Author: Tiffany P

Vogel: Hunger and Food Insecurity Impacts ALL Pennsylvanians

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Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-20), co-chairs of the Legislative Hunger Caucus, stood with Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding; Pennsylvania Dept. of Human Services Secretary Valerie Arkoosh; Feeding PA CEO Julie Bancroft; Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. Kim Ward (R-39); and Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11), as they shed light on the reality of food insecurity and how it impacts Pennsylvanians.

HARRISBURG – Today, Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-20), co-chairs of the Legislative Hunger Caucus, stood with Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding; Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Valerie Arkoosh; Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. Kim Ward (R-39); and Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11), as they shed light on the reality of food insecurity and how it impacts Pennsylvanians.

With a population of almost 13 million, 1 in 11 Pennsylvanians and 1 in 8 children continue to go hungry, especially as inflation rates continue to rise and the cost of goods and services increase.

“Hunger isn’t something that just affects one area of our commonwealth – it has taken root in each and every county with many Pennsylvanians having to make the impossible decision of whether they are going to pay for food or pay for their mortgage, medication, or childcare,” said Vogel. “As we continue to navigate through the current economic fluctuations, we must be steadfast in the fight to ensure ALL Pennsylvanians have access to adequate, healthy food.”

Vogel and Kinkead lead the bicameral, bipartisan Legislative Hunger Caucus and oversees the Capitol Hunger Garden, which has been in operation since 2010. Located on the State Capitol grounds between Main Capitol Building and the Ryan Office Building, the Hunger Garden is maintained by volunteers, Penn State Master Gardeners, and the Department of General Services. Over the past 13 years, the garden has supplied hundreds of pounds of produce to Downtown Daily Bread who turned that produce into hearty meals for those in need in the Harrisburg area.

Feeding Pennsylvania CEO Julie Bancroft, who was also in attendance, stated, “Though September is Hunger Action Month, with nearly 1.5 million Pennsylvanians experiencing hunger yearly, our neighbors need our collective action year-round. No one should be forced to forgo feeding their family to try to make ends meet and cover other necessities like rent or medical expenses.”

Feeding Pennsylvania is the statewide association of nine Feeding America affiliated food banks with a mission to promote and aid their member food banks in securing food and other resources to reduce hunger and food insecurity across the state. They span across all 67 counties and serve nearly 2 million people annually by distributing more than 164 million pounds of food throughout Pennsylvania to more than 2,700 agencies and feeding programs.

Additionally, the Departments of Agriculture and Human Services play a vital role in assisting with nutrition and food assistance for those in need. Secretaries Redding and Arkoosh shared their perspectives on the effects of hunger in Pennsylvania and the resources that both their agencies provide.

On the legislative front, the General Assembly has helped fight against hunger in many ways, especially through its state Budget.

“As a mother and grandmother, it is inherent to me that kids and families are well nourished and properly fed,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward. “Recognizing food insecurity has no boundaries, we are committed to working together to provide solutions. In fact, just last week in my district, we partnered with my local Westmoreland County Food Bank to bring a full-service mobile market to under-served areas of Westmoreland County and introduce the community to Food Bank services in a new way.”

“Family sustaining jobs are critical to helping combat hunger across our commonwealth,” Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman said. “I thank Senator Vogel for his work to bring awareness to food insecurity within Pennsylvania.”

Vogel and the Hunger Caucus will be hosting a press conference on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 9:45 a.m., at the Hunger Garden to commemorate the seasonal closing of the garden. The Hunger Garden will officially be closed on Oct. 12 until next spring.

If you or someone you know is struggling with food insecurity, visit https://bitly.ws/UrYF to learn more about the state and federal resources that are available.

VIDEO: Hunger Action News Conference

 

CONTACT: Abby Chiumento, 717-787-3076 (Sen. Vogel)
                     Erica Clayton Wright, (President Pro Tempore Sen. Kim Ward)
                     Kate Flessner, (Sen. Pittman)
                     Erin Haafke, (Feeding PA CEO Julie Bancroft)

2023 Federal Farm Bill at the Center of Discussion During Joint Senate and House Agriculture Committees’ Informational Meeting

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Senate and House Agriculture and Rural Affairs committees came together for a joint informational meeting to discuss the potential impacts the 2023 Farm Bill will have on Pennsylvania.

