Recent News
Budget Hearing Q&A: Selected SSHE Universities
Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman questions the university presidents during the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing for East Stroudsburg University, Indiana University of PA, Millersville University and West Chester University. [Read More]
Budget Hearing Q&A: PUC
Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman questions PUC Chairman Stephen DeFrank during the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing for the PA Public Utility Commission. [Read More]
Budget Hearing Q&A: Transportation, Part 4
Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman questions Secretary Michael Carroll during the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing for the Department of Transportation (PennDOT). [Read More]
Budget Hearing Q&A: Transportation (Part 3)
Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman questions Secretary Michael Carroll during the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing for the Department of Transportation (PennDOT). [Read More]
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𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐔𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
PA Senate Republicans know #Pennsylvania being a leader in energy production is key to #energy independence and national security. Pennsylvanians have no doubt been forced to deal with the realities and pressures of higher energy costs, which cannot stand. A strong, reliable, and cost-effective energy portfolio across our Commonwealth requires embracing an all-encompassing strategy when it comes to the generation and distribution of power.
During the PA Public Utility Commission budget hearing we took a closer look at the negative impacts of Gov. Shapiro’s energy policies. The PUC oversees more than 8,000 entities which provide utility services across the state. My colleagues and I raised concerns about Gov. Shapiro’s approach to energy leading to higher costs for Pennsylvania consumers, while subsidizing lower energy prices in other states in the region.
PUC Commissioners testified that #electricity generation is lagging well behind demand and more energy production for the grid is desperately needed.
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲
I was thrilled to visit Fort Ligonier, a historic landmark in Westmoreland County. The gracious staff provided a brief overview of their #history and shared information on the new exhibit on the Friendly Fire Incident of 1758 – a pivotal moment in young #GeorgeWashington’s #military career.
The Fort has an exceptional art collection which features original works from the 18th and 19th centuries. It is an incredible asset which gives a wonderful glimpse into the important role our region played in history. My thanks to Director Mary Manges and the dedicated staff for preserving this vibrant piece of our nation’s heritage.
I highly recommend a visit!
𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
The second week of #Pennsylvania Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings began today with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
During the questioning of PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll, serious concerns were raised about the questionable management of public transit and infrastructure projects, as well as on the growth of funding held in certain accounts and the lack of transparency surrounding how those dollars are being spent.
Before asking #taxpayers for more of their tax dollars to be allocated to PennDOT, we need to have a clear accounting of how these billions of dollars are used.
𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡
I enjoyed visiting Northern Westmoreland Career & Technology Center for a tour and conversation with teachers, students, and administrators, about the 13 programs available to #students! The educational opportunities NWCTC offers are quite impressive and relevant to the needs of the #workforce in our region.
Career and Technical Education Programs play a critical role in preparing students for high-demand careers by combining academic knowledge with practical hands-on experience, industry credentials, and #realworldskills, which are so important for workforce readiness. It was wonderful to see so much passion for learning while at NWCTC. Thank you for such an informative tour!
𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐬𝐲𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚
Our region has a long and storied history when it comes to the production of electricity that has powered not only #Pennsylvania, but the entire nation. Over the last several decades we have no doubt seen production of #electricity in our region undergo a significant transition, which has had a substantial impact upon our local communities, labor employees, and their families.
The former Homer City Generating Station site right here in Indiana County is set to become the largest gas-fired power plant and AI data center in the nation. It was great to sit down with Valory Myers from @wjac_tv recently to discuss the Homer City Energy Campus and #EconomicGrowth!
𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 📚
I recently had the pleasure of visiting with students in AP Government and Social Studies classes at Ligonier Valley School District High School. We had good conversations about different aspects of #stategovernment, including becoming an elected official, educational opportunities, and various career paths.
The students had thoughtful questions on #currentaffairs and a variety of issues facing #Pennsylvania. Thank you to, Mr. Brian Blasko, for inviting me to visit his classroom – I enjoyed the time and dialogue shared.
𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐨’𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐞 🛑
Governor Shapiro simply wants to spend too much money in the 2026-27 state budget. Enacting his proposed 5.4% spending increase would take more money away from #Pennsylvania families in future years, when many are still struggling due to the affordability crisis caused by Biden-era inflation.
@pasenategop will keep standing up for Pennsylvania #taxpayers and #families.
𝐈𝐔𝐏 & 𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐂 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 🩺
Indiana University of Pennsylvania and IRMC (Mountains Health) have officially partnered to advance health and #wellness, with a special focus on rural healthcare by recently signing a collaborative agreement.
I was very pleased to be there for the signing and exciting announcement for our region which will:
☑️ Focus on #RuralHealthcare: Addressing challenges in underserved areas.
☑️ Prioritize a Collaborative Approach: Education and healthcare working together for community benefit.
☑️ Strengthen the Long-standing Relationship: This formal agreement builds on years of cooperation.
This collaboration is a great development and means better access and stronger resources, to support the #health of our local communities.
