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| The Latest News from Your State Representative |
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| Please do not reply to this e-mail, as I am unable to respond to messages sent to this address. You can contact me directly at vgaydos@pahousegop.com or here. |
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Property Tax Relief Should be for Everyone in Allegheny County, Not Just for the City of Pittsburgh
As a taxpayer, I am in favor of property tax relief, especially for those on a fixed income. However, property tax relief should be for all and not for just a few.
Recently, I voted “no” on legislation that would unfairly shift property tax burdens to those in the suburbs. House Bill 788 would specifically allow only the City of Pittsburgh to exempt longtime homeowners from property tax increases should a countywide assessment occur.
The bill could effectively result in rising property taxes not only for the approximately 50,000 homeowners in the City of Pittsburgh who do not qualify for this proposed exemption, but would unfairly shift the tax burden to those living in the suburbs.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 38% of school funding comes from the state, while 43% comes from local property taxes—ranking Pennsylvania 45th nationally among states with the most inequitable school funding formula. The Education Law Center labeled Pennsylvania as one of the worst states at distributing this revenue across high-poverty and low-poverty districts.
School funding is certainly a priority; however, the General Assembly can no longer kick the can down the road with small and unfair measures. We must work on bipartisan solutions to solve the property tax issue for everyone and not just for a few.
Other Allegheny County Representatives who voted “no” to House Bill 788 included Reps. Andrew Kuzma, Rob Mercuri and Natalie Mihalek.
The legislation passed the House of Representatives by a 103-100 vote and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Sincerely,
Valerie Gaydos |
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Standing With Our Small Businesses
This week, I spoke at a Capitol press conference hosted by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in support of small businesses that are concerned about a hike in the state’s minimum wage, the negative effects the wage hike will have on health care benefits and jobs.
I discussed House Bill 555, my legislation that would require a group or association health plan being offered is fully insured, provides essential health benefits, and protects small businesses and employees. The association health plan coverage would be guaranteed issued and renewable, prohibiting denying coverage based on a pre-existing condition, providing essential health benefits and plans comparable to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans.
Click here to watch my remarks.
Click here to watch the full press conference.
NFIB joined some of my colleagues in rallying against the negative impacts on employers in the Commonwealth as a result of legislation that would increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour. The NFIB says this increase could cause the loss of more than 104,000 jobs by 2033. According to an Independent Fiscal Office study, an increase to just $12 an hour would cause consumers to cover 65% of the added costs. Coupled with skyrocketing inflation, the bill would greatly decrease consumers’ spending power.
Last week, I voted “no” to the government artificially raising the minimum wage in Pennsylvania. This anti-free market bill was rushed through committee before giving all stakeholders a chance to comment.
On the House floor, I shared my thoughts with the members of the House of Representatives. Please watch!
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Meeting with the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association
This week, restaurant servers and bartenders from around Pennsylvania visited the Capitol to meet with state legislators, discussing the real impact that changing the tipped wage would have on their livelihoods.
I was happy to attend. It was a very productive conversation with more than a dozen legislators and their staff, including Senate Labor and Industry Committee staff from both caucuses.
There is still time to take action. Urge your all of your legislators to keep #HandsOffOurTips and preserve the tipped wage by sending an email via PRLA's Action Center or signing the petition here.
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Preparing for America250PA
I am proud to serve on the Pennsylvania Board of Commissioners for the United State Semiquincentennial Anniversary (America250PA). Recently, I had the honor of witnessing testifiers bring forth proposals to my committee, the Infrastructure Improvements and Projects Committee. Hosted in the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall in Carnegie. I was surrounded by passionate citizens discussing how we can better preserve the history of Pennsylvania. We also heard from a variety of organizations across Allegheny County, such as the Frick Art and Historical Center, Beaver County Industrial Museum and the Beaver County Historical Research Center and Landmarks.
America250PA is the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. It was established by the Legislature and former Gov. Tom Wolf in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in 2026.
I want to hear from you! Do you have a legacy project you would like to see completed as part of the 250th anniversary of the United States? Click here to submit a proposal and learn more.
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Funding to Benefit Residents of the 44th District
I am pleased to announce that communities in the 44th District will receive more than $211,000 in Marcellus Shale impact fees.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) reports this year’s distribution of nearly $279 million is more than $44 million higher than last year, driven primarily by the average price of natural gas in 2022.
