|
||||
|
In this Update:
Focus on the 46th
*Photos courtesy of Commissioner Electra Janis This week I joined Washington County Commissioner Electra Janis in Speers Borough to meet with local leaders and discuss important community priorities, including the Arentzen Boulevard Bridge. The bridge serves as a critical connection between the borough’s residential neighborhoods and commercial areas, making it an essential route for residents, businesses, and emergency services. It was helpful to hear directly from local officials about how important this infrastructure is to the community. Thank you to Timothy Herd and the borough leadership for taking the time to meet with us. I look forward to continuing to work together to support the needs and future improvements of the community.
During my recent visit to West Greene School District, I met with (Pictured L-R: Center Township Supervisors Paul Cook, Harry Gillispie, Dan Stoneking, and West Greene Superintendent Eric Gaydos) to discuss an important infrastructure project years in the making. This effort will allow the district to connect to Center Township’s sewer system, which is a key upgrade. It will strengthen local infrastructure and help the school avoid the high cost of replacing its 30-year-old treatment system. Projects like this take time. It takes years of planning and teamwork, especially with rising costs and permit challenges. What impressed me most was the strong sense of collaboration in this community. WGSD and Center Township already work together by sharing equipment, coordinating purchases, and finding creative ways to make the most of taxpayer dollars. I am proud to support communities that work together to solve problems and invest in their future. Reliable water and sewer systems are critically important for schools, residents, and future growth in rural areas like Western Greene County. Thanks to the DCED Small Water & Sewer program, Center Township received a $424,970 grant for the project. Congratulations to everyone involved.
In honor of Read Across America Week and as we look ahead to America’s 250th birthday – what better way to celebrate than by reminding our children just how powerful reading can be, while also sharing the incredible story of our nation’s founding? I had so much fun reading “Liberty, Franklin, and Jefferson: The Birth of a Nation” to six first-grade classes at Waynesburg Central Elementary School. The students were engaged, curious, and asked lots of great questions. It was also a great chance to talk with these young students about my work in Harrisburg and explain how government works in a way they could understand. If you would like me to read this story to your kids, you can play this video for them. I would like to thank Ms. Brant for inviting me and for everything you do for your students every day. Also thank you to all of the teachers and staff at Waynesburg Central Elementary. Coffee with Camera
The priorities I represent in Harrisburg are a result of conversations I have shared with residents throughout the district and knowing what matters to people helps me most effectively vote on their behalf. I am inviting residents of the 46th Senatorial District to participate in state-related coffee chat on Thursday, March 19 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Mon Valley Alliance Business Resource Center in Monongahela located at 235 West Main Street. Coffee and refreshments are provided and registration is not required. Senate Budget Hearings Examine Spending Details, Transportation Issues and More
The Senate Appropriations Committee wrapped up two weeks of public hearings on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $53.3 billion proposed state budget, which would increase spending by $2.7 billion, or 5.4%. At the hearings with the Budget Office and Department of Revenue, committee members raised concerns about the level of spending, inefficiencies in state government and the potential consequences of irresponsible budgeting. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s questionable management of public transit and infrastructure projects was the focus of its hearing with the committee. Lawmakers pressed the agency not only on project oversight but also on the growth of funding held in certain accounts and the lack of transparency surrounding how those dollars are being spent. The Public Utility Commission oversees more than 8,000 entities which provide utility services across the state. Committee members raised concerns that Gov. Shapiro’s approach to energy is leading to higher costs for Pennsylvania consumers, while subsidizing lower energy prices in other states in the region. Committee members explored growing prison costs at the Department of Corrections hearing. The budget would increase spending for the department by $142 million. The 4.4% increase comes despite the fact the department is closing two correctional facilities and is 6,000 beds under capacity for the remaining facilities. Committee members focused on how State System of Higher Education universities are working to improve enrollment and efficiency. The panel took testimony from the presidents of Millersville, East Stroudsburg and West Chester universities and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. You can find complete recaps and videos of each hearing here. Bill to Ease Shortage in Long-Term Care Workers Approved by Senate
To help alleviate Pennsylvania’s serious shortage of long-term care workers, the Senate approved legislation to allow high school juniors and seniors to earn graduation credit by working or volunteering in these settings so they can consider a career in this crucial field. Health care leaders and senior advocates strongly support Senate Bill 116 because while Pennsylvania’s population over the age of 65 is expected to nearly double by 2040, the number of long-term care professionals declined by 14% from 2019 to 2022. This bill is part of a bipartisan package aimed at strengthening the long-term care workforce. Along with Senate Bill 114 and Senate Bill 115, it awaits action in the House of Representatives. Family Caregivers Can Find Help Through State Support Program
Caring for a loved one is rewarding but also challenging. If you or someone you know could use some help, the state Caregiver Support Program could be the answer. The state Caregiver Support Program provides relief through respite care, education and financial assistance for eligible unpaid caregivers. Each caregiver is assigned a care manager who will come to the home, conduct a comprehensive assessment of the needs of the caregiver, provide support and work with them to develop a care plan. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply, and find other caregiver resources, from the Department of Aging. Online Filing Option Available for PA Personal Income Taxes
If you’re working on your taxes, keep in mind you can file your Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax return online for free through the myPATH portal. It includes automatic calculators, instant confirmation and secure payment options. You can access many features directly from the myPATH homepage without needing to create a username or password. Additional options are offered exclusively to users who opt to create an account. Learn more from the state Department of Revenue. Supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses
Pennsylvania is one of the top states in the nation for veteran-owned small businesses and Invest in Veterans Week (March 1-7) helps focus attention on these patriotic entrepreneurs. These men and women served our nation and are now providing jobs and economic vitality in our communities. Please keep an eye out for veteran-owned businesses in our area. If you’re a veteran looking to start or expand a business, you can find state and federal resources here.
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://www.senatorbartolotta.com | Privacy Policy |
