|
||||
|
In this Update:
Focus on the 46th
I was truly grateful to co-host a small business roundtable with the Mon Valley Alliance Foundation at their Business Resource Center. Thank you to Jamie Colecchi, the MVA team, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency, PA American Water, and most importantly – the many local business owners and advocates who took the time to share their experiences. We had an honest and productive conversation about the challenges facing our region’s small businesses, from workforce shortages and rising costs to the need for better training opportunities for our younger folks. I remain committed to bringing resources back to our neighborhoods, supporting job growth, and ensuring the Mid-Mon Valley is positioned for long-term success. Working together, I know we can achieve the generational change our communities deserve.
This week I had a chance to visit with three amazing women regarding legislation that would benefit victims of domestic violence, something I am extremely passionate about supporting. To my right is Elly Sheykhet, whose daughter tragically lost her life to domestic violence. Through the pain and in memory of her daughter, Elly and her husband created Alina’s Light, a non-profit organization that is raising awareness, promoting domestic violence education, and providing emotional and social support for the community. Also in the meeting, to my immediate left, was Sasha Phillips, who is helping to push for legislation that would benefit victims of domestic violence. To my far right was Amanda Mavrakis, a tireless advocate and survivor who is supporting this legislation and credits the Buddi GPS system for her survival.
Congratulations to the best little restaurant and most wonderful family in the Mon Valley, Lenzi’s Restaurant, on celebrating an amazing 85 years of serving delicious food with love and tradition. What started in 1939 with Piacentino and Bertha Lenzi serving hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, and homemade pizza has grown into a community treasure that continues to bring families together around the table, still at the same spot in Monongahela after four generations! I was honored to present a Senate proclamation recognizing this incredible achievement. Here’s to many more years!
I toured a Diversified Energy Company Marcellus Shale dry gas well pad in Washington County to see firsthand how natural gas is safely and efficiently produced to power our communities. We got a close-up look at the advanced technology keeping older wells in top shape, the extensive environmental safeguards in place, and Diversified’s role not just as a leading producer but also as one of the largest well-plugging operators in the country. They’ve responsibly plugged over 400 wells in Appalachia this year alone! This well delivers methane to midstream companies, primarily CNX Resources, and with Marcellus wells producing for 40–50 years, the pad we visited is in its mid-life stage – still producing strong while being carefully maintained for the long term. This industry powers jobs, strengthens our economy, and keeps Pennsylvania moving forward. Thank you to Diversified Energy for your important work right here in our region!
I was thrilled to participate in the 119th Edition of the West Alexander Fair opening ceremony and West Alexander Fair Queen Contest. Congratulations to Tim & Kay McCleery who were named the 2025 Friend of the Fair. Tim & Kay have been staples of the Fair for years and wear many hats, not only during fair week, but all year long. In addition, I want to thank the outgoing Fair Queen, Allee Hoover. Allee has served the Fair and her community well over the last year and is currently a freshman at Penn State University. Congratulations to the 2025 West Alexander Fair Queen, Ashlynn Mankey and Princess Kinsey Kraushaar. Finally, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the entire Fair Board for their hard work and dedication – President John Hunter, Vice President Nelson Ealy, and Secretary Barb Reed as well as the entire board, and countless volunteers have collectively made the West Alexander Fair a success. The fair wraps up today so be sure to stop and visit the 4-H and FFA members, partake in some great fair food, or visit with friends and family! Grant to Reclaim Abandoned Mine in Washington County
This week, a $203,426 state grant to support reclamation work at an abandoned mine land (AML) site in Marianna Borough, Washington County was announced. The funding, awarded to the Natural Streams Foundation, Inc., will be used for project engineering and permitting work to reclaim the site. The project is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage Grant Program. As a member of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, I am proud to support projects that provide both restoration and economic opportunity. This investment will help lay the groundwork for future reclamation, making the land safer, healthier and more useful for generations to come. The grant was awarded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which has invested more than $700 million into reclaiming Pennsylvania’s abandoned mine lands since 2022. Eliminating Waste and Fraud in State Government
Reforming the way state government operates includes removing barriers to creating good jobs and preventing fraud and waste of taxpayer dollars. This year, we passed legislation to implement stricter oversight to block regulations that will cost employers or taxpayers more than $1 million, and require automatic review of these kinds of regulations after three years to ensure they remain in the public interest. Other bills passed by the Senate require the Department of Human Services to prevent fraud in public assistance, prevent dead people from receiving benefits and ensure unemployment compensation benefits don’t go to claimants who try to avoid work. To reduce the risk of data breaches in taxpayer-funded systems, we passed legislation requiring all state IT contracts to meet national cybersecurity standards. You can review all the notable bills we’ve passed in 2025 here. Jobs Available with PennDOT’s Winter Maintenance Program
The coming end of summer means job opportunities for those with the skills to maintain and clear Pennsylvania’s roadways in the winter with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Positions and hourly pay include CDL equipment operator ($23), dispatcher ($17.38), diesel and automotive mechanic ($24.97 – $28.37 based on title), tradesman helper and semi-skilled laborer ($18.46), and more. These temporary positions could be a pathway to a permanent PennDOT career. You can find more background information and links to job openings here. Help for Caregivers: PA CareKit
Caring for a loved one is a selfless act that strengthens family bonds but can be difficult for the caregiver. The PA CareKit can be a great help. From the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, the PA CareKit is a collection of tools and information to help you manage stress, navigate the health care system, stay connected and find support. Topics include the First Five Steps, Understanding Your Needs, Key Caregiving Terms and Concepts, and Caregiving Resources. If you’re a caregiver, I hope you find this information useful for this challenging but lifechanging role. Learn Skills with the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps
Residents ages 15 to 25 can learn new skills, gain job experience and improve public lands with the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps. Skills-building and training opportunities include infrastructure maintenance, habitat restoration, CPR and first aid and more. Interested individuals can learn how to get paid fixing trails, planting trees and more here. National Crime Prevention Week
A key role as lawmaker is passing legislation to combat crime and keep our communities safe. We rely on police to enforce those laws and the justice system to impose punishment when appropriate. National Crime Prevention Week is a reminder of the role citizens play in keeping their neighborhoods safe. The National Crime Prevention Council offers these crime prevention and personal safety tips to help you and your community outsmart potential lawbreakers.
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://www.senatorbartolotta.com | Privacy Policy |
