(8/2024) Adams Authority Receives Funding for Gettysburg Foundry Project

The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) approved more than $2 million for the Adams County Industrial Development Authority (ACIDA), which will enable it to redevelop the site of the former Gettysburg Foundry in Cumberland Township.

ACIDA acquired the nearly 50-acre property – the former CM Metals Gettysburg Foundry – and applied for state funding to clean it up and return the former industrial site, located in the middle of the Greenmount Growth Area, to productive use. This would include the cleanup of aluminum metals improperly disposed on the property.

The CFA, an independent agency within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth. Today, it approved a Business in Our Sites grant of nearly $1million and a low-interest loan of $1.4 million for the Gettysburg Foundry restoration project.

"The reclamation and redevelopment of this historic industrial site will help to expand business development and economic growth in our area," said Moul. "This property has been sitting idle for many years. Now, with the help of CFA funding, it will be put to good use. In addition to new jobs and commerce, it will also produce much-needed tax revenue for Adams County. I look forward to its progress."

FY-25 State Budget Update

Nearly two weeks past the June 30 deadline, the General Assembly approved, and the governor signed into law, a state budget for FY-24-25. I voted "no" on this budget because the plan will spend $47.6 billion, a $2.7 billion, or 6%, increase over the prior fiscal year. It is approximately $740 million less than what Gov. Josh Shapiro sought when he unveiled his budget proposal in February.

While this budget provides significant funding increases for our schools, agriculture, and other important initiatives, it will spend about $3.3 billion more than the Commonwealth is anticipated to collect in revenue over the coming fiscal year. This will require the use of reserve funds, which is not a sound long-term strategy. In fact, it is unsustainable. To learn more about the state budget, visit PAHouseGOP.com/budget2024.

House Advances "Fair Use" Fee on EVs

Fuel taxes on gasoline purchases in the Commonwealth have helped to cover the cost of maintaining our roadways. However, the prevalence of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) has cut into that revenue.

The Legislature previously addressed this by imposing an alternative fuel tax requiring owners to remit taxes based on the amount of electricity used. The requirements were cumbersome, and compliance was low. This week, the House advanced Senate Bill 656, which would replace the alternative fuel tax with an annual fee for "fair use" of Pennsylvania roadways.

While simple, I believe more could have been done to ensure the fee is applied fairly. Under the bill, the fee is the same whether one drives 5,000 or 25,000 miles each year. The bill is now awaiting the governor’s signature to become law.

Helping First-Time Homebuyers

Working to boost opportunities for homeownership in the Commonwealth, I recently joined a majority of members in the state House in approving a bill that would create a savings program to help first-time homebuyers. House Bill 126 would establish the First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account Program and an associated fund that would be overseen by the state Treasury. The program would work similar to the PA529 plan that helps people save for higher education tuition and expenses for people with disabilities. Under the bill, funds set aside by future first-time homebuyers may be used as a deduction on state income tax. If the account holder uses the money for other purposes, it would become taxable income. House Bill 126 is pending action in the state Senate.

PA Farm Bill Helps Local Farmer Fill Void for Meats in Adams Co.

The Pennsylvania Farm Bill supports our agriculture industry with low-interest loans, grants and other resources for agriculture business development and succession planning; education and workforce development; conservation measures to address pollution and climate change; to increase processing capabilities and farm diversification; promote marketing and investment; respond quickly to disasters in animal and plant health or foodborne illnesses and help relieve regulatory burdens.

Protecting Property Owners Against Squatters

Legislation that would make it easier for property owners to get unauthorized occupants or "squatters" out of their properties received unanimous approval by the General Assembly and is awaiting the governor’s signature to become law. Senate Bill 1236 aims to provide more certainty and clarity for homeowners, landlords and law enforcement officers who must deal with squatters by codifying existing case law on the subject. The bill aims to end the exhausting and costly process property owners face in reclaiming their properties from individuals who have no legitimate claims to it. An amendment was offered that would have further strengthened the bill. It would have allowed affected property owners to sign an affidavit declaring their ownership of the property occupied by squatters. At that point, the police would be given the authority to remove and, if necessary, charge any individuals squatting on the property. The amendment was tabled by the majority Democrat leader, preventing a vote on it. I personally cannot understand why this was done.

Celebrating PA as Birthplace of American Democracy

The quintessential symbol of the Commonwealth and our nation’s independence – the Liberty Bell – will soon be featured on a new Pennsylvania license plate and on welcome signs at state-border entry points. The new plates and signs serve as a reminder of our Commonwealth’s key role in our nation’s history ahead of its 250th anniversary celebration in 2026. Military, special organization, special fund and specialty plates without legislatively mandated designs will also be updated with the new design. The transition to the new welcome signs is underway. The license plates will be available next year, but you can sign up now to receive an email update when the new plates are ready to order in spring 2025. Fee information will also be included with replacement instructions on PennDOT’s website and will vary based on plate type and any optional personalization. All existing standard issue license plate inventory will be depleted before transitioning to the new plate design.

PGC Seeks Help Counting Turkeys

To effectively manage Pennsylvania’s wild turkey population, the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) is seeking the public’s help in surveying wild turkeys this summer. The Pennsylvania Wild Turkey Sighting Survey is open now through Aug. 31. The data will enable the PGC to determine total wild turkey productivity and compare long-term reproductive success within Pennsylvania and across states. Data also are used in the turkey population model to track population trends. This is a standard methodology used across the country. Turkey sightings can be reported through the Game Commission’s website.

DMVA Helps Locate Lost Military Documents

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is reminding veterans it can help locate their lost DD Form 214 (DD-214) and other military documents so they can get credit for time served and receive important benefits they have earned.

The DD-214 contains information needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment and membership in veterans’ organizations. Without this key document, there could be significant delays when a veteran seeks benefits earned through their service to our nation. The DMVA can also assist with locating the DD-215, which is used to correct errors or make additions to a DD-214, helping to assure that veterans have accurate discharge documentation.

Anyone needing assistance from the DMVA to locate their DD-214/215, or other military documentation, can call toll-free 1-800-547-2838 or e-mail RA-REQ@pa.gov. More information about locating military documents can be found through the Records Request Program.

Another way to stay in touch is for veterans, family members and people who work with veterans to sign up for the DMVA’s Veterans Registry by visiting www.register.dmva.pa.gov.