Senator Dush E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Employers Applaud Action to Expand Jobs in PA
  • Senate Local Government Committee Hears About Predictable Recorder of Deeds Fees
  • Louise J. Neu Honored With a 2022 Friend of the Fair Award
  • McCreight Farm designated as Century Farm by the Department of Agriculture
  • Dilulio Family Farm designated as Century Farm by the Department of Agriculture
  • Grants Available for Very Small Meat and Poultry Processors
  • Game Commission Seeks Help Counting Wild Turkeys
  • Application Period Open for Rail Freight Assistance Programs
  • Farmers Markets Mean Fresh, Regional Produce

Employers Applaud Action to Expand Jobs in PA

Job creators are taking note of the bipartisan action taken to attract new employment opportunities and residents to Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, business operators and others discussed the changes this week at a gathering in Lancaster.

One of the most significant steps they cited is the phase-down of the job-killing, corporate net income tax (CNIT). Under a provision of the new state budget, the rate will drop to 8.99% in 2023, and then continue to drop until it hits 4.99% in 2031. Once the reduction is fully implemented, Pennsylvania will go from imposing one of the nation’s highest CNIT rates to the eighth lowest in the country.

The consensus is that this will make Pennsylvania highly competitive among neighboring states in the northeast and others across the U.S.

Other changes made to the state’s tax code will be very helpful for mom-and-pop businesses. More than 99% of Pennsylvania businesses are small businesses, and those 1.1 million small businesses employ 2.5 million people, which is 46.3% of all Pennsylvania employees.

Under the new law, Pennsylvania will recognize “like-kind” exchanges for state tax deferral when property is exchanged for similar property. Federal tax law already allows for the tax deferral on federal taxes, providing some incentive for employers to invest in the job-creating assets businesses need to remain competitive, but Pennsylvania had been the only state not to recognize these exchanges for state tax purposes.

State tax law governing expense deductions is also being changed to bring it in line with federal law, eliminating the unequal treatment of Pennsylvania’s small businesses. The increase in limits will make it easier for employers to buy equipment and to invest, which promotes job growth.

Pennsylvanians need employment opportunities if they are to stay and raise families here. It’s exciting to hear job creators applauding the steps we’ve taken to increase the number of good-paying jobs that support healthy, thriving communities.

Senate Local Government Committee Hears About Predictable Recorder of Deeds Fees

8/10/22 - Predictable Recorder of Deeds Fees (SB 898)

The Senate Local Government Committee held a public hearing this week in the state Capitol to received testimony about Senate Bill 898, which seeks to make the cost of recording documents charged by Recorders of Deeds more predictable.

The committee heard from Patricia Berger, executive director for the Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC); Rick Jones, counsel for LBFC; Todd Rowe, president of the Pennsylvania Land Title Association (PLTA); Philip Janny, past president of PLTA and a settlement agent; Jim Zugay, president of the Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds Association and the Dauphin County Recorder of Deeds.

Louise J. Neu Honored With a 2022 Friend of the Fair Award

Back Row: Sen. Cris Dush, David Reese, Shane Lee, Darren Bradford, Dennis Reese, Tim Kaltenbach, Courtney Smith
Front Row: Rep. Clint Owlett, Dep. Secy. of Ag Fred Strathmeyer, Vivian Watkins, Samantha Wilcox, Louise Neu, Jennie York, Lori Hamblin, Mary Richart

The Department of Agriculture has awarded Louise J. Neu with a 2022 Friend of the Fair Award for her service to the Tioga County Fair.

Ms. Neu has volunteered in the Treasurer’s Office of the Tioga County Fair for twenty-two years and has been instrumental in building and updating the fair’s database system.

Active with the fair’s sheep department, she has helped organize the spun wool exhibits and has organized and participated in various sheep activities, including the sheep-to-shawl contest.

Ms. Neu has also served as a mentor to younger volunteers in an effort to make the Tioga County Fair a success both now and into the future.

Any definition of a full and productive life must include service to others, and through her many initiatives to benefit her community and by her personal example, Ms. Neu clearly reflects the true spirit and mission of this commonwealth.

