Politics

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) voted “no” today on House Bill 790, the 2019-20 state budget spending plan, which spends almost $34 billion. After it ultimately passed in the House by a 140-62 vote, Bernstine issued the following statement: “I didn’t come here to be a copy-paste legislator, I came here to lead on real issues. Before I got elected, I watched Harrisburg politicians put the highest gasoline tax in the country on people’s backs, and I refuse to spend more of their money than is absolutely necessary. Taxpayers were overtaxed by nearly $850 million this year, and…

The Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee will consider five bills intended to assist Pennsylvania farmers and promote agricultural operations in the Commonwealth at a meeting set for 12:30 p.m., today (Monday, June 24) in Room 461 of the State Capitol Complex, Harrisburg, according to Committee Chairman Senator Elder Vogel. House Bill 1514 provides for Farm-To-School Program grants. House Bill 1516 establishes the Agriculture Rapid Response Disaster Readiness Account to provide emergency money for training, equipment and other resources necessary for rapid responses to transmissible diseases, plant pests, plant diseases, controlled and noxious weeds, foodborne illnesses and natural and other…

Senator Elder Vogel today (May 30) unveiled a measure that would delay a costly mandate on local garages that ultimately would increase the fees paid by motorists when their vehicles are inspected. Senator Vogel’s legislation would extend the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s November 1 deadline for existing emissions inspection stations to obtain expensive new testing equipment. “My bill is part of a coordinated effort to bring much-needed updates and reforms to Pennsylvania’s emissions testing program. Pennsylvania’s air quality has significantly improved since the program was initiated 30 years ago,” Senator Vogel said. “Local mechanics have requested that PennDOT delay costly…

ELLWOOD CITY – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) will host a free paper shredding event on Saturday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Wurtemburg-Perry Fire Hall, 425 Portersville Road, Ellwood City. Free on-site document shredding will be provided by Iron City Workplace Services. “Now, more than ever, we need to protect our personal information and make sure it is destroyed properly,” Bernstine said. “Identity theft is a growing crime in the United States, and shredding important documents is a simple step residents can take to protect themselves.” Residents who plan on taking advantage of the service should note: No…

The Senate approved a “Farming First” legislative package this week that will help promote and support Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry, according to Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee Chairman Senator Elder Vogel (R-47). The package, which includes a bill sponsored by Senator Vogel to help new farmers get started in the industry, now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. “These bills are key parts of our effort to help maintain the viability and profitability of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry now and for years to come,” said Senator Vogel, who operates a family farm in Beaver County that was established in…

The Senate Finance Committee will meet today (May 1) to consider a measure that is intended to help new farmers get started in the business, according to Committee Chairman Scott Hutchinson (R-21). The Finance Committee will meet at 10 a.m. in Room 8E-A of the East Wing of the State Capitol Complex, Harrisburg, to consider three bills. Senate Bill 478, introduced by Senator Elder Vogel (R-47), provides a personal income tax credit for landowners who lease or sell their land, buildings and equipment to beginning farmers. Senate Bill 568, introduced by Senator Hutchinson, clarifies the Sales and Use Tax regarding…

The Senate Finance Committee today (May 1) approved a measure that will encourage existing farmers and landowners to help beginning farmers get started in the business, according to Committee Chairman Scott Hutchinson.  Video Senate Bill 478, a measure sponsored by Senator Elder Vogel (R-47), would provide a personal income tax credit for landowners who lease or sell their land, buildings and equipment to beginning farmers. The bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration. “Pennsylvania has traditionally offered tax credits as an incentive for any number of economic development initiatives and Senate Bill 478 fits right in that portfolio,”…