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In this Update:

• Smart Savings: Streamlining Government to Cut Taxpayer Costs
• Senate Acts to Provide Funding for Local Bridge Projects
• Legislation to Make PA Leader in Drone Research Approved by Senate
• Children in Hot Cars: Look Before You Lock
• Protecting Yourself on Facebook Marketplace
• Tuesday is National Night Out

Smart Savings: Streamlining Government to Cut Taxpayer Costs

I recently introduced Senate Bill 755 as a commonsense effort to streamline our state government, improve efficiency, and reduce unnecessary costs to taxpayers. This bill eliminates over a dozen outdated or inactive boards and advisory committees, many of which haven’t met or served a practical function in years. By removing these dormant bodies, we’re reducing bureaucratic clutter and helping ensure that state agencies focus their time and resources on priorities that truly serve Pennsylvanians.

In addition to cutting government waste, SB 755 shifts any remaining useful responsibilities of these entities to the appropriate state departments, where hopefully they can be managed more effectively without the additional overhead of a separate commission. We’re also withdrawing from certain interstate compacts that no longer serve our interests, further reducing administrative costs. This is about smarter government, doing more with less, and respecting the burden on taxpayers by trying to reduce it.

The bill was reported from the Senate State Government Committee and awaits a vote by the full Senate.  You can view a clip from the meeting here.

Senate Acts to Provide Funding for Local Bridge Projects

The Senate recently approved legislation to provide state funding for local bridge projects, giving counties the flexibility needed to make essential repairs to municipal bridges.

Currently, state Motor License Fund dollars can be used to build and repair county bridges. However, spending guidance fails to address if funding can be used for municipal bridges located within a county.

As a result, municipal bridges often go without repair while bridge funding goes unused due to ambiguous guidance. Senate Bill 205 would give counties the flexibility they need to fund local bridge projects. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Legislation to Make PA Leader in Drone Research Approved by Senate

Legislation to position Pennsylvania as a national leader in the emerging drone industry was approved by the Senate and sent to the House of Representatives.

Senate Bill 468 permits the state Department of Transportation, with the governor’s approval, to engage in agreements with other states to facilitate the research and use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones.

An interstate compact would make Pennsylvania a key player in UAS testing, training and education, helping to ensure public safety, expand aviation jobs and inspire business development across the commonwealth.

Children in Hot Cars: Look Before You Lock

In 2024, 39 children died of heatstroke in vehicles – up 35% from 2023. Most of these deaths are a result of a parent or caregiver forgetting a child in a car.

• Never leave a child in a vehicle unattended for any length of time. Rolling windows down or parking in the shade does little to change the interior temperature of the vehicle.
• Make it a habit to check your entire vehicle – especially the back seat – before locking the doors and walking away.
• Place a personal item like a purse or briefcase in the back seat, as another reminder to look before you lock.
• Store car keys and fobs out of a child’s reach and teach children that a vehicle is not a play area.

More information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is available here.

Protecting Yourself on Facebook Marketplace 

Transactions through social media platforms have limited consumer protections compared to traditional business dealings, and scams happen.

In a recent case, a Fayette County family was scammed with fake cash when selling a floor buffer on Facebook Marketplace. Pennsylvania State Police are investigating.

There are steps you can take to protect yourself with Facebook Marketplace, such as checking the seller’s Marketplace profile to learn more about them, using online payment methods and verifying the item before paying. Check out more tips here.

Tuesday is National Night Out

National Night Out takes place Tuesday, Aug. 5. It’s an annual community-building campaign promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.

Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations and more. Look for an event near you for a great way to get to know your local police officers.

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