Recent News
E-news Updates – August 29, 2026
In this Update: Kittanning Senior Expo Dayton Fair Kittanning Township VFD Anniversary Celebration Bill Protecting Fairness in Women’s Sports Awaits House Action Treasury Launches New Financial Education Hub Avoiding Student Loan Forgiveness Scams Job Opportunities for Nurses at PA Veterans Homes Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Accepting Applications for 2027 Kittanning Senior Expo It was a […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – August 22, 2026
In this Update: Responsible and Transparent Data Center Policies Saltsburg America 250 Celebration and Parade State Funding to Help Keep Allegheny River Locks Open Flag Presentation School Bus Safety Legislation Awaits House Action Schools Can Apply Now for Safety, AED Training Grants Strategies to Prevent Electric Bill Spikes Highlighted at Senate Hearing What to Know […] [Read More]
Responsible and Transparent Data Center Policies
Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) issued the following statement regarding responsible, transparent, and effective data center policies in Pennsylvania: [Read More]
E-news Updates – August 15, 2026
In this Update: Dedication of the New Snyder Hill 911 Communications Tower National Night Out – Northern Westmoreland County A Great Day in Punxsutawney! Indiana County Veteran Celebrates Birthday Milestone Felony Murder Sentencing, PA Crime Highlighted at Senate, House Hearing Empowering Parents with Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Understanding Digital Threats to Children Reporting Suspected Benefits […] [Read More]
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𝐄𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 🚒
Congratulations to Elderton District Volunteer Fire Company for 75 years of service protecting people and property! The VFC members and the local community recently gathered to celebrate the anniversary with a picnic to thank the dedicated #volunteers for their unwavering #service and sacrifice to the #community.
I was pleased to present Fire Chief David Plavi and Elderton VFC members with a Senate citation to recognize this milestone anniversary. Best wishes for many more years of outstanding community service!
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧
I was pleased to present the Allegheny River Development Corporation (ARDC) with a check for $100,000 to help support efforts to keep locks open on Armstrong County’s portion of the Allegheny River. The funding was approved by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The Allegheny River is a great resource for Armstrong County, but if the locks on the river don’t remain open, it will have an extremely negative impact on #recreational opportunities and local businesses. I am happy to have worked with PA State Rep. Abby Major to get the ARDC needed funding to benefit recreational boaters, #tourism and the region’s economy.
📸𝑃𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 – 𝑆𝑒𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝐽𝑜𝑒 𝑃𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑚𝑎𝑛, 𝑀𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝐹𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑠 (𝐴𝑅𝐷𝐶 – 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡), 𝑅𝑒𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐴𝑏𝑏𝑦 𝑀𝑎𝑗𝑜𝑟, 𝐾𝑖𝑚 𝐹𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑠 (𝐴𝑅𝐷𝐶 – 𝐵𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑀𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟) and 𝐷𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑑 𝑉𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑒 (𝐴𝑅𝐷𝐶 – 𝐵𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑀𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟)
𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 🏆
I had a great time visiting the Great Dayton Fair and participating in the Junior #Livestock sale! Here are some of the youth winners and participants I had the pleasure of chatting with:
🐖Braelyn Scott’s 270lb County Bred Pig, placed 3rd in her division; Braelyn is from the Tri -County 4-H club.
🐑Hunter Claypoole’s 154lb County Bred and Home Bred market sheep was the Reserve Champion County Bred. Hunter is from the Triple S 4-H club.
🐐Airiana Stubbs with her Grand Champion Home Bred Goat
🐐Lucy Hankey with her Grand Champion Market Goat
🐐Avri Watkins was excited to tell me all about his goats!
📸Others pictured: Lennox Harkleroad, Lily Lias with her Highlander Cow named Hickory, Dalton Overly, a 4-H member, and Armstrong County Commissioner John Strate who is also a Fair Board member.
Congratulations to all the youth who participated in the livestock sale and showing of their animals at the Dayton Fair. Your time, dedication and commitment to #4H and your animals is recognized and respected - well done!
𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐕𝐅𝐃 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 🚒
Congratulations to Kittanning Twp. VFD for 60 years of service protecting people and property! The VFD members recently gathered to celebrate this milestone anniversary with a picnic to thank the dedicated #volunteers for their unwavering #service and sacrifice to the #community.
A sincere thank you to long-time member and President, Steve Baker, and his son, Chief Greg Baker, for inviting me to their celebration. Best wishes for many more years of outstanding community service!
𝐏𝐒𝐄𝐀 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
I was pleased to meet with several constituents and members from @psea_org -Central Western Region at my Indiana Office. We discussed ways to strengthen education for #Pennsylvania students.
I appreciated the opportunity to talk about the 2026-27 State Budget, Pre-Act 9 COLA, Cyber Charters, Student Teacher Stipend, Cell Phones, and Education Support Professionals. My thanks to the group for sharing their insights and advocating for policies to support #educators and #students alike.
𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬
“A year ago, Governor Shapiro proudly announced his administration was ‘already all in on AI’ and ‘the future of AI is going to run right here through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.’ His comments today seem aimed at erasing his remarks from last year and underscore how afraid he’s become over his previous record of embracing data centers, only to find out how politically intense the proposals have become. He’s not seriously engaged on this issue, other than what we have seen on his data center-driven social media.
“Data center transparency is of chief importance, which is why we took action on this front as part of the 2026-27 state budget passed by the Senate. While the Senate also passed legislation to revoke the data center sales tax exemption, the House proceeded to amend the measure into something unrecognizable. In addition, work is also being undertaken to position pieces of legislation for further action this Fall. We strongly believe communities need to have the ability to weigh in on what is best for their residents and are open to further discussions, including considering measures to allow for moratorium decisions to be made at the local level.
“The issue of data center development has no doubt taken a center stage here in Pennsylvania. We want all residents to have their voices heard when it comes to this important issue. As our world continues to embrace greater access to technological advancements, the issues of energy development and national security also go hand in hand. Together, I am confident we can work to safeguard our communities, foster economic growth, and build a stronger Pennsylvania for future generations to come.”
𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲 🎂🎉🇺🇸
It is always a great honor to recognize veterans, most especially those celebrating #MilestoneMoments, such as local resident, Fred Decarlo.
Fred was born on July 28, 1926, and celebrated his 100th birthday on July 28, 2026, a remarkable milestone! Mr. Decarlo served our nation with honor and courage during World War II, joining the generation of #Americans whose sacrifice and dedication helped preserve the freedoms we cherish today.
Fred devoted 35 years of service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board with dedication & professionalism. He also shared 73 years of marriage with his wife, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to love, faith, and enduring partnership. Wishing Fred a wonderful and blessed year ahead!
𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 – 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧
I had a great time visiting @peopleslibrarypa in New Kensington and watching an afternoon magic show held as part of the summer programming for children.
Peoples Library has a rich #history in the community as it was started by The Woman’s Club of New Kensington in October 1927. After several location and name changes, it was incorporated as the People’s Library on October 18, 1946. In 1992, a newly built branch was also opened in Lower Burrell.
Libraries, like Peoples Library, provide access to a wealth of knowledge, resources, and technology for people of all ages. Their work plays an important role in helping to foster a love for #reading and lifelong #learning!
Thank you to Library Director, David Hrivnak and staff for the warm welcome and for all you do to serve the New Kensington community!
