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In this Update:
Community Highlights
A pillar of the community! February 8th was Thomas Taylor Day in Oakdale. Mr. Taylor has been involved in the Boy Scouts of America for nearly 60 years and has been Scoutmaster for Oakdale Troop 248 since 1976. Over the decades, Tom has inspired, guided, and mentored an incredible 177 scouts to the rank of Eagle Scout. The Taylor Family roots in Oakdale run eleven generations deep. Thank you for your incredible community dedication, Tom!
Congratulations to my friend Troy Riddle of Collier Township Emergency Medical Services on receiving his newest family member! Rocky was donated by Erin and Colin Zedreck of Canines for Courage, an organization that donates English Labradors to Veterans and First Responders. Thank you for all you do for the community, Troy.
10,000 loaves a day! I enjoyed a great tour of Mancini’s Bakery and had the pleasure of meeting my constituents Nick and Mary. We discussed their legendary 100-year-old family business and I even got to try making my own loaf of bread! Budget Hearings Begin Next Week
The process of developing the 2025-26 state budget continues with three weeks of budget hearings held by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Hearings begin Tuesday with appearances by the Department of Revenue, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, State Police, Department of Health, Department of State and Department of Transportation. I will share updates on this important process each week. The hearings will review Governor Shapiro’s plan and will ask administration officials about the need for any proposed expenses. From there, the legislature will work to enact a budget that appropriately reflects the needs of taxpayers. Senate Votes to Strengthen Penalties for Harming PA Public Transit Operators
Legislation strengthening penalties for people who harm public transit operators was approved by the Senate and now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 210, which I proudly co-sponsored, would create a new offense for interfering with the operation of a public transit vehicle. Offenders causing serious bodily injury or death would face a felony of the first degree, while interference resulting in bodily injury, or the fear of imminent harm would be classified as a felony of the third degree. The legislation aims to protect transit workers, passengers and the general public. It sends a strong message that violence against public transit operators will not be tolerated, and those responsible for putting others’ safety at risk will face severe consequences. This is an important step in safeguarding the well-being of public transit operators who serve communities across Pennsylvania. Bill Ensuring Great Care at State Veterans’ Homes Passes Senate
To ensure high-quality health care and well-being of veterans, the Senate unanimously passed legislation that would enhance oversight at Pennsylvania’s six state veterans’ homes. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. With passage of Senate Bill 129, advisory councils would have 15 members, including a family member of a current or past resident. Nominees would be veterans from the surrounding communities. Advisory councils would make recommendations about resident care, management, operations and compliance of facilities to the state adjutant general. The bill would also require the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to provide a subject matter expert for each of the advisory council’s meetings and an annual report to the General Assembly. To increase transparency, it would also stipulate that councils comply with open meeting requirements. Emergency Alerts Keep You Safe and Prepared
You can sign up to receive CodeRed alerts about severe weather and emergencies at your chosen locations, building alerts, health notifications and other timely updates from state and federal agencies. A CodeRed weather warning will automatically alert you if your address falls in the path of severe weather, as determined by the National Weather Service. Get alerts by phone, text or email and using your home address and/or work by signing up online. If you no longer wish to receive alerts, you may opt out of certain or all alerts from CodeRed at any time. Upcoming Property Tax, Rent Rebate Clinic
My office will host another property tax/rent rebate clinic on Friday, February 21 at the Northland Public Library. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling the library at 412-366-8100. Income thresholds have changed for the 2024 rebate. More information can be found on the PA Department of Revenue’s website here. American Legion Appointments Available in My Office
My office continues to offer monthly veterans services appointments with a department service officer from the American Legion. Appointments are available on the second Tuesday of every month from 10 AM-3 PM. The service officer will be available by appointment to answer questions and provide guidance on health care, disability claims, GI Bill programs and other veteran-related benefits. If you are a veteran or veteran family member seeking assistance and are interested in an appointment, please call my district office. My contact information is available here. Happy Presidents’ Day!
On Monday, Feb. 17, we recognize Presidents’ Day. The holiday initially honored the birth of President George Washington, who established many of the traditions and precedents of the presidency. Now, it gives us an opportunity to remember all United States presidents. Because of the holiday, my offices will be closed with normal business hours resuming on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
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