Senator Camera Bartolotta has announced the formation of “Farmers for Bartolotta,” a growing coalition of agricultural leaders, farmers, and small business owners united in support of her re-election campaign and her ongoing efforts to strengthen southwestern Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector, the Commonwealth’s top industry.
According to a release from the Senator’s office, “Farmers and agricultural leaders from Greene, Washington, and Beaver Counties have long praised Senator Bartolotta’s steadfast support for the men and women who feed our communities, as well as her work to reduce burdens on farmers, combat government overreach, cut red tape, protect farmland, expand property tax relief, and invest in the next generation of producers”.
“Southwestern Pennsylvania’s farmers and agricultural leaders work hard every day to feed our communities, and they deserve a state government that has their back, not one that stands in their way,” said Senator Bartolotta. “I’m honored to have the support of so many farmers who share my commitment to protecting our farmland, reducing taxes and regulations, and making sure the next generation can afford to carry on the family tradition.”
“Senator Bartolotta has a strong record of championing Pennsylvania’s agricultural community. She has consistently highlighted National Agriculture Week and emphasized that Pennsylvania agriculture helps feed the nation and the world. She has secured Pennsylvania Ag & Youth Grant funding for local organizations to support agricultural education, workforce development, and 4H, FFA, and similar youth programs. These investments help prepare the next generation of farmers and producers.”
“To ease the strain on farmers and protect the food supply, Senator Bartolotta has backed legislation and regulatory reforms that cut unnecessary mandates on farms, especially smaller, family-run operations. She has worked to streamline permitting, reporting, and inspection requirements so farmers can spend more time in the field and less time on government paperwork”.
The release continued, “Senator Bartolotta has also led efforts to protect productive farmland from incompatible development. She sponsored legislation, including Senate Bills 798 and 336, to safeguard prime agricultural soils from large-scale solar projects, and is working to protect farmland and livestock from irresponsible data center development. She co-sponsored Senate Bill 1345, which empowers local municipalities to place moratoriums on data centers and establish clear standards on issues such as noise, power generation, and setbacks to protect rural communities.
“Understanding that high property taxes threaten family farms, she has supported measures that provide property tax relief and ensure rural landowners are treated fairly. She backed changes to well-depletion tax policy that aligned Pennsylvania with federal guidelines and helped ease the local tax burden”.
“Bill Black, and his wife, Sheila, are native Greene Countians and retired agricultural teachers and farmers residing in Washington County. “When we approached Camera and her staff about the need for well-depletion tax policy to increase savings for farmers, she took the lead, carried it across the finish line, and secured it in last year’s budget deal. That’s why we are proud to support her for re-election,” Black said.
The release states, “Senator Bartolotta is also a strong advocate for rural infrastructure, services, and healthcare. She has supported critical investments in local roads, bridges, and broadband to expand internet connectivity which are all essential to modern farm operations and marketing. She introduced Senate Bill 25 to grant nurse practitioners full practice authority, which would significantly expand access to healthcare and telemedicine in rural communities across Greene County.”
“For more than a decade, Senator Bartolotta has regularly visited with farm families and youth exhibitors at the Greene County, Washington County, Jacktown, and West Alexander Fairs. As summer projects and 4H and FFA programs wrap up, she congratulates all participating youth on a successful year and thanks them for their dedication to agriculture”.
Farmers for Bartolotta continues to grow as more producers, agribusiness owners, and rural residents join the coalition. If you would like to be part of this effort, please contact Hunter Muro at hunter@cameraforsenate.com.
