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In this Update:
Storm Disaster Response
Storms earlier this week caused significant power outages here in Western Pennsylvania which have taken a toll on local families, organizations, and businesses. My thanks to utility company employees and first responders for their work, especially with the extra demands during this time. While efforts continue to restore power to all those impacted, PA 211 created a special webpage specifically to help those affected by the storm
 https://www.pa211.org/swpa-storm/.You can find information here about:
• Post Disaster Damage Reporting Hotlines
• Post Disaster Food Services
• Disaster Related Clothing/ Emergency Supplies
• Disaster Management Organizations
• Power Outage Maps
• Free Water and Ice Locations for FirstEnergy Customers
AP Government Class at Armstrong Junior-Senior High School
I recently had the pleasure of visiting with students in an AP Government class at Armstrong Junior-Senior High School. The students had thoughtful questions on current affairs and a variety of issues our state and country are currently facing. Thank you to my friend and teacher, Mr. Randy Cloak, for inviting me to visit his class – I enjoyed the time and conversation shared. Energy in Pennsylvania
We cannot put more of a burden on consumers of electricity in our commonwealth.
For nearly six years, Senate Republicans have been taking actions to stop the RGGI Electricity Tax. This session, Senate Bill 186 was passed by the PA Senate with bi-partisan support and formally repeals Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI, ensuring that any decision to impose electricity taxes or emissions programs must go through the legislative process rather than being enacted unilaterally by the executive branch. Senate Bill 186 still awaits action in the House of Representatives.
Even though the Commonwealth Court has ruled RGGI is unconstitutional, Gov. Shapiro has continued his push with the Supreme Court. If the RGGI Electricity Tax would go into effect, it would mean hundreds of millions of dollars of increases on electric bills, impacting every electricity consumer in this commonwealth. We must help families feeling the strain of inflation – not put more pressure on their household budgets.
Pittman, Struzzi and Smith Highlight $2.5 Million State Investment for Indiana County Projects
Flooding to areas of Clymer from severe storms last year left devastation throughout the community. In an effort to help alleviate pressure from the costs of restoring areas damaged by the flooding, state funding has been approved through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Flood Mitigation Program. Clymer Borough is receiving $300,000 for stream bank clean-up, Clymer Volunteer Fire Department is receiving $100,000 for repairs to the fire hall, and Clymer Little League is receiving $100,000 for repairs to their ball fields. I offer my sincere thanks to the many local officials, volunteers and residents who have done a tremendous job working together to rebuild and restore this area after the heavy rains and flooding last year. I’m pleased to join with my colleagues to announce these grants, which will go a long way to help address the substantial costs associated with recovery efforts. Returning this area to its former state as a hub for recreational opportunities and Fire/EMS services will have a lasting impact upon the region. In addition to the grants approved for Clymer projects, a $2,000,000 check for grant funding from the DCED Keystone Communities Program was officially presented to the Indiana County Municipal Services Authority for the ‘Barr Slope Emergency Waterline Extension Project’ in Green Township. The determination was made that the Barr Slope wells are no longer producing adequate water for the system demand to residents of Barr Slope. The emergency contract was awarded to Pollard Land Services, and waterline construction began in January. Residents of the Barr Slope area suffered massive inconveniences while several volunteer fire departments stepped forward to keep the system operating. This funding will go a long way to help provide reliable service within the region. Click here to read our full press release and watch the video of these funding announcements. Ford City Lions Celebrate 75th Anniversary
I had the pleasure of attending a celebration for Ford City Lions 75th Anniversary. It was an honor to present King Lion, Brad Baillie and Lion, Stephen Shiring with a PA Senate citation recognizing their milestone anniversary along with their relentless dedication to serving the community.
Federal ID Requirements Change on May 7: Get REAL ID Now
Beginning May 7, standard driver’s licenses will no longer permit you to board flights, visit military bases and enter certain federal facilities. Then, acceptable options will be a passport, military ID or a REAL ID. If you’re not sure whether a REAL ID is right for you, this REAL ID online wizard may be able to help. You do not need to wait until your driver’s 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. All acceptable documents must be original versions or certified copies (if applicable). While documents can be verified for customers who want a REAL ID at any of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) driver license centers, 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 specific driver license centers on May 5 and 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. May 4-10 is Small Business Week
More than 1 million Pennsylvania small businesses provide jobs for 2.4 million people, and they have a tremendous impact on state and local economies. When you spend $100 at a small business, $48 goes back into the local community. If you spend $100 at a big box store, only $14 stays local. Shopping at local businesses supports those around us. In addition to shopping and dining local, you can support small businesses by leaving a review and liking and sharing their content on social media. If you have or would like to start a small business, resources are available for every stage. The PA Business One-Stop Shop offers comprehensive support, personalized guidance and an extensive partner network. Learn more. State Parks Offer Amazing Outdoor Recreation
According to the 2024 Outdoor Industry Participation Trends Report, participation in outdoor recreation across the country grew by more than 4% to a record 175.8 million Americans in one year. Pennsylvania is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and all it has to offer. Our state parks and forests offer affordable options for families to take day trips or full vacations. For those who don’t have a recreational vehicle or feel comfortable tenting, parks also offer modern cabins and yurts. Make a reservation for one of the state’s 7,100 campsites. Parks offer all sorts of fun activities including disc golfing, kayaking, whitewater boating and even hang gliding. While enjoying the great outdoors, don’t miss scenic features like waterfalls, vistas and historic places. PA Law Protects Patients from Surprise Medical Bills
The No Surprises Act protects patients from surprise medical bills in situations where they have little to no control over who provides their care. A surprise medical bill is an unexpected medical cost incurred when a patient unknowingly obtains health care services by an out-of-network provider. The No Surprises Act protects patients who receive emergency and non-emergency services from being billed for more than they would have paid if the providers were in-network. Learn more and submit a bill for review here. Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth
Since 2022, the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) has been transforming the lives of teenagers using a military academy style training model to provide structure and discipline. KSCA is a joint effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the National Guard Bureau, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Applications may be submitted now through July 12 for the 22-week class that begins in July. The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who are at risk of not graduating from high school, no longer attending any school or have not received a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. If selected, students will attend the residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process. Anyone who prefers to have an application mailed or would like to talk with someone about the program may contact the academy by emailing RA-MVPAChallenge@pa.gov or calling (717) 861–7767.
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