Maddy summarySenate Resolution 99 designates the week of May 6 through May 12, 2025, as "Nurses Week" in Pennsylvania. This resolution acknowledges the contributions of nurses to the Commonwealth's healthcare system.
Maddy summarySB 651 is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution to establish "Workers' rights." This amendment would grant employees the fundamental right to organize and collectively bargain through representatives of their choice regarding wages, hours, working conditions, and workplace safety. It specifies that no law can diminish these rights, including those that prohibit agreements requiring union membership as a condition of employment. If passed by the General Assembly twice, this proposed amendment would then be put before Pennsylvania voters for approval.
Maddy summarySR 98 is a resolution that designates the week of May 18 through 24, 2025, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" in Pennsylvania. This action aims to recognize the vital public service and lifesaving care provided by emergency medical services teams and providers across the state.
Maddy summarySB 717 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to adjust sales and use tax exclusions for consumers. The bill updates an existing sales tax exclusion for personal computers, tablets, and related devices with a sales price of up to $1,500 by setting an annual tax-free period from the first to the third Saturday in August. It also creates a new sales tax exclusion for various school supplies, art supplies, and instructional materials, provided each item costs $50 or less. These exclusions apply to individual purchasers for nonbusiness use during the specified August timeframe, effectively establishing an annual sales tax holiday for these items.
Maddy summarySB 400 amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to permit "unenrolled electors" to vote in primary elections. An unenrolled elector is defined as a registered voter who has not selected a political party affiliation. The bill establishes a procedure where these electors can choose which political party's primary ballot they wish to cast at the polling place, without affecting their unenrolled status for future elections. It also directs state and county election officials to provide guidance, update voter registration materials, and modify election systems to facilitate this change.
Maddy summarySR 83 is a resolution from the Pennsylvania Senate urging the U.S. Congress to adopt three specific federal bills: H.R. 1876, H.R. 1877, and S. 770. These bills are aimed at keeping Social Security field offices open, protecting Americans' Social Security data, and expanding Social Security benefits. The resolution also expresses strong opposition to federal cuts to Social Security benefits and the Social Security Administration's plans to close local offices and reduce staff, advocating for robust staffing and local facilities to serve beneficiaries.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 563 proposes to provide a new supplemental annuity for eligible retirees of both the Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System and the State Employees' Retirement System. Commencing July 1, 2025, individuals receiving a superannuation, withdrawal, or disability annuity who retired prior to July 2, 2001, will receive an additional monthly payment. The amount of this supplement will be a percentage of their July 1, 2025, monthly annuity, ranging from 10% to 20% based on their original retirement date. The Commonwealth will fund the additional liability for these benefits over a 10-year period, starting July 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 564 proposes to provide an additional monthly supplemental annuity to eligible retired public school employees and retired state government employees in Pennsylvania. For retired public school employees, these new payments would begin after July 1, 2025, while for retired state employees, they would commence after January 1, 2025. The amount of this supplement will be a percentage of their current monthly annuity, ranging from 15% to 24.5% based on their retirement date, with older retirees receiving a higher percentage. The bill specifies that eligible recipients must have retired before July 2, 2001, and not have certain service credits. The increased costs for these benefits will be funded by the Commonwealth over a ten-year period.
Maddy summarySR 97 is a resolution that formally recognizes the week of May 11 through 17, 2025, as "National Police Week" and designates May 5, 2025, as "Police Officers' Memorial Day" in Pennsylvania. This resolution honors the memory of police officers who have died in the line of duty within the Commonwealth.
Maddy summarySR 95 is a resolution that officially recognizes the month of May 2025 as "Older Americans Month" in Pennsylvania. This action acknowledges the contributions of older adults and encourages a positive view of aging within the Commonwealth.
