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In this Update:

• Remembering the Attack on Pearl Harbor
• Greene and Washington Counties to Receive Laptops
• Come Celebrate With Us This Monday
• Focus on the 46th
• Senate Accomplishments: Improving Community Safety
• $1.16 Billion in Broadband Funding to Help Close the Digital Divide
• Public Meeting Regarding State Rail Plan Updates on Dec. 10
• Milk Testing Implemented to Protect PA Milk Prices
• Grants Available for Senior Community Centers

Remembering the Attack on Pearl Harbor

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii led to the United States declaring war on Japan and ultimately winning World War II.

Sadly, the attack cost the lives of thousands of service members and civilians. Even more were injured. It also sank two U.S. Navy battleships and destroyed 188 aircraft.

On Saturday, Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor survivors, veterans and others will honor and remember the people who gave their lives during the attack. The atrocities of war remind us of the incredible value of the American rights we hold dear.

Greene and Washington Counties to Receive Laptops

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) announced recently that Greene and Washington counties will receive grants to improve digital connectivity by providing laptops. Having access to high-speed internet unlocks the full potential of students who are trying to learn, employers who are trying to succeed in their communities and adults who are trying to run their daily lives. However, especially given the elevated prices of basic necessities, the cost can be prohibitive for some. These grants will help to remove that challenge.

Grants were awarded through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act Digital Connectivity Technology Program. Local governments and community institutions needed to prove that affordability is a barrier to broadband adoption in the competitive process to secure part of the $20 million of the program.

Greene County

    – The Way Community Center of Greene County in Waynesburg will receive 30 laptops.

Washington County

    – Food Helpers of Canonsburg will receive 20 laptops.

    – Frank Sarris Public Library of Canonsburg will receive 30 laptops.

    – Washington and Jefferson College of Washington will receive 30 laptops.

Having received support from Senate Republicans, a law created PBDA as an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. PBDA is responsible for creating a statewide broadband plan and distributing federal and state dollars for broadband expansion projects in unserved and underserved areas of the state.

Come Celebrate With Us This Monday

Focus on the 46th

I was proud to fully support Greene Township’s bid for a grant through the Commonwealth Financing Authority which they successfully received in 2023. This $220,623 grant ultimately helped set the stage for last month’s ribbon cutting in Garards Fort, Greene County, unveiling the township’s brand new modular municipal building.

I’m incredibly happy for the staff and especially Greene Township officials Kenneth Kiger [Board of Supervisors] and Judith Hamlin [Secretary/Treasurer]. Your dedication to achieving this accomplishment is to be commended. This was a crucial investment in the community that will serve important government functions for residents for years to come. Congratulations to everyone.

I first visited AccuTrex Products’ Southpointe headquarters in 2017 – since then, the veteran-owned and family-operated small business has seen extensive growth which has been mostly driven by their fabrication division. COO Mark Beichner and CFO Ralph Ussack invited me to visit their manufacturing facility in Arden, Washington County, to see the operation and learn about their anticipated infrastructure and equipment upgrades for the next 1-3 years.

On the shop floor you’ll find quite a few laser cutters and two massive waterjet cutting machines that are used for aerospace and defense applications. Those big guys can cut titanium all the way up to 4 inches thick. AccuTrex has been grinding it out for almost 45 years, and I’m proud they’re doing right here in the 46th Senatorial District. Thank you to Mark, Ralph, and their team for letting me stop in for a visit.

It was a heartwarming day in Southpointe this week as Range Resources Corporation hosted their 8^th Annual Bike & Stroller Parade. Families with a special needs child were each presented with a life-changing adaptive bike or stroller provided by the incredible non-profit organization, Variety – the Children’s Charity of Pittsburgh, who partnered with BLACKBURN’S Home Medical Equipment & Supplies. Range has been doing grants and sponsorships for Variety Children’s Charity since 2017.

The strollers can help parents feel empowered and confident to go everywhere with their child by reducing the stress of elopement risk. Families can visit restaurants or run errands at a busy store. The bikes can provide inclusion which creates and fosters relationships with their siblings or other children in the neighborhood.

