HARRISBURG – Senate Bill 1260, a bill to protect state investments in Israel, passed the Senate today. The bipartisan legislation is sponsored by Senators Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-28) and seeks to send a strong message that Pennsylvania stands with Israel.

“The United States and our Commonwealth have long stood in support of Israel and the Jewish people,” said Santarsiero. “Now, at a time when antisemitism is on the rise here at home and around the globe, we must remain steadfast in our support for our democratic ally in the Middle East and reject calls to boycott or divest from Israel.”

Senate Bill 1260 would uphold Pennsylvania’s steadfast support for Israel by prohibiting holdings in the Pennsylvania State Treasury or Commonwealth pension funds from boycotting or divesting from Israel and companies doing business with Israel. The bill will also withhold state funding from any institution of higher learning that boycotts or divests from Israel.

“Our nation’s number one ally in the Middle East has been and will continue to be a critical partner in commerce and trade,” said Phillips-Hill. “This legislation is a much-needed protection to avoid divestiture due to rampant antisemitism we are seeing across our country. We will not be detracted from our steadfast support for the State of Israel and its people.”

The legislation will have no impact on investment decisions made solely in advancing the financial position of the funds.

Santarsiero first sponsored similar legislation in 2015 to prohibit the state from giving funds to any Pennsylvania university that divests from Israel.

Senate Bill 1260 will now move to the state House for consideration.

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HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39), Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-13) issued the following statement today on 2024-25 state budget negotiations:

“Our work to complete the 2024-25 state budget continues to progress. We are encouraged by the ongoing dialogue between the Senate, House and Governor.

“While it appears clear at this point that we will not have a full budget agreement which could be implemented by June 30, we are hopeful to reach a consensus very soon and avoid any negative impacts on the people of Pennsylvania. The Senate will recess today and return Monday, July 1, at 3 p.m.”

MEDIA CONTACTS:          
Erica Clayton Wright (Sen. Ward) 
Kate Flessner (Sen. Pittman) 
Jason Thompson (Sen. Martin) 

HARRISBURG – After two years of dedicated work, legislation to advance support for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) has been passed by the Senate today, according to Sen. Rosemary M. Brown (R-40), the sponsor of the bill.

“Today marks a significant step forward in our efforts to support the many Pennsylvania families affected by Alzheimer’s Diseases and Related Disorders,” said Brown. “Just as these families have shown their steadfast dedication to their loved ones, it is time for our state to demonstrate the same level of commitment.”

Senate Bill 840 aims to significantly improve Pennsylvania’s response to the growing ADRD crisis by establishing a permanent ADRD Division and an ADRD Advisory Committee within the Department of Aging. The entities would collaborate to bring stakeholders together, advocate for effective policies and secure federal funding.

“This legislation is critical in addressing the Alzheimer’s crisis in Pennsylvania,” said Brown. “Our current approach lacks the necessary coordination, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for comprehensive care and support. While we have a state plan, progress has stalled. It is time to recognize the effort and coordination required.”

The creation of the ADRD Division and Advisory Committee will not only enhance coordination but also improve Pennsylvania’s ability to secure federal funding and implement effective policies for those affected by Alzheimer’s and related disorders.

“Our mission is clear – we must break down bureaucratic barriers and foster collaboration across government agencies,” Brown said. “This is more than just policy – it is a commitment to protect our loved ones and ensure Pennsylvania leads the way in Alzheimer’s care and support.”

Currently, 280,000 seniors in Pennsylvania live with Alzheimer’s, a number expected to rise to 320,000 by 2025. In 2020, the state spent nearly $3.7 billion on Medicaid costs for Alzheimer’s care, with projections indicating more than a 10% increase in the coming years. Pennsylvania families cover 70% of the total lifetime cost of caring for someone with dementia, including out-of-pocket health expenses and the substantial value of unpaid care. In 2022, more than 404,000 unpaid caregivers in Pennsylvania provided care worth more than $10.7 billion.

“Senate Bill 840 is about ensuring that our loved ones receive the best possible care, support and guidance,” Brown said. “By streamlining our efforts and fostering collaboration, we can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by ADRD.”

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

CONTACT: Christine Zubeck

HARRISBURG – In honor of National Dairy Month, Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) was joined by state dairy and agriculture leaders as they showcased the immense value and impact the state’s dairy industry has on the commonwealth and its residents.

Currently, Pennsylvania is home to nearly 5,000 dairy farmers and 468,000 dairy cows. These farms contribute $11.8 billion in economic revenue and supports 47,000 jobs.

Vogel, who was a dairy farmer and serves as the majority chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affair Committee, stated “At the heart of our dairy industry, are our farmers. Without their knowledge, expertise, dedication, and, most importantly, their dairy cows, dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt would not be available for our households. Our farmers are the backbone of our nation and ensure our homes are enriched with quality dairy, meat, and produce. We thank them not just today but every day for their never-ending dedication to our commonwealth.”

He added, “As an advocate for our dairy farms and our agriculture industry as a whole, I am proud to have spearheaded legislation aimed at providing a better future for our farmers.”

These initiatives include:

• Increasing PA dairy farmer access to the federal Dairy Margin Coverage Program (Senate Bill 1229).
• Establishing the agriculture innovation grant program (Senate Bill 1269)
• Reforming our current over-order premium system to ensure maximum efficiency and transparency.

Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11), minority chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, highlighted the importance of the state’s dairy industry.

“Dairy is a crucial component of Pennsylvania’s agriculture sector,” said Schwank. “Our hardworking dairy farmers provide us with products that are kitchen staples in homes across the country. During Dairy Month, we must celebrate the contributions our dairy farmers make to the commonwealth’s economy and ensure that state policies support their livelihoods.”

Jayne Sebright, executive director for the Center for Dairy Excellence, gave an in-depth look at Pennsylvania’s dairy industry and the contributions it continues to provide to the economy and communities statewide.

Following this overview, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding reiterated these sentiments and discussed the potential benefits the dairy industry could experience following passage of the state budget.

Jared Kurtz, a dairy farmer and operator of Kurtland Farms in Berks County, showed much pride as he talked about his family farm and what it means to be a dairy farmer.

“Dairy farming is the opportunity to work with incredible people to continue to grow a legacy of caring for our land and animals in the best possible manner to provide nutrition to those in our communities.”

Kurtland Farms, located in Elverson, PA, has been in Kurtz’s family since its establishment in 1920 and is currently operated by Jared, Marla, Tim, and Deborah Kurtz.

Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski (D-121), majority chair of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, and Rep. Dan. Moul (R-91), minority chair of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, shared the same outlooks of the Senate Ag Committee chairs and voiced their continued support of the industry and the vital products they provide to the Pennsylvania families.

“Our Pennsylvania dairy farmers and their families pour their hearts and souls into this profession,” Pashinski said. “This month – and all year long – it’s important to thank them for their passion for their animals, their commitment to stewarding the land, and their unwavering dedication to providing us with safe, nutritious, and delicious dairy products.”

“Dairy Month is the perfect time to assess the overall health of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry. In recent years, we have witnessed a steady decline in the number of dairy farms and dairy cows and the level of dairy production in Pennsylvania,” said Moul. “As Republican chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and one who lives in and represents a rural farming and dairy-producing county, I support efforts to encourage greater investment in Pennsylvania’s dairy infrastructure.”

To view the press conference in its entirety, click here.

CONTACT:   Abby Chiumento, 717-787-3076 (Vogel)
                     Spencer Thornburg, 610-929-2151 (Schwank)
                     William Hughes, 717-772-2999(Pashinski)
                     Donna Pinkham (Moul)