HARRISBURG – In the midst of Penn State’s Ag Progress Days and with federal negotiations underway regarding the 2023 Farm Bill, members of the Senate and House Agriculture and Rural Affairs committees joined for an informational meeting yesterday to discuss with stakeholders the potential impacts the impending legislation will have on Pennsylvania.

Senate committee leaders, Majority Chair Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and Democratic Chair Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11); and House committee leaders, Majority Chair Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski (D-121) and Republican Chair Rep. Dan Moul (R-91), led the discussion with Congressman Glenn Thompson contributing to the conversation from a federal perspective.

“While our state continuously invests in the agricultural priorities our industry holds dear, the Farm Bill opens the door to critical federal funding and helps ensure the creation and continuation of national agriculture-based programs and incentives which benefit our residents,” said Vogel. “Today’s meeting really highlighted that our state remains united in its support for a fair and well-rounded bill that will benefit our Pennsylvania farmers.”

“It is a pleasure and a privilege to work with Senators Vogel & Schwank and Representative Moul as Chairs of the Senate and House Ag Committees to highlight how important the Federal Farm Bill is for Pennsylvania Agriculture and all of Pennsylvania’s citizens,” said Pashinski. “Today’s informational meeting demonstrates how critical the Farm Bill is in supporting our farmers & producers and making sure that we continue putting quality food on all our tables.”

Pashinski added, “Pennsylvania is also fortunate to have Congressman GT Thompson as Chair of our nation’s congressional Agriculture Committee to help guide this process and place our commonwealth in an excellent position for significant improvements from the new Federal Farm Bill later this year.”

Negotiations for the Farm Bill began on Jan. 7, 2023, and are expected to potentially wrap up on Sept. 30, 2023, which happens to be the expiration date of the enacted 2018 Farm Bill.

This legislation will provide funding for various farm programs; conservation efforts; food assistance programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Emergency Food Assistance Program; and other critical efforts such as trade promotion, forest management, rural broadband, biofuel development, and the national animal vaccine bank.

Stakeholders who were in attendance and provided testimony included Richard Roush, dean of Penn State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences; Russell C. Redding, secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture; Chris Hoffman, President, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau; and Hannah Smith-Brubaker, executive director, Pasa Sustainable Agriculture.

“This is a critical year for Pennsylvanians and our farmers, one that sees the passage of Federal Farm Bill and a recommitment to the Pennsylvania Farm Bill. Just last week Governor Shapiro signed into law a commonsense, bi-partisan budget that makes critical investments in the future of agriculture,” said Redding. “The Ag Progress Days Joint Informational Hearing of the House and Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs committees is another moment to work together and discuss ways to meet the needs of our farmers and communities, whether through funding to increase farmland preservation across our Commonwealth, conservation programs that ensure clean water and healthy soils, and funding to address food insecurity affecting our children, our seniors, and our most vulnerable.”

Testifiers covered much ground and expressed their support of various initiatives and programs that remain at the center of discussion for the state and national agriculture industry including adjusting excessive conservation regulations on farmers; allowing whole milk as a drink option in school; further investments into SNAP benefits and other nutrition-focused programs; reauthorization of the Research Facilities Act; and addressing current veterinarian shortages.

“The federal farm bill impacts every Pennsylvania farmer in some way. It’s crucial our voices are heard as our federal lawmakers go about putting together the 2023 federal farm bill,” said Schwank. “Today’s hearing laid out very neatly what aspects of the 2018 farm bill have helped our agriculture sector and where we’d like to see improvements. Regardless of what the federal farm bill looks like, we will be ready to work at the state level to fill holes as needed.”

“As the federal government negotiates this important piece of legislation, it must not and cannot ignore the voice of the most critical piece of the equation…the farmer,” said Moul. “Agriculture is such an integral part of this country’s economy and potential for growth. We are asking more and more from Pennsylvanians who are the ones in the fields and barns, and need to make sure that we take into account what works best for them in working with them.”  

The United States’ first ever Farm Bill was enacted back in 1933 with 2023 marking the 90th anniversary of its inception.

 

CONTACT: Abby Chiumento, 717-787-3076 (Sen. Vogel)
                     Spencer Thornburg, (Sen. Schwank)
                     Destiny Zeiders, (Rep. Pashinski)
                     Scott Little, (Rep. Moul)
                     Jay Losiewicz, (Secretary Redding)

Vogel to Host Veteran’s Assistance Specialist in Cranberry Township Office on August 10

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CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA – Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) has announced that John Adams from the Pennsylvania American Legion Veterans Assistance Program will be available on Thursday, August 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at his Cranberry Township District Office, 8001 Rowan Rd, Suite 205, Cranberry Township. No appointment is necessary.

