Recognized for outstanding work in supporting America’s agricultural community

Congressman Keller during a visit to Brown Hill Farms in Tunkhannock, PA in August 2019

Washington – Today, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) received the Friend of Farm Bureau Award presented by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) to members of Congress who have shown steadfast support to America’s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers.

The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau nominated Congressman Keller for the award, and he was approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation Board.

Upon receiving the award, Congressman Keller made the following statement:

“With 59,000 family farms throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and a total economic impact of more than $7 billion each year, agriculture is Pennsylvania’s top industry and a leading economic driver in the 12^th District,” Congressman Keller said. “I have always made it a point to visit family farms and see firsthand the work our farmers do so that I can better understand what resources they need to more effectively do their jobs. Our farmers go to work every day and get the job done for our local communities and our nation, and I’m proud to fight for them in Congress.”

A copy of the AFBF’s letter is attached. Fred Keller FOFB Letter

Manheim, PA– Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and State Veterinarian Dr. Kevin Brightbill were joined today by industry experts at Country View Family Farms of Hatfield Quality Meats to remind farmers the importance of written biosecurity and continuity of operations plans, and following them strictly, to the overall health and wellbeing of both their business operations and food security of the nation.

“If we’ve learned anything over the past seven months, it’s that disease travels quickly, its effects are widespread, and minimizing risk is paramount,” said Redding. “We’ve also learned that the food supply chain has many points of susceptibility.

“Farmers: your biosecurity and continuity of operations plans are the first line of defense,” added Redding. “Providing a sustainable, safe, and secure food supply for our commonwealth and beyond starts with you.”

From the beginning of the pandemic in Pennsylvania, the agriculture industry was deemed essential for a secure food supply. While the department issued guidance for the industry to safely continue operations as COVID-19 washed across Pennsylvania – including guidance for Farms and On-Farm Deliveries and Farmers Markets and On-Farm Markets – the industry was no stranger to managing operations in a manner that presented with the least risk possible.

In agriculture, biosecurity means doing everything you can to reduce the chances of an infectious disease being carried onto your farm by people, animals, products, equipment, or vehicles. It also means doing everything you can to reduce the chance a disease leaving your farm. The health of local herds and flocks contributes to the health of our nation’s animal agriculture industry, and the health of the agriculture industry determines the safety, availability, and affordability for food.

Agricultural biosecurity plans include the following commonsense measures:

• Keep distance – restrict access to property and livestock or poultry and do not allow visitors near animals unless absolutely necessary;
• Keep it clean – farm manager, staff, and family should follow biosecurity procedures for cleanliness including wearing clean clothes, scrubbing shoes with disinfectant, thoroughly washing hands, and keeping equipment clean;
• Don’t borrow disease from your neighbor – avoid sharing equipment, tools, or other supplies with neighbors; if you do borrow, clean and disinfect before they reach your property;
• Always be on the lookout for infectious diseases – know what diseases are of concern and monitor animals for signs or behavior consistent with disease; early detection is critical;
• Report sick animals – always report serious or unusual animal health problems to your veterinarian, local extension office, and Department of Agriculture. The Department of Agriculture State Animal Health Official can be reached 24/7 by calling (717) 772 -2852 and pressing option 1 to report an increased morbidity or mortality in your herd or flock that is unusual and could be associated with a potential foreign animal or high consequence disease.

“Don’t wait for tomorrow – take steps today to prevent catastrophic loss of your herd, your flock, and your livelihood,” said Brightbill. “Review your biosecurity plans, strengthen them, and retrain your farm hands by working with your herd or flock veterinarian. It’s game day and all 12 million Pennsylvanians are counting on you. With less than 2 percent of America feeding the world, we cannot afford to lose even one of you.”

In addition to biosecurity plans, all farms are encouraged to have Continuity of Business plans to keep operations running smoothly in case of disruption, such as illness or incapacitation of farm owner or team member, natural disaster, disease outbreaks or supply chain disruptions. While such plans are critical for all operations, small farms are at greater risk of catastrophic failure because the owner may be the sole caretaker.

Continuity of Business plans should include:

• General farm ID including fields and acres, key suppliers, key markets for product, and next of kin;
• Crop-based specifics, including crop rotation schedule, soil tests/records, pest management programs, key workers, and equipment; and
• Animal-based specifics including state and federal premise ID number, barn layouts, field grazing capacity, animal inventory, breeding records, feeding and nutrition records, standard operating procedures for animal care, veterinary treatment records and a biosecurity plan that is reviewed and updated at least once annually.

Producers with questions about biosecurity planning are encouraged to contact Pennsylvania’s Center for Poultry and Livestock Excellence, a result of Governor Tom Wolf’s 2019 Pennsylvania Farm Bill, for resources.

