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In this Update:
Community HighlightsSHAMROCKING! One of the largest celebrations of Irish heritage in the nation takes place right here! I am very much looking forward to marching in today’s Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Enjoy a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day weekend!
IMPROVING THE DISTRICT! I was honored to host municipal leaders from communities throughout Senate District 37 at my Grant and Resource Workshop this week. Thank you to our experts from PENNvest, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PennDOT, Southwestern PA Commission, PA Department of Community & Economic Development, and PA Department of General Services for providing information on how municipalities can tap state and federal funds for local improvements and projects. These efforts can help alleviate the cost of water & sewer upgrades, parks & recreation, municipal facilities, roadwork, and more. Thank you to the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters for allowing us to use conference space at their fantastic training center off the Parkway West.
READING IS FUNDAMENTAL. Had a great time reading to 4th graders at William Penn Elementary School in Bethel Park. I chose the book: ‘What If You Had Animal Feet’ by Sandra Markle. The feet of the ‘Green Basilisk Lizard’ were my favorite. Who wouldn’t want to run across a pond?
SO MANY REASONS TO STAY. Allegheny County is quickly becoming a favorite vacation destination for many travelers from outside our region. I was happy to talk about efforts to attract visitors and keep them as new neighbors during VisitPITTSBURGH’s recent ‘Hospitality & Tourism Legislative Summit’ in Moon Twp. I am proud to sponsor SB845 which would establish tourism improvement districts, SB497 which is my Max Manufacturing Bill, and efforts of the airport area’s world-class high-tech ecosystem, Neighborhood 91. TO BEST SERVE YOU! I am proud to announce that my staff is offering Office Hours at the Bradford Woods Borough Building this Wednesday, March 20 from 10a-3p. We are always happy to assist you with any state-related services including: PennDOT, transit, senior services, PA birth and death certificates, and much more. Please call 412-785-3070 to make an appointment. Walk-ins accepted. Other Bradford Woods dates include April 17 and May 15. Also, our satellite office at Sewickley Municipal Hall is open on the second Thursday of each month. Next date: April 11. Senate Finishes Review of Gov. Shapiro’s Budget Proposal
The Senate Appropriations Committee finished the last of its review of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal, which totals more than $48.3 billion and would increase state spending by 7.1% above the current year’s budget. The Department of Revenue and Governor’s Budget Office hearing focused on the report issued by the non-partisan Independent Fiscal Office that indicates a $24 billion gap between Gov. Shapiro’s spending plans and the revenue the state expects to collect in the next five years. Gov. Shapiro has proposed spending $4 million to pay the medical debt of certain Pennsylvanians. Committee members at the Department of Health hearing asked for more details on how the money will be distributed and if the program will necessitate additional staffing. Having completed the official review of Shapiro’s budget proposal, the Senate will use its findings from the hearings to craft its own spending plan, with the goal of enacting a final 2024-25 state budget. Find video and recaps of every budget hearing at PASenateGOP.com. PennDOT Shares Roadwork Info with Motorists
As the weather improves, there will be more roadwork. To inform motorists about construction projects that are underway, beginning this year or being bid, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation offers an informational portal. It has a mapping application for highway and bridge projects that allows users to obtain information about roadwork projects. For travel information, visit www.511pa.com or call 5-1-1. 511PA is Pennsylvania’s official travel information service, which provides travelers with reliable, current traffic and weather information, as well as links to other transportation services. Protect Your Family from Dangerous Radon
Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas that can enter your home from the ground through cracks in the foundation. It increases cancer risks and is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Pennsylvania has one of the most serious radon problems in the country. Approximately 40% of Pennsylvania homes have radon levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s action guideline. Find information how to test your home’s radon level and find certified radon mitigation contractors here. Help is Available for Problem Gambling
Problem Gambling Awareness Month, observed in March, promotes prevention, treatment and recovery services. Sadly, hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians experience gambling-related problems, including family, financial, legal and emotional issues. Gambling problems can be mild or very serious, and can worsen with time. Individuals seeking treatment for compulsive or problem gambling can call Pennsylvania’s helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) to connect with local help. People can also text 1-800-522-4700 or live chat. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Saint Patrick, who lived in the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to the country. Even though the Irish have observed St. Patrick’s Day as a religious holiday for more than 1,000 years, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade actually took place in America. Records show the first parade was held on March 17, 1601, in a Spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, Fla. “May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.” – Irish blessing
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