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In this Update:
Homer City Power Plant
Nearly two years ago, the Homer City generating station informed the community of its intentions to cease electric generation operations. As I, alongside many of you, fought tirelessly to keep this plant open, the environmental and economic challenges of doing so became too great. For more than 50 years, this plant on the hill and its iconic chimneys, stood as a foundation of economic vitality for Center Township, Homer City Borough as well as Indiana & surrounding counties. That economic vitality directly supported thousands of family sustaining jobs onsite and thousands more through the coal miners, truck drivers, rail yard workers and every local employee who sold a pizza, a pair of jeans, a brand new pickup truck, or a beer at the local watering hole. While the recent implosion is an opportunity to reflect on what was, I’m also excited to know it is the dawn of what is to come. Once this site is cleaned up and the remnants of these stacks removed, this site-considered by many to be a sign of days gone by and an aging reminder of what used to be, is poised to become the home of new economic prosperity for this area. In the years ahead, I anticipate the local investment by national and international companies to be significant and reestablish Indiana County as a leading destination for our nation’s energy needs and support cutting edge technological advancements. For visitors traveling to Indiana County, the stacks were often the first landmark they would see, confirming they were close to their destination. While the visual landmark is now gone, the impact they’ve had on this community will remain, and I look forward to working with all local officials to ensure that future development on that hillside will have a positive impact for generations moving forward. Drugs Kill Dreams Day in PA
To assist in getting out the message of drug use prevention to young people across the commonwealth, the state Senate has recognized March 28, 2025, as “Drugs Kill Dreams Day” in Pennsylvania.
In 1994, Armstrong County Magisterial District Judge J. Gary DeComo first established a drug abuse prevention program with the intent of creating opportunities within the local community to educate elementary school students on the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse.
Twenty-five years ago in 2000, Judge DeComo took the program a step further by adopting the famous “Drugs Kill Dreams” slogan, after he saw the saying prominently displayed on a posterboard created by a fourth-grade student, Tara Powers, during an anti-drug poster contest at Lenape Elementary School.
“Judge DeComo sought to increase drug and alcohol prevention awareness in schools and communities throughout western Pennsylvania, with the ‘Drugs Kill Dreams’ program, based on the strong belief that if we increase prevention efforts, we will decrease addiction and crimes committed by individuals with an addiction,” Pittman said.
Research shows that proactive approaches work to reduce substance abuse among young adults if they are part of a community-based prevention effort while still in elementary and middle school.
The objective of these programs is to stop drug and alcohol addiction and abuse before it begins, encouraging adolescents to live healthy, respectful, safe and responsible lifestyles – a goal worth statewide recognition.
“Drugs Kill Dreams partners with schools, churches and other community organizations to share educational materials and prevention messages to young people,” Pittman said. “Together we can help bring increased attention to the very negative and very harmful consequences of drug use.
Keystone Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America
It was my great honor to introduce and recognize very special guests during session this week – members of the Keystone Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America. Six members of Team Keystone were at the Capitol to celebrate their accomplishments in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, including two of the Keystone Chapter members from my Senatorial district: Mark Rosensteel from Apollo, who serves as President of the Keystone Chapter, and John Kellner from Ford City. John has also been an active participant in the games and has brought home many medals over the years. Empowering veterans since 1981, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the world’s largest annual wheelchair sports and rehabilitation event for military veterans. The event demonstrates the spirit of veterans and seeks to foster wider respect and opportunities for all individuals with disabilities. My thanks to all the members of Team Keystone for sharing your time and inspiring stories with us! Future Farmers of America Annual State Leadership Conference
FFA students from across the Commonwealth learned about the legislative process at the Pennsylvania FFA Annual State Legislative Leadership Conference in Harrisburg this week. I enjoyed meeting with students and advisors from Derry Area School District and Penns Manor Area School District during their time at the State Capitol. These young leaders are engaged in a wide range of agricultural activities and help advocate for the agriculture industry within their communities and statewide. It is wonderful to see such passionate involvement for the future of our state’s top industry! Senate Committee Votes to Preserve Women’s Sports
This week, the Senate Education Committee passed legislation to preserve integrity and fairness in women’s sports, progress that was hard fought decades ago with the creation of Title IX. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Bill 9, known as the Save Women’s Sports Act, would require public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female or coed. It would only permit biological females to join teams designated for women. Notably, Senate Bill 9 would allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. Female students who compete in high school and college sports deserve a level playing field. This bill would protect this opportunity for them, allowing fair and equal access to the personal enrichment, character development and fitness sports provide. Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Area II Champion
I had the pleasure of welcoming and introducing Elizabeth Polenik to the PA Senate. Elizabeth, also known as ‘EV’, is the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling Area II Champion. EV is ten years old and began wrestling last year under the direction of Jesse Garshnick at the Lion’s Den and United Elementary where she attends school. EV medaled in every tournament she attended (22 to be exact) and came in 3rd at the Keystone State Championship qualifier. She also was awarded ‘First Year Wrestler of the Year’. Joining EV for the Capitol visit were her parents, Thomas and Anne Polenik, her brother Tom and her grandmother, Beverly Bonya. Congratulations and best wishes to EV for continued success! Special Olympics Pennsylvania Milestone Award
West Hills Intermediate School, Armstrong School District received a milestone award yesterday for being the 500th school to join the Unified Champion School Program. I was thrilled to present a plaque to Dr. Paula Berry, Principal of West Hills Primary School in recognition of this great achievement. It was also a pleasure to have the opportunity to chat with the students. Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) proudly partners with 500 schools across 60 counties to offer fully inclusive Unified Champion Schools programs. These programs bring together students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities through Unified Sports and inclusive leadership, fostering inclusion, respect, and understanding. Working together as equal peers, the students help create school environments where all individuals thrive and achieve their full potential. My sincere thanks to SOPA President and CEO, Matthew Aaron for inviting me to take part in the celebratory ceremony. Congratulations to all involved in achieving this wonderful milestone! Bill to Improve School Bus Safety Receives Senate Committee Support
The Senate Transportation Committee this week voted to advance legislation to better protect children by strengthening school bus safety laws. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Bill 65 would increase the required stopping distance for opposing drivers from 10 feet to 15 feet, creating a greater buffer for children entering and exiting the bus. It also strengthens penalties for all offenders via a tiered penalty system. Penalties may include increased fines and mandatory driver education. Drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights would also be subject to penalties. Each year, the Department of Transportation conducts a school bus education and enforcement program. The most recent program, conducted in October 2024, found police officers and bus drivers in 22 school districts reporting 131 violations in a single day. Youth Invited to Go Fishing on Saturday
Pennsylvania’s Mentored Youth Trout Day gives young people early access to the state’s stocked trout waters. This year, it will be held on Saturday, March 29, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Youth anglers need a free Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License, which can be purchased for $2.97, from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Both are available online or at licensing agents across the state. To participate, youth anglers must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler, which are anglers 16 years of age and older. Adult anglers need a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and a current Trout Permit. Youth with a license or permit can take a total of two trout (combined species) with a minimum length of seven inches. Adult anglers may not possess trout. March 29 is Vietnam War Veterans Day
Nine million Americans served during the Vietnam War era and 58,000 gave their lives. Sadly, because many people didn’t view the war favorably, Vietnam War veterans received a cold reception when they returned to American soil. Some were even deeply mistreated. March 29 marks the day in 1973 when the last United States troops left Vietnam. That same day, 591 American prisoners were released and returned to the United States. Let us recognize those who fought valiantly for our freedoms. We are grateful for their courage and sacrifices.
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