Senator Elder Vogel Jr.
Since 2009, Senator Elder Vogel, Jr. has represented the citizens of the 47th Senatorial District, which includes parts of Beaver, Butler, and Lawrence counties.
In Harrisburg, he serves in various leadership roles which include being Majority Chairman of the Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee as well as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Sen. Vogel is also a member of the Banking & Insurance, Environmental Resources & Energy, Transportation, and Majority Policy committees.
Throughout his tenure, Senator Vogel has been the driving force behind several measures he introduced and have since been enacted into law. Among them:
- Eliminating the statutory requirements for costly low Reid Vapor Pressure “Summer Gas” gasoline in seven southwestern Pennsylvania counties.
- Extending the life of the First Industries Program, an initiative that focuses on saving and creating jobs in the Tourism and Agriculture sectors.
- Eliminating the ability of the Department of Agriculture to cite non-profit community groups such as volunteer fire companies, churches, and school booster clubs for selling non-hazardous home-baked food at fundraisers.
- Giving school districts and school bus contractors the option to choose the most appropriate school buses based on their needs.
For the last five legislative sessions, Senator Vogel has championed legislation to expand telemedicine in Pennsylvania in the effort to reduce costs and improve the level of care provided to patients, especially those living in areas currently underserved by “bricks and mortar” medical facilities. During the 2019-20 Session, his Senate Bill 857, which addressed this issue, received approval from the General Assembly; however, it was ultimately vetoed by the Governor in April 2020.
Additionally, he has been an advocate for legislation that would expand access to sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) across the state and ensure quality care for victims of sexual assault. Currently, his Senate Bill 414 resides in the House Health Committee following its unanimous approval from the Senate.
As a fierce advocate for the Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry and its importance to this commonwealth, Senator Vogel led the effort to enact Farming First legislation to support current farmers and ensure our agricultural heritage is handed down to future generations.
He has also supported efforts to protect and bolster Pennsylvania’s horse racing industry and provide needed updates to the state Race Horse Industry Reform Act.
Furthermore, Senator Vogel introduced measures to alleviate the burden on motorists by exempting light passenger vehicles 10 years old or newer and alternative fuel vehicles from vehicle emissions inspections as well as eliminating outdated gasoline requirements making gasoline cheaper for western Pennsylvania motorists.
Back in the district, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Lawrence County Community Action Partnership; and is a member of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, the National Rifle Association, the Beaver-Lawrence Farm Bureau, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, and the Big Knob Antique Tractor and Equipment Association.
Recognizing his hard work and dedication, Senator Vogel has been awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association, the Future Farmers of America Honorary Degree, the Distinguished Service Award by Penn AG Industries and named a Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Business for his work in the legislature. He has also received the PA Health Care Association Better Life Award, PA HIMSS Chapters Legislative Award, PA Housing Alliance Outstanding Legislator Award and PA Rural Health Legislator of the Year Award.
Prior to coming to the Senate, Senator Vogel was active in his community serving as president of the Beaver-Lawrence Farm Bureau, and up until his election served as a New Sewickley Township Supervisor.
On the home front, Senator Vogel and his wife Sue continue to operate a family farm in New Sewickley Township which was established in 1873.