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In this Update:
Groundhog Day 2026
Click above to watch my latest video clip about Groundhog Day, which is one of Pennsylvania’s best annual traditions! In just a few short days crowds will gather at Gobbler’s Knob in Jefferson County to hear Punxsutawney Phil’s predication for when winter will end. I hope you can join us early in the morning on Monday, February 2, either in person or watching from afar to see the most famous resident of the 41st Senatorial District predict how long we’ll be waiting for spring to come! Veterans Honored in Armstrong County
It was a great honor to pay tribute to several local veterans at a recent ceremony held at Worthington American Legion Post 828. Through their selflessness and tireless efforts, these veterans have safeguarded our freedoms, protected our communities, and inspired future generations to uphold the ideals of service and patriotism. The honorees were:
My thanks to the Veterans honored for their service, and to Armstrong County Veterans Affairs Executive Director Kathy Rashlich and County Commander Harold French for organizing the event – well done! Pittman, Smith & Struzzi Announce Over $2.1 Million in Grant Awards
More than $2.1 million in Growing Greener Grant Awards have been approved for projects in Armstrong and Indiana Counties. “The Growing Greener program plays a significant role in supporting water and environmental initiatives,” Pittman said. “I’m very pleased these local projects are receiving funding to help strengthen our region.” “Indiana County is a beautiful place to live and work,” said Rep. Jim Struzzi. “Investing in our local waterways enhances and strengthens our entire region now and into the future.” “We are blessed to live in a beautiful part of the Commonwealth,” Rep. Brian Smith said. “These projects, and this funding that’s making them possible, are going to help keep it beautiful for generations to come.” The following grants were awarded:
Growing Greener grants are for projects that improve Pennsylvania’s environment. These projects will lead to cleaner water for Pennsylvanians to drink and swim in, improved habitat for fish and wildlife, and less pollution in our streams and rivers. Grants under this program enable local governments, county conservation districts, and non-profit organizations to make Pennsylvania a better place to live and thrive. Growing Greener is the largest single investment of state funds in Pennsylvania’s history to address critical environmental concerns. For the 2025 grant round, 77 projects were selected statewide to restore streams, improve watersheds, and address legacy water pollution from abandoned mine drainage. Hearing Explores AI’s Impact on Pennsylvania’s Biotech Sector
How Pennsylvania can become a leader in harnessing AI to improve lives, fuel the economy and build a sustainable future was the topic of a recent hearing by the Senate Communications and Technology Committee and the Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee. In biotechnology, AI is accelerating research timelines, improving drug development, optimizing supply chains and expanding the frontiers of what’s possible in medical and agricultural science. Pennsylvania has roughly 3,000 life science companies with a $61 billion direct economic impact. The hearing, held at Merck & Co. in Montgomery County, heard from representatives of Merck, Johnson & Johnson, the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University, a biotech nonprofit, a health care technology firm and a neuroscientist start-up, among others. You can view the hearing and read testimony here. Keeping Construction Jobs Local
Legislation to boost the hiring of local workers for public works projects was the topic of a hearing held by the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. Senate Bill 1076 is modeled after existing local hire programs in West Virginia, Montana and Illinois, and specifies at least half of workers on state and local projects exceeding $500,000 must be residents of Pennsylvania or a neighboring county. Contractors can seek a waiver if they’re unable to secure local workers even after utilizing a local PA CareerLink® office for recruitment. Testifiers included representatives of local building trades, contractor associations and others. They discussed how a local hire requirement could help address the skilled trade shortage, save taxpayer dollars, promote accountability within the construction industry and more. You can find video of the hearing here. State Law Requires Removing Ice and Snow from Vehicles
It’s a chore, but removing ice or snow from your vehicle not only improves safety, it’s the law. Under state law, drivers must remove ice or snow from vehicles, including the hood, trunk and roof, within 24 hours after a snow or ice event. It is also illegal to drive with snow and ice obstructing your vision through the front, side or rear windows. It’s a $50 fine for failing to reasonably clear your vehicle and up to $1,500 if dislodged snow/ice causes serious injury or death. The fines were set under “Christine’s Law,” named for Christine Lambert, who died on Christmas Day 2005 when ice from a tractor trailer crashed through her windshield. Celebrating National School Choice Week
The week of Jan. 25-31 is designated as National School Choice Week to recognize the importance of empowering parents and families to choose educational options that meet each student’s unique learning needs. School choice programs like the state’s popular Educational Improvement Tax Credit program – which was expanded this year to help more families in disadvantaged schools – are a key component of Pennsylvania’s efforts to ensure every student reaches their full potential. Education is not a one-size-fits-all experience. National School Choice Week highlights how a broader range of educational options can boost student achievement and encourage competition and innovation in education. Recognizing Catholic Schools Week in PA
Throughout Pennsylvania, Catholic schools deliver an outstanding education grounded in strong values and character, helping students develop confidence and strong leadership skills that strengthen our communities. Nearly 140,000 students are enrolled in Catholic schools throughout our commonwealth, and data show that 99% of Catholic school students graduate from high school and 96% go on to college after graduation. Senate Republicans led efforts to designate Catholic Schools Week in Pennsylvania from Jan. 25 through 31 to recognize the key role these schools play in educating the next generation of leaders. DEP Recommends Testing Your Home for Radon
Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking in the U.S. To help mark Radon Action Month, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Pennsylvanians to test their homes for radon. DEP recommends all homes, schools, public and private buildings get tested. Radon test kits are also available at many home improvement and hardware stores, as well as from state-certified radon laboratories. Call DEP’s Radon Division at 717-783-3594, or the Radon Hotline at 800-237-2366, for help with interpreting their test results and what follow-up action may be necessary.
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