I am pleased to see the industry continues to create jobs and increase local revenue. The funding can be used in a variety of ways that improve our quality of life, including water system upgrades, clean air and road repairs.”
The following impact fee disbursements in the 44th District were announced:
• Aleppo Township - $1,121
• Bell Acres Borough - $1,811
• Crescent Township - $2,004
• Edgeworth Borough – $1,653
• Findlay Township - $167,413
• Glen Osborne Borough - $187
• Glenfield Borough - $90
• Haysville Borough - $31
• Leet Township - $1,151
• Leetsdale Borough - $1,245
• Moon Township - $18,566
• North Fayette Township - $11,507
• Sewickley Borough - $3,066
• Sewickley Heights Borough - $1,013
• Sewickley Hills Borough - $529
Allegheny County will receive more than $2.29 million in funding. Checks to municipalities are expected to be distributed in early July.
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We Want to Hear From You!
I am hosting a new event called “Open Mic.” I feel it’s important for you to have the opportunity to have your opinions heard and questions answered about state-related issues.
Whether you are concerned about election reform, property taxes, the state budget or any other matter affecting Pennsylvania, you can step up and say what is on your mind.
All the information can be seen above. I hope to see you soon.
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We are Out and About in the 44th District
Recently, my staff was in attendance for the Leetsdale Borough Senior Highrise Luncheon. They visited with the senior citizens and talked with them about the services my office offers.
The luncheon was hosted by Mayor Sandra Ford of Leetsdale Borough in a high-rise apartment building for senior citizens. My staff interacted with about 25 residents and community members.
Please don't hesitate to call my office at 412-262-3780 if you have a question or concern.
My Regional Coordinator for District Operations Lori Mizgorski and District Legislative Aide Andrew Novak attended a retirement celebration for Dr. Erik Haakan Jonsson. He is retiring as chair and president of Covestro LLC, concluding a career that has spanned 31 years. He graduated from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. He began his career as a visiting scientist for BMI Business Intelligence PTE. LTD in Singapore in 1991.
They presented him with a House of Representatives citation for his outstanding service.
In addition to Dr. Jonsson’s professional life, he is also involved as chair of the American Chemistry Board’s sustainability committee; serves on the board for Allegheny Conference on Community Development; and the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering board of visitors and board of variety – a charity for children.
In attendance were Shawn Conway, field director representing U.S. Congressman Guy Reschenthaler; Alexis Trbovich, staff member from Sen. Devlin Robinson’s office; and Rich Fitzgerald, executive from Allegheny County.
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Happy Independence Day!
I wanted to share a few important reminders as you plan to celebrate our nation’s independence.
Fireworks are a great way to celebrate our independence, but with ongoing drought conditions the elevated risk of wildfires, the Office of State Fire Commissioner and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are urging us to leave the fireworks displays to the professionals this year.
Low precipitation has dramatically increased the number of wildfires in the Commonwealth. There have already been 1,400 wildfires reported statewide so far in 2023, compared to 1,036 in all of 2022. This year's wildfires have burned more than 8,500 acres, compared to 2,700 acres in 2022. Visit DCNR's website for more information on wildfire danger, maps, forecasts and tips on reducing wildfire risks.
If you are going to set off your own fireworks, be smart, be careful and be considerate of your neighbors. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission offers the following safety tips:
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Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. |
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Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, even sparklers. |
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Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly. |
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Never point or throw fireworks at another person. |
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Never pick up or try to relight fireworks that have not fully ignited. |
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Never use fireworks after consuming alcohol or other substances that impair judgement or the ability to act quickly. |
For details about the state’s fireworks laws, click here.
If you are traveling, check out www.511pa.com. Free and available 24 hours a day, the site provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.
PennDOT will close its driver license service centers on Tuesday, July 4. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.
Have a safe and happy July Fourth!
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Fish for Free on Independence Day!
On Tuesday, July 4, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will host a Fish for Free day to allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways. No license is required, but all other fishing regulations still apply. This is a great way to expose the next generation of anglers to the outdoors! More information about fishing in Pennsylvania is available here.
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| Office Locations |
| District Office: |
| 1005 Beaver Grade Road, Suite 106, Moon Township, PA 15108 | Phone: (412) 262-3780, Fax: (412) 262-3783 |
| Capitol Office: |
| Room 428, Irvis Office Building, House Box 202044, Harrisburg PA 17120-2044 | Phone: (717) 787-6651 | |
| Email: vgaydos@pahousegop.com |
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