|
||||
|
In this Update:
Protecting Communities Across Pennsylvania
The safety and security of our communities have and will continue to be key areas of focus for PA Senate Republicans. Under the tenure of the Biden Administration state and local officials across this country sounded the alarm regarding the straining of their resources, the scourge of fentanyl deaths, the tragedy of human trafficking, including children smuggled across the border, and the flow of illegal firearms and dangerous gang members. Collaboration between state and federal government is critical as we work to recover from the disastrous border policies of the Biden Administration and seek to protect lawful citizens. Indiana in the Morning
Thank you to Todd Marino for inviting me to join him on WCCS Radio ‘Indiana in the Morning’ program on Thursday. I appreciated the opportunity to stop by the studio to discuss several key issues impacting our commonwealth, including the state budget, balance of power between the branches of government, transportation issues, energy development, healthcare challenges and the future fiscal stability of Pennsylvania. You can listen to the 13-minute interview here. Armstrong County – Special Olympics Ceremony
It was a thrill and honor to be invited to Armstrong Junior-Senior High School for the unveiling of a banner earned for their commitment to inclusive opportunities for all students. AJSHS is one of only four schools in Pennsylvania to receive this recognition from Special Olympics in 2025. This required meeting 10 rigorous national standards of excellence for advocacy, inclusion, and respect. Congratulations to all students, faculty, and administration at AJSHS for a job well done. Keep up the great work & spirit! Tour of The Elk Brewing Company
I had a great time visiting The Elk Brewing Company in Kittanning for a tour and some fantastic conversation with the team and patrons. It’s always energizing to see local craftsmanship in action and hear the stories behind it. Thank you for the warm welcome, the hospitality, and the engaging discussion—it was a wonderful visit. Jefferson County Visits
It was great to spend time in Jefferson County this week with my colleague Rep. Brian Smith and Commissioner Scott North, making several stops in and around Punxsutawney. Our first visit was to Punxsutawney Area Hospital’s (PAH) new emergency room and lab testing facility. The new ER is up and running while lab renovations continue and are expected to be finalized later this month or early February. PAH is now affiliated with Indiana Regional Medical Center and Armstrong Hospital as part of the PA Mountains Care Network. This improvement project initiative by PAH required significant funding and partnership between local, state and federal entities. Most impressive was the fundraising efforts and commitment of the hospital employees who contributed more than $600,000, affirming their investment in #ruralhealthcare. My thanks to PAH’s T. Clark Simpson, M.D., President and Chief Medical Officer, and Katie Donald, VP of Professional and Corporate Services, for their time, update and tour. The next stop was at the site of a new 911 emergency tower being installed on Snyder Hill, Young Township, replacing an outdated tower. The new tower will provide reliable emergency management communications to Jefferson County and parts of northern Indiana County due to its proximity to the county line. Funding for the tower was allocated through a DCED grant under an LSA award in October 2024. Thank you to Jefferson County EMA Deputy Director Chris Tate for the update and review of emergency operations in the county. Indiana County Fire Chiefs Meeting
It was a pleasure to speak at the Indiana County Fire Chiefs Association meeting held at Cherryhill Township Volunteer Fire Company on Tuesday evening. The ICFC group meets every other month and is a great opportunity for fire departments from Indiana County and neighboring areas to come together to discuss initiatives, learn about new programs, funding opportunities, and receive updates from government officials and other stakeholders. I appreciated the dialogue as well as hearing your concerns – thank you for having me! U.S. Supreme Court Hears Cases on Fairness in Female Athletics
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments in two cases involving state laws designed to safeguard women’s sports. Here in Pennsylvania, I supported the Save Women’s Sports Act, which will ensure athletic teams designated for women are reserved for biological females in Pennsylvania’s K–12 and collegiate sports. Senate Bill 9 reinforces the original intent of Title IX by ensuring female athletes are not denied scholarships, placements or opportunities due to unfair competition from biological males. It acknowledges biological realities and helps guarantee a safe, level playing field for women and girls. The bill passed the Senate in May 2025 and is awaiting action in the state House of Representatives. 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Now Being Accepted
The application period is now open for this year’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, which provides rebates from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is accepting applications for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025. Forms and instructions are available online, and eligible Pennsylvanians are encouraged to file their applications via myPATH to ensure their rebates are processed as quickly as possible. Please reach out to my office with any questions. Your Input Wanted on Program Helping PA Seniors and People with Disabilities
Older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities and their families can find services and support in their community through Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources (PA Link). Public input is wanted on a plan to redesign and improve PA Link. The plan calls for developing performance metrics, expanding call center functionality, deploying volunteers for community engagement and more. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging will hold a listening session Jan. 27, and the public comment period will be open until Feb. 9. You can review the draft plan, submit comments and sign up for the listening session here. Deadline Approaching for PennDOT “Innovations Challenge”
How can artificial intelligence (AI) improve work zone safety? That’s the latest Pennsylvania Department of Transportation “Innovations Challenge” for high school students. Students are asked to develop a concept for the use of AI in work zones to dramatically improve safety for work crews and motorists. The concept should take into consideration cost-benefit information, statewide deployment implications and public outreach. Regional winners will be invited to present their solutions to a panel of judges, who will determine the statewide winners. Teams must submit entries by Jan. 30 for a chance at a prize. Rules and submission information can be found here. Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream
Americans of all colors and backgrounds are bound by a love of liberty, a can-do spirit and other ideals that resonate strongly across the United States. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to recommit to celebrating what brings us together and to seeing each other as fellow citizens, judged by what we do and not what we look like.
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorpittman.com | Privacy Policy |
