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North Lancaster News

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

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Local Government

Aument Set to Introduce Bill Limiting Access to Phones and Social Media in Schools

Sen. Ryan Aument of Pennsylvania is set to introduce a bill aimed at limiting students' access to phones and social media in schools through the use of secure, lockable phone bags. Aument highlighted the importance of addressing the root cause of declining mental health and academic performance in youth, citing the negative impact of widespread smartphone and social media use on students.Speaking about the motivation behind the bill, Sen. Aument emphasized the detrimental effects of excessive smartphone use on mental health and academic success. He stated, "Because we...

By North Lancaster News | May 1, 2024

Local Government

Senate Education Committee Approves “Grow PA” Package of Bills to Boost College Affordability, Open Quality Career Pathways

HARRISBURG – The Senate Education Committee has given its approval to the "Grow PA" post-secondary education reform plan, a collection of bills aimed at enhancing college affordability and creating pathways to quality careers in Pennsylvania.Among the measures proposed in the Grow PA plan is Senate Bill 1150, which introduces the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program. According to Senator Scott Martin, the sponsor of the bill, the program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year to in-state students who commit to staying and working in Pennsylvania after completing their...

By North Lancaster News | Apr 30, 2024

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Local Government

Zimmerman: Original Intent of Legislation Critical Missing Piece of the Puzzle

By North Lancaster News | Apr 17, 2024

HARRISBURG – Rep. Dave Zimmerman (R-Lancaster) has put forward House Bill 1667, which aims to bring clarity to the legislative process in Pennsylvania by requiring a statement on the original intent or purpose for each piece of legislation that becomes law.In a statement, Zimmerman explained that the proposed legislation seeks to ensure that every bill or joint resolution introduced in the General Assembly includes a clear and concise statement of its original purpose, in accordance with the Pennsylvania Constitution. He emphasized the importance of retaining the bill's...

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Local Government

Republican Lawmakers Introduce “Grow PA” Higher Education Reform Plan

By North Lancaster News | Apr 10, 2024

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Senator Scott Martin, Senate Majority Whip Ryan P. Aument, Senate Education Committee Chair David G. Argall, and Senator Tracy Pennycuick have introduced the "Grow PA" plan aimed at supporting more affordable learning opportunities and pathways to Pennsylvania careers. The lawmakers emphasized the importance of addressing the economic and demographic challenges facing the state due to dwindling college enrollment and outmigration of young people.Senator Martin stated, “Pennsylvania needs a fresh approach to post-secondary education to...

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Local Government

Zimmerman Introduces Student, Teacher Support Act

By North Lancaster News | Apr 2, 2024

Representative Dave Zimmerman from Lancaster recently introduced the Student and Teacher Support Act, aiming to provide additional support for students and teachers in public schools. Zimmerman highlighted the importance of this legislation, stating, "With teacher and student morale at an all-time low, it’s time that we provide students and teachers with the support they need."Citing data from numerous schools globally, Zimmerman emphasized the positive impact of having a chaplain in schools, noting, "Data from more than 30,000 schools in 23 countries shows, on average, a...

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Local Government

Senators Call for Greater Transparency in Mandatory Taxpayer Funding of Newspaper Advertisements

By North Lancaster News | Mar 14, 2024

HARRISBURG – Sens. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) have put forward a proposal to enhance transparency in the mandatory taxpayer funding of newspaper advertisements by local governments. The announcement was made during Sunshine Week 2024, a period dedicated to celebrating openness in government operations.The senators highlighted the need for newspapers to disclose the expenses incurred by local authorities for legal advertising and public notices. Sen. Phillips-Hill emphasized the importance of informing the public about government actions,...

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Lancaster County Representatives Strongly Oppose Lancaster Public Library’s Planned Drag Queen Story Hour

By North Lancaster News | Mar 13, 2024

HARRISBURG – Lancaster County representatives, including State Reps. David Zimmerman, Keith Greiner, and Tom Jones, have expressed strong opposition to the Lancaster Public Library's planned drag queen story hour.In a joint statement, the representatives stated, "As state representatives in Lancaster County, we are strongly opposed to the Lancaster Public Library using taxpayer dollars to sexualize our young children by bringing in drag queen story hour. This is a totally political and immoral use of our money." They emphasized the need to protect children and criticized...

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Local Government

Did farm subsidies in cities associated with Lancaster County rise or fall in 2021?

By North Lancaster News | Feb 27, 2024

Farms throughout cities in Lancaster County received $22.4 million less in subsidies in 2021 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture compared to the year before.

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How much did farmers in Lancaster County receive in taxpayer-funded subsidies in 2021?

By North Lancaster News | Feb 22, 2024

Farms in Lancaster County received $9,956,166 in taxpayer-funded subsidies in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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Local Government

Zimmerman Announces Funding for Local Fire, EMS Agencies

By North Lancaster News | Feb 15, 2024

In a recent announcement, Rep. Dave Zimmerman (R-Lancaster) revealed that funding will be provided for local fire and emergency response organizations through the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. Zimmerman emphasized the importance of these agencies, stating, "Our fire and EMS companies are vital to our communities and the people who live and work in them. Most of these companies are volunteer, and they do a lot with the little they have. Because of this, I know these grants are greatly needed and much appreciated."The funding will be distributed to...

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Local Government

Local Fire, EMS Companies Receive State Grants, Says Greiner

By North Lancaster News | Feb 14, 2024

HARRISBURG – Rep. Keith Greiner (R-Lancaster) announced today that 13 fire and ambulance companies in the 43rd Legislative District have been awarded nearly $257,000 in state grants through the 2023-24 Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program."These grants will help our local fire and EMS companies to obtain the equipment and personnel necessary to ensure they are there for us in our times of need," said Greiner.The grants, funded solely with state gaming proceeds, can be used for various purposes such as construction or renovation of a unit's station,...

