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In this Update:
Indiana in the MorningThanks to Todd Marino for the opportunity to stop by NewsTalk WCCS FM 101.1 and AM 1160 on Thursday to join him as a guest on “Indiana in the Morning!” You can watch this interview on my Facebook page here. We had a great conversation about the excitement of the Homer City announcement last month, economic opportunity, energy advancement, my annual student government seminar, PA’s property tax dynamic, the state budget and transportation investments. Pittman and Cooper Announce $1.4 Million in State Funding for Major Water System UpgradeThe Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has awarded the Municipal Authority of the City of New Kensington a grant of nearly $1.4 million and a low-interest loan of more than $74,000. Funding will be used to replace lead service lines affecting 100 residential customers: 73 in New Kensington and 27 in Arnold. Replacing service lines that have the potential to leak lead into our drinking water is a top priority, but it’s also very expensive. I am pleased this state funding will go such a long way toward keeping people safe while shielding them from substantial cost increases. Check out our full press release for this announcement here. Alle Kiski Strong Chamber of Commerce LuncheonI was honored to be invited to speak at the Alle Kiski Strong Chamber member luncheon in Kittanning. My thanks to Executive Director, Lynda Pozzuto and the Chamber for hosting me. We discussed many legislative topics including the upcoming 2025-26 state budget, the need for strong & robust transportation infrastructure, ensuring Pennsylvania’s energy independence, securing funding for local projects, blight and other economic issues impacting the region. It was a wonderful event! Senate Citation PresentationI recently met with Jair Cruz to present a PA Senate citation in recognition of being the recipient of the 2025 “Life/Work Challenge Award” from the Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Education Special Populations. Jair is a 12th grade student at Indiana High School and is enrolled in the Indiana County Technology Center (ICTC) Automotive Technology Program. He was nominated for this award based on his excellent work ethic, drive, and dedication within his program area. I enjoyed visiting with Jair and Michael McDermott, Administrative Director from the ICTC. My best wishes to Jair on his future endeavors! Kicking Off the 2025 Student Government SeminarIt was great to have 160 students from across the 41st Senatorial District join us at the 4th Annual Pittman Student Government Seminar at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex. Check out this video reel from Thursday and stay tuned next week for more photos and details from the day! Students: Apply Now for Grow PA Scholarships and Improve Access for EveryonePeople across the state have felt the pain of industries with declining workforces, from the long waits to see a doctor or a skilled mechanic. Senate Republicans took action to address those issues – and to reduce the loss of talent as young adults begin their careers in other states, rarely to return to Pennsylvania. As part of this year’s state budget, the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification for an in-demand occupation. Qualifying courses of study include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs approved by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Because the funding is being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s important to apply as soon as possible. To qualify for the grant, applicants must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation for 12 months for each year they receive the grant. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the grant converting to a loan requiring repayment. Learn more or apply here. Survey: How Did PennDOT Do This Winter?The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering a short survey so motorists can offer their feedback on the winter services PennDOT provided. Filling out the survey allows you to share your thoughts about where you get information about road conditions, how soon you can expect roads to be safe to travel following a winter storm event and what features you would find useful from 511PA.com. There is also an opportunity to share additional comments. The survey can be completed anonymously. PA Women Veterans: Register Now for Capitol Ceremony Honoring Your ServicePennsylvania women who served in the armed forces have until May 9 to register for a state Capitol ceremony honoring their service on Tuesday, June 10. A virtual display will also be available online and will go live on June 9. The event will recognize the courage and dedication of Pennsylvania’s women veterans from World War II to the present. Women veterans from all branches of the military are encouraged to attend and take part. The first Women Veterans Day Capitol exhibit took place in 2023, after passage of legislation observing Women Veterans Day in Pennsylvania annually on June 12. New participants are encouraged to share their service stories by completing the required submission form. Veterans featured in last year’s display who wish to participate again may simply update their previous submission. How to Locate Lost Military DocumentsA veteran’s DD214 is a vital document when it comes to receiving the benefits they deserve. It provides the member and the branch of service with a concise record of a period of time with the armed forces at the time of the member’s separation, discharge or change in military status. Veterans discharged from 2010 and after can access their own digital records by setting up an account through the VA e-Benefits portal. Veterans who were discharged before then may complete the Standard Form 180, which includes mailing instructions on the last page. They may also visit the National Archives and Records Administration site to submit a signed form electronically. Anyone who needs assistance is encouraged to call 1-800-547-2838, email RA-REQ@pg.gov or learn more online. April 26 is Celebrate Trails DayIncluding trails in state parks, trails in state forests and rail trails – former railway lines that were converted to paths for foot and bicycle traffic – Pennsylvania has thousands of miles of trails to enjoy. Trail lengths and difficulties vary. Some trails are scenic or leisurely, while others are self-guiding educational. Still others offer rigorous exercise. No matter the trail you choose, enjoy it safely by planning the route for your trip as cell phones and GPS units may not work in some areas. Bring a friend, monitor the weather and stay on the trail. It’s also important to share your route and the time you expect to return with someone who will not be on the trail with you.
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