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In this Update:
Indiana County Farm Bureau Event
I had a wonderful time visiting the Indiana County Farm Bureau’s ‘Hay There’ Summer event last Saturday with great activities, picnic food, raffles, and a few rides for folks to take part in. It was a pleasure chatting with students from Marion Center & Penns Manor FFA programs, as well as with farm bureau members, Ed Rising and Ray Sleppy.
Always such a privilege to spend time with our local agriculture community!
Tremendous Win for Private Property Rights
Every Pennsylvanian deserves to feel safe and secure on their own property, and this week the Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld the strong privacy and property protections provided by our state constitution. The court’s unanimous decision, which came in a case involving two hunting clubs and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, is a major victory for private property rights across the commonwealth. It puts needed restrictions on the use of warrantless searches and correctly overturns the court’s 2007 decision in Commonwealth v. Russo. Specifically, the court held that “Article I, Section 8 provides Pennsylvania citizens with greater protection than the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution as it relates to the open fields of any landowner that has demonstrated a reasonable expectation of privacy by taking sufficient steps to exclude intruders therefrom.” State game wardens have an important and dangerous job, which we all respect. However, the court emphasized the Game Commission must also respect the lawful rights of property owners. PA House Fails Murder Victims’ Families While Jeopardizing the Safety of Commonwealth’s Communities
On Thursday I joined with Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, Senate Majority Whip Wayne Langerholc, Jr., Senate Appropriations Chair Scott Martin, and Senate Judiciary Chair Lisa Baker to circulate the following statement after House Democrats failed to protect Pennsylvania communities by refusing to allow a vote on bipartisan legislation passed twice by the Senate. You can also watch my video remarks on this issue here. “In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled the state’s sentencing guidelines for second-degree murder cases – life without the possibility of parole – are unconstitutional. The court gave the legislature 120 days to set new guidelines that ensure fairness, accountability and public safety. Members of our Senate Republican Caucus have worked with victim advocates, law enforcement, prosecutors and the Pennsylvania Attorney General to create new guidelines that would ensure the punishments fit the terrible nature of these crimes. “The Senate passed legislation twice to address the issue of Second-Degree Felony Murder. On June 25 we sent Senate Bill 1400 to the House and on July 12 we sent House Bill 1042 to the House. Both bills have bipartisan support, passing our chamber by votes of 30 to 20. With the support of Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, the FOP and the DA’s Association, there is no valid reason for House Democrats to have not allowed a vote to send HB1042 or SB1400 to the Governor’s desk. “On the 119th day, House Democrats still had the opportunity to join the Senate in keeping our communities safe. Instead of allowing a vote on either of the bipartisan bills passed by the Senate, they chose to engage in political theater and failed to produce any feasible product to protect our communities and victims’ families. “PA Senate Republicans are serious about public safety and securing our communities, which is why we acted decisively and in a bipartisan way. Since the day the House announced their return to Session this week, there has been no outreach to us by the Governor or House Democrat Leadership. The lack of engagement on such a significant issue is gravely troubling and a complete failure of leadership.” Standing Up for Rape Crisis Services
Rape crisis centers across Pennsylvania play a vital role in supporting victims of sexual violence, and I’m pleased that this year’s budget includes a historic $12 million increase for rape crisis centers. The significant funding for rape crisis centers would not have been possible without Senate Republicans pushing for support well above the governor’s request. With total state funding now amounting to nearly $25 million, this increase almost doubles the funding available for services, including 24-hour crisis hotlines, counseling, medical and legal advocacy, prevention education and accompaniment for survivors navigating hospitals, police investigations and court proceedings. If you or someone you know have been the victim of sexual assault and need to access rape crisis services, click here to find a center located near you. Pittman, Struzzi, Cooper, Major & Bashline Announce $6.75 Million in Area Community Improvement Grants
Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41), and Reps. Jim Struzzi (R-62), Jill Cooper (R-55), Abby Major (R-60) and Josh Bashline (R-63) announced $6.75 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants for five community projects in Armstrong, Indiana and Westmoreland counties. “I am pleased to support these vital investments into our communities,” Pittman said. “These projects help build upon our infrastructure and improve area assets for local residents and visitors to benefit from for years to come.” The following projects were approved: Armstrong County Armstrong County Memorial Hospital received $1.25 million to complete Phase III of the hospital’s electrical infrastructure upgrade which includes removing old conduits, installing new conduit and panel feeds at the new switchgear location, purchasing and delivering new transformers, setting new generators, completing the duct bank and extending conductors to the emergency gear room. “Armstrong County Memorial Hospital plays a key role in our community,” Major said. “These improvements will ensure the hospital has the electrical capabilities it needs to continue to function properly so there is no interruption of care.” “Securing this funding