|
||||
|
In this Update:
Penn State Board of Trustees Approve Campus Closures
On Thursday evening the Penn State Board of Trustees’ voted to close seven satellite campuses after the 2026-27 academic year. I certainly do not favor losing the Penn State New Kensington campus in my own district. But the big picture view of this issue is at the end of the day something needs to give in higher education. When it comes to the New Kensington campus, conversations will need to take place to ensure the Launchbox and Digital Foundry they have supported continue, and we figure out a path to make the property even more productive than it is now. The harsh reality is that higher education in general throughout Pennsylvania is greatly oversubscribed. We have too much physical plant in higher education to support the declining demographics that we are faced with, and there has also been a significant increase in the variety of job opportunities available that don’t necessarily comport with the deliverables of higher education in this state. Rightsizing is a necessary step that must happen across higher education, however the process from a transparency perspective and the lack of messaging on what these campuses can be used for going forward has been far from ideal. While the Penn State Board of Trustees’ decision will surely be met with considerable frustration, there are many individuals who also recognize Penn State is trying to do what they can to contain costs and acknowledge the demographic shift occurring in our state. Ultimately, Penn State will have an obligation to make sure the campuses are all repurposed and brought to a higher and better use in the communities where they reside. This is a responsibility the University bears, and their efforts must be supported by the state. We cannot allow closed satellite campuses to become blighted properties. The facilities must be repurposed in a thoughtful way. Westmoreland County Senior Expo
It was great to co-host a Senior Expo at VFW Post 92 in Lower Burrell with my colleagues, Rep. Abby Major and Rep. Jill Cooper. Thank you to all who attended and the vendors who provided information on their services and donated wonderful door prizes. It was nice to see a few familiar faces and chat with folks! If you would like to receive information on future events in the district please submit a contact form here! Over $430,000 in State Grants Awarded for Vandergrift Borough and East Vandergrift Borough Projects
Vandergrift Borough and East Vandergrift Borough in Westmoreland County have received state grants totaling $431,078 for infrastructure and recreational development projects. The funding was awarded through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Community and Economic Assistance Program. Investing in local projects goes a long way to help ensure the ongoing vibrancy of our communities. Supporting public safety and recreational initiatives is an important way to enhance quality of life and to help foster greater economic growth within our region. I’m proud to have advocated for this funding and commend area leaders for recognizing the significance of these projects and seeking out assistance from the state level. Vandergrift Borough has received $278,397 for the Grant and McKinley Avenue Reconstruction and Ninth Street Retaining Wall Reconstruction Design Projects. These projects included the paving of approximately 1,030 linear feet of several deteriorated streets within the Borough. Grant and McKinley Avenues are main streets in the center of the business district and improvements aim to reduce safety hazards to motorists and pedestrians. In addition, design of a replacement to the current retaining wall along Ninth Street will be undertaken. East Vandergrift Borough has received $152,681 for the East Vandergrift River Park Renovation Project. The project included resurfacing the current basketball court, the creation of a pickleball court, and the purchase and installation of playground equipment. With these substantial changes the Borough now has a fully functioning park for the first time in over a decade. You can read the full press release here. Commonwealth Commitment to Care Award
I was honored to receive the Inaugural Commonwealth Commitment to Care Award from The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP). Hospitals and health systems within our communities play a key role in helping to improve the health and well-being of Pennsylvanians. By working together, we can help to increase access to quality healthcare throughout our commonwealth! American Lung Association Advocacy Day
Thank you to students from Homer-Center Senior High School and Ligonier Valley High School who stopped by my Harrisburg office as part of the American Lung Association Advocacy Day. We discussed the Clean Indoor Air Act, tobacco prevention measures, and addressing youth tobacco use. We also talked about the importance of safety on the roads, as many of these young men and women are starting to drive in an age with a significant number of distractions. Pennsylvania needs our next generation to engage in learning about the legislative process. It was great to see familiar faces, as many of the students also participated in my Student Government Seminar last month! Senate Votes to Improve Communication About School Safety Issues
To empower parents and increase transparency, the Senate passed legislation to improve reporting requirements about potentially dangerous situations at schools. Senate Bill 246 would require parental and employee notification when there is a weapon on any school property that violates its weapons policy, as well as when there are cases of harassment and bullying. It would apply to public, non-public and private schools. Current law does not require school districts to inform parents about incidents when a weapon is brought onto school grounds or to related activities. The bill is part of a larger Senate Republican initiative to empower families and foster safe communities. It moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Grants Available for Firefighting Equipment and Training
The Office of the State Fire Commissioner has two grant programs that are accepting applications through May 29. Both programs distribute grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Applications should be submitted online. The Emergency Training Center Capital Grant Program awards funds that can be used to establish or modernize facilities, acquire or renovate structures and repair or purchase equipment. Emergency service training centers, community colleges, county-owned facilities, municipal or fire department-owned facilities and nonprofit, countywide associations are eligible. The Municipal Fire Department Capital Grant Program awards money to municipal fire departments to improve structures and firefighting equipment in the commonwealth. PA Offers Free Motorcycle Training
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a great time to sign up for a motorcycle safety course whether you’re a novice or experienced rider. Classes are free for Pennsylvanians who have a motorcycle learner’s permit or motorcycle license. Successful completion of a basic or intermediate course offered by the state waives the requirement to take a skills test at a PennDOT driver license center and automatically earns the permit holder their motorcycle license. Class schedules are coordinated by third-party training providers at locations across the commonwealth and posted online at least four weeks before the class begins. Learn more about Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Safety Program. Rite Aid Customers Can Redeem Gift Cards Until June 6
As a result of a bankruptcy announcement, Rite Aid will accept gift cards, coupons and other Rite Aid rewards through June 6. Returns and exchanges will not be accepted after June 4. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday encourages any consumers who experience issues redeeming their Rite Aid points, coupons or unused gift cards or with returning merchandise to Rite Aid to submit an online complaint to the Bureau of Consumer Protection. They may also contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555. Read more. Remembering the Fallen on Memorial Day
“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” – Unknown To all the men and women who selflessly gave their lives so we can enjoy the freedoms we hold dear, thank you. To the families who are missing a loved one from their lives, please know that loss was not in vain. We remember, and we appreciate the sacrifice.
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorpittman.com | Privacy Policy |
