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In this Update:
Exploring Innovation at Allegheny College
I enjoyed visiting Allegheny College and touring the Allegheny Lab for Innovation & Creativity (ALIC). This incredible space brings together science, technology, and the humanities to give students and local businesses the skills they need to succeed in today’s economy. It’s great to see this kind of innovation happening right here in northwest Pennsylvania, helping build a strong and sustainable tech future for our region. We’re Expanding Office Hours in Edinboro!
I’m happy to share that our Edinboro office will now be open on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can find us at the Borough of Edinboro Building, 124 Meadville Street. Stop by if you need assistance with any state-related services — my team is here to help! Supporting Local Makers in Northwest PA
I’m excited to share that NWPAmade.org has officially launched — a partnership between PennWest Edinboro University and Bridgeway Capital dedicated to strengthening our region’s maker economy. This initiative helps local entrepreneurs grow their businesses and create new opportunities that benefit communities across Northwest Pennsylvania. 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. Standing Up for PA Taxpayers
With the state budget more than 100 days overdue, we are continuing to push for a balanced budget that respects taxpayers and will not lead to massive tax increases just a year or two from now. Unfortunately, Democrats in the House of Representatives have again proposed an irresponsible plan that seeks to spend billions more than taxpayers can afford by using one-time dollars. The most prudent action for the House to take would be to immediately pass the budget approved by the Senate back on August 12 – that would get money flowing to counties, schools and social service agencies. It’s time to put people above politics. Senate Republican leaders discussed the impasse here. Senate Acts to Waive Interest on Short-Term Budget Impasse Loans
Pennsylvania counties, early education programs, rape prevention and domestic violence prevention centers could pay no interest on loans from the Pennsylvania Treasury under legislation approved by the Senate. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Under current law, the Pennsylvania Treasurer may provide investment loans during a budget impasse but must charge interest on those loans. Treasury’s Budget Bridge Loan program would provide up to $500 million in low-interest loans from the Liquid Asset Pool Investment Fund for county governments, domestic violence and rape crisis centers, Head Start agencies and approved providers under the Pre-K Counts program. Those investment loans would cover up to 25% of a recipient’s state budget appropriation from the previous fiscal year. Senate Bill 1040 would authorize the state treasurer to waive interest charges on loans issued during a budget impasse and help prevent additional costs for taxpayers and communities. Measure to Support Mental Health Services with Specialty License Plate Approved by Senate
Pennsylvania’s lifesaving 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline would receive new support through the sale of specialty license plates under legislation approved by the Senate. Under Senate Bill 955, $15 from each plate will be deposited into the Mental Health Restricted Account, helping to fund the 988 service. The lifeline offers confidential, one-to-one support from a trained crisis responder. You can read more about this legislation, and the story that inspired it, here. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Ensuring U.S. and Pennsylvania Flags Are Made in America
Reflecting a growing effort to support American manufacturing, the Senate approved legislation ensuring every U.S. and Pennsylvania flag purchased by the commonwealth is made entirely in the U.S. using American materials. Senate Bill 784 requires the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to procure only flags that are both produced and constructed from materials sourced within the U.S. Each flag must also carry a label reading “Made in America.” The measure not only promotes American-made products within state procurement practices, it prevents the use of taxpayer dollars to purchase flags from nations that do not share the values of Pennsylvania citizens. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Examining the Use of AI in Education and Workforce Development
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom and how schools are adapting programs to prepare students for changing workforce demands were the topics of a public hearing held by the Senate Education Committee and the Senate Communications and Technology Committee. The joint panel heard from educators as well as workforce development and policy experts who discussed the need to embrace AI responsibly, in a manner that retains student critical thinking, ensures ethical and safe use, and prepares students to fill in-demand jobs. Hearing video and written testimony can be found on the Senate Communications and Technology Committee and Senate Education Committee websites. Drought Watch Declared in Western PA
After lower-than-normal rainfall, more than two dozen, mainly western, Pennsylvania counties are under a drought watch declared by the Pennsylvania Drought Task Force. Drought declarations are based on the levels of precipitation, stream flows, groundwater levels and soil moisture. Under a drought watch, residents are encouraged, but not required, to voluntarily reduce their water use by five to 10%. A drought warning and drought emergency are more serious. The Department of Environmental Protection makes its drought declarations after assessing the departures from normal ranges for three-12 months. For a map that’s updated daily to show the status of all four indicators for each county, see the USGS Pennsylvania drought condition monitoring website. Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection Saves Lives
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. But when detected at its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is over 90%. The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition turned the State Capitol East Wing Fountain pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The action honors survivors, remembers those lost and encourages early detection through annual mammograms. Learn more about breast cancer and the tools available for early detection here.
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