is a testament to what we can accomplish when local leaders, community partners and organizations work together,” said Bashline. “We have been successful in obtaining these by collaborating closely and staying focused on our region’s needs. We’re able to turn good ideas into real, meaningful progress for the community.” Indiana County Indiana County Commissioners received $250,000 for the Downtown Indiana redevelopment project which includes design, bidding, permitting and construction activities to renovate the 600 Philadelphia St. building that is an architectural highlight of Indiana Borough’s main street. This project would focus on preserving the integrity of the exterior of the building. PGT Trucking Inc. received $1 million for construction of the Training, Office Building and Cargo Securement Building; and related amenities including but not limited to site utilities, stormwater management facilities, building foundations, lighting and landscaping at their Blairsville Training Center. “Indiana County’s economy is booming, and these investments will help continue the momentum,” Struzzi said. “I was happy to support both projects awarded in my district and pleased to see the overall support coming to Western Pennsylvania.” Westmoreland County Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation received $750,000 for the renovation of 707 5th Ave., New Kensington, including the demolition of interior walls to create an open floor plan, construction of new offices, and expansion and modernization of restrooms. Upgrades to electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, along with exterior façade improvements, will ensure the space meets current standards and is attractive to prospective tenants. RIDC Southwestern Pennsylvania Growth Fund received $3.5 million for the New Kensington Manufacturing Park project which includes the demolition of existing un-usable buildings, site preparation at the lower south end of the site for new buildings, new utilities required into the site from mains, water meter vault, and fire loop, import of dirt/rock to bring up elevation, new circulation road, further demolition of deeper foundations and tunnels and fine grading to prepare for the building pad install. “Projects like these expands our local workforce opportunities, which attracts additional business growth nearby. I consider this a big win for the entire northwest corner of Westmoreland County and look forward to seeing continued positive community impacts in New Kensington,” Cooper said. “I was thrilled to work with Sen. Pittman in seeing these projects get prioritized.” Protecting Our Communities from Child Predators and Human Trafficking
We are making progress in the never-ending fight against child predators and human trafficking in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 45, which I supported and which was recently signed into law as Act 41 of 2026, will help Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and law enforcement officials across the state target and prosecute human trafficking more effectively. This is a huge step forward. And in the new state budget, we also increased funding for two key programs overseen by AG Sunday – the Child Predator Interception Unit and the Human Trafficking Enforcement and Prevention program. If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Investing in the Future of PA College Students
The successful Grow PA Scholarship program invests in Pennsylvania students looking to pursue a college education, develops the future of our workforce and incentivizes jobs to remain here in the commonwealth. Importantly, the program secures a commitment for students to stay and work in Pennsylvania communities after graduation, helping to address the state’s future economic and demographic challenges. With demand rising for Grow PA scholarships, the Senate secured a $10 million funding increase for the program in the 2026-27 state budget – bringing the annual funding total to $42.5 million. Grow PA, established in 2024, offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Learn more about this program here. Honoring Veterans with Visual Impairments with a Capitol Monument
A Braille Flag monument honoring veterans with visual impairments could be installed at the Pennsylvania Capitol Building under legislation passed by the Senate and sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Braille Flag was created to honor the service of veterans who have been left with life-long visual disabilities. Under Senate Bill 1303, the monument would be made of bronze and include the Pledge of Allegiance in Braille. The display would be sponsored by the Moose Lodge and the American Braille Flag Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to the placement of these flags throughout the country. Read more about Senate Bill 1303 here. Find Summer Getaway Ideas Here in PA
There’s plenty of summer left. If you haven’t had time for a vacation yet, or you’re looking for another getaway, there’s plenty to experience here in our commonwealth. Use VisitPA to explore by regions, such as the Pennsylvania Wilds, Great Lakes, Laurel Highlands, the Lehigh Valley, Dutch Country and more. Break it down by things to do, outdoor activities, dining and other experiences. From rivers and trails to iconic attractions and historic sites, you can start planning your trip at the VisitPA website. Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Photo Contest Accepting Entries
Amateur and professional photographers: Take your best photos of the landscapes, wildlife and activities in a Pennsylvania state park or forest and enter the 2026 Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation “Through the Seasons” photo contest. A panel of experts will select a Judges’ Choice in each category prior to the photos being made available for public voting on the foundation’s Facebook page. Award winners receive gift cards and may be showcased in photo exhibitions. Find rules and entry info at the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation website. All photos must be submitted by Sept. 30. |
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