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In this Update:
Board of Finance & Revenue Reforms Enacted and Nominees Advanced
Recently, at a public hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, two reappointments to the Board of Finance and Revenue, Paul Gitnik and David Kraus, were unanimously advanced to receive confirmation by the full Senate.
The board is an important step in the process of resolving taxpayer disputes with the Department of Revenue. Thank you to these public servants for their continued work in helping Pennsylvanian’s settle tax matters and avoid costly, complex legal cases. Additionally, this week the governor signed into law (Act 123) a bill I sponsored that will give the Board of Finance and Revenue the authority to direct and oversee a formal settlement process when appropriate, meaning more appeals will be resolved without requiring a final board decision or the need to go to Commonwealth Court. The Pennsylvania Treasury Department estimates as many as 500 appeals – of individuals and businesses – could benefit from the improved mediated appeals process. “This will make tax appeals much more fair for Pennsylvania families and businesses,” Treasurer Stacy Garrity said. “These reforms will remove bureaucratic obstacles and implement a process to streamline the appeal process. Huge thanks to Sen. Hutchinson for working to create an even playing field for Pennsylvania taxpayers.” Environmental Resources & Energy Committee Considers New Technologies
I recently attended an informative public hearing held by the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, where we discussed the advantages of converting waste into fuel to diversify Pennsylvania’s fuel supplies. You can view the full hearing here. PA Families to Receive More Support Saving for the Future
Thanks to a bill passed by Senate Republicans, families saving for education and supporting loved ones with disabilities can soon receive increased assistance from their employers. As the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I’m proud to have contributed to this important initiative by advancing it to the full Senate and eventual enactment. A tax credit will encourage employers to contribute to their employees’ PA 529 College and Career Savings Program accounts and PA ABLE accounts. Beginning January 2025, employers will receive a 25% tax credit on matching employer contributions of up to $500 per employee per year. The law helps employers offer their employees a significant benefit so they can attract the best workers while receiving a financial incentive themselves. It supports Senate Republicans’ priorities of empowering Pennsylvania families and protecting Pennsylvania jobs. New Law Creates Rape Kit Tracking System
Having received unanimous support from the General Assembly, a bill to establish a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system is now law. Act 122 of 2024 allows survivors to track the status of their rape kits throughout the testing process, from collection to destruction. With this legislation, Pennsylvania joins 35 states and the District of Columbia that have already implemented rape kit tracking systems. It brings Pennsylvania into compliance with the Fairness for Rape Kit Backlog Survivors provision of the recent Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization. To comply with VAWA, the law provides a waiver for survivors who file untimely claims for compensation due to delays in rape kit testing. Survivors would not need to undergo an appeal process for consideration of this waiver. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5
Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 5, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are in line by 8 p.m., you will be able to vote. If you would like to vote with a mail-in or absentee ballot, your county election office must receive it by Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 8 p.m. Track your ballot to confirm it was received. Any voter who requested to vote using a mail-in or absentee ballot but would prefer to vote in person may do so. Bring the ballot and the envelope to surrender at the polls. If you don’t have those materials, you may vote using a provisional ballot. Call 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) if you experience any issues. Time to Turn Clocks Back This Weekend
Daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, so Pennsylvania residents should turn their clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night. Biannual time changes can be a great reminder to check or change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced every 10 years and located near bedrooms and on each level of the residence.
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