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In this Update:
Discussing Affordable Housing
Last week, I joined DCED secretary Rick Siger for a Walk & Talk housing tour and press conference to discuss the growing need for more affordable housing in our communities. Access to safe, affordable housing is essential for families, seniors, young professionals, and our workforce. We must continue working together to expand housing opportunities and support projects that strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life across Pennsylvania. Supporting Flexible Learning
I toured the local Commonwealth Charter Academy, where I met with administrators, faculty, and families to discuss why cyber education is the right fit for many students. Conversations focused on the flexibility and individualized learning approach that cyber schooling provides, helping students succeed in ways that meet their unique needs and circumstances. I continue to support a strong school choice model that gives families the ability to select the educational environment that works best for their children, whether that’s traditional public school, charter, or cyber learning. New Electric Bus Fleet
Erie’s Public Schools unveiled 12 new all-electric school buses, giving students a quieter, cleaner ride to school with zero diesel fumes and an estimated 100 miles of range per charge. The new fleet is also expected to reduce long-term fuel and maintenance costs for the district. It’s great to see continued investment in modern, efficient transportation that benefits both students and the community. Keeping America Moving
It was great to join the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association Northwest Chapter Meet & Greet and spend time with the hardworking men and women who help keep our economy moving every single day. The trucking industry plays an essential role in everyday life, delivering goods to our homes, businesses, hospitals, and store shelves across the country As I always say, “If you got it, a truck brought it.” I appreciate the opportunity to hear directly from members of the industry and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing trucking in Pennsylvania. Funding Available for Fire & EMS
There is still funding available for Erie County fire and EMS departments through two grant programs offered by the Pennsylvania Office of State Fire Commissioner, and eligible departments are encouraged to apply before the May 29 deadline. With approximately $500,000 still available and only a limited number of applications submitted so far, now is the time to apply for support with equipment, facilities, and emergency response needs. Available programs include: How I Can Help
If you or someone you know is having trouble accessing state programs or services, or if you have questions about a law or government program and aren’t sure where to turn, my team and I are here to help. We can guide you through the process, connect you with the right resources, and provide support on a wide range of issues to make things easier for you. Senate Acts to Tighten Safety Standards for Operating Big Rigs
The Senate approved two bills to tighten commercial driver’s license (CDL) safety standards and close dangerous loopholes in Pennsylvania’s licensing and training systems. Senate Bill 1294 improves the training curriculum and strengthens penalties to shut down unqualified “CDL Mills.” Senate Bill 1295 requires English proficiency in all testing applications to operate an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle on public highways. The legislation was developed after a Senate hearing exposed alarming gaps in current laws, including instances where individuals without proper training or English proficiency have operated heavy commercial vehicles on U.S. highways. The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about these CDL improvement bills here. New Medical and Health Professional Loans Support Graduate Students
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency has launched a new Medical and Health Professional Loan Program to support graduate students in medical, dental, veterinarian and health professional studies. The program features deferred repayment during residency, fellowship, internship, research and other clinical training, and the potential for reduced reliance on co-signers. This initiative helps fill critical, specialized positions to serve citizens across the commonwealth. Medical students can apply here. Other health-related students can apply here. Students pursuing advanced degrees in other areas of study can apply here. Local Groups Can Apply for Watershed Restoration Grants
Local governments, schools, nonprofits, watershed groups and other organizations have until June 22 to apply for Growing Greener Plus grants to help fund local projects that fix flooding problems and restore watersheds. Growing Greener Plus helps cover the cost of watershed protection, surface mining conservation and reclamation, and stormwater management planning. All proposals will be competitively reviewed for eligibility, environmental benefits and other criteria. Organizations can access eligibility guidelines and applications here. Explore Our Rivers and Lakes with Safe Boating
Waterways in our area and across the commonwealth provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy boating. During National Safe Boating Week, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers a checklist of basic safety guidelines including:
For more information on safe boating, to take a Boating Safety Education Course and to purchase launch permits, boat registration renewals and fishing licenses, visit the commission’s boating webpage. Mammo May: Questions to Ask Ahead of Your Mammogram
If you’re taking advantage of the new state law that covers diagnostic breast imaging at no cost for insured individuals, make your Mammo May complete by answering these key questions before you go:
Learn more about what you need to know before you go to your appointment here. Honoring Those Who Gave All
Memorial Day is a time to pause as a nation and honor the memory of Americans who left their hometowns and laid down their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is a debt we can never fully repay. We owe it to them to tell their stories and do our part as citizens of this great nation to ensure they did not die in vain. |
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