(5/2023) New PA License Plates to Aid Plants and Pollinators
Pennsylvania vehicle owners are now able to purchase a 'Pollinator' license plate to support efforts to reinvigorate the populations of insects that pollinate plant life and feed our population. Sixty-five percent of the proceeds from the license plate will be deposited into the Pollinator Habitat Program Fund, which will create naturalized gardens and meadows planted with pollinator-friendly species of flowering plants specifically for bees, butterflies, beetles, and other insects that may have been adversely affected by the loss of their native habitat. With more flowering plants to provide sustenance, these insects will be given a chance to thrive in these reclaimed areas. A further aim of the program is to help reverse the decline of federally listed threatened or endangered species, such as the monarch butterfly. For more information on PennDOT's efforts to help revive pollinators visit www.penndot.pa.gov.
Spotted Lanternflies Hatching Soon
Starting this month, many of us will encounter spotted lanternflies (SLF), an invasive insect that has now spread through Adams and 50 other Pennsylvania counties since its initial discovery in 2014.
SLF feeds on the plant sap of many different plants including grapevines, maples, black walnut and other important plants in PA. If you see SLF, Penn State Extension encourages you to report it online here or call their hotline at 1-888-422-3359.
Organic Industry Growing in Pennsylvania
As Republican chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, I attended a series of informational meetings this week that took a closer look at the expanding organic industry in Pennsylvania. Among the meetings was a visit to the Rodale Institute in Kutztown where I learned about the rapid growth of organic farming and production in Pennsylvania that is outpaced only by demand. To address this, the Department of Agriculture plans to establish a Center for Organic Excellence, modeled after its Centers of Excellence for dairy, poultry and livestock, and beef. The center will advance organic research, work to improve environmental impacts, and promote business development, marketing opportunities and product integrity.
State Budget Hearings Conclude
The House Appropriations Committee has concluded its review of the governor’s $46 billion spending proposal for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Lawmakers questioned officials with the Department of Human Service about efforts to limit waste, fraud and abuse, as well as federal changes in the Medicaid program. Additional hearings featured the departments of Labor and Industry, Revenue, and Community and Economic Development, as well as the Office of Inspector General, state and school employee retirement systems, the Public Utility Commission and the governor’s budget office.
Applications Now Open for State Police Academy
Considering a career in law enforcement? The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is actively recruiting individuals for three upcoming cadet classes. Applicants to the State Police Academy must be at least 20 years old by the date their application is completed. They must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached their 40th birthday before their appointment as a cadet. After graduation from the academy, a trooper’s starting base salary will be $65,763. Members and their dependents are eligible for no-cost medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage. For more information visit www.patrooper.com.
