Voting for lower utility bills, voting to end data center sales tax exemption, and more

Rep. Jeanne McNeill June 26, 2026 | 4:47 PM

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For Spanish readers, a full language version of this email may be found by clicking here.

Para los lectores en español, para una versión completa de este correo electrónico, haga clic aquí.

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this email finds you well.

I want to share with you some valuable information on state programs and services and exciting updates from around the district. My staff and I are available to assist you with your concerns and access to state-related programs and services at my Whitehall office, located at 1080 Schadt Ave., so please stop by or call 610-266-1273.

You can also send me an email by clicking here.

And thank you for allowing me into your inbox to keep you informed of what’s happening in Harrisburg and our legislative district.

Voting for lower utility bills

It is rare these days for a bill to receive unanimous support, but that’s what happened when the House passed H.B. 2224 by a vote of 202-0. This bill stops investor-owned utilities from racking up large returns on equity at the expense of their customers.

We also passed an amendment to the bill that would stop the collection of the gross receipts tax (6%) on the sale of electricity to customers. The utilities are required to pass this reduction on to you. This is expected to result in $1.7 BILLION in savings for rate payers.

I sincerely hope the state Senate takes up this legislation and passes it quickly to provide some much-needed relief to everyone dealing with high electricity bills.

Voting to end data center sales tax exemption

I voted for a bill yesterday that would end the sales and use tax exemptions for computer data center equipment. This exemption was part of an effort to draw data centers to Pennsylvania.

Due to the growth of data centers in recent years, there is no longer a need for this incentive and removing it will mean greater tax revenue for the state that can be spent to support education, property tax relief, or road building and repair.

I was proud to vote for this bill, which passed by a gigantic margin (197-5). Big Tech companies have big wallets, far bigger than yours. You shouldn’t have to foot the bill while they try to move data centers into your communities.

Children and Youth Committee meeting

This week, the Children & Youth Committee advanced several bills aimed at supporting Pennsylvania children and families.

The committee approved legislation to strengthen protections and support for foster youth, help stabilize the children's liability insurance market to improve affordability for childcare providers, and provide families with greater notice when childcare facilities are closing.

The committee also advanced legislation to expand eligibility for Pre-K Counts and Child Care Works, helping more families access quality early learning opportunities. Additionally, the committee approved a resolution designating September 14-20, 2026, as Diaper Need Awareness Week in Pennsylvania to raise awareness of an issue that affects many families across the Commonwealth.

I am proud of the committee's work to move these measures forward and remain committed to policies that support children, families, and caregivers throughout Pennsylvania.

Hunting licenses are on sale now

General hunting licenses in Pennsylvania went on sale this week, while antlerless license sales also opened for residents.

Residents are guaranteed an antlerless license for any WMU if purchased before July 13, when the first round of sales opens to nonresidents. One antlerless license can be purchased per round in the first three rounds.

You can purchase licenses online at huntfish.pa.gov or in person at an issuing agent.

Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The 2026 Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is now accepting applications from eligible senior citizens. Below you can find the applications provided in both English and Spanish.

English application.

Spanish application.

Be wary of contractor scams

Summer storms can bring more than just damage; they can also attract contractor scams. Before hiring someone for repairs, verify their credentials, ask questions, and never pay in full before the work is completed. Stay informed and protect yourself from fraud.

Learn more.

Grants and loans available for increased investment and job creation

Applications are open for grants and loans from the Pennsylvania First Program to spur investment and job creation. Uses for the funding can include machinery and equipment, job training, infrastructure, land and building improvements, environmental assessment and remediation, acquisition of land, buildings, rights-of-way, working capital, and site preparation.

Entities that may apply include businesses, municipalities, municipal authorities, industrial development authorities or corporations, and local development districts. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

For more information about the program, visit the DCED Website.

Apply for Property Tax or Rent Rebates

Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program helps older friends and neighbors stay in their homes while affording life’s necessities, and applications are open. The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 and older, and people with disabilities 18 or older. Rebates range from $380 to $1,000, and the deadline for applying has been extended to Dec. 31.

Learn more about the program here. My staff are available to help with applications, so don’t hesitate to contact my district office.

House Fellowship Program accepting applications for Fall 2026

The PA House Fellowship Program is accepting applications from eligible Pennsylvania college students for the fall 2026 semester. Fellows work in committees or leadership offices at the state Capitol. The program provides compensation and may also offer college credits. Eligible applicants include college juniors, seniors, graduate students, or law students with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Applications are due by July 1.

Visit this page to learn more.

Visiting the Bethlehem Historic Rose Garden

I enjoyed a wonderful Saturday at the Bethlehem Historic Rose Garden in Rose Garden Park. It was the 10th anniversary of the Bethlehem Rose Garden Farmers Market and it was also the annual Rosefest celebration. I was happy to present Mount Airy Neighborhood Association volunteer, Mary Toulouse, with a certificate marking the occasion.

If you are interested, the farmers’ market is open every Saturday until Oct. 10th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.