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In this Update:
IRMC Mountains Behavioral Health
It was great to take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for IRMC‘s Mountains Behavioral Health facility, located on the campus of Indiana Regional Medical Center. The facility will provide 44 inpatient beds dedicated to adolescent, adult and senior behavioral health services. I commend Steve Wolfe and the IRMC board for their long-term vision and commitment to serving the community. The new facility will have a positive impact on our region, helping to serve patients, as well as creating a significant number of local jobs. Fairness in Women’s Sports
I recently had the opportunity to meet Paula Scanlan, a 2022 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and former NCAA swimmer. Paula shared her personal experience competing against a biological male and why she chose to speak out. Paula’s story and the stories of other young women across our Commonwealth emphasize the importance and necessity of making sure competition is fair. Thank you to my colleagues for their work here in Pennsylvania on Senate Bill 9, the ‘Save Women’s Sports Act’, to help preserve the increased athletic opportunities that female students have gained over the past half century in this country. Blue Spruce Park Reservoir Trout Stocking
It was great to take part in trout stocking recently held at Blue Spruce Park Reservoir. The trout were transported from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission hatchery near Bellefonte, Centre County. Approximately 20 volunteers were on hand to assist with carrying buckets of fish from the truck to the lake – a smooth and efficient process. My thanks to all the volunteers who came out and to Kyle Wirick from Fish & Boat for inviting me to participate! Senate Passes Bill Benefitting Career and Technical Schools
Career and technical education prepares students for rewarding, family-sustaining careers, often at a significantly reduced cost compared to attending college. Pennsylvania is in great need of people with this training, and there are many job openings waiting to be filled. To ensure people have the training needed for these jobs, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 315. The legislation would provide more certainty regarding grant funding for career and technical education equipment by making funding calculations before the school year in which the allocation occurs. Currently, schools are reimbursed after they have made purchases based on calculations made near the end of the school year. Read more about career and technical education opportunities in the commonwealth. Program Increasing Digital Connectivity to Provide Laptops
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) is accepting applications for its Digital Connectivity Technology Program. Through the program, the PBDA will purchase and distribute $20 million in devices such as laptops for eligible public-facing institutions including libraries, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, and other institutions that can offer internet access to individuals who lack the technology. PBDA strongly encourages interested applicants to review the program FAQ before applying. The FAQ, pre-recorded webinar providing an overview of the program, guidelines and online application are available here. Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 30. School Safety Report Available Now
Students deserve to feel safe while they’re learning, and their families should be confident that extensive efforts are made to ensure that happens. Senate Republicans have prioritized fostering healthy and safe communities, which include schools. Part of that work includes requiring and conducting a report to evaluate school safety initiatives and how they can be adjusted to more effectively protect students. The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee’s report highlighted the need for security assessments of school buildings and certification requirements for school safety and security coordinators. Other key findings include collecting and analyzing more relevant data – such as tips made using the Safe2Say Something Program – and improving how the data already being collected is shared. Find the full report here. Purple Star Schools Support Military Children
Military children face unique challenges as a result of frequent moves and parental deployments. To give them the best chance of success, Senate Republicans passed Act 69 of 2022. The law created the Purple Star designation for schools that demonstrate their commitment to supporting military families. Many schools have embraced this program and stepped up to help the children of our service members. Purple Star Schools go the extra mile to provide stability, resources and a welcoming community for military children, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive. Pennsylvania has 37,000 children with parents serving in the military – and 80% of these children are in kindergarten through grade 12 and attend public schools. Learn more about Purple Star Schools. Passover Begins on April 12
Saturday marks the beginning of Passover, the eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’ emancipation from slavery in ancient Egypt. I hope it’s a warm occasion of family and friends for all who observe.
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