Recent News
E-news Updates – March 14, 2026
In this Update: Indiana Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Senate Acts to Address Electric Generation Shortfall, Expand Energy Development Welcome to our Indiana Office Intern Measure to Speed Up Plugging of Abandoned Wells Approved by Senate Poultry Owners Urged to Continue Efforts to Combat Avian Influenza Next Commonwealth Vehicle Auction is April 14 Happy St. Patrickโs Day […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – March 7, 2026
In this Update: Special Olympics Polar Plunge! PASSHE Senate Budget Hearing Saint Nicholas School Visit Senate Budget Hearing with the Public Utility Commission Transportation Funding Video Two Weeks of Senate Budget Hearings Conclude Bill to Ease Shortage in Long-Term Care Workers Approved by Senate Family Caregivers Can Find Help Through State Support Program Online Filing […] [Read More]
Budget Hearing Q&A: Selected SSHE Universities
Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman questions the university presidents during the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing for East Stroudsburg University, Indiana University of PA, Millersville University and West Chester University. [Read More]
Budget Hearing Q&A: PUC
Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman questions PUC Chairman Stephen DeFrank during the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing for the PA Public Utility Commission. [Read More]
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It was a BIG day at the #PACapitol on Monday recognizing Big 33 Football Classic players, cheerleaders, buddies and coaches, who are participating in the 2026 Big 33 football game! The game has been described as the โSuper Bowl of High School Footballโ and has chosen a team every year since 1957.
It was a pleasure to welcome Roger Beitel and his wife Amy to the Senate. Mr. Beitel is a social studies teacher at Ligonier Valley School District, and the long-tenured coach of the Ligonier Valley Rams #football team. Roger was selected to serve as an assistant coach on Team #Pennsylvania for the 2026 Big 33 Football Classic. Congratulations Roger!
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I was pleased to participate in the #legislative roundtable portion of the 115th Annual Convention of the #WestmorelandCounty Association of Township Supervisors.
It was good to see many familiar faces and a few new folks as well. I appreciated the thoughtful dialogue about area priorities, and the perspectives on how we can better help our #localcommunities. Thank you for inviting me to take part in this important discussion!
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My staff and I were proud to join local officials and many #community members in Armstrong & Indiana Counties for @america250_pa kick-off events. It was great to hear about planned activities for the months ahead of this historic celebration!
Events are being held in all 67 counties across #Pennsylvania as an opportunity to engage ALL Pennsylvanians in sharing the meaningful history of our Commonwealth and the integral role it played in the founding of the United States. As we recognize the rich history of our nation, it is greatly important we continue our work to uphold the promise of the American Dream for generations to come.
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Please join me in welcoming Tyler Young who is completing an #internship in my Indiana district office!
Tyler is an Eagle Scout from Punxsutawney, and a graduate of Westminster College, with a Bachelorโs degree in #criminaljustice and a minor in legal studies. Tyler will be attending Widener University this fall to pursue a #lawdegree.
Tyler is a great addition to our team, and we look forward to the contributions he will make helping to serve constituents!
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Thank you to Indiana University of Pennsylvania President Michael Driscoll for participating in the Senate Appropriations Committee PA State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) budget hearing this week. Presidents from Millersville, East Stroudsburg, West Chester and IUP testified at the hearing. Preparing the next generation for #Pennsylvania`s workforce requires making sure they have the right tools and knowledge to succeed.
We had a productive dialogue about how the universities are working to differentiate themselves from other #educational institutions, competing with career and technical schools that are growing, addressing the footprint of universities in PA #communities, and more.
Gov. Shapiroโs budget proposal would fund PASSHE at the current yearโs appropriation of more than $625 million.
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What a fantastic day to be at Armstrong Junior-Senior High School for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge to support incredible #specialolympics #athletes!
The event was re-scheduled from a January date, and we were fortunate to have much warmer temperatures today.
My thanks to Armstrong County Commissioner, John Strate for challenging me to participate along with Rep. Abby Major, and Kittanning District Magistrate, Ken Bussard. A really cool event!
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On my way home from Harrisburg, it was great to stop by Saint Nicholas Catholic School. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the students discussing the importance of Catholic #education.
We had good conversations about different aspects of #stategovernment, including becoming an elected official, along with various career and life paths. Thank you for having me!
๐๐๐ง๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง
PA Senate Republicans know #Pennsylvania being a leader in energy production is key to #energy independence and national security. Pennsylvanians have no doubt been forced to deal with the realities and pressures of higher energy costs, which cannot stand. A strong, reliable, and cost-effective energy portfolio across our Commonwealth requires embracing an all-encompassing strategy when it comes to the generation and distribution of power.
During the PA Public Utility Commission budget hearing we took a closer look at the negative impacts of Gov. Shapiroโs energy policies. The PUC oversees more than 8,000 entities which provide utility services across the state. My colleagues and I raised concerns about Gov. Shapiroโs approach to energy leading to higher costs for Pennsylvania consumers, while subsidizing lower energy prices in other states in the region.
PUC Commissioners testified that #electricity generation is lagging well behind demand and more energy production for the grid is desperately needed.