For more information about the PA Farm Bill and investments to support Pennsylvania’s leading industry, visit agriculture.pa.gov or follow the department on Facebook or Twitter. For information as it relates to agriculture during COVID-19 mitigation in Pennsylvania visit agriculture.pa.gov/COVID.

Governor Tom Wolf speaks during a press conference addressing the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Pennsylvania, inside PEMA headquarters on Wednesday, June 10, 2020.

Harrisburg, Pa. – Today, Governor Tom Wolf was joined by Representative Kristine Howard and Senator Tim Kearney to discuss the importance of preserving the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to protect women’s health care, now more than ever amid COVID-19 and the Supreme Court vacancy.

Under the ACA, a wide variety of preventive care is available to women free of charge, including annual mammograms and well-woman visits, birth control and breastfeeding support. Additionally, women are protected from being charged more simply for being women, or for becoming pregnant.

“My administration has consistently pushed for improvements in women’s health care,” Gov. Wolf said. “Those improvements support the gains in free preventive care and the protections for pre-existing conditions that the ACA provides. That gives women needed control over their own health, but that control – and access to affordable coverage for many Pennsylvanians – is in jeopardy right now.”

Also, amid COVID, health care inequities have been magnified and women of color, who have felt those inequities long before the pandemic, have much to lose if the ACA is dismantled or repealed. Health outcomes for women of color are worse than those for white women. They are more likely to be hospitalized due to asthma, diabetes, and COPD compared to white women, and more likely to give birth to a stillborn baby than white women. In 2018, black women were five times more likely to be living with chronic Hepatitis B compared to white women.

The Wolf Administration has steadfastly worked to improve access to quality health care and health care coverage for all women, despite efforts by the federal government to undermine women’s rights to health care.

When a group of Republican Attorneys General brought a suit challenging the constitutionality of the ACA, President Trump made the highly unusual decision to have the Department of Justice fight to invalidate a federal law. To have the federal government seek to deprive Americans of health care coverage is deeply concerning at any time, but especially in the midst of a pandemic.

“A radical change to the United States Supreme Court could lead to the end of the Affordable Care Act and the legal precedent of Roe v. Wade,” said Rep. Howard. “We have a responsibility to protect the thousands of Pennsylvanians who would lose their health care and the women who would lose their right to make their own choices in matters of reproductive health.” 

“The Trump Administration is in federal court trying to overturn the Affordable Care Act and rip away health coverage from millions of people,” Sen. Kearney said. “More than 5 million people in Pennsylvania who have pre-existing conditions will see their premiums increase dramatically or lose their coverage altogether. Especially during a global pandemic, we should be strengthening the ACA to reduce costs and expand coverage. We need to fight back because lives hang in the balance.”

The governor was also joined by Kathryn Kolbert, a reproductive rights attorney who argued Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the 1992 Supreme Court case widely credited with saving Roe v. Wade.

“The confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court will place in jeopardy both the Affordable Care Act and Roe v. Wade, denying millions of American women access to safe and affordable health care,” said Kolbert. “Senator Toomey, the women of Pennsylvania will remember if you forsake women’s health in this political power grab. Let the voters decide whether President Trump or President Biden will select the next Supreme Court Justice.”

“All women deserve more access to better health care, not more problems created by politicians,” said Gov. Wolf. “There is no role for government to step between a woman and her doctor for any health care decision. I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that Pennsylvania women retain access to affordable, quality health care.”

Harrisburg, PA — Pennsylvania collected $3.3 billion in General Fund revenue in September, which was $248.7 million, or 8.3 percent, more than anticipated, Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell reported today. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $9.9 billion, which is $459 million, or 4.9 percent, above estimate.

Revenue collections are ahead of estimate to this point due to better than expected economic activity through the first quarter of the fiscal year. The department will continue to closely monitor the situation so that the Governor and members of the General Assembly have the latest information as it becomes available.

Below is a full overview of September revenues by tax type:

Sales tax receipts totaled $996.5 million for September, $90.7 million above estimate. Year-to-date sales tax collections total $3.3 billion, which is $183.4 million, or 5.9 percent, more than anticipated.

Personal income tax (PIT) revenue in September was $1.3 billion, $19.5 million above estimate. This brings year-to-date PIT collections to $4.5 billion, which is $62.4 million, or 1.4 percent, above estimate.

September corporation tax revenue of $597.3 million was $104.5 million above estimate. Year-to-date corporation tax collections total $1.1 billion, which is $132.7 million, or 13.2 percent, above estimate.

Inheritance tax revenue for the month was $98.1 million, $28.5 million above estimate, bringing the year-to-date total to $308.5 million, which is $34.3 million, or 12.5 percent, above estimate.

Realty transfer tax revenue was $53.4 million for September, $18.8 million above estimate, bringing the fiscal-year total to $127.8 million, which is $33.1 million, or 34.9 percent, more than anticipated.

