Sen. Lindsey Williams

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 summarySenate Bill 679 proposes to establish a minimum hourly wage or a living wage for education support professionals in Pennsylvania's public schools, such as aides, custodians, and cafeteria staff. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, these employees would be paid at least $20 per hour or a living wage, whichever is greater, with overtime at one and a half times that rate. The Department of Labor and Industry would be responsible for determining and annually adjusting the living wage for each school entity. Public school entities would receive supplemental reimbursements from the Department of Education to help cover these increased wage costs, including payments for existing contracts that fall below the new minimum.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 91 designates May 2025 as "Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to increase public awareness among Pennsylvania residents about the prevention, causes, effects, and treatment options for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 88 recognizes the week of April 20 through 26, 2025, as "National Infertility Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to raise awareness about infertility, which affects many couples, and support efforts to remove barriers to care and reduce stigma.

Maddy summarySB 678 amends Pennsylvania's Wage Payment and Collection Law to establish specific liability for general contractors in the construction industry. It makes general contractors jointly responsible for violations of wage payment laws committed by subcontractors providing construction services. The bill also requires subcontractors to repay general contractors for these liabilities, including wages and fees, unless otherwise specified in their contract or if the general contractor caused the violation by not paying promptly. These changes apply to construction contracts entered into on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summarySB 684 amends Pennsylvania's Oil and Gas statutes to update provisions for notifying public and private drinking water systems about spills. The bill requires the Department to investigate spills upon receiving notification. After investigating, the Department must notify any public drinking water facility or private well owner that could be affected by the event. This notification must include a brief description of the spill and any expected impact on water quality.

Maddy summarySB 677 amends Pennsylvania's public utility law regarding the sale of municipal water and wastewater systems. It requires municipalities to hold a public hearing and conduct a 60-day binding referendum process before selling these systems. During this period, ratepayers receive ballots and public notice detailing the proposed sale, price, and potential impacts on rates and services. The sale of a municipal water or wastewater system cannot be completed unless a majority of the affected ratepayers approve the acquisition.

Maddy summarySB 19 proposes amendments to The Minimum Wage Act of 1968, directly affecting employees and employers across the state. The bill seeks to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour starting January 1, 2026, with subsequent annual adjustments tied to the cost of living. It also revises rules for tipped employees, requiring their cash wage to be at least 70% of the minimum wage and clarifying that all gratuities are the property of the employee. Employers would be prohibited from deducting credit card processing fees from employee tips and must pay them by the next regular payday.