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In this Update:
Funding for Transportation Projects in Our District
I am glad to see several projects in our district receive funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)’s Green Light Go program.
This funding will improve traffic signals in our communities to increase traffic safety and mobility, reducing congestion, and improving traffic flow. Learn more about the Green-Light-Go program here. CMSGT Charles W. Wiley Retires from 171st Air Refueling Wing
I was honored to present a citation to Chief Master Sergeant (CMSGT) Charles W. Wiley on his retirement from his position as Command Chief of the 171st Air Refueling Wing. Since joining the 171st in 1999, CMSGT Wiley has served in a variety of roles including vehicle operator, vehicle fleet management & analysis non-commissioned officer, logistics plans non-commissioned officer, traffic management superintendent, logistics readiness squadron superintendent, vehicle management chief enlisted manager, and operations group superintendent before becoming Command Chief. Thank you for your dedication to the 171st, and I wish you the best in your retirement! See more photos from the retirement celebration here. Urban Search & Rescue Funding Included in Finalized State Budget
The newly enacted state budget included an additional $6 million for Urban Search and Rescue Strike Team 1 (USAR). USAR is an invaluable resource to the safety and emergency response preparedness of Southwestern Pennsylvania residents, which is why I fought so hard to create it in 2024 and continue its funding in 2025. While Gov. Shapiro’s state budget proposal cut USAR’s funding, I was proud to work with local first responders to be a vocal supporter of the funding restoration. I’m confident that this funding will help ensure that those who stand ready to protect our communities every day have the resources they need. Learn more about the newly enacted state budget here. International Assistance Dog Week
In honor of International Assistance Dog Week, we recognize the incredible work of service dogs, and raise awareness about how they help vulnerable individuals navigate their daily lives. I always enjoy seeing my friend, Craig, and his assistance dog, Foxy, from Life Changing Service Dogs for Veterans, an organization that trains service dogs and matches them with veterans. Foxy is a long-haired German Shepherd who Craig credits as the reason he is alive and well. See more photos of assistance dogs I’ve met throughout my time as a senator here. Mark Miller Retires from Upper St. Clair School District
Congratulations to Mark Miller on his retirement as principal of Eisenhower Elementary School and Supervisor of Elementary Education at Upper St. Clair School District. Since becoming the principal in 2002, Mr. Miller has proven his commitment to the students. The Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals named him Pennsylvania’s 2010 National Distinguished Elementary School Principal. He also earned the Pre K-12 Educator of the Year Award in 2010 from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education. Thank you for your dedication to our students in Upper St. Clair – enjoy your well-deserved retirement! See more photos from the citation presentation here. Touring Enterprise Mobility at Pittsburgh International Airport
I had the pleasure of touring the state-of-the-art Enterprise Mobility facility at the Pittsburgh International Airport to learn about their impact on Southwest Pennsylvania. By providing convenient access to rental cars, Enterprise Mobility and services like theirs at PIT help connect travelers from all over the world with the greater Pittsburgh region. See more photos from the tour here. Pennsylvania Has New Tools to Solve Violent Crimes
Law enforcement agencies will be able to access new tools to boost clearance rates for homicide and other violent crime cases through a new state law. The Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act was enacted with the new state budget. The law establishes a grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to help police hire and retain detectives and investigators, and upgrade technology used to analyze evidence. Solving more violent crimes will help make communities safer by getting offenders off the streets while also serving as a deterrent to would-be criminals who know their crimes will not go unanswered. Learn more about this year’s state budget here. National Night Out
Every year, I enjoy attending National Night Out events throughout the 37th district. This yearly event brings together our law enforcement and the communities they serve to build strong relationships. Thank you to our law enforcement officers in the 37th district, across PA, and around the country for everything you do to keep us safe! See highlights from years past here. State Budget Boosts College Tuition Assistance
Under the new state budget the legislature recently passed, the maximum PA State Grant award has increased to the highest amount in program history, helping students across the commonwealth and their families pay for higher education. For the 2026-27 fiscal year, the maximum award is $6,000, up from $5,750, the amount it’s been for four years. The funding is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Each year, PHEAA’s board reevaluates the awarding formula by analyzing several factors, including tuition costs, the effect of inflation on family incomes, the number of expected applicants, and recommended funding for the program as part of the annual budget process. Read more about the PA State Grant program here. Upper St. Clair Robotics Team in the NewsI’m very proud of Team TeraBridges, a robotics team from Upper St. Clair School District, for earning top honors in TWO international competitions! Their work is not only award-winning, but it’s helping real people in our local community. Read more from the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette about Team TeraBridges and their recent wins here. Grand Re-Opening of #1 Cochran Technological Excellence Center
Congratulations to Rosedale Technical College on the completion of a yearlong renovation of the #1 Cochran TechEx Center. This exciting transformation will allow Rosedale Tech to educate more students for high-demand technical careers in automotive and collision repair. Rosedale Tech is a vocational and technical school in Pittsburgh that strives to provide students with live, in-person, hands-on vocational training to learn their skill of choice, such as collision repair, carpentry, welding, etc. The renovation was made possible through funding from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). See more photos from the re-opening here. Red Tape Slashed for PA Cosmetology Workers
Legislation to streamline licensing for the cosmetology workforce has been signed into law, a major step in addressing Pennsylvania’s ongoing workforce shortages. Act 43 of 2026, which I was proud to support, authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Cosmetology Licensure Compact (CLC). The CLC is an interstate agreement that makes it easier for licensed cosmetologists — who provide treatments for hair, skin, and nails — to obtain a multistate license and work in participating states without unnecessary red tape. It also ensures cosmetology professionals in active-duty military families face no burdensome licensure requirements in compact states. Pennsylvania is the 13th state to enter the compact, joining neighboring states Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. Read more about this new law here. Booking a Tour of Your State Capitol
Summer is a great time to tour your state Capitol, a National Historic Landmark featuring Renaissance designs, paintings, stained glass, and furnishings by some of the best artisans in the world. Scheduling in advance is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome according to availability. Tours take approximately 30-45 minutes and are limited to 40 guests total per tour. Self-guided tours are also an option on weekdays, but do not take place on weekends and holidays. More than the seat of Pennsylvania’s government, the Capitol is a magnificent symbol of the hopes and vision of the commonwealth that gave birth to a nation. Find details and book a tour here. Purple Heart Day
On August 7th, we recognized the brave men and women who were killed or wounded by enemy action while serving in the United States Armed Forces. National Purple Heart Day was first observed in 2014, but the medal dates back to 1782 when it was first designated by George Washington as a Badge of Merit. General Douglas MacArthur received the first modern Purple Heart for his service during WWII, and since then, over 1.8 million have been awarded. Let us all take a moment to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who have received the Purple Heart. Happy 236th Birthday to the U.S. Coast Guard
On August 4th, we celebrated the U.S. Coast Guard’s 236th birthday! I am thankful for the brave men and women who serve to protect our homeland and make countless sacrifices for our freedoms. I was proud to previously join the 60-member crew of the Cutter Osage Sewickley in a wreath laying ceremony for Memorial Day. The station is part of the 8th District of the U.S. Coast Guard. Thank you for your service! See more photos from the event here.
I’m proud to represent you in Harrisburg. Please contact me if my team can assist you with any state-level issues or services, including PennDOT, PA Department of Revenue, PA Department of Aging, PA State Treasury, etc. I’m always happy to hear from constituents, but if you need assistance or have concerns regarding a federal issue, you may want to contact your U.S. Senators and/or your member in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank you. |
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