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In this Update:
Armstrong County Ribbon Cutting
It was a pleasure to participate in East Franklin Township’s ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing the completion of the Fox Hollow Sanitary Sewer Line Extension Project. The project entailed constructing approximately 7,000 linear feet of sanitary sewer line connecting the Fox Hollow system to the West Hills Area Water Pollution Control Authority system servicing 44 homes. This project is truly a collaborative effort to make necessary improvements and ensure the continued delivery of quality service within the community. I am pleased to have advocated for support of this project in Harrisburg to help reduce the burden on local residents as we work together to increase efficiencies and safeguard water supplies. $17.4 Million Approved for Projects in Armstrong & Westmoreland Counties
This past week, the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) awarded more than $17.4 million in low-interest loans for four projects to make needed wastewater treatment improvements in Armstrong and Westmoreland counties. Advocating for our local communities to receive the resources and backing they need at the state level is something I am proud to do each and every day. This PENNVEST funding for projects in Westmoreland and Armstrong counties will help protect public health and support infrastructure advancements for communities throughout our region. Thanks to those spearheading the projects at the local level, the substantial low-interest loans will certainly go a long way to assist with critical improvements. Projects funded include:
You can find more details about these projects here. PENNVEST financing is provided by federal funding, prior bond issues by the state and proceeds from the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee legislation, Act 13 of 2012. Students Visit My Indiana Office
Thank you to the Calvary Baptist Academy students and their principal, Mr. Mark Plants, for stopping by my Indiana office! It was great to have a robust conversation with these 7th through 12th graders about issues impacting Pennsylvania, and my work as a state senator both in the district and Harrisburg. It’s always wonderful to see our youth engaged and interested in their government! Senior Expo in Indiana County – Thursday, Oct. 24th
On Thursday, Oct. 24, I will be joined by state Reps. Jim Struzzi and Brian Smith as we host our Indiana Senior Expo from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the S&T Bank Arena in the White Township Recreation Complex. I look forward to this annual event which will share information about the many services available to seniors throughout our region. We hope to see you there! Bill to Improve Early Literacy Poised for Enactment
The Senate unanimously passed legislation which has been sent to the governor to be signed into law to give students the best chance at lifelong success through a strong, evidence-based reading program. Senate Bill 801 would provide schools with resources to dramatically improve early literacy in Pennsylvania. First, it would bolster reading instruction by giving schools a comprehensive list of evidence-based reading curricula. Second, it would help schools identify struggling readers early via universal screening by providing a list of high-quality screeners. Third, it would ensure educators are properly trained to use the structured literacy curriculum and screeners by creating a list of high-quality professional development programs. Low literacy scores are a problem that spans the geographic and demographic spectrum, with urban cities and rural communities struggling to help their students read proficiently at their age level. Studies show that childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and dramatically impact someone’s chances of success. Senate Passes Bill to Extend Lemon Law Protections to Motorcycles
The Senate unanimously approved legislation that would extend Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law protections to cover motorcycles. The state Lemon Law currently only applies to cars. Senate Bill 155 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law provides protections for customers who purchase or lease a car that is registered in the commonwealth. The law protects customers who experience defects with their car during the first year or 12,000 miles of leasing or ownership. Manufacturers are given three opportunities within a year to repair the defect. If the problem still cannot be corrected, the customer is eligible for a replacement or refund. Bill to Improve Elevator Safety Standards Passes Senate
Legislation to improve elevator safety standards in Pennsylvania has been unanimously passed by the Senate. Following the deaths of a correctional officer and an inmate who plunged down an elevator shaft in a violent confrontation, the Elevator Safety Board was established to address critical issues surrounding elevator construction, maintenance and inspection. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has revised the national elevator code seven times since 2002, yet Pennsylvania still adheres to outdated standards that don’t reflect current safety practices. The board submitted its recommendations to update these codes to the Department of Labor and Industry in 2020, but the agency has not acted. Senate Bill 1230 requires the Department of Labor and Industry to adopt an updated safety code, effective July 1, 2025. Prior to adoption, the Elevator Safety Board may recommend modifications based upon its professional expertise and industry experience. The legislation would establish timely benchmarks, making sure necessary upgrades will not be delayed further. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Prepare Now for the Nov. 5 Election
Election Day on Nov. 5 is quickly approaching. Make sure you’re able to participate by registering to vote no later than this Monday, Oct. 21. If you’ve moved, this is also a great time to double check that you’re registered to vote at your current address. Anyone who chooses to vote by mail must apply by Oct. 29 and you must be a registered voter to submit an application to vote by mail. The best way for your voice to be heard is to participate in this important process!
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