McCreight Farm designated as Century Farm by the Department of Agriculture

Left to Right: Russell Redding,  Secretary Dept., of Agriculture;  Holding the sign is Mary McCreight Stuby, Gordon Stuby and family; Penny Pifer office of Senator Cris Dush; Douglas Wolfgang, Bureau Director, Dept., of Agriculture

Whereas, The Senate of Pennsylvania takes great pride in recognizing those entities which, through adherence to the highest standards of service, contribute in a meaningful way toward a better and more productive society; and

Whereas, McCreight Farm is being honored upon its designation by the Department of Agriculture as a Century Farm; and

Whereas, The Century Farm designation can be earned by any farm that has been owned by the same family for one hundred consecutive years, consists of at least ten acres of the original holding or grosses more than one thousand dollars annually from the sale of farm products and has a family member residing on the farm on a permanent basis. Century Farms represent durability and love of the land that this Commonwealth was built upon, and the recognition is an honor that provides distinction for lands with legacies; and

Whereas, Located in Jefferson County, McCreight Farm is currently owned and operated by Gordon and Mary McCreight Stuby and was purchased by Ms. Stuby’s great-great-great-grandfather in December 1831 and consisted of one hundred seventy acres. The original machine shed and barn are still in use today, and the McCreight Cemetery is located on the property. On the one hundred fifty acres of the original tract that remain in use, Mr. and Ms. Stuby grow corn and soybeans.

Now therefore, the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania congratulates McCreight Farm upon its well-deserved recognition; offers best wishes for a future replete with ever-increasing success; 

And directs that a copy of this document, sponsored by Senator Cris Dush, be transmitted to McCreight Farm, 323 McCreight Road, Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania.

Dilulio Family Farm designated as Century Farm by the Department of Agriculture

Left to Right: Russell Redding,  Secretary Dept., of Agriculture;  holding the sign is Edith Harris; Dylon and Emily Dilulio; Penny Pifer office of Senator Cris Dush; Douglas Wolfgang, Bureau Director, Dept., of Agriculture

Whereas, The Senate of Pennsylvania takes great pride in recognizing those entities which, through adherence to the highest standards of service, contribute in a meaningful way toward a better and more productive society; and

Whereas, The Dilulio Family Farm is being honored upon its designation by the Department of Agriculture as a Century Farm; and

Whereas, The Century Farm designation can be earned by any farm that has been owned by the same family for one hundred consecutive years, consists of at least ten acres of the original holding or grosses more than one thousand dollars annually from the sale of farm products and has a family member residing on the farm on a permanent basis. Century Farms represent durability and love of the land that this Commonwealth was built upon, and the recognition is an honor that provides distinction for lands with legacies; and

Whereas, Located in Jefferson County, the Dilulio Family Farm was purchased on August 14, 1850, by Alexander Bollinger, the  great-great-great-great-grandfather of the current owner, Emily Dilulio.  Originally comprised of one hundred fifty-three acres, the property was passed down through numerous generations and has been owned and operated by Ms. Dilulio and her husband, Dylan, since October 13, 2021.

Now therefore, the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania congratulates the Dilulio Family Farm upon its well-deserved recognition; offers best wishes for a future replete with ever-increasing success; 

Grants Available for Very Small Meat and Poultry Processors

The application period for the Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Program is open and will run through Sept. 26. The assistance is aimed at increasing locally produced meat and poultry.

The funding can be used for the start-up costs associated with meeting federal inspection and certification guidelines for very small meat processors, defined as entities with sales of less than $2.5 million and fewer than 10 employees.

Applicants can submit their application through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Single Application for Assistance online application system at www.esa.dced.state.pa.us.

Game Commission Seeks Help Counting Wild Turkeys

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is again seeking input from the public in surveying wild turkeys this summer. The Pennsylvania Wild Turkey Sighting Survey is open through Aug. 31.

Participation is important for turkey population management. Survey data allow the agency to determine total wild turkey productivity and compare long-term reproductive success within Pennsylvania and across states, as this is a standard methodology used across the country. Data also are used in the turkey population model to track population trends.

Turkey sightings can be reported through the Game Commission’s website. The mobile app is no longer available.

Application Period Open for Rail Freight Assistance Programs

Pennsylvania ranks first in the country in the number of operating railroads, and state grants are available to support them through investment in rail freight infrastructure.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation operates the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program. Both programs have become very competitive and not all applications will receive funding.

For eligible organizations wishing to apply for funding through either program, applications will be available on the application website until 4 p.m., Sept 2.

Farmers Markets Mean Fresh, Regional Produce

National Farmers Markets Week is a timely reminder that fresh, regional, summertime produce can be found at area farmers markets.

Many farmers markets are temporary, but there are several online guides to help you find a market near you.

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