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In this Update:
Community Highlights
I was honored to speak at the opening for Alina’s Light 5k walk/run. Thank you to all the volunteers and participants who showed up in support for Alina, for a future where protection for victims of domestic violence truly means protection. Learn more about Alina’s Light here.
Congratulations to Bethel Bakery for being a delicious staple of the Bethel Park community for the past 70 years! I wish continued success for many years to come!
I was very proud to watch South Hills battle Monterrey, Mexico in the Pony League World Series! It was a great game full of talented plays and players on both teams.
It was a beautiful day to celebrate Pleasant Hills Community Day! Thank you to everyone who joined us along the parade route and those who stopped by our table during the celebration.
Chief Gary James was sworn in by Bridgeville Mayor Betty Copeland as the new leader of the Bridgeville Borough Police Department. Thank you for your 35 years (and counting) of service to the Bridgeville community!
The Library VFW Post #6664 has been designated as an All-American Post. Congratulations for going above and beyond the standard and for your exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to our veterans and the community!
Thank you to the Veterans Breakfast Club for hosting a gathering this week at Christ United Methodist in Bethel Park. If you served in the US Armed Forces and have questions or needs, please contact my office and we can set up an appointment with our American Legion liaison to help get you answers. Prayers for Clairton Coke Works
My thoughts and prayers are with the workers and families of those injured and killed in the explosion at Clairton Coke Works. Thank you to the first responders who were called to the scene and took swift action to contain the explosion and help those who were injured. A Spending Plan to Fund Critical Needs
Counties, school districts, hospitals and others would receive critical funding from the commonwealth immediately under a bill approved by the Senate, if passed by the House and signed into law As negotiations continue on a final 2025-26 state budget, Senate Bill 160 would provide funding at the levels included in the final 2024-25 budget. If the House of Representatives also approves the bill, the state can immediately begin disbursing nearly $47.6 billion, without the need for any new taxes. Passage of this measure marks an important step forward in this year’s budget process, putting people above politics as budget discussions continue. Many of the line items in the budget are not in dispute, so this is a responsible way to ensure that counties, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, social service providers and other entities receive immediate funding to meet their fiscal needs. Transportation Bill Addressing Funding, Safety, Accountability Approved by Senate
A bill to fund transportation infrastructure and help improve the safety, accountability and stability of Pennsylvania’s mass transit systems was approved by the Senate this week. I shared my support for this legislation on the Senate floor after hearing from many of my constituents who support our transit system. You can see the remarks here. As amended by the Senate, House Bill 257 provides necessary additional funding in a way that protects taxpayers, improves safety on transit systems and implements new accountability measures. Importantly, the plan does this without impacting the General Fund, ensuring other critical programs aren’t threatened in the future. The legislation matches – and exceeds – the governor’s own funding proposal by providing $292.5 million to mass transit this year and another $300 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year. The plan provides the same amount of funding for roadway reconstruction, including for many roads that have been overlooked. Public Hearing Examines Data Centers Development in Pennsylvania
As the development of new data centers accelerates across Pennsylvania, the Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing to review the potential impacts for communities and the economy. The hearing brought together economic development organizations, utilities, environmental commissions, municipal associations and other groups for a discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of establishing data centers. Some testifiers discussed the increased local tax revenue these centers would bring, boosting support for schools and fire departments. Others addressed two widely cited concerns with operating data centers – the demands on local electrical grids and watersheds. You can find a hearing summary, testimony and video here. Assistance Available to Support PA Rail Freight Infrastructure
With 65 railroads and more than 5,600 track miles, Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of operating railroads and ranks near the top in total track mileage. To preserve this essential service and stimulate job creation, the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program provide financial and technical assistance to rail operators and businesses served by rail for investment in freight infrastructure, through new or expanded service. The application period is open until August 29. Eligible applicants can find details and application information here. STEM-Related Activities Available from PennDOT
Summertime or anytime, you can find STEM-related activities for children of all levels with resources from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The material includes a PennDOT-themed coloring book, traffic safety activity book, word searches and crossword puzzles (with answer keys), hands-on activities to help children to think like an engineer and fun games teaching bicycle safety.
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. For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my e-newsletters, you can get on the mailing list here. |
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