Adams can help veterans and their families with understanding the benefits they have earned, enroll in the VA health care system, assist with the appeals process, and more. Participants are asked to bring any documentation and paperwork they may need.

For more information, contact Vogel’s Cranberry Township District Office at 878-978-2575.

 

CONTACT: Abby Chiumento, 717-787-3076

Vogel: 2023-24 State Budget Champions Investments in Education, PA Jobs, and Community Health and Safety

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HARRISBURG – Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) released the following statement in response to the Senate passage of the state budget bill, House Bill 611:

“As always, when debating the contents of our state budget, keeping Pennsylvania taxpayers at the forefront of our conversations was our top priority,” said Vogel. “This budget champions various investments into our commonwealth – some of which included an 8% increase in basic education funding; a two-year tuition freeze for PASSHE schools; funds four new State Police cadet classes; and included tens of millions of dollars for workforce development, job training, and career and technical education.”

“Another major highlight from this year’s budget is expanding eligibility and maximum rebates through our Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which will vastly benefit residents in our area,” Vogel added.

Vogel concludes, “All in all we produced a fiscally conscious budget that spends nearly $300 million less than Governor Shapiro’s budget and $1.4 billion that the House Democrats’ budget as well as deposited $500 million into our state’s Rainy Day Fund. All of this accomplished with no tax increases.”

House Bill 611 now goes to the House for concurrence.

 

CONTACT: Abby Chiumento, 717-787-3076 (Vogel)

Meeting to consider SB 746, HB 156 and HB 157

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Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee

Tuesday, June 6, 2023 | 10 a.m.

Room 461, Main Capitol

Schedule

To consider SB 746, HB 156 and HB 157

Agenda

SB 746 – Vogel – Amends Act 225 of 1982 known as the Dog Law. Allowing for modernization, improved customer service, enhanced public safety, and animal welfare protections.

HB 156 – Pashinski – Amends Title 3 (Agriculture) in Chapter 68 (fertilizer). Making technical corrections.

HB 157 – Pashinski – Authorizes development of a PA Preferred Organic® trademark by the Department of Agriculture

Vogel to Host Veteran’s Assistance Specialist in Cranberry Township Office on June 8

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CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA – Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) has announced that Robert Lee from the Pennsylvania American Legion Veterans Assistance Program will be available on Thursday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at his Cranberry Township District Office, 8001 Rowan Rd, Suite 205, Cranberry Township. No appointment is necessary.

Lee can help veterans and their families with understanding the benefits they have earned, enroll in the VA health care system, assist with the appeals process, and more. Participants are asked to bring any documentation and paperwork they may need.

For more information, contact Vogel’s Cranberry Township District Office at 878-978-2575.

 

CONTACT: Abby Chiumento, 717-787-3076

Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Favorably Recommends Russell Redding to Serve as PA Department of Agriculture Secretary

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HARRISBURG – Today, Sens. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47), majority chair; and Judy Schwank (D-11), minority chair; and members of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee gave a unanimous, favorable recommendation for Russell Redding to serve as the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

“Secretary Redding has remained dedicated to serving and advocating for Pennsylvania’s ever-growing agriculture industry in his role as secretary over the last several administrations, as an educator, and as a farmer,” said Vogel. “He not only is a great asset to our Legislature, but to our Commonwealth. I want to congratulate him on his successful recommendation and look forward continuing to work with him to better the future of agriculture in our state.”

“Russell Redding has provided outstanding service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture for many years and fully deserves to be reconfirmed,” said Schwank. “Under his leadership, the agency has thrived, and he’s formed a deep connection with Pennsylvania’s agriculture community. I’m very pleased to see his nomination take a step forward and fully expect my Senate colleagues to join me in voting to reconfirm him as Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Agriculture.”

Redding’s nomination will be re-referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Executive Nominations.

During its meeting, the committee also considered Senate Bill 152 (Sen. Judy Ward, R-30), Senate Bill 277 (Sen. Gene Yaw, R-23); and Senate Bill 694 (Sen. Frank Farry, R-6), which were unanimously approved.

To watch the full committee meeting, click here.

