|
||||
|
In this Update:
Focus on the 46th
I was grateful to get a sneak peek of the still-being-completed Sally’s Sanctuary at City Mission ahead of next week’s ribbon cutting on Wednesday, September 24. There is an open house from 4-6 p.m. I am proud to have secured an additional $500,000 for this project, which will provide 50 beds and vital services for homeless women and women escaping domestic violence in our community. Pictured with me holding the check (from left to right): Melissa Marion, CFRE, Director of Development; Diana Irey Vaughan, President & CEO; and Leah Dietrich, Director of Residential Programs at City Mission. Highlights from my visit included meeting volunteer Heather Knuth, whose incredible dedication saved the Mission nearly $200,000 by securing furniture donations, signing the first square for a sensory quilt in the new Family Childcare Center, and seeing the donated beautiful landscape painting by renowned artist James Sulkowski that will welcome visitors in the main lobby for years to come. The facility, named after retired Chief Development Officer, Dr. Sally Mounts, represents hope and opportunity, and I’m honored to support it.
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Aliesha Walz, President & CEO of the Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF). Although new to her role at the Foundation, Aliesha is no stranger to Washington County or to philanthropic work in our community. During my visit, I learned about the Foundation’s many accomplishments, the valuable opportunities it provides to our community, and its exciting plans for the future. WCCF recently completed their annual comprehensive Community Needs Assessment review and continues to actively engage with both businesses and nonprofits. This past Thursday, WCCF hosted one of its signature events, WCCF Gives – a leadership initiative that helps local charities secure unrestricted financial support for their missions. The WCCF announced that online donations exceeded $1.4M! Absolutely amazing. The final grant totals for WCCF Gives 2025 will be calculated in the coming days as mailed checks arrive and prizes are distributed. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who donated.
The 2026 Washington County Local Share Account (LSA) Program is now OPEN. All requests are due to the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. You can find the application here. There will be an informational public workshop to review the application requirements and to answer questions relative to the process. All interested applicants are invited to attend: ▸ 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟰, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗮𝘁 𝟭𝟭:𝟬𝟬 𝗮.𝗺.
Last week, I was pleased to join the University of Pittsburgh – Institute of Politics (IOP) for its “Dual Enrollment Symposium,” where we explored new opportunities to strengthen Pennsylvania’s education system and expand access to college and career readiness programs that will help meet our statewide workforce development goals. I discussed my legislation that has expanded access to dual enrollment and shared further legislative efforts to strengthen these opportunities for students. The IOP also released its new report on lessons learned from the “Promising Practices” pilot, which highlighted findings from a two-year study by Pitt’s Learning, Research & Development Center (LRDC) with local school districts, including the 46th District’s Charleroi SD. LRDC’s work showed how removing cost barriers, offering early advising, and expanding course options can open doors for more students to earn college credit while still in high school, a win for both students and families. As a proud board member of the IOP, I truly value the way this organization brings together policymakers, educators, and community leaders to focus on practical, results-driven solutions for Pennsylvania’s future. I was also honored to serve as co-chair of the Task Force on Equity in Dual Enrollment and Pre-apprenticeship Programming, and the lessons we learned continue to guide my work today. It was inspiring to see the progress already being made in our local schools, and I remain committed to helping every student in Pennsylvania access the tools they need to succeed. Senior Expo set for ThursdayLocal seniors can learn more about the programs and services available to older Pennsylvanians at the Washington County Senior Expo sponsored by Southwestern PA Area Agency on Aging. The free event will be held THIS Thursday, September 25 from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Washington Crown Center. Those attending will be able to get information on valuable programs and services available to seniors. There will be prize drawings and entertainment as well. Get free health screenings, win prizes, and visit more than 100 vendors and representatives from local, state, and federal agencies to answer questions and provide information concerning older adults. I am pleased to help coordinate this year’s event with State Representative Tim O’Neal, and the Washington County Commissioners Nick Sherman, Electra S. Janis, and Larry Maggi. Some of the areas of interest will include Social Security, transportation, Medicare, legal services, in-home services, long-term care, unclaimed property, prescription drug take-back and more. My Measure to Help Veteran-Owned Businesses Approved by Senate
Beyond serving our nation in the military, many veterans create jobs through their entrepreneurial spirit. The Senate approved my legislation to promote these veteran-owned businesses. Senate Bill 64 would authorize the creation of a special logo to promote veteran-owned businesses. To be eligible, a business must be registered with the Department of State and at least 51% of the ownership interest must be held by a veteran, reservist or member of the National Guard. To discourage the logo from being used fraudulently, anyone who falsely claims to be a veteran to obtain this designation would face a misdemeanor of the third degree. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Votes to Help Relieve Long-Term Care Worker Shortage
The number of Pennsylvania residents ages 65 and over is expected to nearly double by 2040, but even now many nursing facilities are forced to take beds out of service because they can’t fill direct care positions. The Senate recently passed legislation to tackle this critical problem by making it easier for those seeking employment at long-term care centers while still ensuring employees are well-qualified. Senate Bill 114 would encourage more employees to join the long-term care workforce by expanding the availability of training courses for nurse aides and the eligibility for individuals to take the nurse aide competency exam. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Fire and EMS Funding Assistance Available
Our local fire and EMS companies are committed to saving lives and protecting property, so I’m pleased to announce they can apply now for assistance through the state Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grants program. The funding is available to volunteer or career fire, rescue and EMS organizations and can be used for facility improvements, equipment purchase and repair, debt reduction, training and certification, and more. The deadline to apply is Oct. 20. More information, important dates and the online application can be found here. Expanding Government Transparency with OpenBookPA
The Pennsylvania Treasury has launched an expanded portal for state government transparency, providing taxpayers with more tools to explore state finance details. OpenBookPA’s new features include:
Announced by Treasurer Stacy Garrity earlier this month, OpenBookPA also links to the Treasury Checkbook, which includes payments made by Treasury to vendors and the Contracts e-Library, which makes available state contracts, purchase orders and amendments valued at $5,000 or more for public review. Celebrating Our Precious U.S. Constitution
National Constitution Week runs through Sept. 23, commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, nine years after the Pennsylvania Constitution. Our nation’s most important document, the U.S. Constitution has provided Americans throughout history the power to maintain their liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights. Its stature is evident in the fact that every Pennsylvania legislator takes a solemn oath to “support, obey and defend” both constitutions as a condition for holding public office. Happy Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah begins Monday at sundown. To everyone celebrating the Jewish New Year, I hope it brings thoughtful reflection, personal growth and renewed hope.
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 |
