BlueTriton Brands Inc.
BlueTriton Brands’ mission is to sustainably provide fresh water to communities throughout North America. They are proud of their role as a guardian of its resources and a provider of fresh water. Moreover, BlueTriton will continue its commitment as an independent business to sustainable high-quality products and services. Their brands consist of Arrowhead, Deer Park, Ice Mountain, Ozarka, Poland Spring, Pure Life, ReadyRefresh, Splash Branded Products and Zephyrhills. Founders Market & Co Founders Market offers specialty brands an elevated solution for distribution and warehouse services. Today, most specialty brands rely on a mix of vendors for these services. Founders Market brings it all under a single roof while delivering an elevated experience. By combining these offerings, they help brands save time and money. Lula Convenience Lula builds software to democratize access to best-in-class digital commerce software (omni-channel delivery, pickup, etc) for retailers. PM Design Group Inc PM Design Group Inc. is a full-service, nationally licensed architecture and engineering firm that specializes in multi-site roll-out programs for national, regional and local brands. Their services include architecture; civil engineering; as-built survey and field data collection; entitlement, permitting and research services; access compliance; and MEP engineering. Industries they serve include grocery and pharmacy; retail; restaurant; healthcare; shopping centers; banking; car wash; c-stores and fuel; office; and veterinary. Pro Signs Since 1947, Pro Signs has been a key player in the signage and branding industry, fulfilling customers’ signage and brand imaging needs on a national scale while offering turnkey services. They handle all aspects of the process from top to bottom, including site and project management, permitting, design and engineering, manufacturing, installation, maintenance and service. SmartSense by Digi SmartSense solutions help businesses transition from manual, error-prone processes to automated, digital workflows that provide actionable insights to reduce waste, improve workflows, and ensure compliance with industry standards. SmartSense’s technology is particularly crucial in industries like food manufacturing, retail grocery, and food service, where maintaining specific environmental conditions is essential for safety and quality assurance. Tropicana Brands Group Tropicana Brands Group represents an exciting fusion of some of the world’s most-beloved and up-and-coming brands in the juice category, including Tropicana, Naked, KeVita, Izze, Dole and Copella.
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Capitol Numbers Games
Pennsylvania’s state budget negotiations are predictably unpredictable. Last year’s budget was delayed until December due to disagreements over public tax dollars for private school vouchers, an issue that might resurface this year. A key issue is education funding, following a 2023 Commonwealth Court ruling that deemed the current system unconstitutional. House Democrats, with some Republican support, have advanced a bill to reform the education funding formula, addressing a $5.1 billion adequacy gap and proposing transparency measures for cyber charter schools. However, it lacks funding, leaving lawmakers to determine budget allocations. Meanwhile, some GOP lawmakers advocate for more school choice options. Talks on regulating skills games not going well Efforts to tax Pennsylvania’s lucrative but legally questionable skill games sector face challenges amid state budget talks. These untaxed, unregulated devices, resembling slot machines, are found in bars, restaurants, and convenience stores across the state. Shapiro proposed regulating and taxing these games at 42 percent, projecting $150 million in revenue for the upcoming fiscal year, potentially doubling in the future. However, the proposal is faltering as lawmakers are caught between powerful skill games and casino interests, both of which have invested heavily in lobbying and campaign contributions. Complicating matters, the state Supreme Court’s recent decision to review a lower court ruling allowing the games to remain available has caused some lawmakers to hesitate. The casino lobby argues for taxing skill games at the same 50 percent rate as slot machines, with State Sen. Frank Farry introducing a bipartisan-supported bill to this effect, while some Senate Democrats support a complete ban on the devices. The skill games industry opposes these measures, arguing that small businesses hosting these devices cannot be compared to large casinos. RTD poised for full House vote; omnibus liquor reform also progressing SB 688, legislation authorizing licensed retailers to sell ready-to-drink “canned cocktails,” is now awaiting a vote in by the full House after it was amended again on the House floor and approved by the House Appropriations Committee. PFMA was neutral on changes in an amendment adopted earlier but has continued to negotiate for the best possible end product for retail members. The latest iteration restores the ability of in-state distilleries to sell to retail licensees for the purpose of reselling for off-premises consumption. Omnibus liquor reform legislation HB 829 is also moving forward in the Senate. This bill makes numerous changes that will have a positive impact on licensees. Among them, the legislation includes language to restore the backhaul program that allows a permit holder to pick up product at a PLCB distribution center and receive a credit for the expense incurred. Negotiations continue on dual PBM bills PFMA is continuing work on two bills circulating in both chambers of the General Assembly, SB 1000 and HB 1993, that seek to make substantial reforms to how Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) operate in the commonwealth. A draft amendment to SB 1000 would make numerous negative changes to the original legislation supported by the association. PFMA and other stakeholders have pushed back and hope to see their input reflected in modifications to the amendment. HB 1993 was amended on the House floor with language including improvements suggested by PFMA following member feedback. The bill is now in position for a third consideration vote on the House Floor. Members of PFMA’s Loss Prevention Committee met leaders at the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office to discuss how the organizations can work together to support OAG’s newly created Organized Retail Crime Unit. The unit will focus on organized retail crime, counterfeit operations, supply chain theft (from manufacturer to consumer), and account takeovers (including skimming and phone fraud).
