power — and that's exactly what this initiative is all about," Davis said. "By gathering insights directly from survivors, families, and providers, these reports highlight critical gaps that too often stand in the way of individuals' healing process after experiencing gun violence. We're not just working to reduce gun violence; we're ensuring that victims and the professionals who serve them receive the support they need and deserve." From Fall 2024 to Spring 2025, PCCD contracted with ICF to conduct a needs assessment to better understand resources available to support individuals exposed to or who have experienced gun violence. Statewide needs assessment takeaways Key findings: —Meeting basic needs is critical: Housing, transportation, and food insecurity remain major barriers. Survivors often can't access support services when their basic survival is at stake. —Local trust matters: Individuals affected by gun violence prefer hyper-local, culturally relevant providers who understand their communities. Many learn about services through friends, family or trusted community leaders — not official channels. —Youth need tailored supports: Youth exposed to violence feel isolated and misunderstood. They emphasized the need for connection through food, creative outlets, and social media, as well as education on gun safety and conflict resolution. —Long-term care is lacking: Many survivors feel overwhelmed by offers of services immediately after a violent event but struggle to find help when they're ready. Services must be available beyond the crisis period. Recommendations: —Develop hyper-local communications to build awareness and trust in services. —Provide trauma-informed training to service providers and journalists. —Expand gun safety education and access to secure firearms storage devices. —Make services available long term, beyond the initial crisis period. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Blair County crop, livestock farm to be protected from future development
BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — The development rights to 35 farms, including one in Blair County, have been purchased to help ensure that the farmland will be protected. Pennsylvania is investing nearly $10 million to make sure that over 2,600 acres of land in 18 counties will never be used for residential or commercial property. The Shapiro Administration added that these investments will make sure that farmers have quality land to continue feeding families across the state and supporting jobs. Bill to allow for Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania passes House Here is the Blair County farm that will be preserved: England Family Limited Partnership, 123-acre crop and livestock farm, Woodbury Township Total investment( $298,671): State – $209,671 and County – $89,000 'Preserving Pennsylvania farmland is an investment in the future of our economy and farm families,' Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. 'When that land is lost to development, we lose one of our most valuable economic assets.' There are over 48,000 farms in Pennsylvania, and the farming industry contributes $132.5 billion to our economy and supports almost 600,000 jobs. Since 1988, the Farmland Preservation Program has protected 6,564 farms and 654,551 acres in 58 counties from future development. You can read the full list of farms that will be preserved on the Department of Agriculture's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