 

CONTACT: Abby Chiumento, 717-787-3076
                  Spencer Thornburg, 610-929-2151

Vogel, Kinkead Host Opening Ceremony for the 13th Season of the Capitol Hunger Garden

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HARRISBURG – Today, Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-20), co-chairs of the Hunger Caucus, gathered at the Capitol Hunger Garden for its 13th annual opening season which will supply fresh produce to those in need through the Downtown Daily Bread in Harrisburg. 

“Since its inception in 2010, the Capitol Hunger Garden continues to fulfill the mission of raising and providing healthy food options to those in need,” said Vogel. “Our bi-partisan, unified efforts enable us to continue to raise awareness and fight hunger in our Commonwealth. 

“The Capitol Hunger Garden isn’t just a place that grows hundreds of pounds of food every year, said Kinkead, “It is also a demonstration of small things that we all can do to help our food insecure neighbors and a symbol of this legislature’s commitment to end hunger across our Commonwealth.”

Last year’s Hunger Garden bounty yielded a total of over 700 pounds of produce, including 99 pounds of cucumbers, 83 pounds of zucchini, 65 pounds of carrots, 63 pounds of red beets, 58 pounds of tomatoes and 53 pounds of green peppers. Also harvested from the garden were many other vegetables and herbs.

Vogel added, “I want to thank the Department of General Services, the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association, the Penn State Master Gardeners, the Downtown Daily Bread, and all the volunteers who help make this garden possible each year.”

Plants for this year’s garden were supplied by the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers and volunteers from the Penn State Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners will assist with maintaining the garden throughout the summer until the season ends in early September.

Established in 2008, the legislative Hunger Caucus seeks to raise awareness for hunger. The most visible of this caucus’s initiatives is the Capitol Hunger Garden, which is a bi-partisan, bi-cameral effort of the General Assembly.

 

CONTACT: Abby Chiumento, 717-787-3076

Vogel, Bernstine, Marshall, Matzie Announce Dual Credit Grant Program Funds for Several Area School Districts

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HARRISBURG – Today, Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and Reps. Aaron Bernstine (R-8), Jim Marshall (R-14), and Robert Matzie (D-16), announced $185,060 in Dual Credit Grant Program funds was awarded by the Department of Education to various school districts in Beaver and Lawrence counties to help encourage students to get a jumpstart on their college education.

“It is important for our students to have access to every advantage they can to better their academic future,” said Vogel. “These investments will help our school districts continue to cultivate relationships with our local colleges as well as allow them to offer beneficial courses to students – giving them a head start with their college course requirements.”

The following school districts will benefit from the Dual Credit Grant Program funds:

  • Big Beaver Falls Area School District, $75,000.
  • Mohawk Area School District, $75,000.
  • Rochester Area School District, $35,060.

“As we continue to examine how we can put our students in the best possible position to succeed, I am pleased to see this investment dedicated to them so our scholars can achieve their educational goals,” said Marshall. 

“This is extremely beneficial to our students because dual enrollment allows high school students to take college courses and earn college credit in both academic and career subjects,” said Bernstine. “If they continue to pursue post-secondary education, the students will save tuition money. Colleges and universities often grant college credit to students who successfully complete dual enrollment courses. Unlike Advanced Placement (AP) classes, which award credit based on a test, dual enrollment courses award credit as long as the student passes the class.”

“Dual credit programs are one of the most successful educational initiatives we have in Pennsylvania,” said Matzie. “They allow high school students to get a jump start on the next chapter of their lives by earning post-secondary credits while still in high school. This not only helps with the cost of continued education for those students, but it gives them the opportunity to tangibly start on their career path while still in high school.”

This grant funding will allow school districts to create or expand dual credit opportunities for all secondary school students; and all students enrolled in the school entity, which includes students experiencing educational instability, students enrolled in career and technical education programs, low-income students, and historically underserved student groups.

Effective beginning with the 2022-23 school year, Pennsylvania law requires school entities to enter into agreements with institutions of higher education (IHE) to allow students to earn college-level credit prior to graduating high school. This grant funding is intended to support school entities with meeting these requirements and to increase access to dual credit coursework statewide.

 

CONTACT: Abby Chiumento, 717-787-3076 (Vogel)

                     Rick Leiner (Bernstein)

                     Nate Temple (Marshall)

                     Liane Leshne, 978-549-1868 (Matzie)