Aaron Vitale, supervisory special agent of the Organized Retail Crime Unit, started the meeting by providing a comprehensive overview of the new legislation. He also gave an update on the creation of the unit, saying they are in the process of hiring 10 agents and five attorneys to cover five districts: Northwest, Southwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Central. “We have a lot of really experienced law enforcement people who want to be a part of this,” Vitale said. Several members of the PFMA committee shared personal anecdotes about the surge in retail crime since 2020. They noted the situation is particularly severe in Philadelphia and the Southeast but is expanding statewide. “I have never seen the volume that I’ve seen in the last couple of years,” said Wade Hess, manager of asset protection at Wegmans. PFMA committee members also stressed the importance of balancing loss prevention with providing a pleasant customer experience and ensuring the safety of all involved. “There is nothing more important to us than the safety and wellbeing of people,” Hess said. The OAG acknowledged the extent of the issue and initial challenges their agents will face. They hope PFMA will assist in continued dialogue with legislators as needs and budgets evolve. “We’re going to have success, but we’re going to need growth, too,” said John Kitzinger, chief of criminal investigations at OAG. Dawn Roller, chair of the Loss Prevention Committee and director of loss prevention and point of sale at Brown’s Super Stores, offered that newly hired agents spend a day in the field with retailers to understand the core issues firsthand. The committee will meet quarterly with the OAG and other retailers to maintain consistent communication. Meetings will be held at various locations across the state to ensure broad participation. The next meeting will be scheduled for after Labor Day, once the OAG is fully staffed. Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski serves District 121, covering part of Luzerne County. He is chair of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. What are your top three legislative priorities in 2024? Quality education for all students, access to affordable health care, and taxes and infrastructure. What are the important issues facing your district? High cost of utilities, unoccupied buildings from the pandemic, the need to reinitiate funds to cities to overcome high rates of tax-exempt properties. What is your favorite vacation destination? Anywhere I can fish! What are the biggest challenges for grocers in your district? Food waste from damaged, expired and spoiled food that can’t be sold. What is your favorite food or meal to cook? Pizza and just about any kind of dessert! What do you like to do for fun? Spending time with my family for dinners, holidays, birthdays, and picnics. What are your biggest challenges and successes as a legislator? The biggest challenge is to be able to efficiently address constituent needs daily, no matter how large or small, consistently throughout my term in office. Thankfully, I have a great team of staff who work day in and day out providing these services and helping me to advance good legislation to help the people of Pennsylvania. What is your greatest success as a legislator over the past few years? Passing legislation to help grandparents raising grandchildren receive temporary legal guardianship to care for their grandchildren during emergencies or after a tragedy. Central Penn College
Central Penn has a diverse population made up of more than 1,400 students from various walks of life. Their core values of scholarship, integrity, excellence, community and inclusivity ensures that they serve their students every day and offer them a one-on-one, well-rounded education that will provide them the opportunity to grow not only in their education and profession, but as individuals. Engago Inc. Engago Inc. works with companies and agencies, providing a gaming platform that delivers massive consumer engagement — engagement that converts to revenue using pre-built tools. Fresh Focus Sales & Marketing, LLC Fresh Focus Sales & Marketing is an independently owned and operated food sales and marketing agency specializing in deli/prepared foods, bakery and packaging. Gardners Candies Gardners Candies is over 100 years old and credits its success to James “Pike” Gardner’s philosophy of giving customers rich, quality products and great service, and striving to make the best even better. They take pride in celebrating over a century of providing pleasure, quality and happy experiences for candy lovers the world over. Their stellar reputation is built upon quality products at affordable prices and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Gourmet Egg Roll Company The Gourmet Egg Roll Company is a manufacturer of hand-rolled, authentic, restaurant-quality gourmet egg rolls. They make the best egg rolls — whether American regional classics, traditional Asian flavors, or