|
||||
|
In this Update:
Free Clean Slate Legal Clinic on April 24I am partnering with Summit Legal Aid, the Washington County Bar Association, and Washington County Department of Human Services to host a Free Clean Slate Legal Clinic this Friday, April 24th on the second floor of the Landmark Building at 75 E. Maiden St. in Washington, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. At the clinic, volunteer attorneys and Summit Legal Aid staff will provide free consultations to individuals seeking guidance for clearing their past criminal records through expungements, pardons, or record sealing (Clean Slate). Additionally, attorneys will be available to provide free, personalized legal help with navigating PennDOT driver’s license restoration requirements, appeals, probationary licenses, occupational limited licenses, and ignition interlock licenses. This clinic is part of a broader effort to remove legal barriers that prevent many people from pursuing opportunities that can enable them to fully participate in their communities. Access to a valid driver’s license is equally critical. In our region, reliable transportation is essential for maintaining employment, attending medical appointments, and supporting a family. By restoring driver’s licenses through this clinic, Summit Legal Aid can help people regain stability and their independence. Walk-ins will be welcome at this event, but pre-registration to meet with an attorney is strongly encouraged. To register, visit https://summitlegal.org/events/clean-slate-clinic/ or dial (724) 225-6170 to speak with Summit Legal Aid’s intake team. Focus on the 46th
Last week I presented the American Legion Hunt-Kennedy Post #639 in Claysville with an official Senate Citation of Congratulations marking their 107th Anniversary. Thank you to all of our amazing veterans who sacrificed for the preservation of our great country.
I also recently visited West Greene School District with Superintendent Eric Gaydos to see the new developments in their classrooms and programs. It was clear that students here aren’t just learning; they’re putting their skills into action. We stopped by the school’s entrepreneurship program, where students design and make everything from banners and T-shirts to mugs and trophies. They’re picking up valuable technical skills and real business experience by serving actual customers and meeting real needs in the community. In the science lab, Mr. Stephen Shamay showed us an advanced interactive anatomy table that lets students explore the human body layer by layer, down to detailed, real-life scans. They can simulate everything from basic anatomy to complex medical scenarios like heart conditions, giving them experience with tools and ideas usually found in college. We also saw simulations of nuclear energy, environmental impacts, and chemical reactions that would be impossible or unsafe to do in a regular classroom. In another lab, the CSI: West Greene team practiced forensic science techniques, analyzing fingerprints and learning how to identify different patterns. They were getting real experience in investigative science. One of the most interesting stops was learning about their scanning electron microscope program. Students prepare samples, coat them, and analyze them at a microscopic level to study things like mold and soil composition. Many people don’t get these opportunities until college or even later. I also want to highlight the school’s agriculture program, which includes nearly half of the students. From greenhouse operations and floral design to welding, animal science, and soon drone certification, these students are learning skills that lead directly to careers. The strong community support for this program is clear and shows in their success. I think it’s common to assume rural schools have fewer opportunities. West Greene shows the opposite is true. With creative teachers, strong community partnerships, and eager students, this district is creating opportunities. Thank you to the teachers, administrators, and especially the students for welcoming me into your classrooms. You gave me a lot to be proud of and even more to look forward to in the future.
This week I attended the Quarterly Meeting of the Greene County Association of Township Officials. I highlighted the importance of municipalities working together and collaborating to move projects forward to the state level. Strong communication between townships and state agencies is key. I encouraged local officials to continue pursuing available state funding and reminded them that my office is always here to support those efforts every step of the way. This group of dedicated public servants is crucial to delivering essential local services, managing finances, ensuring public safety, and maintaining infrastructure. They also serve as the direct link between residents and government by setting ordinances, overseeing budgets, maintaining roads, and providing public services. I especially want to thank the leadership of this group for the kind invitation – I always enjoy my time with you. Thank you, Jeff Sholtis, for inviting me to address the attendees. Hearing Explores Approaches to Expanding Access to Dental Care Across PA
Efforts to expand access to dental education and reduce barriers to entry to address severe workforce shortages in dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants were the focus of a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee. Almost a third of Pennsylvanians already don’t receive regular dental care and more than 22% of the commonwealth’s dentists are age 65 and older and nearing retirement. The hearing featured dental professionals, educators, insurance companies and other advocates who gave their perspectives on how dental workforce shortages harm public health and shared successful strategies that encouraged more people to pursue these careers. Video of the hearing and written testimony can be found here. Keeping Our Families and Communities Safe
A year ago this month, the Senate took decisive action on several bills to keep our families and communities safe. Among the bills we passed are Senate Bill 92, known as Tyler’s Law, to impose tougher penalties on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose; Senate Bill 490 to prohibit non-monetary bail for the most dangerous individuals; and Senate Bill 347 to prohibit so-called “safe injection sites” – which endanger our neighborhoods in Pennsylvania. I voted for these bills because there is a clear and urgent need to give our law enforcement community new tools to combat these serious issues. Unfortunately, although the Senate passed all three bills with bipartisan votes, they continue to sit in the state House of Representatives waiting for action. It’s time for the House Democrats to advance these bills, and I will continue pushing for strong legislation to make our communities safer. Student Teachers Can Apply for Assistance Through PA Support Program
Planning to be a student teacher in 2026-27? The Student Teacher Support Program provides financial assistance in return for help alleviating Pennsylvania’s pressing teacher shortage. It provides $10,000 to eligible student teachers and up to $2,500 to teachers who mentor them. Recipients must commit to teaching in Pennsylvania for three years following the completion of their teaching certification. Selection will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis based on when the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency receives a completed student application. Learn more and apply here. New Specialty Plate Helps Preserve Pennsylvania’s Heritage
Pennsylvania drivers have another special fund license plate to put on the back of their vehicles: the Preserve Our Heritage plate featuring the Liberty Bell and Pennsylvania Bank Barn. Built from about 1790 to 1900, these barns were banked and set into a hillside and became symbols of Pennsylvania’s agricultural roots. The plates are available for cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of 14,000 pounds or less. Each plate costs $64, with $23 going directly to support the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s education and exhibit programs. You can find the plate and order it here. You Can Help Deliver Senior Services in Our Area
Delivering meals, being a senior companion and other roles are open to volunteers of all ages and abilities with the state Aging Services Network. You can learn new skills, make friends and help others through these programs:
Find out more and apply online here or contact the local Area Agency on Aging to see where help is needed in our area. National Donate Life Month
You can save up to eight lives through organ donation, restore sight to two people through cornea donation and heal more than 75 people through tissue donation. While the vast majority of Americans support donation, many overlook the important step of registering their decision to be a donor. Donate Life America has plenty of useful information on this lifesaving topic. Find out how to add the Organ Donor designation to your driver’s license or ID card 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 |
