(10/2024) Making a Case for Reforms to "Rain Tax" Hurting Farmers, Families

Earlier this month, at Ag Progress Days near State College, I participated in the joint House and Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meeting on conservation partnerships. Included on the panel of officials providing testimony to the committees, was Adam Ortiz, the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) mid-Atlantic administrator. Several years ago, the EPA imposed regulations aimed at preventing water pollution stemming from groundwater run-off that produces silt and sedimentation in our waterways.

I told Ortiz that I have long taken issue with the EPA’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Program, known as MS4, because of ambiguity in its implementation. Municipalities that are required to participate, must create a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) to minimize the impacts from runoff. This means paying a so-called "rain tax" to support the infrastructure improvements outlined in the plan. This tax is particularly onerous for farmers, and municipalities need clearer direction on how the money is to be used. See my remarks above.

While Summer Winds Down, Bugs are Still Buggin’

Summer is winding down, but ticks and mosquitoes are quite active, so it’s important to continue to protect yourself outdoors. Pennsylvania typically ranks in the top 10 in the country for Lyme disease cases per 100,000 residents. Most cases can be treated successfully with a short course of antibiotics. But left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart and nervous system.

Ticks: The state Department of Health offers an online dashboard to show where ticks are prevalent and help people prepare to take appropriate precautions while enjoying outdoor activities. Tips include covering exposed skin; wearing light colors to help with detection; using insect repellent that is EPA-approved for tick prevention; and spraying permethrin on shoes, clothes and gear. After being outside, check yourself, your kids, and your pets thoroughly for ticks and remove any attached. Shower to help remove any ticks you may have missed. Throw your clothes in the dryer using high heat to help kill any remaining ticks.

Mosquitoes: Residents should also take steps to prevent mosquito bites as health officials are reporting human cases of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), which are both potentially deadly and spread by mosquitoes. Prevention includes using insect repellent with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and by wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during peak mosquito activity times, like dusk and dawn.

‘Jail Scam’ Reports on the Rise

Pennsylvania State Police are again warning people to be aware of scammers claiming their loved one is in jail and promising to release them in exchange for cash.

Scammers usually make contact by phone and claim a loved one (typically a grandchild) is either in jail, or risks going to jail, and will even cite specific names.

They will then ask for an address where they can pick up the money. State Police offer the following tips for this and other scams:

• Don’t feel pressured to provide payment for something or to someone.
• Do not give out sensitive information over the phone.
• NEVER place money in your mailbox or at your doorstep for someone to pick up.
• Do not give remote access to anyone for any of your devices.
• Never make a payment to someone with gift cards – it’s a scam!

Kids are Heading Back to School: Learn About Saving for Higher Education with PA 529!

It’s back-to-school time, the perfect opportunity to start saving for their next steps! Whether a child in your life is starting kindergarten or heading into their senior year, it’s never too early, or too late, to start saving with the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program. Saving with PA 529 has big tax advantages and doesn’t impact Pennsylvania state financial aid eligibility. There are two great plans to choose from, the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) and the PA 529 Investment Plan (IP). Both plans can be used to help pay for a wide variety of education costs like tuition and fees, books, supplies, room and board, and more at technical schools, community colleges, four-year institutions and apprenticeship programs. Learn more at pa529.com today!

Looking for a Career in Law Enforcement?

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) recently announced it is accepting applications for people considering a rewarding career in public service as a state trooper. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid driver’s license from any state. They must be at least 20 years-old at the time of application, and they must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached age 40 upon entry into the training academy. Cadets must be Pennsylvania residents and possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license at the time of graduation. Applications should be submitted via the Commonwealth’s employment website by Nov. 27. Upon completion of the training academy, cadets are promoted to trooper and receive an increase in salary, currently set at $66,911 annually. For more information on becoming a state trooper, including applicant requirements and job benefits, visit PATrooper.com.