innovative new profiles, their egg rolls deliver big on taste and the right price. Keystone Importers LLC When you choose to work with Keystone Importers, they treat you just like their wine makers and distillers treat their process — with care and respect. Their portfolio is carefully curated yet dynamically diverse, representing families and friends from all around the world who produce creative and matchless wines and spirits. Krispy Krunchy Foods LLC Krispy Krunchy Chicken is a quick-serve solution for convenience stores, truck stops, universities, casinos and big box retailers across the U.S. The store-in-store concept allows licensees to serve hand-breaded, mild Cajun-spiced fried chicken and all-white-meat tenders to its guests, to increase their in-store profitability and drive frequency. The full menu also includes a variety of sides and the brand’s trademark honey biscuits. Luca Software Luca is an AI-powered dynamic pricing and promotional engine for grocers, built by the ex-Uber pricing team. RiskLimiter by Gleason Technology RiskLimiter specializes in digitized operational and risk inspections focusing on quality control, compliance and auditing. Their turnkey platform allows clients to convert their paper inspections — including floor safety, food safety, and workers comp safety audits — to digital, allowing them to manage these processes in real time. This results in reducing the overall cost of risk. Rovertown Rovertown helps c-stores build branded apps that better connect with customers in an always-on world. RS Mowery For nearly a century, Mowery has been a trusted leader in the construction industry, offering design-build and construction management services to clients in manufacturing, food and beverage, and more. Whether it’s a retail fit-out or a cold-storage facility, they approach each project with excellence and innovation. Winery at Wyndridge Farm Wyndridge’s portfolio of farm-crafted beverages includes craft cider and beer, sparkling fruit wine and small batch of soda. Their team creates numerous year-round, seasonal and limited-edition releases. They are currently distributed in over 10 states, with a growing footprint.
What are your top legislative priorities?
Voter ID is a big one. We have seen poll after poll showing overwhelming support for this idea. Many other states have Voter ID laws and putting that in place here in PA would go a long way toward restoring confidence for some voters in our electoral system. Also, as the committee chairman that oversees gaming in the Commonwealth, skill games regulation is another topic I’ve been working on. I think there is certainly momentum to establish a state tax and regulatory structure for these games in Pennsylvania, it’s just a matter of finalizing the fine print and details. What are the important issues facing your district? One of the big challenges we are facing is the population growth in our [district]. For instance, the 2020 census showed Lebanon County was the second fastest-growing county in Pennsylvania. We have seen the number of new housing developments skyrocket across the region in the last decade. Also, the number of warehousing facilities keeps increasing as well. Those two factors are in stark contrast to the agrarian traditions we have as agriculture is the largest industry in Central Pennsylvania. So, in response we have seen an increase in Farmland Preservation programs at the state and county levels to provide some balance to that growth. What are the biggest challenges for grocers in your district? Sadly, I think this industry is facing the same problems every business is in Pennsylvania — personnel. There has been a real shortage of labor across all industries these past several years. Also, the Governor’s desire to increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour would be a real challenge for some in the industry. What are your biggest challenges and successes as a legislator? One of the biggest challenges has been not having enough time. The office gets invitations from so many organizations and businesses for me to visit. Literally every day could be filled with events, tours and meetings from members of the community. It’s frustrating that I cannot make them all, but we have been to as many as possible. Also, meeting everyone has been one of the most rewarding things about this job. Just last week I had to the opportunity to attend the 102nd birthday of a wonderful lady who was stationed at the Middletown Airfield during WWII. She is a living ‘Rosie the Riveter’ who repaired B-17 bombers and C-47 cargo planes damaged during the second world war. What is your favorite vacation destination? My older brother was a colonel for the U.S. Army Rangers stationed in Hawaii, and he recently was promoted to general. He now is based in Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) in North Carolina, but before his promotion, my family and I took a vacation out to Hawaii to visit him. It was the first time we were able