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In this Update:
* Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration at the VFW in Gettysburg
* This Weekend’s Eagle Scout Ceremonies
* Purple Star Schools
* My Bill Freeing Small Businesses from Double Taxation Passes Senate Finance Committee, SB 253
* Senate Finance Committee Approves My Bill Saving PA Small Business Owners Money – SB 396
* Supporting Veterans and Our Freedom with Meaningful Legislation
* Senate Passes My Bill Targeting Fentanyl Dealers
* Senate Votes to Strengthen Crime Prevention, Keep Communities Safe
* Senate Acts Against False Emergency Threats at Schools
* May 7 is the REAL ID Deadline
* Free Tax Prep Services Available for Qualified Individuals
* April is National Donate Life Month

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** Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration at the VFW in Gettysburg
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On Saturday, I attended the Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration at the VFW in Gettysburg. I had the distinct honor of presenting four Vietnam Veterans with a 50-Year Service pin from the Pennsylvania Senate. Vernon Stine, Greg Lang, Larry Altoff, and Dennis Weaver, I salute you! Thank you for your bravery and the sacrifices you made for our nation!


** This Weekend’s Eagle Scout Ceremonies
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On Saturday, I had the honor of presenting Caleb Bracken with an official Senate Citation during his Eagle Scout Court of Honor. The following day, I presented Andrew Blankinsop and Joseph McCall with their own official Senate Citations. It was a rewarding weekend celebrating the achievements of these young men.


** Purple Star School Press Conference
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I thoroughly enjoyed engaging with the students and administrators at the Purple Star School Press Conference, which honored the Month of the Military Child. This event held special significance for me, as I am the son of a Navy veteran and have a son who was raised as a military child.

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** My Bill Freeing Small Businesses from Double Taxation Passes Senate Finance Committee – SB 253
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Pennsylvania’s 1.1 million small businesses employ about half of the state’s private workforce – 2.5 million individuals. They play a vital role in our economy, but they unfairly face double taxation from which large corporations are exempt.

I sponsored a bill to abolish double taxation on small business partners. Senate Bill 253 ([link removed]) , which received support from the Senate Finance Committee this week, would free Pennsylvania resident business partners from pass-through entity taxes in other jurisdictions that translate to a double tax.

Pass-through entities are businesses in which the profits pass through to the owners of the business and are taxed at the individual tax rate. Currently, pass-through entities in Pennsylvania are required to pay the tax twice: once to the commonwealth and a second time to the other state associated with the business.

My bill now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.


** Senate Finance Committee Approves My Bill Saving PA Small Business Owners Money – SB 396
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Another bill I sponsored to help small businesses also passed the Senate Finance Committee this week and advances to the Senate for consideration.

Senate Bill 396 would support the commonwealth’s small businesses and pass-through businesses by affording them the benefit of federal deductibility as an expense of the electing business. It would not change the amount of taxes paid.

My bill would provide federal tax income benefits and put federal tax dollars back into the pockets of Pennsylvania’s small business owners that could be used for reinvestment and growth – creating more jobs for commonwealth residents.

Thirty-four states allow the work-around my bill proposes, including all of Pennsylvania’s neighboring states.


** Senate Committee Supports National Guard and Veterans Measures
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The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee ([link removed]) , which I chair, this week unanimously reported five measures that support the Pennsylvania National Guard and honor Pennsylvania veterans. All five bills now advance to the full Senate for further consideration.

Senate Bill 511 ([link removed]) , which I sponsored, would place July 27 into state law as Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. As a result of the Korean War, 36,000 American servicemembers lost their lives, including 2,401 Pennsylvanians. More than 92,000 were wounded, and more than 8,000 were declared missing in action, leaving their families without closure.

Senate Bill 64 ([link removed]) would create a Pennsylvania veterans business logo, enabling veteran business owners to display their military pride and their customers to thank them for their service.

Senate Bill 308 ([link removed]) would increase financial assistance for medical personnel, attorneys and chaplains to enlist and serve in the Pennsylvania National Guard. With the bill’s passage, reimbursement tiers would be based on educational attainment, allowing participants to receive higher reimbursements to help manage their student debt.

Senate Bill 417 ([link removed]) would allow the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to lease land to a private business to finance valuable programming benefitting the Pennsylvania National Guard, their families and our veterans.

Senate Bill 534 ([link removed]) would increase funding for Pennsylvania’s Blind and Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension programs. Funding for the program hasn’t been increased since 1999.

Click here ([link removed]) to view the video of the committee meeting.


** Senate Passes My Bill Targeting Fentanyl Dealers
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This week, the Senate passed my bill to target drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose. The bill, which in the previous legislative session was approved by the Senate but not voted on in the House of Representatives, now moves again to the House for consideration.

I sponsored the bill after hearing from Laura Shanafelter about how her son had passed at just 18 years old because he took Percocet that was, unbeknownst to him, laced with fentanyl.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid similar to morphine but is 50-100 times more potent. Just two milligrams of fentanyl can be a lethal dose. It’s easier to produce and distribute than heroin, so drug dealers are motivated to use it to increase their profits.

