Senate Approves Historic Tax Cuts for Pennsylvanians
In a landmark decision aimed at benefiting working families, job creators, and energy consumers, the Pennsylvania Senate approved a bill that reduces taxes by approximately $3 billion annually. This monumental legislation, known as Senate Bill 269, received strong bipartisan support.
The bill introduces significant tax reductions. It proposes cutting the Personal Income Tax (PIT) rate from 3.07% to 2.8%, thereby increasing the take-home pay of every Pennsylvanian. Additionally, it aims to eliminate the Gross Receipts Tax on energy by January 1, 2025, providing much-needed relief from rising energy costs.
Senate leaders hailed this as the largest tax cut for working families in the state’s history. The tax cuts are expected to save taxpayers over $13 billion in the next five years, injecting an additional $3 billion into the state economy annually. As we enter the work to finalize the budget, we need to focus on returning money to taxpayers.
Senate Bill 269 is awaiting consideration in the House of Representatives.
Senate Votes to Expand Access to Benefits for Disabled Veterans
Legislation to exempt 100% of disabled veterans’ benefit payments from income calculations for any commonwealth programs or benefits received Senate support.
Senate Bill 126 would ensure veterans who receive disability compensation would not have those payments counted against them when applying to programs such as the Real Estate Property Tax Exemption, Education Gratuity Program, Veterans Temporary Assistance Program and Military Relief Assistance Program.
The bill would also extend the exclusion of the veterans’ compensation benefits to their unmarried surviving spouses.
Bill to Improve Early Literacy Receives Senate Support
To give students the best chance of success, the Senate passed a bill that would improve early literacy using a three-pronged approach.
Senate Bill 801 would:
- Bolster reading instruction with evidence-based reading curricula,
- Identify struggling readers via universal screening within the first 30 days of school and
- Use screening data to implement intervention plans to prevent children from falling behind.
Half of Pennsylvania’s fourth grade students read below their grade level. Studies show that childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and dramatically impact someone’s ability to succeed.
Transportation Update
Attention Monroe County residents! Here are the latest updates on upcoming road work that may affect your travel plans:
East Stroudsburg Borough: Interstate 80 East between Exit 307 (PA 611 to PA 191) and Exit 308 (Prospect Street) will have an inspection conducted by PennDOT Bridge Inspection Forces. This will result in an eastbound lane restriction on July 24, 2024, from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Hamilton Township: PA 33 between the US 209 Split and I-80 will undergo an inspection with lane restrictions in both directions on June 25, 2024, from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Tobyhanna Township: Locust Ridge Road between PA 940 and Spur Road will have bridge repairs with lane restrictions and flagging from June 24 to June 28, 2024, between 7 AM and 3 PM.
Multiple Municipalities: PA 940 between PA 191 and PA 115 will undergo shoulder work and widening with lane restrictions and flagging from June 24 to June 28, 2024, between 7 AM and 3 PM. PA 715 between PA 611 and Neola Road will have various maintenance work with lane restrictions and flagging on June 24, June 26, and June 28, 2024, from 7 AM to 3 PM each day.
Hamilton and Ross Townships: PA 33 between the Northampton County Line and Lower Cherry Valley Road will undergo paving work with lane restrictions in both directions from June 23 to July 12, 2024, between 7 PM and 6 AM.
Please drive carefully in these areas and follow posted signs to ensure everyone’s safety. Thank you for your patience and cooperation!
Local Girl Scout Troop Making an Impact
Cadette Girl Scouts from Troop 51441 learned about the unique needs of children in foster care from a guidance counselor at their middle school. One of the issues faced by many children in foster care is a lack of dignity caused by having only garbage bags to transport their belongings. The girls discussed this issue at a troop meeting and came up with a plan to donate new duffel bags to children in foster care. They researched online to find quality, cost-effective bags and called on their families to help support their cause.
The girls donated 72 duffel bags to three foster care organizations in Wayne and Pike counties — KidsPeace, Wayne County Children and Youth, and Pike County Children and Youth. What a beautiful and inspiring Mission Moment from these spectacular young ladies!
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