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In this Update:
$1 Million in State Grants to Harness Solar Energy
This week three school districts, a career and technology center and an intermediate unit in the region have been awarded state grants for solar energy projects. The grants were awarded through the Solar for Schools Grant Program, created by lawmakers in 2024 and funded through the 2024-25 budget. The grants will help schools cover the cost of preparing the site, purchasing and installing equipment, as well as engineering, administrative, operating and maintenance fees. Washington County
Greene County
The funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development that administers many of Pennsylvania’s economic development and community improvement programs. Investing $250,000 in Washington County Project
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley joined me and local officials at a news conference this week in Washington County to highlight a $250,000 planning grant to the Mon Valley Alliance through the first round of the PA SITES (Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites) program. This is an investment in the Mon Valley’s economic future with a grant to redevelop a former coal mine into a shovel-ready site to host an industrial park that creates jobs for the region. The Mon Valley Alliance will use the planning grant to conduct a feasibility study for a 542-acre site along the Mon Valley Expressway, located above former mining operations. The PA SITES program was developed after soliciting feedback from national site selectors who help companies decide where to relocate and grow. Earlier this month Gov. Josh Shapiro announced the first round of grant funding to energize development throughout Pennsylvania – in Bedford, Berks, Bucks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Fayette, Franklin, Luzerne, Philadelphia, Washington and Westmoreland counties – to attract businesses, investment and good-paying jobs to Pennsylvania. You can watch highlights of the event by clicking the image above. Focus on the 46th
This week I was pleased to be part of the ribbon cutting for Conti Law, Inc. in Waynesburg, Greene County. This is the law firm’s second location, and we are thrilled to welcome another business to the 46th Senatorial District. The team at Conti specialize in estate planning, estate and trust administration, guardianships, elder law, special needs and tax planning. A special thank you to the team at the Greene County Pa Chamber of Commerce for planning the wonderful celebration.
I met with my good friend, Ed Picchiarini, CEO of Arc Human Services located in Canonsburg. Arc is making a difference everyday by serving people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. Ed shared an exciting update on their “Smart Living Home” that features everyday technology that helps people live more independently. I look forward to my tour so we can show it off! I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to Mr. Picchiarini and the entire team at Arc for making a difference in the lives of those you work with – it is inspiring. Senate Votes to Improve Communication About School Safety Issues
To empower parents and increase transparency, the Senate passed legislation to improve reporting requirements about potentially dangerous situations at schools. Senate Bill 246 would require parental and employee notification when there is a weapon on any school property that violates its weapons policy, as well as when there are cases of harassment and bullying. It would apply to public, non-public and private schools. Current law does not require school districts to inform parents about incidents when a weapon is brought onto school grounds or to related activities. The bill is part of a larger Senate Republican initiative to empower families and foster safe communities. It moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Grants Available for Firefighting Equipment and Training
The Office of the State Fire Commissioner has two grant programs that are accepting applications through May 29. Both programs distribute grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Applications should be submitted online. The Emergency Training Center Capital Grant Program awards funds that can be used to establish or modernize facilities, acquire or renovate structures and repair or purchase equipment. Emergency service training centers, community colleges, county-owned facilities, municipal or fire department-owned facilities and nonprofit, countywide associations are eligible. The Municipal Fire Department Capital Grant Program awards money to municipal fire departments to improve structures and firefighting equipment in the commonwealth. PA Offers Free Motorcycle Training
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a great time to sign up for a motorcycle safety course whether you’re a novice or experienced rider. Classes are free for Pennsylvanians who have a motorcycle learner’s permit or motorcycle license. Successful completion of a basic or intermediate course offered by the state waives the requirement to take a skills test at a PennDOT driver license center and automatically earns the permit holder their motorcycle license. Class schedules are coordinated by third-party training providers at locations across the commonwealth and posted online at least four weeks before the class begins. Learn more about Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Safety Program. Rite Aid Customers Can Redeem Gift Cards Until June 6
As a result of a bankruptcy announcement, Rite Aid will accept gift cards, coupons and other Rite Aid rewards through June 6. Returns and exchanges will not be accepted after June 4. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday encourages any consumers who experience issues redeeming their Rite Aid points, coupons or unused gift cards or with returning merchandise to Rite Aid to submit an online complaint to the Bureau of Consumer Protection. They may also contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555. Read more. Remembering the Fallen on Memorial Day
“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” – Unknown To all the men and women who selflessly gave their lives so we can enjoy the freedoms we hold dear, thank you. To the families who are missing a loved one from their lives, please know that loss was not in vain. We remember, and we appreciate the sacrifice.
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