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In this Update:
My Committee Assignments for 2025-26 Legislative Session
I was assigned to serve on six standing Senate committees during the 2025-26 legislative session: Labor and Industry as vice chair; Community, Economic and Recreational Development (CERD); Environmental Resources and Energy; Judiciary; Rules and Executive Nominations; and Transportation committees. Committees provide legislative oversight and help shape the language in bills that fall under their areas of responsibility. The CERD Committee works closely with the Department of Community and Economic Development on issues pertaining to the state’s various grant and loan programs to support business growth and development. The Environmental Resources and Energy Committee oversees the state’s energy resources and development. This includes regulations and conservation efforts, initiatives related to public lands and their renewable resources, policies impacting surface mining, coal, oil, gas and mineral leasing and broad oversight of air and water resources. The Judiciary Committee focuses on legislation regulating rules governing criminal and juvenile justice, crime victims, law enforcement, sexual offenses and tort reform. The Labor and Industry Committee considers a wide range of issues pertaining to both employers and employees, including Workers’ Compensation, Unemployment Compensation, workplace safety, building codes and workforce development. It also provides oversight of the state Department of Labor and Industry, as well as the Human Relations Commission, Unemployment Compensation Board of Review and Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board. The Rules and Executive Nominations Committee reviews nominations made by the governor and is charged with the consideration of resolutions and legislation returning to the Senate from the House of Representatives. The Transportation Committee oversees all operations related to the commonwealth’s multimodal transportation system, including legislation and policy on roads and bridges, public transportation, railroads, airports and ports. Focus on the 46th
I would like to thank everyone who presented projects this week during the annual Local Share Account (LSA) Program public hearings. As a member of the LSA Review Committee, I take great consideration of my recommendations for which projects should receive Washington County’s gaming revenue. The LSA program does tremendous good for the region and there are many success stories that have been facilitated by the program. The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington (RACW) has been designated as the agency to apply for and administer the LSA Program on behalf of the Washington County Board of Commissioners. You can review the history of projects that have been awarded by clicking this link. Photos are courtesy of John Timney, RACW Executive Director
There was a wonderful celebration at The Way this week. It was my great honor to present over $750,000 in grants to the leadership team of this spectacular community center that anchors High Street in uptown Waynesburg. The strong support and beacon of light that shines bright in this organization is only matched by the true community support that The Way has. I am excited for what this team has in store for the future and look forward to celebrating many milestones. It was a great night for The Way, for Greene County, and for our corner of the world. I would like to thank the entire Board of Directors from The Way and give special recognition to Mark Fox, Jonathan Johnson, Sue Peirce and Commissioner Jared Edgreen for their kind words and unwavering support to the community we all love.
This week I had the opportunity to visit Blueprints Central Kitchen located at the Waynesburg Senior Center. The kitchen, managed by Jessie Rush, was recently remodeled with the support of EQT Corporation and the Community Foundation of Greene County. Each year, Blueprints provides over 50,000 meals to the Greene County Community. The great work that they do to support our seniors is outstanding. Of course, that work is only elevated by the wonderful Meals on Wheels volunteers that dedicate their time (and vehicles) for the outreach efforts. Sadly, their volunteers may be the only people that some seniors without family or friends see on a regular basis. In many cases during a routine visit, the volunteers can recognize that something is wrong and help by calling emergency services. In the photo with me from left to right are Blueprints staff Jordan Linck [Chief Administrative Officer], Jessie Rush [Central Kitchen Site Supervisor], and Stacy Stroman [Aging Well Director]
IRS certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistants (VITA) will be preparing 2024 federal, state, and local income tax returns for the low income and elderly from February 3 thru April 10 at The Bible Chapel in McMurray, Washington County (300 Gallery Drive, McMurray, PA 15317). All questions should be directed to the IRS or VITA by visiting their website. Beginning February 3, Monday thru Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. No appointments, first come, first served. Please be sure to bring: ▸ Your 2023 Federal & State Tax Return and Supporting Documents PennDOT Contest for Students to Improve Roadway Safety
Students are invited to participate in the Innovations Challenge to help the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) increase awareness for seatbelt safety and improve driver behavior for the benefit of our roads. The challenge, which has an award of $6,000 for the winning team, encourages ninth- through twelfth-grade students to use their problem-solving, creative and strategic-thinking abilities to resolve real-world transportation challenges. Regional winners will be invited to present their solutions to the PennDOT secretary and a panel of judges, who will determine the statewide cash prize winner. The submission deadline is Jan. 31. Free Winter Activities at State Parks
Staff at Pennsylvania state parks and forests host free events throughout the year for people of all ages. During winter, snow walks, bird watching, night owl hikes and more are among the activities available. The event listing can be sorted by in-person or virtual events. It can also be filtered by region and date. To make it even more convenient, a personalized list of events can be emailed to you weekly if you build an event digest email to your liking. The email can be customized for your event preferences and when you wish to be notified. REAL ID to be In Effect on May 7
Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant license/identification card or other federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board domestic commercial flights or enter a military installation or federal facility that requires ID. To get a REAL ID, you must bring your documents to a driver licensing center for verification in person. Learn about the specific items that are required to be issued a REAL ID. The website also offers the option to pre-verify online if your documents are already on file with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. REAL ID is optional. It is not required to drive, vote, access hospitals, visit the post office, access federal courts or apply for or receive federal benefits. Help is Available for People Who Want to Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is difficult, and not just because of the addictive properties of nicotine. Different people experience unique challenges, and personalized resources are available for veterans, women, teens, those who are age 60 and older and others. People can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669), text QUIT to 47848 or use the live chat feature on SmokeFree.gov. The website has lots of practical articles, including ones about how to make a plan to quit, manage cravings, cope with stress without smoking and much more. There are resources for people who want to stop using dip and vapes, as well as information about how to support a loved one who is quitting. Jan. 20 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for peace, even while he worked to instill change. As our country has faced various transitions in the past few years, I hope all Americans can celebrate his commitment to treating each other with decency – even when perspectives may differ. President Ronald Reagan signed legislation into law that made the third Monday in January a federal holiday honoring the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
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