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In this Update:
Best of the Nest
It was great to visit Armstrong Junior-Senior High School this week to participate in an interview taping for ‘Best of the Nest’. The television program airs throughout the region on IUP-TV. Students enrolled in TV production and related courses at the high school in Kittanning produce the show and conduct interviews at their in-house studio. These students are extremely talented and clearly have bright futures! Thank you to my friend and TV Production teacher, Mr. Don Swanson for inviting me to stop by. Eagle Scout Ceremony
I had the honor of attending a joint Eagle Scout ceremony for two fine young men from Westmoreland County. Gabriel Gess, the son of Brian & Amy Gess, is a member of Troop 305. For his Eagle Scout community service project, Gabriel repaired and revitalized the Kingston Memorial Field Veterans memorial to honor all who served our country. Dustin Gross, son of Kevin & Andrea Gross, is also a member of Troop 305 and a constituent of Senator Kim Ward. Dustin repaired and painted picnic tables for the Kingston Veterans & Sportsmans Club pond pavilion for his Eagle Scout community service project. My congratulations to Gabriel and Dustin on earning their Eagle Scout Award – I wish them well in all future endeavors! Over $4.1 Million Awarded for Local Transportation Infrastructure Projects
Throughout the 41st Senatorial District $4,142,023 in state grants have been approved for five local transportation infrastructure projects in Armstrong, Indiana and Westmoreland Counties. These projects are an extensive undertaking which aim to significantly improve the quality and safety of local roadways and bridges, benefiting both area residents and visitors alike. By addressing deteriorating conditions, the projects will enhance driving experiences, reduce vehicle wear and tear, and improve overall traffic flow. I’m pleased to have advocated for this substantial state support which will provide a significant benefit for the long-term stability of our local transportation infrastructure. These investments were approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) on February 24, 2025 in Harrisburg.
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. Funds may be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development. Senate Continues to Dissect Shapiro’s Budget to Protect PA Consumers, Empower Parents
The Senate Appropriations Committee continued public hearings this week on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed $51.5 billion spending plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26. His plan would increase state spending by more than 7.5% above the current year’s budget. Shapiro’s spending plan would create a funding shortfall of more than $27 billion in the next five years, so Senate Republicans are carefully reviewing proposed expenses to avoid big financial issues. Among the highlights of recent budget hearings: During the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) budget hearing, discussion centered on inefficient government and delays people experience when trying to get permits. The governor’s continued pursuit of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax on Pennsylvania consumers and the hidden cost of Shapiro’s new “Lightning” energy plan were also discussed, including the fact that both plans would raise energy prices for consumers, limit job growth, and make our electric grid less reliable. The Department of Aging hearing highlighted concerns about the accountability, oversight and costs of court-appointed guardians. The viability of the Lottery Fund, which pays for new initiatives benefiting older Pennsylvanians, and helping seniors avoid financial scams were also part of the conversation. At the Department of Education budget hearing, committee members shared problems regarding education funding and declining student proficiency in basics like reading and math. While Shapiro calls for an increase of $860 million, Senate Republicans are focused on the need for greater accountability in education. The importance of career and technical centers, apprenticeships and other job-training programs was also discussed. Members of the committee also highlighted the importance of school choice programs, including Lifeline Scholarships to support choice options in low-performing schools. Thursday’s hearings included the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Community and Economic Development. Find the hearings schedule, livestreams of budget hearings, daily recaps and video from prior hearings at PASenateGOP.com. Reporting State Fraud and Waste
Commonwealth employees and private citizens can take action to stop fraud and misconduct in Pennsylvania state government. Complaints can be made online with the Office of the State Inspector General (OSIG) against a commonwealth employee, agency or contractor regarding an issue related to an executive agency of the commonwealth. The OSIG works to maintain public confidence in government by combating fraud, waste, misconduct and abuse in commonwealth programs, operations and contracts. A Closer Look at the State Budget Process: Department of Environmental Protection
At the PA Senate Appropriations budget hearing with the Department of Environmental Protection, we talked a great deal about the importance of continuing to cut government red tape, especially when it comes to permitting reform. I’m very pleased the PA Senate Republican-led ‘Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development’ (SPEED) Program has led to improvements with DEP’s permitting process. But both now and moving forward we must also recognize the important role of Conservation Districts in permitting. Indiana-Armstrong Builders Association Event
On March 13, the Indiana-Armstrong Builders Association will be hosting a 2021 PA UCC Residential Code Update 1 Training. Major code changes are set to take effect July 13, 2025. The event will be held at the Indiana Career Link Building with dinner beginning at 5:15 p.m. and training starting at 6:00 p.m. The deadline to register is March 6 – call 724-349-2327 for more information or to reserve a space. Connect with Employers at the Commonwealth Job Fair on March 5
The Commonwealth Job Fair offers the opportunity to connect with more than 30 Pennsylvania state agencies and to learn more about public service. There are openings in transportation, finance, health care, wildlife management, public safety and more. You can also learn about career growth and other benefits. It will be held Wednesday, March 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg. See open positions, learn more and register here. Snowmobiling in State Forests and Parks
State parks and forests offer all sorts of recreational opportunities, including snowmobiling. There are thousands of miles and hundreds of acres of designated snowmobile areas for exploration. As long as there is enough snow cover, snowmobile trails open the day after the last day of Pennsylvania’s regular or extended rifle deer season and close April 1 or earlier as determined by the district forester or park manager. During snowmobiling season, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources posts snow and trail conditions three times per week. While riding your snowmobile, you must carry with you or on the vehicle a certificate of registration, proof of liability insurance, registration plate affixed to the vehicle, expiration stickers (does not apply to limited registration) and valid safety certificate (ages 10-15 if riding off of parent’s or guardian’s property). Learn more. Preventing Heart Attacks and Strokes
February is American Heart Month, which is a wonderful time for people of all ages to take steps to protect their hearts. Typically, we think of heart disease and stroke when we think of the challenges that can result from poor heart health. Maintaining healthy blood pressure and eating well can help to prevent a cardiac event. But heart health isn’t just for adults. More than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year. By learning CPR, you will be ready to respond in an emergency.
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