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In this Update:
Honoring First Responders and Survivor in Charleroi Trench Collapse Rescue
I joined Senator Devlin Robinson (R-37) along with Reps. Dan Miller (D-42) and Natalie Mihalek (R-40), first responders and members of Pennsylvania Urban Search and Rescue Strike Team 1 (PA-ST1) this week to honor the heroes involved in the lifesaving rescue following the Charleroi trench collapse this summer. The rescue unfolded for roughly five hours to free Vincenzo Lopez, who was trapped in a 15-foot trench in Charleroi. Crews used a vacuum truck to remove surrounding dirt, fitted Lopez with a harness then assisted him with walking out. He was then transported to a Pittsburgh-area hospital. During the rescue, a secondary collapse was prevented by proper shoring, and rescue teams also employed air compressors to loosen soil and worked carefully around a mini excavator already in the trench. The recognition ceremony, held at the PA-ST1 facility in Carnegie, celebrated the skill, courage and coordination that saved Lopez, who was trapped beneath several tons of dirt. Charleroi Fire Department Chief Robert Whiten, Jr. and PA-ST1 Task Force Leader Brian Kokkila were also in attendance. You can watch the entire ceremony by clicking or tapping the image above. Focus on the 46th
This week I had the opportunity to sit down with Charleroi’s local leadership for a very constructive conversation about the community’s priorities and ongoing needs. Together, we discussed a range of topics from roadway repairs and traffic safety concerns to funding for emergency services and public safety initiatives. I will be ensuring that critical work along Route 88 remains a top priority, and we also reviewed issues like GPS routing errors for trucks, signage improvements, and other measures to improve safety for residents and drivers alike. I’m grateful for their pro-activeness and look forward to continuing to work side by side to deliver solutions that make a real difference for the community. Pictured with me from left to right is Chief Chad Zelinsky, Charleroi Regional Police; Joe Manning, Borough Manager; Kristin Hopkins-Calcek, Council President; Jerry Jericho, Council Vice President
While in Charleroi, I joined Jamie Colecchi and the Mon Valley Alliance team to visit the former Davies Ford site, where Gerry Raymond Automotive is leading an exciting redevelopment effort on McKean Avenue. From day one, Gerry and his team have been hard at work transforming the property, bringing new investment to the heart of Charleroi. The Mon Valley Alliance continues to play a vital role in driving business and community development across our region, and projects like this are exactly what the Mon Valley needs to keep growing. Thank you to everyone involved for their commitment to this project, and I look forward to supporting this effort as it moves forward.
Yesterday I sat down with local leaders to listen about the issues and concerns impacting their townships and boroughs. I’d like to thank the supervisors and officials from Hanover Township, Jefferson Township, Smith Township, and Burgettstown, as well as representatives from the Burgettstown VFD, Hanover VFD, and Smith/Slovan VFD, for sharing your insights and local perspectives. I am grateful to the Burgettstown Senior Center for providing us a space to have our discussion. Thank you!
Recently the Greene County Chamber of Commerce held its 4th Annual Legislative Roundtable. My office was glad to participate, along with county and federal representatives. The panel also included the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. Topics centered on the ongoing budget negotiations in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C., as well as the continued effort to reduce regulatory hurdles for businesses investing in southwestern Pennsylvania. The conversation emphasized the need for infrastructure, something I am constantly advocating for in Harrisburg. The future of Greene County is bright, particularly when it comes to energy development. Developing our resources and putting them to work right here in Greene County is key to our collective success. There was also excitement about new and innovative programming within our schools and universities. Thank you to the Greene County Chamber for hosting this event, and a special thank-you to Aaron from the PA Chamber for his detailed presentation.
Last month, AMVETS National Headquarters held their official Key Turnover Ceremony in Washington, marking the completion of Phase One renovations at their new National Headquarters on North Avenue. This milestone formally transferred operational control of the facility from the Rocky Bleier Construction Group to AMVETS National Commander Paul Shipley. It is heartwarming to see the AMVETS family move into its new home here in Washington County. As I shared when we broke ground in December 2024, I could not be prouder that AMVETS chose our community to serve as their national base. AMVETS is a Congressionally-chartered service organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all veterans, their families, and survivors, and this new headquarters will allow them to expand that mission for years to come. We are blessed with more than 14,000 veterans here in Washington County, and countless more across our neighboring counties and tri-state region. It is up to us at every level (county, state, and community) to ensure these heroes know that this is a place where they are loved, supported, and valued. Congratulations to AMVETS on this exciting new chapter! I look forward to returning in March for the official ribbon cutting ceremony.