Other General Fund tax revenue, including cigarette, malt beverage, liquor and gaming taxes, totaled $163.7 million for the month, $21.8 million above estimate and bringing the year-to-date total to $478 million, which is $53.7 million, or 12.7 percent, above estimate.

Non-tax revenue totaled $19.6 million for the month, $35 million below estimate, bringing the year-to-date total to $54.4 million, which is $40.5 million, or 42.7 percent, below estimate.

In addition to the General Fund collections, the Motor License Fund received $216.7 million for the month, $6.1 million below estimate. Fiscal year-to-date collections for the fund — which include the commonly known gas and diesel taxes, as well as other license, fine and fee revenues — total $770 million, which is $0.3 million, or 0.0 percent, above estimate.

Harrisburg, Pa. – Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar today outlined the steps for Pennsylvanians to vote by mail and urged voters planning on this option to apply now for their ballot.

“Mail-in or absentee voting offers eligible voters a secure, convenient, accessible and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, an especially safe option of voting in the privacy of their own homes. But it’s important that voters follow all the steps necessary so their mail-in ballot will be counted,” Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar said. “We want every voter’s voice to be heard – whether they vote by mail, early in person at their county election office or at the polls on election day.”

To vote by mail, remember these tips and requirements:

• Anyone registered to vote is eligible to vote by mail. The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3 election is Oct. 19. Pennsylvanians can register to vote or check their registration status at votesPA.com.
• Anyone who plans to vote by mail must apply for a mail ballot. Voters can apply online or print a paper application at votesPA.com and return it to their county board of elections. The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is 5 p.m. Oct. 27, but voters are urged to apply now, so they have plenty of time to return their ballot before the election. Voters who applied for a mail-in ballot for the primary and asked to be added to the permanent annual mail ballot list do not need to reapply for a mail ballot for the general election. Voters can track the status of their mail ballot at votesPA.com.
• While applying for an absentee ballot still requires the voter to provide a reason, mail-in voting does not.
• Once the voter’s application for a mail ballot is verified, their county election office will mail them a ballot after they have been finalized and printed.
• As soon as the voter receives the ballot, the voter should:
  • Read the instructions carefully.
  • Fill out the ballot, being sure to follow instructions on how to mark selections.
  • Seal the ballot in the white inner secrecy envelope that says, “official ballot.” Make sure not to make any stray marks on the envelope.
  • Then seal the inner secrecy envelope in the pre-addressed outer return envelope where the voter must sign.
  • Complete and sign the voter’s declaration on the outside of the outer return envelope.
    • If the ballot is not enclosed in both envelopes, it will not be counted.
    • If the voter does not sign the outer envelope, the ballot will not be counted.

• The voter should then return their voted ballot to their county board of elections, the sooner the better. 
  • Voters can mail their ballot. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3 and received by the county election office by 5 p.m. on Nov. 6. The Department of State is providing pre-paid postage on mail ballot return envelopes, or
  • Voters can hand-deliver their ballot to their county election office or other officially designated site. Hand-delivered ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on election day. Some counties are providing drop-boxes or drop-off sites for mail ballots. Check your county’s website for information on locations. The Department of State will post a list of drop-off locations as the information becomes available. Check votesPA.com in the coming weeks.
• Under Pennsylvania law, voters may only return their own ballots. The only exceptions to this are for voters with a disability who have designated someone in writing to deliver their ballot, or for voters who are hospitalized or need an emergency absentee ballot.
• Voters who provide an email address on their mail ballot application can check the status of their mail ballot at votesPA.com.
• If a voter submits a voted mail ballot, they cannot vote at the polls on election day.
• If a voter applies for a mail ballot, but does not return it, they may vote by provisional ballot at the polls on election day. Their county board of elections will then verify that they didn’t vote by mail before counting their provisional ballot.
• Voters who apply for and receive a mail ballot and then decide they want to vote at the polls must bring their entire unvoted mail ballot packet with them to be voided, including both envelopes.

Secretary Boockvar noted that eligible voters also have two other voting options:

• After ballots are printed by the counties in the coming weeks, voters can go in person to one of their county election offices any time it is open before election day, request a ballot, fill it out and return it on the spot – all in one visit.
• If they have not voted by mail or in person ahead of the election, they can vote at the polls on election day between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. They should wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. The Department of State is supplying counties with masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, floor marking tape and other supplies for polling places so Pennsylvanians can safely exercise their right to vote during this COVID-19 emergency.

“Pennsylvanians now have more voting options – that are more secure, accessible and convenient – than ever before,” Secretary Boockvar said. “Whichever option you choose, the most important thing is that you vote and let your voice be heard.”

Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today emphasized the importance of continuing breast and cervical cancer screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state has seen many women and transgender individuals postpone these essential screenings due to COVID-19.

