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In this Update:
Armstrong County Groundbreaking
After many years of preparation, ground was broken for construction of a new animal shelter for Orphans of the Storm (No Kill Animal Shelter) in Rayburn Township. At its existing shelter, Orphans of the Storm assists approximately 1,000 animals a year within the county through rescue, adoption, spaying and neutering services. The current facility has experienced frequent flooding from a nearby pond and creek putting the facility’s animals, volunteers, equipment and records at risk. The new shelter will be built on higher ground. It was a great day to celebrate the efforts of all involved in planning and designing the new facility. I look forward to returning for the grand opening! PCN Capitol Preview Program Video
On Tuesday morning this past week, I was a guest on the Pennsylvania Cable Network’s Capitol Preview Program and was joined by Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa. We discussed numerous issues impacting our commonwealth, and highlighted work being undertaken by the Pennsylvania Senate. Divided government brings differing views. Pennsylvania Senate Republicans remain steadfast in our work to grow our economy, keep our communities safe, help families and respect taxpayers. Click here to watch the video. PennDOT District 10 Paving News
Secondary road maintenance will soon begin in Kiskiminetas, Parks, and Gilpin townships and Apollo Borough in Armstrong County. The work is anticipated to start later this month and continue into the fall. I’m pleased to support these necessary road improvements and continue to build upon a multi-year investment. This three-year, $13 million initiative will result in a total of 100-miles of secondary road paving completed in Armstrong County since 2023. The state routes include 19.2 miles in Kiskiminetas, Parks, and Gilpin townships and Apollo Borough as follows:
United Way of Indiana County
Congratulations to United Way of Indiana County, the recipient of a $10,000 grant award from Vistra and its leading Pennsylvania retail electricity brand, Dynegy. These funds will assist the nonprofit in meeting critical needs for education, health, and financial stability programs that help build a stronger community. The United Way of Indiana County is the epitome of goodwill for all the great work they do in our communities to improve neighborhoods, support families & children, and help those in need. Coffee and Conversation I appreciated everyone who took the time to attend the ‘Coffee and Conversation’ event held this week at Ispirare Coffee. My thanks to Rep. Josh Bashline and Rep. Abby Major for coordinating and inviting me to participate. It was good to hear the perspectives of area residents about issues impacting our region and our commonwealth. Senate Passes Bill Reforming Nomination Process for Agency Heads
To restore balance and transparency in state government, the Senate passed a bill reining in the use of unconfirmed state agency leaders. Senate Bill 472 advanced to the House of Representatives for consideration. Former Gov. Tom Wolf appointed 11 individuals to lead various state agencies in the “acting” capacity and never nominated them to the Senate as part of the official confirmation process. Additionally, 21 cabinet officials served in “acting” capacity longer than 90 days. This allowed key decisions to be made without public scrutiny. With the passage of the bill, an individual serving in a leadership role without official confirmation by the Senate would be designated as “Deputy Head of Department.” The designation could be used once during a governor’s term. These individuals would have to appear before the General Assembly during the annual budget process. They would not receive elevated compensation or additional benefits beyond their peers. Most importantly, they would not be allowed to remain indefinitely without Senate review and would not be permitted to serve longer than 90 days. Voter Registration Deadline is May 5
The deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania’s May 20 primary election is Monday, May 5. Your county election office must receive your application for a mail-in or absentee ballot by Tuesday, May 13, at 5 p.m. To legally register, individuals must be a citizen of the United States, reside in their local voting precincts at least 30 days prior to the election and be at least age 18 on Election Day, Tuesday, May 20. Once registered to vote, you are not required to register again unless you change your residence, name or political party affiliation. Voter registration forms, mail-in ballot applications and absentee ballot applications are available here or from your local county’s Board of Elections. You can also use the site to check your registration status. REAL ID to Replace Driver’s License as Federally Acceptable ID on May 7
Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians who wish to board flights, visit military bases and enter certain federal facilities will be required to present a form of federally accepted identification. Options include a passport, military ID or a REAL ID. You do not need to wait until your driver license renews to get a REAL ID. To get one, you must provide documents proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency. Review the list of acceptable documents. All documents must be original versions or certified copies (if applicable). While any of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) driver license centers can verify these documents for customers who want a REAL ID, only certain locations can provide your REAL ID the same day. Otherwise, expect to receive your REAL ID within 15 business days after successful document verification. To make it more convenient for Pennsylvanians to get a REAL ID, PennDOT is offering dedicated time at some driver license centers on April 28 and May 5. Both REAL ID Days are on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Free Cleanup Supplies for PA Communities
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is working to improve the state’s communities by cleaning up litter. Now through May 31 while supplies last, free work gloves, safety vests and trash bags are available to groups who register their cleanup event. Donated landfill space is offered for trash collected during cleanups held in April. Tires cannot be accepted, and groups should plan for proper disposal of electronics that are found. Read more about how to organize a cleanup event. Please email or call Michelle Dunn with Pick Up Pennsylvania at 724-836-4121, extension 113, with any questions. In 2024, more than 77,000 volunteers picked up more than 3.2 million tons of litter and trash. Another 4.5 million pounds of materials were recycled and more than 14,000 trees, flowers and other greens were planted. Best Wishes for a Happy Easter
Easter represents joy, hope and redemption. Warmest wishes to all families who celebrate this holy holiday and rejoice in eternal life. Happy Easter!
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