It was a wonderful autumn morning last week for the Houston Pumpkin Festival Parade. My staff members, Makenzie and Eric, exhausted their candy supply by the end of the parade route!
We recently celebrated Sha Sha Creation’s, located in beautiful Carmichaels, Greene County. Marsha and her team have established a wonderful store just off the square, a place where you can find the perfect gift for every occasion and special creations from local artisans. It was a pleasure to be part of their two-year anniversary and hear about the exciting ideas they have for the future, including their upcoming Christmas extravaganza. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our region, and today we say thank you for taking that leap of faith. As always, a special thank you to the team at the Greene County Chamber of Commerce for hosting the ribbon cutting. It was very special. Harrisburg Happenings
It was a special day at the Capitol as I had the honor of welcoming the Pittsburgh Business Exchange (PBEX) and several remarkable business leaders from our region, alongside Senator Devlin Robinson. Founded by Ethan Nicholas, PBEX brings together professionals, community leaders, and entrepreneurs to strengthen and grow Pittsburgh’s business community. I was proud to be part of PBEX during its very first year back in 2011, and it is incredible to see how much the organization has grown, now representing more than 35,000 members. It was a pleasure to host Ethan and the group of CEOs, presidents, and executives who visited the Capitol and attended the Pennsylvania Chamber Dinner. Their leadership and innovation continue to drive Pittsburgh’s economy forward. You can watch my full remarks from the Senate floor by clicking or tapping the image above.
Last week, we stood with the PA Breast Cancer Coalition at the State Capitol fountain to watch it go pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We are united in our shared commitment to advancing breast cancer awareness, early detection, and access to care. Last session, we were honored to help lead the passage of Act 1 of 2023, a first-in-the-nation law that eliminated cost-sharing for high-risk individuals receiving supplemental screenings, such as MRIs and ultrasounds, and expanded access to genetic testing for hereditary cancers. This session, we are building on that success through Senate Bill 88, which I am proud to co-sponsor. This legislation would align PA law with updated federal guidance and best practices across the country, ensuring that patients at average risk or higher can receive supplemental screenings and diagnostic exams without financial barriers. Early detection saves lives, and we must continue to remove the obstacles that prevent individuals from accessing the care they need. The State Capitol fountain will remain pink throughout October as a powerful reminder of the importance of screenings, awareness, and hope.
With the state budget more than 100 days overdue, we are continuing to push for a responsible budget that respects taxpayers and will not lead to massive tax increases just a year or two from now. Unfortunately, Democrats in the House of Representatives have again proposed an irresponsible plan that seeks to spend billions more than taxpayers can afford by using one-time dollars. The most prudent action for the House to take would be to immediately pass the budget approved by the Senate back on August 12 – that would get money flowing to counties, schools and social service agencies. It’s time to put people above politics. You can watch Senate Republican leaders discuss the impasse by clicking or pressing the image above. Open Government: Tracking How Your Tax Dollars are Spent
Government is funded by money paid by taxpayers, and these resources are available to shed light on how those dollars are being spent by the commonwealth. The PennWATCH website allows citizens to keep tabs on the state budget, spending and revenue. Pennsylvania also makes it easy for people to review state purchases, lobbyist registrations and reports and campaign finance reports. Announced earlier this year by state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, OpenBookPA is a vast resource of data and information related to state finances. It includes the Fiscal Health Scorecard, the daily balance of every state fund and the Contracts e-Library, which allows people to search all state contracts valued at $5,000 or more. Give Your Feedback on PennDOT Construction, Maintenance Services
Through Oct. 21, motorists can take an online survey to give their feedback on Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) construction and maintenance services. The 22-question survey asks participants how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. PennDOT is directly responsible for nearly 40,000 miles of highway and 25,400 bridges. A summary of recent projects and funds spent can be found in the 2024 Annual Report. Expanding Coverage of Breast Cancer Screenings
Earlier this year, the Senate passed a bill to expand insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings, including MRIs and ultrasounds, with no out-of-pocket costs. It was another major step forward in early detection and access to care. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m hopeful the House of Representatives will pass this legislation, so more Pennsylvanians have access to these lifesaving screenings. Read more about breast cancer risk and new resources available for early detection here.
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