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Dear Friend,

I am pleased to send you this edition of my electronic newsletter. These e-newsletters enable me to provide information about issues, events and activities in Harrisburg and around the 41st Senatorial District to you in a timely manner while saving postage costs.

If you find this e-newsletter useful, I invite you to visit my website www.senatorpittman.com for more information about your state government.

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Sincerely,

Joe

Local Seniors Attend Armstrong County Expo

It was truly a pleasure to meet with all of the folks who turned out for the Senior Expo that I co-hosted with State Representatives Donna Oberlander and Jeff Pyle at the Kittanning Township Volunteer Fire Department on August 28.

A number of local organizations and businesses, health associations as well as state and federal agencies participated in this free event. Representatives provided information on numerous subjects of interest to older residents including, health care, insurance, nutrition and exercise, fire safety, financial planning and personal safety.

Freeport Community Park Project receives $240,000 State Grant

The Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) recently awarded a $240,000 Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program grant to the Freeport Community Park Corporation to rehabilitate the parking lots and walking trails at Freeport Community Park.

I’m pleased to see the CFA is using some of its Marcellus Impact Fee funding for this purpose. Our local parks are significant parts of their communities and they enhance the quality of life for residents. This park is definitely a key facility for the Freeport area including both Armstrong and Butler counties.  These renovations are long overdue and they will further enhance a great recreational asset in the Route 28 corridor.

The CFA was established as an independent agency of the Commonwealth to administer Pennsylvania’s economic stimulus packages. The CFA holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth.

Meeting With Constituents in Saxonburg

I was pleased to celebrate my 100th day as a State Senator (September 18) by hosting a town hall meeting in Saxonburg. We had a great discussion on a variety of issues including property taxes and stormwater management. I plan to hold town hall meetings at locations around the 41st Senatorial District on a regular basis.

State Police Report Decrease in Crashes Over Labor Day Weekend

The Pennsylvania State Police investigated fewer crashes during this past Labor Day holiday weekend (Aug. 30 – Sept. 2) compared to 2018.

Troopers investigated 684 crashes this year, which was a 5 percent decrease from the 722 crashes investigated during Labor Day weekend last year. DUI arrests were also down by 5 percent, from 643 in 2018 to 610 in 2019.

Seven people were killed in seven separate crashes this Labor Day weekend, including one crash that involved alcohol. Troopers issued 11,742 speeding citations, 849 seat belt citations, and 138 citations to travelers for not securing children in safety seats.

These statistics cover only crashes and incidents investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police and do not include incidents to which other law enforcement agencies responded.

Updating the Alle Kiski Strong Chamber

I appreciated the opportunity to provide an update on state issues with members of the Alle Kiski Strong Chamber at their September 18 luncheon meeting at the Belmont Complex. Pictured with me are: Armstrong County Commissioner Jason Renshaw, Bob Sodini – Alle Kiski Strong Chamber-Treasurer, Lynda Pozzuto — Alle-Kiski Strong Chamber-Executive Director and Armstrong County Commissioner Pat Fabian.

Applications Now Accepted for School Safety Grants

Schools and community groups can apply now through November 4 for grants to help boost school safety and reduce the risk of community violence.

The School Safety and Security Grant Program supports efforts by school districts, intermediate units, area vocational-technical schools, charter schools and private residential rehabilitative institutions to improve school safety.

These efforts include hiring school security officers, purchasing security-related technology, completing safety and security assessments, implementing violence prevention curricula, offering counseling services for students, and creating other programs to protect students.

A total of $18.72 million will be distributed among all schools that submit a qualifying application and $33.78 million will be awarded on a competitive basis.

An additional $7.5 million will be awarded to improve community safety and reduce the risk of violence through projects including mentoring and intervention for at-risk children and families; promoting communication between school entities and law enforcement; linking the community with local trauma support and behavioral health systems; and other programs designed to reduce community violence.

The grant program is administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).

More details about the program are available at the PCCD School Safety and Security webpage.

PENNDOT Multimodal Grant Application Period Now Open

PENNDOT is now accepting applications for grants for transportation improvement projects through November 8.

Eligible projects include: enhancement of roadways, bridges, transit facilities and park and ride facilities; sidewalk and crosswalk safety improvements; and other related issues.  Eligible entities include: municipalities, council of governments, businesses and non-profit organizations, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, airports and rail entities.

Funds are made available through the Act 89 Multimodal Transportation Fund.  Last year, more than $43 million was awarded in 23 counties across the state through the program. 

For more information and an application, visit www.penndot.gov and click on Multimodal Program under the “Projects and Programs” menu.

Mark Your Calendar

State Representatives Cris Dush and Jim Struzzi and I will co-host a Senior Expo on Thursday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the S&T Bank Arena, White Township Recreation Complex, 497 East Pike Road, Indiana.

The expo will provide area senior citizens and their families with information regarding the following services:  Health Care, Insurance, Nutrition and Exercise, Fire Safety, Financial Planning Benefit Programs and Personal Safety.

Flu shots will be available.  Please note that a Prescription Drug Take Back is being held during the expo.  Collection is anonymous.  Please remove any personal information from containers.  Accepted:  Prescription/over the counter dosage medications, liquid medications, creams & ointments, nasal sprays, inhalers and pet meds.

Participants can receive health screenings and free refreshments will be provided. For more information, call my Indiana County District Office at (724) 357-0151.

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