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In this Update:
Over $2 Million in Economic Development Grant Funding for Local ProjectsThe Commonwealth Financing Agency (CFA) has awarded $2,549,411 in grants for economic development projects. The grants are part of the Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund (GEDTF). GEDTF Grants for the 37th Senatorial District include:
The grants were awarded by the CFA under its Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund and are dispersed by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County. Senate Passes New Funding for Hospitals, Health Care Workers
The Senate this week approved critical funding for hospitals and frontline health care workers who continue to keep Pennsylvanians safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill was sent to the governor for enactment. It allocates a total of $225 million to hospitals and their employees. The additional dollars will be allocated as follows:
The legislation requires the funding to be directed to retention and recruitment programs for staff. Hospital executives and administration, contracted staff and physicians would not be eligible for payments. Student Loan Relief for Nurses Available through March 1
Applications are being accepted through March 1 for the new Student Loan Relief for Nurses program. Qualified nurses working through the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible to receive student loan relief of up to $2,500 for each year of work (beginning with 2020) for up to three years, with a maximum benefit of $7,500. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency indicates the high volume of applications has slowed the review process, and online applications are not offered. You can learn more about the program and the application process here. Senate Acts to Improve PA National Guard Health Care
Legislation to increase the number of health care providers in the Pennsylvania National Guard was approved by the Senate. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The legislation improves the Medical Officer or Health Officer Incentive Program, which was created in 2014 to provide an education stipend to those who qualified through their time in the armed services. This incentive program began to address the lack of health care providers within the Guard. However, some health professionals, such as dentists and physician assistants, were inadvertently left out of the program. Senate Bill 927 would establish a broader definition of “health professional” to capture those left out of the original program. It would also create education stipend tiers based on the participant’s education level, so that physicians and physician assistants would get a higher reimbursement to help pay down their higher tuition debt. Congressional Redistricting Map Approved by General Assembly
Legislation to redraw the boundaries of Pennsylvania congressional districts to reflect changes in population was approved by the Senate and sent to the governor, who vetoed the measure. The U.S. Constitution requires congressional redistricting following the updated census count every 10 years. The preliminary congressional map was developed after a series of public hearings held by the state Senate and House of Representatives. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Being Accepted
Older and disabled Pennsylvanians can apply now for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2021. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. After checking eligibility requirements, you can file your rebate application online by visiting mypath.pa.gov. Submitting your application online does not require you to sign up for an account. You can check the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program instruction booklet to learn which information you will need to complete the process. Robinson’s Office Hosts SBDC Business Counseling SessionsMy Bethel Park district office will be hosting private and confidential no-cost business counseling sessions with a representative from the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center (SBDC). One-hour appointments are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on these dates: February 10 Please RSVP to 412-785-3070 or mmccauley@pasen.gov. My Bethel Park district office is located at 1700 North Highland Road, Suite 307 Robinson’s Office Hosts Representative from the American LegionMy Bethel Park district office will be hosting a representative from the American Legion to provide information on services available to local veterans. One-hour appointments are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on these dates: February 8 Please RSVP to 412-785-3070 or mmccauley@pasen.gov. My Bethel Park district office is located at 1700 North Highland Road, Suite 307 Out and About in the 37th
This past weekend I attended the Pleasant Hills Volunteer Fire Department’s annual banquet. Our community is grateful for their service. Thank you for having me!
Peters Township High School students challenged me with their insightful questions regarding state government and civics. I also got to tour their beautiful, new high school.
I visited another school in my district, Thomas Jefferson High School. I had a great session answering student questions and and hearing about issues that matter to them. I also toured the school, which boasts its own coffee shop, an impressive theater, and other top-notch facilities.
Senator Kim Ward, Senator Ryan Aument and I toured the IBEW Local 5 Training center. This facility trains electricians in an apprentice program while paying a competitive wage, healthcare, retirement and setting the graduate up with a full time job upon completion with zero cost to the student. It’s also GI Bill friendly!
I had the honor of recognizing my first Eagle Scout of 2022. Congratulations to Billy Wivagg on his achievement! |
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