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PA Senate Passes Resolution Supporting a More Secure Southern Border

By North Lancaster News | Feb 7, 2024

The Pennsylvania Senate has passed a resolution showing support for a more secure southern border. The resolution, sponsored by Senate Republican leaders, calls for action to address the border crisis and emphasizes states' rights to protect their citizens. It also expresses support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott's efforts to secure the border.The resolution, known as Senate Resolution 234, was authored by several senators including Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin, Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, Majority Leader Joe Pittman, and Majority Whip Ryan P....

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Local Government

Zimmerman Criticizes Governor’s Budget Proposal as Irresponsible and Misleading

By North Lancaster News | Feb 6, 2024

Rep. Dave Zimmerman (R-Lancaster) expressed his disappointment with Governor Josh Shapiro's 2024-25 state budget proposal, stating that it was irresponsible and misleading. Zimmerman was particularly concerned about the significant increase in spending and the potential for tax increases in the coming years.Zimmerman criticized the governor's request for a $1.1 billion increase in education funding, stating that despite historic investments in education over the past decade, student test results continue to decline. He also noted that the governor's proposal lacked...

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Local Government

Aument Says Shapiro’s Budget Is a Big Wish List with a Big Price Tag

By North Lancaster News | Feb 6, 2024

Senate Majority Whip Ryan Aument (R-36) has expressed concerns about the proposed increase in state spending in Governor Josh Shapiro's 2024-2025 state budget. Aument argues that the $3.2 billion increase in spending is excessive and unrealistic, and will ultimately lead to substantial tax increases, negatively impacting struggling families.Aument highlights the financial difficulties faced by Pennsylvanians, who are already grappling with the rising cost of everyday expenses. He criticizes the governor for making grandiose budget proposals without considering the...

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Local Government

Pennsylvania and Ohio Legislators Discuss Energy Reliability, Sustainability, and Affordability

By North Lancaster News | Feb 1, 2024

Members of the Pennsylvania Senate and the Ohio General Assembly convened in Columbus, Ohio, to address the pressing issues of energy reliability, sustainability, and affordability. The hearing consisted of two panels, one focusing on state and national energy impacts and another on consumer and generational impacts. Testimonies were given by industry experts, including PJM, the organization responsible for managing the mid-Atlantic power grid, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.Sen. Gene Yaw, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Senate...

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Local Government

Senate Republican Leaders Announce Resolution Supporting Efforts to Fight Illegal Immigration

By North Lancaster News | Jan 31, 2024

In a strong show of support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott's efforts to secure the southern border, Senate Republican leaders have announced a resolution calling on President Biden and other federal officials to take meaningful action to protect American citizens against the negative impacts of illegal immigration. The resolution, circulated by Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, Majority Leader Joe Pittman, Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin, and Majority Whip Ryan P. Aument, affirms Governor Abbott's lawful exercise of his Constitutional authority to defend...

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Local Government

Zimmerman: How the Ivy League Came for William Penn

By North Lancaster News | Jan 9, 2024

The National Park Service has announced that it will not remove the statue of William Penn from its location at Waterfront Park in Philadelphia, following public backlash over initial plans to do so. In response to this episode, Representative Dave Zimmerman (R-Lancaster/Berks) penned a column highlighting the influence of elite colleges and the need to preserve historical truth.Zimmerman draws an interesting parallel between Dylan Mulvaney, a trans Tik Tok personality, and William Penn. Mulvaney was part of an advertising campaign that faced customer disapproval, much...

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Local Government

Greiner Bill Would Give PA Voters Greater Influence in Presidential Races

By North Lancaster News | Jan 3, 2024

Jan 3, 2024HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Representative Keith Greiner is renewing his efforts to give Pennsylvania voters a stronger voice in selecting the nation's president. Greiner, a Republican from Lancaster, has been advocating for legislation to move Pennsylvania's primary election earlier in presidential election years for over a decade. While his previous attempt to move the 2024 presidential primary election to the third week in March did not succeed, Greiner has reintroduced his bill to ensure ample time for the 2028 election cycle.House Bill 1857, sponsored by...

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Local Government

Grants Approved for Local Water, Sewer Infrastructure Projects, Greiner Says

By North Lancaster News | Dec 19, 2023

HARRISBURG – The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) has recently given the green light to several grants totaling almost $1.5 million for water and sewer system infrastructure projects in the 43rd Legislative District, according to Rep. Keith Greiner (R-Lancaster). These grants were approved during a CFA meeting held earlier today.The grants were awarded through the COVID-19 American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) H20 PA fund and the PA Small Water and Sewer fund. The recipients of these grants include:- New Holland Borough: $746,508 for the replacement of water mains...

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Local Government

Stalled Budget Process Cuts Off Critical Funding for Community Colleges and Animal Health Diagnostics, Zimmerman Says

By North Lancaster News | Dec 8, 2023

In a recent announcement, Rep. Dave Zimmerman (R-Lancaster/Berks) expressed his concern over the stalled state budget process and its detrimental effects on crucial sectors of the economy. Specifically, community colleges and animal health diagnostics are suffering due to the lack of funding.Typically, the state budget bill provides funding for approximately 80% of the budget, with the remaining 20% allocated through code bills passed shortly after the budget bill. However, this year, the code bills have been delayed due to Governor Josh Shapiro reneging on his promise to...