to take our sons there to see their uncle’s house. We had such a great time with him and his family and it is such an amazing and beautiful set of islands. It is a vacation I will never forget. What is your favorite food or meal to cook? About three years ago my wife bought me a Traeger Smoker as a gift. It certainly has become my favorite way to cook, and we particularly enjoy getting a few pounds of Bell & Evans wings (proudly produced in Fredericksburg, PA) and have family and friends over in the summer on the back porch. What do you like to do for fun? In my spare time, when I’m not working as a state senator, I run my family insurance business, Hoaster Gebhard & Co. in Lebanon. My wife and I also have two boys and we joke that our part-time jobs are driving them to and from all their afterschool sports practices and extracurricular activities. What is your greatest success as a legislator over the past few years? In December 2023, the governor finally signed our bill creating a financial literacy class for all Pennsylvania students. This half-credit course will give all high school students the understanding they need about topics such as credit and credit scores; savings and investments; college, home, and auto loans; and planning for post-secondary education and retirement. It really is a common-sense measure that will help all young people become more financially successful. I thought this legislation was critical because so many young adults are learning money management by making mistakes early on in their lives. Starting out in a financial hole is a real hinderance to personal and career success and this course will provide everyone practical skills to make the best decisions. Each year the governor and state legislative leaders lay out their sometimes competing and sometimes complementary visions for the fiscal year budget. Within these proposals PFMA identifies and advocates for line items and initiatives that would present a positive impact for association members, along with other proposals that could be made part of an overall budget agreement. Here is a rundown of what PFMA has identified as priorities in the 2024-25 budget cycle.
For 2024, accelerating the phasedown of the Corporate Net Income Tax Rate and implementing Net Operating Loss carryforward are two tax-related priorities for PFMA that could be part of an agreed state budget. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, Pennsylvania’s budget agreement included a tiered reduction in the state’s corporate net income tax rate, which had stood at 9.99 percent, the highest flat rate in the country. The rate was reduced one percentage point to 8.99 percent on January 1, 2023, and subsequent 0.5 percentage point cuts are scheduled to occur each year until the rate reaches 4.99 percent in 2031. PFMA supports accelerating the phasedown of the CNIT so the final 4.99 percent rate is achieved sooner. Additionally, PFMA strongly supports implementing NOL carryforwards, allowing businesses to carry losses forward and deduct them from future profits. This change would help Pennsylvania compete with other states that have more business-friendly NOL rules in place. Governor Shapiro’s 2024-25 budget proposal contemplates the regulation of two major sectors: games of skill and adult-use cannabis. PFMA’s priority in the context of these concepts is ensuring member businesses have the opportunity to participate on a level playing field in these areas if they choose. Given the contemplation of legalizing recreational cannabis, the association is highlighting the need for regulatory frameworks governing the safe sale of marijuana and related products such as Delta-8 at member locations. Following the successful passage of Organized Retail Theft legislation into law at the end of 2023, PFMA strongly supports funding in the 2024-25 state budget to establish and support operations of the new Organized Retail Crime Task Force under the Office of Attorney General. PFMA Loss Prevention Committee members are holding regular meetings with OAG staff to help guide and provide feedback on the work of the task force. Insofar as the 2024-25 state budget may address minimum wage, PFMA is advocating that any increase to the state minimum wage is weighed carefully and takes a reasonable approach. Relatedly as it pertains to the workforce, PFMA supports investment in the Child Care Works program to leverage millions in federal funding for child care assistance. PFMA also supports funding in the 2024-25 state budget to increase the minimum SNAP benefit and to administer the Summer EBT Program, both included in Governor Shapiro’s proposal, as well as funding for a statewide Healthy Food Financing Initiative. As budget negotiations coalesce leading into June, the association continues to meet with appropriators and administration officials to share insights and advocate on behalf of members on these priorities. If you have questions on any of these items please reach out to PFMA Association Services. PFMA is proud to be working with lawmakers on some of our priority issues this session, almost all of which have now been formally introduced as legislation. SNAP Distribution Schedule ReformIntroduced as SB 242 by Sen. Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill) and HB 2095 by Rep. Dave Madsen (D-Dauphin) Synopsis: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) disbursements are distributed in PA on a county-by-county basis according to three different schedules, which is complicated for recipients and challenging for businesses trying to meet stocking and staffing demands. This bipartisan proposal — a longtime PFMA priority— would expand and make uniform a single distribution schedule, easing these pressures and providing a better shopping experience for recipients. Sales Tax Collection Support for BusinessesIntroduced as SB 1225 by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and HB 2278 by Rep. Paul Friel (D-Chester) Synopsis: The Commonwealth has historically incentivized timely and complete remittance of sales and use tax by offering businesses a vendor discount; in effect a 1 percent remuneration to help offset the administrative costs of collection. It has proven to be a mutually beneficial arrangement, with the small discount encouraging businesses to remain efficient collectors while presenting the state a reliable way to collect sales tax in all its forms. The longstanding arrangement of a 1 percent discount changed in 2016, when, as part of that year’s budget agreement, a cap was instituted on the amount back businesses can get for remitting sales tax collections of any amount to the Commonwealth. Since that time, no matter how much they remit, businesses are limited to the lesser of 1 percent of the tax collected or $300 annually. This bipartisan legislation would expand the discount and helps to offset a portion of the additional expense incurred by businesses when they collect state sales tax. Pharmacy Benefit Manager ReformIntroduced as SB 1000 by Sen. Judy Ward (R-Blair) and HB 1993 by Rep. Jessica Benham (D-Allegheny) Synopsis: For years, the anticompetitive practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers — for-profit companies that manage prescription drug benefits on behalf of health insurers, Medicare Part D and other payers — have been impacting costs for both patients and independent and supermarket pharmacies. Their behavior has led to pharmacy closures, reduced access to medication, and negative health impacts. Fundamentally, this issue exists because PBMs have been allowed to operate without oversight at both the federal and state levels. The legislative proposals from Sen .Ward and Rep. Benham would direct the Insurance Department to develop a process for hearing and resolving pharmacy complaints against a PBM. PBMs would report to the department the amount of rebates and payments received from drug manufacturers, and how those rebates and payments were distributed by the PBM. The legislation would also limit or ban several practices by PBMs, including patient steering, spread pricing and retroactive recoupment of money paid by the PBM to the pharmacy. Ready to Drink Beverage LegislationIntroduced as SB 688 by Sen. Mike Regan (R-York) and HB 1750 by Rep. Robert Leadbeter (R-Columbia) Synopsis: Public opinion research continues to show that the vast majority of both consumers and non-consumers of RTD beverages believe they should be sold alongside other options like beer and wine. Unfortunately, it’s still not possible in Pennsylvania, frustrating retailers and consumers alike. Groceries, convenience stores and other retailers remain limited to selling only malt-based beverages and wine products. PFMA continues to work on legislation that would change that by allowing manufacturers to distribute RTDs through the PLCB network or approved licensees, who have shown themselves to be reliable partners in the sale of wine and beer, taking public safety and tax remittance seriously. Front-end register alcohol salesIntroduced as SB 117 by Sen. Judy Ward (R-Blair) Synopsis: This legislation would improve consumer access to wine and beer at grocery stores, convenience stores and other alcohol retail locations. Without changing any necessary restrictions on beer and wine licensing or adding licenses, SB 117 would allow restaurant licensees with a wine expanded permit the ability to sell wine and beer at any register, require ID card readers at these registers, and permit a sales clerk under 18 to operate these registers except when alcohol would be purchased. If alcohol is to be purchased, an employee 18 or over would then operate the register. In addition, the bill would allow customers to access beer and wine within the main store area. Other LegislationStill in the pipeline is legislation exempting sales tax from being subject to swipe fees. Rep. George Scott (D-Montgomery) is circulating a co–sponsorship memo in the House ahead of formal introduction of language.