“Regular screening for certain types of cancer, including breast and cervical cancer, are essential to good health and can save lives,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Although breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find breast cancer early when it is easier to treat. It is imperative that all women talk with their health care provider about cancer screening tests to find which one is best, and when they should have them.”

The Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (PA-BCCEDP) is a free breast and cervical cancer early detection program funded by the department through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Free services, like mammograms, MRIs, pap and HPV tests, and follow-up diagnostic tests for abnormal screening results are available for those who are eligible.

Eligible people include those with low or moderate income, those who are uninsured or underinsured, and those who meet certain age requirements. PA-BCCEDP clinics throughout the state are open and following the CDC guidelines for safe operations during the pandemic.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in the state, and the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by cancer of the lung and bronchus. In Pennsylvania, Caucasian women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than African American women. African American women are more likely to die of this cancer. Asian, Hispanic and Native American women have a lower risk of developing and dying from breast cancer.

Cervical cancer is not as common among women in Pennsylvania, but has a lower survival rate, at 66 percent. Black women are more likely to develop cervical cancer and die from cervical cancer than Caucasian women. Asian, Hispanic and Native American women have a lower risk of developing and dying from cervical cancer.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends the following screening guidelines for breast cancer:

• Women under the age of 40 should be screened if they have symptoms or are at high risk;
• Women ages 40 to 49 should be screened every two years, based on a decision between the patient and the healthcare provider; and
• Women 50 and older should be screened every two years.

It is important to know that these guidelines apply if you have an average risk for breast cancer. If you have a high risk because of family history, a breast condition or any other reason, you should consult your medical provider. PA-BCCEDP will cover annual mammograms for women of any age based on the decision of the woman and her provider.

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) is celebrating its 30th Anniversary. NBCCEDP was authorized by the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act of 1990, which made funding available to states to screen low income women for breast and cervical cancer and refer them for treatment, if needed, and to educate women and health care professionals about breast and cervical cancer. The national program has served almost six million women, diagnosing 71,107 breast cancers, 4,863 invasive cervical cancers, and 221,091 premalignant cervical lesions nationwide.

Through PA-BCCEDP, hundreds of healthcare providers throughout Pennsylvania have screened over 93,000 women and diagnosed 4,718 breast and cervical cancers.

For more information on breast cancer or the free breast and cervical cancer early detection program, visit www.health.pa.gov or follow the Department of Health on Facebook and Twitter.

Harrisburg, PA — Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding reminded Pennsylvania restaurant owners that they may increase indoor capacity from 25 percent to 50 percent through a new self-certification process. Self-certification ensures that these businesses operate safely and instills customers and employees with confidence knowing they can dine and work safely but will not lead to additional inspections or penalties.

“Self-certifying your business allows restaurants to increase capacity, and it’s also an easy, commonsense way to communicate to customers that you care about their health and your business is committed to safety and well-being,” said Sec. Davin. “It will inspire consumer confidence, lead to increased patronage and sales, and—most importantly—it is simply the right thing to do.”

Restaurants can access the online self-certification form on PA.GOV/COVID. The recently announced self-certification process enables restaurants, private social clubs and ​food service businesses that serve dine-in, sit down food in a regular, non-event capacity to increase indoor occupancy to 50 percent while adhering to mitigation efforts that will keep employees and customers safe. Self-certification is required for restaurants to increase their indoor capacity to 50 percent.

Self-certifying will not lead to additional inspections. The occurrence of regularly scheduled or complaint-based inspections from enforcement agencies will not be affected by certification status. In fact, certifying proves that a business is committed to protecting employees and providing patrons a safe dining experience. Any health and safety violations from self-certified businesses will be handled first with warnings and education rather than fines or other penalties.

“This is an opportunity to tell your community that you care about their safety, you’re doing everything right,” said Agriculture Secretary Redding. “Self-certification does not mean more inspections or more scrutiny from us, it means more capacity for you and a sense of security for your patrons.”

Restaurants that self-certify will appear in an Open & Certified Pennsylvania searchable online database of certified restaurants across the commonwealth and will receive an Open & Certified Pennsylvania branded window cling designating their certification, which they can display for customers and employees. There is no cost to self-certification. The window clings will be mailed to a restaurant’s physical address at no cost.

Social distancing, masking, and other mitigation measures must be employed to protect workers and patrons. Enforcement of the 50 percent indoor capacity will begin on October 5, so restaurants that choose to increase indoor capacity to 50 percent before October 5 must complete the online self-certification process by that date. However, the self-certification process will remain available after October 5 for restaurants that choose to self-certify in the future.

The Wolf Administration has released Frequently Asked Questions as a reference for restaurant owners and the public, along with updated restaurant guidance.

Business owners with additional questions about the self-certification program can contact covidselfcert@pa.gov.

Note: Video available at PACast.com.