Shenango Valley News

HARRISBURG – In the wake of the recent $600 million settlement reached by Norfolk Southern in its class-action lawsuit related to its train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, last year, state Sens. Doug Mastriano (R-33), Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47), and Michele Brooks (R-50) have introduced legislation aimed at providing relief to Pennsylvanians affected by the incident.

Sen. Doug Mastriano, who serves as chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, expressed the need for a tax deduction similar to the one established in Ohio. Mastriano stated, "Ohio has already established a deduction for their residents who received payments and I believe it’s fair to do the same for Pennsylvanians." He emphasized the financial struggles faced by the victims, saying, “Businesses have been shuttered, property values have plummeted, and personal medical expenses continue to accrue. This tax deduction will help put more money back into the pockets of the victims.”

The introduced Senate Bill 1149 would provide a state income tax deduction for disaster relief payments received by Pennsylvania residents as a result of the train wreck. Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. expressed his support for the legislation, stating, “I am pleased to be partnering with Sen. Mastriano and Sen. Brooks on this legislation.” Vogel highlighted the aim of the bill to alleviate the financial stress experienced by affected families.

Sen. Michele Brooks echoed her colleagues' sentiments, emphasizing her commitment to assisting the residents impacted by the train wreck. Brooks stated, “I’m committed to working with my colleagues in the General Assembly to provide meaningful help to the hurting residents affected by this train wreck.” She added, "This bill would enable these families to keep more of the money that is intended to help them begin to try to move on from this incident."

The proposed legislation has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration, indicating a step towards providing financial relief to the victims of the East Palestine train derailment.