Senate Bill 92 ([link removed]) , known as Tyler’s Law, would impose tougher penalties on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose. An individual who sells or engages in a monetary transaction to distribute fentanyl resulting in a death would face a mandatory minimum 25-year sentence upon conviction. The mandatory minimum penalty would not apply to drug users who share drugs with friends or family members or to those who seek medical help for individuals who overdose.

My bill would send a strong message that those fueling the opioid crisis will face severe consequences. I look forward to it becoming law, serving as a legacy for Tyler, his family and other families who have lost loved ones – and it helping to prevent other families from experiencing that harrowing loss.


** Senate Votes to Strengthen Crime Prevention, Keep Communities Safe
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Pennsylvania families deserve to be safe. The Senate took decisive action this week to hold dangerous criminals accountable and approved three key bills to protect Pennsylvania communities.

Senate Bill 92 ([link removed]) would impose a mandatory minimum 25-year sentence on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose. Known as Tyler’s Law, after Tyler Shanafelter, who tragically died at the age of 18 after purchasing pills he didn’t realize were laced with fentanyl, SB 92 sends a strong message that those fueling the opioid crisis will face severe consequences.

Senate Bill 471 ([link removed]) would require prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a criminal defendant is identified as unlawfully present in the United States. The bill would ensure that individuals who commit serious crimes are transferred to federal custody for removal proceedings. It also would prohibit sanctuary policies that obstruct communication between local law enforcement and federal agencies.

Senate Bill 490 ([link removed]) would prohibit non-monetary bail for the most threatening individuals, including those who possess 10 grams or more of fentanyl, have a history of violent crime or assault a law enforcement officer.

These bills reflect Senate Republicans’ commitment to fighting crime, protecting Pennsylvania families and ensuring that our law enforcement officials have the tools they need to uphold justice. Each measure builds upon broader efforts to make Pennsylvania a safer place to live, work and raise a family.


** Senate Acts Against False Emergency Threats at Schools
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The Senate this week approved legislation to crack down on false emergency threats targeting schools, a move aimed at enhancing public safety and reducing the strain on emergency responders. The bill, which also passed the Senate in the previous legislative session, now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Bill 96 ([link removed]) would establish new felony penalties for individuals who make hoax emergency reports involving educational institutions. If signed into law, making a false report of an emergency threat to a school would be classified as a third-degree felony, and courts would be allowed to impose financial penalties to recover the costs incurred by taxpayers for emergency response efforts.

The legislation comes in response to a troubling rise in hoax threats made against schools across Pennsylvania, causing fear among students and parents while diverting law enforcement and emergency personnel from real emergencies. Senate Bill 96 is part of a broader effort to safeguard schools and hold bad actors accountable.


** May 7 is the REAL ID Deadline
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Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID. Only about 26% of Pennsylvania drivers have replaced their standard driver’s license with a REAL ID.

REAL IDs are available now and will continue to be available to Pennsylvanians after the May 7 enforcement deadline. Learn more about REAL ID documentation requirements and find a printable checklist for required REAL ID documents here ([link removed]) .

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering dedicated times at specific driver license centers ([link removed]) to help Pennsylvanians get their REAL ID. Some centers will be able to process and issue a REAL ID at the time of service. Others will be able to verify and image your documents. You will then receive your REAL ID by mail within 15 business days. Dates for these REAL ID Days include April 7, April 14, April 28 and May 5 – all Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Customers who want a REAL ID but aren’t able to attend a REAL ID Day may visit any REAL ID Center ([link removed]) to receive a REAL ID at the time of service, visit any PennDOT Driver License Center ([link removed]) to have documents verified and then receive REAL ID within 15 business days or apply online ([link removed]) (pre-verified customers only).


** Free Tax Prep Services Available for Qualified Individuals
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Free tax preparation services are available to individuals and families who qualify through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The IRS-sponsored initiative serves households earning approximately $60,000 or less, those with disabilities, the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency.

To find a VITA site near you, dial 211, visit the PA 211 website ([link removed]) or use the IRS’s VITA locator tool ([link removed]) . It’s essential to make an appointment in advance, as many VITA sites operate on a seasonal basis and appointments can fill quickly. Be sure to bring necessary documents ([link removed]) .

Households with an annual income of $73,000 or less can file their federal and state tax forms online for free through MyFreeTaxes.com ([link removed]) . The user-friendly platform allows filers to easily navigate the tax preparation process at their own pace and features live support from IRS-certified specialists. MyFreeTaxes.com uses secure, IRS-approved software to protect your personal information and data.


** April is National Donate Life Month
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For the 23^rd year, we recognize April as an opportunity to raise awareness about organ donation. In the season that represents new beginnings, we honor donors, recipients, their families, caregivers and the clinical teams that make it all possible.

More than 6,000 Pennsylvanians are awaiting organ transplants. Organ donation can save up to eight lives, and tissue donation can enhance the lives of 75 others by helping them recover from trauma, spinal injuries, burns and vision loss.

If you aren’t an organ or tissue donor yet but would like to be, there’s no need to wait until you get or renew your driver’s license, learner’s permit or photo ID. It’s easy to register online to donate ([link removed]) . There are no costs to the donor’s family for donation. Paramedics, doctors and nurses remain committed to doing everything possible to save donors’ lives. Learn more ([link removed]) .

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