|
||||
|
In this Update:
Over $6 Million Heading to 46th District Projects
This week more than $5.7 million in state grants have been awarded to communities across the 46th Senatorial District through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s (CFA) Local Share Account (LSA) Program and state grants totaling $265,000 have been awarded to support park and recreation improvements through the CFA’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP). The GTRP grants were funded using natural gas drilling impact fees and not taxpayer dollars. You can learn more about these two projects by visiting my website for more information. The $5.7 million in LSA funding will support a wide range of projects focused on public safety, infrastructure, environmental protection, municipal services and recreational improvements in Greene and Washington counties. The LSA Program uses gaming revenue to support projects that advance community improvement, public interest and economic development. You can learn more about all of these projects by visiting my website for more information. Touring Canon-McMillan’s Flagship Middle School Facility
It was a pleasure visiting with Canon-McMillan School District officials to tour the middle school that opened in 2023 and truly showcases what’s possible when student experience is the priority. I was especially glad to officially meet with Dr. Greg Taranto, Superintendent of Schools, who has been doing a fantastic job since stepping into the role following the retirement of longtime superintendent Michael Daniels. His leadership, along with a dedicated administrative team and school board, is clearly making a positive impact across the district. Canon-McMillan Middle School is proudly viewed as the flagship facility for Canon-Mac, and that vision is beautifully captured in the artwork behind us in the first photo. The painting was created by the Middle School Art Club and represents their commitment to leading the way in every aspect that shapes the best possible experiences for students. What a meaningful and inspiring touch. Pictured with me from left to right is Dr. Joni Mansmann, Director of Business & Finance (CMSD); Julie Chandler, School Board Vice President; Liz Gump, School Board President; Dr. Greg Taranto, Superintendent of Schools (CMSD); Kevin Busher, Chief Advocacy Officer (PA School Boards Association); and Dr. Scott Chambers, Deputy Superintendent (CMSD). Nearly $600,000 in Neighborhood Assistance Program Grants for 46th District
Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) grants have been awarded to organizations in Washington and Greene counties to support housing, workforce development, education, community revitalization and services for low-income residents. The grants were approved by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) as part of NAP, which encourages partnerships among nonprofit organizations, businesses and local communities to strengthen distressed areas and support individuals and families most in need. Through NAP, businesses receive tax credits for investing in community-based projects, helping ensure long-term, locally driven success. You can review all of the projects by visiting my website. Each of these projects represents a meaningful investment in our communities, whether it’s revitalizing Main Streets, expanding access to education, supporting workforce development or meeting basic needs for families. The Neighborhood Assistance Program empowers nonprofits and private partners to work together in ways that deliver lasting benefits to the people we serve. Listening to Local Leaders
*Photo courtesy of Independence Township Thank you to the Independence Township officials for the warm welcome, thoughtful conversation, and generous hospitality. I truly appreciate the opportunity to discuss the challenges facing your community, from infrastructure and emergency services to grant opportunities and legislative support for rural townships. I’m grateful for your partnership and look forward to continuing these conversations as we work together to serve the people of Independence Township and all of the 46th District. Successful Start for New Program Connecting Young Pennsylvanians to High Demand Careers
The first year of the Grow PA program to help connect young people to quality careers in Pennsylvania has been a tremendous success, according to statistics from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program was created by the legislature last year to help reverse the trend of young Pennsylvanians seeking education and job opportunities in other states. The program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who agree to attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in an in-demand occupation and work in that occupation in Pennsylvania after graduation. PHEAA reports more than 11,000 applications for Grow PA in the first year. More than 4,000 applicants have already received grants, and another 2,300 applications were approved through early December. The average award per student was $4,650. The top programs of study in the first year of Grow PA included registered nursing, early childhood education, business administration and management, biological sciences and accounting. Next year’s application period is expected to open in early February. Committee Examines CDLs and REAL IDs Being Issued to Illegal Immigrants
The Senate Transportation Committee held a public hearing to examine commercial vehicle safety and nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) following recent claims of CDLs and REAL IDs being issued to illegal immigrants. Pennsylvania law bans regular and commercial driver’s licenses for anyone unlawfully present in the commonwealth. Last month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested an illegal immigrant from Uzbekistan wanted for belonging to a terrorist organization. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) issued him a CDL with a REAL ID indication in July. The committee examined commercial vehicle safety and nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses with driving advocates, along with officials from PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police. You can view the hearing and read testimony here. Dec. 31 Deadline for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program The deadline to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is Dec. 31. Eligible residents could qualify for up to $1,000 (plus supplemental rebates for qualifying applicants). The program provides financial relief to older adults and people with disabilities who paid property taxes or rent in 2024. To qualify, applicants must be age 65+, widows/widowers 50+ or individuals with disabilities 18+, and their household income must be $46,520 or less (excluding half of Social Security income). Applications can be submitted online, by mail or in person, or by calling 1-888-222-9190 for assistance. My office is also available to help you apply for this rebate. It’s Annual Dog License Time
The deadline to purchase an annual license renewal for your dog is Jan. 1, 2026. Many counties allow you to purchase a lifetime license. Licensing fees help the millions of dogs in Pennsylvania by funding the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement. If your dog gets lost, a current license is the fastest way to get your dog back home. Dogs must be licensed at the point of adoption or purchase, or at three months if no transfer of ownership has taken place. Annual licenses can be purchased online from your county treasurer in one location here. Assistance Available to Help Rural Communities Fight Wildfires
State grants are available to volunteer fire companies to help protect rural communities from wildfires. Eligible applicants include local firefighting forces in rural communities with fewer than 10,000 residents. Funding can be used for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires. Recipients are selected based on vulnerability and adequacy of existing fire protection, with a focus on improving volunteer readiness and protecting lives and property in under-protected areas. Administered by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the maximum grant award in 2026 is $15,000 per fire company. Applications must be submitted electronically through DCNR’s grant website by Dec. 31. Happy Hanukkah
This week, Jewish families across our district are celebrating Hanukkah, the festival of light dating back more than 2,000 years, when the Jewish people won a battle against the Greeks to practice their religion freely. I wish everyone celebrating Hanukkah a time of warmth and appreciation with family and friends.
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 |
