Robinson: Senate Acts to Put the Brakes on Street Racing
HARRISBURG – Legislation that would increase penalties on illegal street racing was approved today by the Senate, according to one of the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37).“This legislation is crucial to reduce instances of dangerous street racing which often results in crashes, or even deaths,” Robinson said. “Our streets are not part of a movie set. It’s time to put effective incentives in place for those who participate in these extremely harmful stunts.”Senate Bill 998 – also known as the “Putting the Brakes on Street Racing” legislation – proposes...
Gaydos Announces School Safety Grants for 44th District
On April 30, 2024, Rep. Valerie Gaydos of the 44th Legislative District in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, revealed that the School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC) had approved around $1.56 million in grants aimed at enhancing safety and security measures in schools within the district.Gaydos emphasized the importance of these grants by stating, "Educators cannot effectively teach, and students cannot effectively learn." She further expressed, "No parent should have to worry about their children’s safety when they send them off to school."The allocated funds will enable...
Bethel Park Wastewater Project Receives $15 Million Funding Boost, Lawmakers Say
HARRISBURG – Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington) and Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-Allegheny/Washington) have announced a significant development for the Bethel Park Wastewater Treatment Facility. The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has approved a $15 million low-interest loan for upgrades at the facility."Maintenance of utility infrastructure systems is a major safety concern, and I am glad local officials are identifying important upgrades and working hard to make them happen," stated Rep. Natalie Mihalek. "This is precisely why...
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Robinson’s Bill to Propel Pennsylvania’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector Passed by Senate
HARRISBURG – Legislation aimed at propelling Pennsylvania's advanced manufacturing sector forward was approved by the Senate today. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Devlin Robinson, chair of the Senate’s Labor and Industry Committee, is set to boost economic development, attract high-technology industries, and incentivize private investment."Pennsylvania’s workforce is one of the most productive on the planet," highlighted Senator Robinson, emphasizing the potential of the state's labor force. He further stated, "With enactment of Senate Bill 497, we can attract even more...
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Mihalek, Colleagues to Present Food Safety Bills
Reps. Natalie Mihalek, Rep. Melissa Shusterman, and Sen. Devlin Robinson are set to present food safety bills during a news conference scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, at 10 a.m. The legislation aims to address dangerous chemicals used in various foods. The event will take place at the Ryan Office Building Atrium in the State Capitol Complex, Harrisburg. Other lawmakers, a food expert, and a medical professional will also be in attendance. The news conference will be streamed live at youtube.com/watch?v=msd4mng1OKY. For media inquiries, contact Jordan Frei at 724-875-8450...
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Kuzma to Host Event to Turn in Illegible License Plates
Representative Andrew Kuzma from the 39th Legislative District in Pennsylvania has announced a partnership with the South Park Township Police to host an event aimed at helping residents replace illegible license plates. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 23, at the South Park Township Municipal Building.Kuzma expressed his hopes for a successful turnout, stating, "I hosted a similar event last year that was wildly popular and hope people take advantage of this opportunity." He emphasized the importance of addressing issues where weather and age have...
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Numerous Fire, EMS Grants Awarded, Kuzma Says
HARRISBURG – In a press release today, Rep. Andrew Kuzma (R-Allegheny/Washington) announced that 18 fire companies and emergency medical service companies serving the 39th Legislative District have been awarded over $357,000 in Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service grants. The grant money comes from state gaming proceeds and is open to volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services, and rescue squads in Pennsylvania. The funding can be used for various purposes such as construction, equipment purchase or repair, debt reduction, and training.Kuzma...
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Gaydos Announces Grants to First Responders in the 44th District
Fire and emergency response organizations in Pennsylvania's 44th Legislative District have received a significant boost in funding. Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) announced today that these organizations have been awarded a total of $151,026 in grants from the state. The funding comes from an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). "We need to do all we can to support our volunteer fire companies and emergency medical service (EMS)...
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Ortitay Announces Grants for Fire, EMS Companies
State Representative Jason Ortitay has announced that 13 fire and ambulance companies in the 46th Legislative District will receive a total of nearly $200,000 in Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grants. The grant program, which has been in place since 2000, is available to both volunteer and career fire companies, as well as emergency medical services and rescue squads in Pennsylvania.According to Rep. Ortitay, the grants can be used for a variety of purposes, including facility construction or repair, equipment purchase or repair, debt reduction, and training....
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Ortitay Praises Advancement of Literacy Legislation
Feb. 07, 2024In response to the Senate Education Committee unanimously reporting out Senate Bill 801, Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) has expressed his support for the advancement of literacy achievement for all. The bill, which is a mirror image of his House Bill 998, aims to address the state's declining early literacy rate and fulfill the Commonwealth Court's landmark decision on fair funding.Ortitay emphasized the importance of investing in early literacy in every school across the state, stating, "Surely, something as important as teaching children how...
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Robinson, Costa Bill Creating Western PA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force Passed by Senate
HARRISBURG – Legislation to create a western Pennsylvania Urban Search and Rescue task force was approved unanimously by the Senate today, according to Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37) and Jay Costa (D-43).The bill, Senate Bill 792, aims to establish a western Pennsylvania-based Urban Search and Rescue task force to supplement Task Force One, which is currently located in the southeastern part of the commonwealth. Task Force One consists of a team of individuals comprising firefighters, engineers, medical professionals, canine handlers, and emergency managers, all of whom...
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Mihalek: Poor Planning Plagues Both Budget Event and Annual Budget
Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington) expressed her dissatisfaction with the poor planning and miscounting of chairs during Tuesday's budget address. Due to the lack of chairs, approximately two-dozen House members were forced to stand, which was seen as ironic. The event took place in the Capitol Rotunda as repairs to the House Chamber ceiling were still ongoing.Mihalek drew a parallel between the chair shortage and Governor Josh Shapiro's approach to the appropriations budget. She criticized the governor for making promises without considering whether they can...
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Gaydos: Governor’s Budget is a Spending Spree with Your Money
Governor Josh Shapiro recently presented his state budget proposal to the General Assembly, outlining a $48.34 billion plan that includes a substantial increase in state appropriations. However, not everyone is pleased with this proposal.Representative Valerie Gaydos of the 44th Legislative District expressed her concerns about the governor's budget. Gaydos stated, "I cannot support a budget which drains $15.9 billion from the General Fund balance and spends nearly $3.2 billion more than what the state currently brings in. This does not put Pennsylvania on strong...
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Shapiro Budget Proposal Just the First Step, Ortitay Says
In response to Governor Josh Shapiro's budget proposal for the 2024-25 fiscal year, Representative Jason Ortitay issued a statement emphasizing the need for further discussions and negotiations to ensure a budget that benefits the taxpayers of Pennsylvania. Ortitay expressed his intention to work towards an on-time budget that meets the needs of the state.Ortitay stated, "Today was an opportunity for Gov. Josh Shapiro to lay out his priorities for this budget year, which is due by June 30. Over the next four months, there will be hearings, legislation, and negotiations. I...