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In this Update:
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. 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, allowing the state to 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. 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 the governor and PennDOT have overlooked. Focus on the 46th
Last week the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency and America250PA unveiled Washington County’s fiberglass replica of the Liberty Bell, a stunning work of art created by distinguished artist James Sulkowski. This vibrant piece is part of the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial’s Bells Across PA campaign, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The three-foot-tall bell, titled The American Spirit, will be on permanent display at the Washington County Historical Society.
The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum always hosts incredible events, but this one was Super! Earlier this week, the wonderful staff and volunteers unveiled the newly restored Terrible Trolley, a 1949 streetcar painted black and gold in 1980 after then 9-year-old Kimberly Severs wrote to Pittsburgh Mayor Richard Caliguiri with the idea to celebrate the ’70s Super Steelers. The idea was a hit, and just a few days later, the repainted trolley was presented at a Super Bowl pep rally two days before the Steelers faced the LA Rams in Super Bowl XIV and claimed their fourth championship! Kimberly was on-hand to help celebrate the occasion today. PA Trolley Museum member, volunteer, and great friend of mine, Tom Rooney (cousin of current Pittsburgh Steelers President Art Rooney II) shared a few words on behalf of the Rooney family. It’s easy to imagine the Steelers legendary original owner, “The Chief” Art Rooney, as a regular on the trolley lines in Pittsburgh’s North Side back in 1933 when he purchased the franchise. The Terrible Trolley is back on the tracks just in time to be a major attraction next year when the NFL Draft comes to Pittsburgh. Bring your family, your friends, your neighbors and come ride the Terrible Trolley. Because history is meant to be experienced, pride is meant to be shared, and days like this remind us just how special it is to call this place home! To watch my remarks at the ceremony, click the image above.
Last weekend kicked off the start of the 227th Washington County Agricultural Fair, and I was delighted to present lifelong fair supporter Dave Hapchuk with a Senate Certificate that read in part, “…having supported the principles and industries of Agriculture and Tourism, you have earned the recognition of your peers and the community of Washington County. Your service and dedication should be a great source of pride to you, your family and your community.” Thank You to President Todd Richards and the entire Washington County Fair Board on another wildly successful fair.
PA CareerLink Greene County is hosting a Resource & Career Fair on Tuesday, August 27 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the EQT Rec Center in Waynesburg. Call 724-852-2900 for more information. EQT Rec Center, 400 Evergreen Drive, Waynesburg, PA 15370 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. Help PA Celebrate Your Barn
The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office invites you to contribute to the effort of documenting and celebrating the barns that define our state’s rural traditions. Barns represent the agricultural heritage, craftsmanship and local pride found throughout the commonwealth. You can go here to find out how to submit your photos and background information and have your barn added to the Pennsylvania Inventory of Historic Places.
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