Outreach to your local lawmaker is always effective in helping move the needle. If you are interested in advocating on behalf of your business on any of these issues please reach out to PFMA staff to talk more. The US Department of Agriculture recently warned that a program which helps millions of families across the country access healthy food and nutrition services could face a $1 billion shortfall if Congress fails to act, forcing aid for millions of pregnant women, new mothers and their children to be delayed or denied. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, is a federally-funded program, administered by the states, that dates back half a century. WIC is founded on three pillars of support: Nutritious food packages, education and empowerment, and healthcare access. Its mission is to promote the health and wellbeing of low-income pregnant women, new mothers, breastfeeding mothers, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. As for Pennsylvania, the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed their commitment to ensuring that Women, Infants and Children (WIC) participants, which include the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents, have access to safe food products, that the products are available when WIC participants go to the store, and the prices are competitive in comparison to non-WIC participating stores. To combat a decision either way from Congress, Pennsylvania told us that they have added three new WIC mobile units to reach more women, infants, and children in underserved areas with the resources they need closer to home. Each WIC Mobile Unit is customized to operate as a fully functional WIC satellite clinic that will reach both rural and urban areas and will help meet the needs of people facing transportation barriers. The fleet of clinics on wheels is increasing participation in the WIC program, delivering greater access and equity throughout Pennsylvania. The PA DOH plans to add additional mobile units in the coming months. Through partnerships with food retailers and healthcare professionals, each month WIC provides services to millions of people from these vulnerable populations, including nearly 40 percent of all babies born in the United States. The program serves as a critical lifeline during the most important stages of development for young children, and during a period when proper nutrition and care for mothers is essential. Participation cuts across geographic and ethnic divides, fostering a cycle of wellness that benefits not only the families involved, but their communities, local economies, and states as a whole. In recent years, as food insecurity has increased, so too has WIC usage. In Pennsylvania, nearly 10 percent of all children under the age of five are part of the WIC program. In January Pennsylvania’s WIC program participation increased to more than 179,000 participants, up 2,000 from December and more than 20,000 from the same time last year. Meeting this need are more than 1,300 WIC-authorized food retail locations across Pennsylvania. Participating businesses range from large supermarket chains to small,independent grocers. But whether large or small the level of commitment is the same, and so are the requirements. A retailer must go through a comprehensive application process that involves a thorough review, completion of a training program as well as ongoing requirements related to stocking levels, recordkeeping, and reporting. Pennsylvania officials from the Department of Health let us know that, in 2023, the Health Department also established a new vendor training process on its WIC Vendor Assistant portal and hosted local and statewide vendor trainings. In all, a total of 78 training sessions were held, with 1,243 vendors participating. Vendor Assistant provides retail store alerts that relay key program information and foster better communications with vendors. They also said that the DOH is continually working to identify new ways to expand vendor participation and is exploring funding opportunities for grocery stores where investing in the equipment to participate in eWIC could be a barrier to participation. For decades Congress has recognized the importance of the WIC program and fully funded it on a bipartisan basis. Failing to do so now would signal that our priorities have shifted, and that this country no is no longer committed to serving every eligible mother or child in need. The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, an organization representing businesses up and down the food supply chain in the Commonwealth, believes strongly in the value of good nutrition, and ensuring that families have access to healthy food, infant formula and other essentials. Our member retailers are proud to partner with the Pennsylvania WIC ORice and other agencies to help families in need. Anyone with children knows, at an instinctive level, just what a diference a nutritious meal can make. It is vital that Congress maintain its longstanding commitment to this important program. * This article is largely based on the Op-ed first appearing in City and State included here are additional comments from PA WIC. What are your top three legislative priorities in 2024? Making childcare more affordable and accessible for Pennsylvania families, ensuring that economic development initiatives in my district are supported, and passing a 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Bill that builds on the investments we made in 2019 and further establishes Pennsylvania as a leader in agriculture. What are the important issues facing your district? Housing is a huge issue in my district right now. A lot of folks are struggling to achieve homeownership because of how competitive the market is, and rent has skyrocketed. While the level of poverty has declined, too many people find themselves working several jobs and accessing charitable food outlets in order to maintain a minimum standard of living. What is your favorite vacation destination? Anywhere! I’m always up for traveling to a new country or city. What are the biggest challenges for grocers in your district? Retaining staff, operating efficiently and profitably and stiff competition from other food outlets. What are your biggest challenges and successes as a legislator? I’ve been in the minority my entire career, so if I want to pass a bill, I must work with the other party. I’m thankful to have a lot of great colleagues on both sides of the aisle that I’ve been able to work with on various issues. Last year, a bill I sponsored to provide data on maternal morbidity passed unanimously and was signed into law. I have a bill I sponsored with Sen. Michele Brooks to improve WIC services in Pennsylvania that passed the Senate and is awaiting a vote in the House. What is your favorite food or meal to cook? I love to cook and experiment in the kitchen. I’m currently finessing my pizza-making skills (with limited success!). What do you like to do for fun? I enjoy time with my family, especially my grandkids. I’m an avid gardener and grow vegetables as well as flowers. You can often find me in the library, too, searching for new historical fiction or a cookbook. |
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