![]() |
||
In this Update:
Strengthening Lake Erie’s FisheryI joined the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in Fairview Township for the ribbon cutting of its new Lake Erie Research Unit. This important investment will strengthen research, conservation, and management of Lake Erie’s world-class fishery, ensuring it continues to thrive for years to come. Lake Erie is a treasured resource for our region, offering unmatched opportunities for recreation and outdoor tradition. Protecting and preserving this fishery means future generations will be able to enjoy it just as we do today. Supporting the SONS of Lake ErieThe SONS of Lake Erie recently hosted their annual fish fry, where I also renewed my membership. This organization plays a vital role in protecting and promoting our incredible lake and fishery, whether through habitat improvements, youth education, or community outreach. I’m proud to support their mission and the positive impact they continue to have on our region. Visiting LIFE-NWPAI toured LIFE-NWPA to see firsthand how they help older adults live independently while still receiving quality care and support. Their dedicated team provides everything from medical services to transportation and social activities, making a real difference for families across our region. Programs like LIFE-NWPA are especially important as more Pennsylvanians look for ways to age with dignity and remain connected to their communities. I’m grateful to the staff for their commitment and the compassion they show every day. Supporting Second Chances in Erie CountyI stopped by McShane Welding with the team from Erie County Re-Entry Services and Support Alliance. It’s inspiring to see a local business giving people a second chance and helping them gain the skills they need to build a career. Partnerships like this make our community stronger. A big thank you to McShane Welding and ECRSSA for the important work you’re doing right here in Erie County. Legislators Team Up to Fight HungerWe had a great time at the Second Harvest Food Bank of NW PA 10th Annual Legislative Challenge! This friendly competition puts lawmakers and their staff head-to-head to see who can fill the most boxes of food for families in need. We came in as the defending champions and we’re proud to say we repeated this year! Shoutout to Senator Fetterman’s office for sharing extra labels when we ran out, we call that a bipartisan win! Most importantly, we’re grateful to Second Harvest for the incredible work they do every day to fight hunger in northwest Pennsylvania. Pop-Up Office in EdinboroI’ll be holding a pop-up office at 124 Meadville Street in Edinboro on September 11, 2025 from 11 AM to 3 PM. Stop by if you have questions, need assistance, or just want to say hello. My staff looks forward to connecting with you! How I Can HelpIf 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. Eliminating Waste and Fraud in State GovernmentReforming the way state government operates includes removing barriers to creating good jobs and preventing fraud and waste of taxpayer dollars. This year, we passed legislation to implement stricter oversight to block regulations that will cost employers or taxpayers more than $1 million, and require automatic review of these kinds of regulations after three years to ensure they remain in the public interest. Other bills passed by the Senate require the Department of Human Services to prevent fraud in public assistance, prevent dead people from receiving benefits and ensure unemployment compensation benefits don’t go to claimants who try to avoid work. To reduce the risk of data breaches in taxpayer-funded systems, we passed legislation requiring all state IT contracts to meet national cybersecurity standards. You can review all the notable bills we’ve passed in 2025 here. Jobs Available with PennDOT’s Winter Maintenance ProgramThe coming end of summer means job opportunities for those with the skills to maintain and clear Pennsylvania’s roadways in the winter with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Positions and hourly pay include CDL equipment operator ($23), dispatcher ($17.38), diesel and automotive mechanic ($24.97 – $28.37 based on title), tradesman helper and semi-skilled laborer ($18.46), and more. These temporary positions could be a pathway to a permanent PennDOT career. You can find more background information and links to job openings here. Help for Caregivers: PA CareKitCaring for a loved one is a selfless act that strengthens family bonds but can be difficult for the caregiver. The PA CareKit can be a great help. From the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, the PA CareKit is a collection of tools and information to help you manage stress, navigate the health care system, stay connected and find support. Topics include the First Five Steps, Understanding Your Needs, Key Caregiving Terms and Concepts, and Caregiving Resources. If you’re a caregiver, I hope you find this information useful for this challenging but lifechanging role. Learn Skills with the Pennsylvania Outdoor CorpsResidents ages 15 to 25 can learn new skills, gain job experience and improve public lands with the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps. Skills-building and training opportunities include infrastructure maintenance, habitat restoration, CPR and first aid and more. Interested individuals can learn how to get paid fixing trails, planting trees and more here. National Crime Prevention WeekA key role as lawmaker is passing legislation to combat crime and keep our communities safe. We rely on police to enforce those laws and the justice system to impose punishment when appropriate. National Crime Prevention Week is a reminder of the role citizens play in keeping their neighborhoods safe. The National Crime Prevention Council offers these crime prevention and personal safety tips to help you and your community outsmart potential lawbreakers.
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://www.senatorlaughlin.com | Privacy Policy |