|
||||
|
In this Update:
Free Career Kick-Start Event for Women
I am partnering with Pennsylvania Women Work to host Career Kick-Start on Wednesday, May 28, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Frank Sarris Public Library, 35 N. Jefferson Ave., Canonsburg. Participants will learn how to identify professional skills and strengths and communicate them on a resume and in interviews, as well as how to find and apply for job openings. They will be able to learn about employment opportunities, take a free professional headshot and meet individually with a career coach to refine their resume. Tina Kreuzer, a 2024 Career Kick-Start participant, said, “After attending the program, I saw a two-fold increase in responses to my resume, leading to more interviews and ultimately multiple job offers. The result – I transitioned to a new career in an incredibly competitive job market. I wholeheartedly endorse this program because it is comprehensive, practical and incredibly encouraging.” Space is limited. Women who are interested are asked to register online at www.pawomenwork.org/event/career-kick-start. Please call 412-742-4362 with any questions. Get Your Rent/Property Tax Rebates Completed in Greene County
A representative from my office will be visiting six different senior centers throughout Greene County to help residents complete their property tax/rent rebate applications: ▸ April 30, Jefferson Senior Community Center ▸ May 1, Carmichaels Senior Activities Center ▸ May 7, Bobtown Senior Community Center ▸ May 8, Waynesburg Senior Community Center ▸ May 14, Mt. Morris Senior Community Center ▸ May 15, West Greene Senior Community Center No appointment is necessary. All times are from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Property owners should bring all forms of income and 2024 tax receipts. Renters should bring all forms of income and their completed rent certificate (PA 1000 RC). Call 724-225-4380 for any questions. Focus on the 46th
I was invited by the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA) to tour Tim Twaddle’s Racing Stable in the track’s backstretch area and discuss the $1.6B economic impact horse racing and breeding has on the commonwealth. The year-round backstretch operation at The Meadows is a huge incentive for trainers to relocate their families here and start a stable. Right now horse racing depends on people coming through the turnstiles, and Tim’s partnership with Anthony MacDonald, co-founder of The Stable, offers an exciting incentive to bring more people of all ages to the track. Anthony’s program essentially allows anyone to literally be a horse owner. Through fractional ownership, you (or with a group of your friends) can own as little as 1% of a racing horse. Most of us will never own a piece of a NASCAR, but you can experience the thrill of horse racing with skin in the game. You can finally say, “My horse is racing tonight!” We have one of the best family-friendly racing facilities right in our backyard seconds from Interstate 79, across the road from Tanger Outlets, and minutes from the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum. Of course there are races all year long, but circle May 23 because that’s when the Friday night races start. Pictured with me (L-R) is Tim Twaddle, Standardbred Trainer; Dawnelle Mock, MSOA Executive Director; and Anthony MacDonald, TheStable.ca
This week the United Way of Washington County and WJPA (95.3 FM) in Washington held a radiothon to raise donations for all the wonderful things United Way does for our neighbors. I’m proud to support this amazing organization that steps in where others can’t. They change lives and this week we all helped support this pillar of our community. 2025 marks the 100th Anniversary of the United Way of Washington County (UWWC) and I was thrilled to mark this incredible milestone by presenting a Senate Citation of Congratulations to (pictured left to right) Barb Kennedy, Finance & Administration Manager; Ann Hrabik, Executive Director; and Jessica Tennant, Marketing & Fundraising Manager. Thank you to Jessica and Bob Gregg, WJPA Radio, for inviting me down to the radio station to record a segment for the radiothon.
Last week the Greene County Commissioners welcomed Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding to Greene County. The Secretary was very gracious with his time and knowledge of ideas and opportunities that will help grow agriculture in the county. Economic development and tourism continue to be at the top of the agenda for the leaders of Greene County, and hosting today’s session will allow for their ideas to become reality. Thank you again to Secretary Redding for making the trip out from Harrisburg and thank you to the Commissioners for continuing to look towards a bright future.
Last month there was a much-deserved celebration at the Mon Valley Alliance Foundation (MVAF) Business Resource Center in Monongahela. A group of dedicated individuals were recognized for completing an intense three month certification training program for the telecommunications and fiber optics industry. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Pittsburgh (CCPGH) has spearheaded the Gismondi Job Training Program throughout Western PA and has collaborated with MVAF to offer this workforce development in the Mon Valley. The program focuses on entry-level positions such as splicers, linemen, cable pullers, and office technicians, and provides a pathway for dedicated students to launch a rewarding career in the telecommunications field. Thank you to Jamie Colecchi, CEO of Mon Valley Alliance, for inviting my office to attend.
A huge congratulations to Holly April Harris, of Coal Center, for winning the 2024 Judges’ Choice in the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Annual Photo Contest! Holly’s photo, “Beyond the Edge” which depicts a kayaker going over a waterfall in Ohiopyle State Park, will be displayed in the State Capitol Building East Rotunda until April 28. Pictured with Holly (left) at her winning photograph is my Chief of Staff, Katrina (right). Senate Passes Bill Benefitting Career and Technical Schools
Career and technical education prepares students for rewarding, family-sustaining careers, often at a significantly reduced cost compared to attending college. Pennsylvania is in great need of people with this training, and there are many job openings waiting to be filled. To ensure people have the training needed for these jobs, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 315. The legislation would provide more certainty regarding grant funding for career and technical education equipment by making funding calculations before the school year in which the allocation occurs. Currently, schools are reimbursed after they have made purchases based on calculations made near the end of the school year. Read more about career and technical education opportunities in the commonwealth. Program Increasing Digital Connectivity to Provide Laptops
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) is accepting applications for its Digital Connectivity Technology Program. Through the program, the PBDA will purchase and distribute $20 million in devices such as laptops for eligible public-facing institutions including libraries, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, and other institutions that can offer internet access to individuals who lack the technology. PBDA strongly encourages interested applicants to review the program FAQ before applying. The FAQ, pre-recorded webinar providing an overview of the program, guidelines and online application are available here. Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 30. School Safety Report Available Now
Students deserve to feel safe while they’re learning, and their families should be confident that extensive efforts are made to ensure that happens. Senate Republicans have prioritized fostering healthy and safe communities, which include schools. Part of that work includes requiring and conducting a report to evaluate school safety initiatives and how they can be adjusted to more effectively protect students. The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee’s report highlighted the need for security assessments of school buildings and certification requirements for school safety and security coordinators. Other key findings include collecting and analyzing more relevant data – such as tips made using the Safe2Say Something Program – and improving how the data already being collected is shared. Find the full report here. Purple Star Schools Support Military Children
Military children face unique challenges as a result of frequent moves and parental deployments. To give them the best chance of success, Senate Republicans passed Act 69 of 2022. The law created the Purple Star designation for schools that demonstrate their commitment to supporting military families. Many schools have embraced this program and stepped up to help the children of our service members. Purple Star Schools go the extra mile to provide stability, resources and a welcoming community for military children, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive. Pennsylvania has 37,000 children with parents serving in the military – and 80% of these children are in kindergarten through grade 12 and attend public schools. Learn more about Purple Star Schools. Passover Begins on April 12
Saturday marks the beginning of Passover, the eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’ emancipation from slavery in ancient Egypt. I hope it’s a warm occasion of family and friends for all who observe.
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.senatorbartolotta.com | Privacy Policy |