Perhaps the most touching story told was how dedicated iPads with communication applications can become a child’s voice for those that are non-verbal. They can share their thoughts, opinions, or in some cases tell their parents that they love them for the first time.

Thank you to Tom Baker [CEO of Variety], Molly Crawford [Program Manager at Variety], Christina Kramer [Community Relations Manager at Range], and Randy Prunty [Business Development Manager at Blackburn].

I would like to thank Burgettstown Area School District Superintendent Stephen Puskar for stopping by my office recently to discuss necessary critical improvements to their facilities. Superintendent Puskar is a wonderful representative for the Burgettstown community and is steadfast in creating the best environment for his students to succeed.

You can watch the latest edition of “Focus on the 46th District” by clicking the image above. I visited Waterdam Farm in Washington County to meet the author of the Lady Thistle Children’s Book Series and learned how her experience with horses inspired a passion to educate children about our equine friends.

Donna Anderson Horbal launched her small business just over five years ago. She reads to children by volunteering her time at schools and libraries along with donating her books to institutions across the region. Her first book, “Polly and the Birth Day” was named the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s 2024 Farm-tastic Book of the year. This program promotes agricultural literacy in the public libraries and elementary school libraries within Pennsylvania.

Senate Accomplishments: Improving Community Safety

To improve safety in Pennsylvania communities, Senate Republicans passed laws in the 2023-24 legislative session to prevent and better respond to crime.

Twenty-eight new safety laws include ones that target looting and organized retail theft, prevent the exploitation of older Pennsylvanians, establish a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system and outlaw deepfake child sexual abuse materials generated by artificial intelligence. The laws also amend the Protection from Abuse Act to give judges the ability to order the defendant to refrain from abusing the victim’s pets and crack down on the unchecked crime crisis plaguing Philadelphia’s mass transit system.

You can view the complete list of approved legislation to enhance community safety here. Advancing initiatives to reduce crime and foster greater safety will continue to be our focus in the new legislative session.

$1.16 Billion in Broadband Funding to Help Close the Digital Divide

Grants are available for projects that increase access to reliable internet for education, health care, businesses and everyday life.

Internet service providers, nonprofits and local governments may apply for Pennsylvania through the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding through Jan. 21, 2025. Projects must expand high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved communities across the commonwealth.

Apply online. For support, visit the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority website.

Public Meeting Regarding State Rail Plan Updates on Dec. 10

The public is invited to attend a virtual public informational meeting to discuss an update to the Pennsylvania State Rail Plan on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 4-5:30 p.m. Feedback can be shared via an online survey through Thursday, Dec. 19.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is developing the 2025 Pennsylvania State Rail Plan, which was last updated in 2020. Input from the public and stakeholders on safety, passenger and freight rail, funding, policy, the environment and economic development is key to developing the State Rail Plan. The plan will also evaluate and document passenger and freight rail needs throughout the next 20 years to guide investments.

Project staff will provide an introduction of the PA State Rail Plan update process and background on freight and passenger rail. There will also be an interactive question-and-answer session. Presentation materials and an online survey will be available here through Dec. 19. Questions or comments can be directed to RA-PDPASRP@pa.gov.

Milk Testing Implemented to Protect PA Milk Prices

Influenza A, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), has been detected in dairy cattle in several other states. While there are no concerns about food safety or pasteurized milk or meat, mandatory milk testing performed by processors will prevent widespread disease that would result in higher prices for consumers.

There won’t be any cost to processors as all necessary supplies will be provided. Farmers are also encouraged to develop a biosecurity plan and report suspected cases by calling 717-772-2852.

Because Pennsylvania has many farms that have both poultry and dairy operations, the state is more susceptible to Influenza A as the virus can spread quickly between animals and farms. Consistently following biosecurity practices and testing products will minimize huge outbreaks. Learn more.

Grants Available for Senior Community Centers

Grants are available to increase participation and programming at senior community centers. Funding can also be used to attract a new generation of older adults and provide a safe and healthy environment for all participants.

Senior community centers may apply for the $2 million in grants until Friday, Dec. 13, at 5 p.m. using the Commonwealth’s Electronic Single Application system.

Learn more. For questions, email SCCgrants@pa.gov or call 717-772-2551.

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