Recent News
E-news Updates – April 18, 2026
In this Update: Statement on the 2026-27 State Budget Casino Theater โ Vandergrift A Closer Look: Protecting Children from Harmful AI Chat Interactions European Commission Visit Hearing Explores Approaches to Expanding Access to Dental Care Across PA Keeping Our Families and Communities Safe Student Teachers Can Apply for Assistance Through PA Support Program New […] [Read More]
PA Senate Leaders Issue Statement on 2026-27 State Budget
Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39), Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-13) issued the following statement today on the state budget process. [Read More]
E-news Updates – April 11, 2026
In this Update: Town Hall Meeting โ Gilpin Township Soft Skills Challenge Good Friday Breakfast Vandergrift Brewery Visit Reducing Aggressive Driving, Protecting Pedestrians the Focus of Senate Hearing Beware of Investment Scams on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp Women Veterans Invited to Submit Their Stories of Service Area Creameries Encouraged to Join the PA Ice Cream Trail […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – April 2, 2026
In this Update: Best Wishes for a Happy Easter Strengthening Community Safety and Support Arrow of Light Award Senate Approves Bill Aiding Pennsylvanians with Invisible Disabilities During Police Interactions First Batch of 2026 Money Match Unclaimed Property Checks Being Mailed Let PennDOT Know Your Opinion of Winter Road Services PA Bald Eagle Cam Livestreams Americaโs […] [Read More]
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It was a pleasure to join my friend, @repjimstruzzi for a meeting with a group of individuals representing the Zasavje region of Slovenia. The meeting & visit was coordinated by Ben Franklin Technology Partners-CNP.
We had a robust discussion of how Indiana County, in partnership with the Commonwealth, is embracing growth initiatives through economic development, education and workforce perspectives.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has been in existence since the 1960`s and includes member nations from Europe, North America, South America, and Asia-Pacific. Our county/region is one of seven North American regions twinned with a European region as part of this study of industrial transition. Partnerships such as these support regions in taking a forward-looking approach, focusing on what works and how they can build on strengths to achieve sustainable and inclusive transformation. We look forward to a continued partnership!
Thank you, Mr. President for saving family-sustaining jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania!!!
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It was an honor to be invited to participate in the kick-off event recognizing the โWeek of the Young Childโ in our community on April 11th. I was happy to read a proclamation noting the importance of young children, along with the families and caregivers who support them.
Thank you to Childrenโs Advisory Commission of Indiana County for inviting me.
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HARRISBURG โ Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39), Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-13) issued the following statement today on the state budget process. Senate Republicans continue working toward a more fiscally responsible 2026-27 budget than the $53.3 billion proposal introduced by Gov. Josh Shapiro and advanced by the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives.
โWe continue to have profound concerns about the level of spending in the budget proposed by Governor Shapiro and passed by the House today. Moving a budget plan forward is an important step in the process, but much work remains to reach a final agreement which respects taxpayers both now and in the future. We will continue to fight for a more fiscally responsible spending plan that better positions our Commonwealth to grow and prosper, without placing unreasonable financial burdens on Pennsylvania families and taxpayers.โ
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Over 400 students from Armstrong and Indiana Counties came to Indiana this week as part of the @ariniu28 โSoft Skills Challengeโ. The students visited a selection of 27 local businesses and 9 restaurants to hone their workplace skills while learning about real-world issues that businesses face daily.
I was pleased to participate and host students at my office to review & debate Senate Bill 1014. This legislation would require public schools across the commonwealth to adopt policies prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day. SB 1014 passed the PA Senate in February with strong bi-partisan support and is now waiting to be considered by the PA House of Representatives.
This was a great experience for businesses & students alike โ well done!
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It was my honor to participate in this yearโs Cub Scouts Pack 245 Blue and Gold banquet to recognize the group of fine #youngleaders for their achievements.
A total of seven cub scouts received the prestigious โArrow of Light Awardโ, the highest rank that can be earned as a #CubScout. It focuses on building skills, character, and outdoorsmanship, requiring completion of four core and four elective adventures, plus a Troop visit. Congratulations and thank you for inviting me!
Happy Easter from our family to yours! Wishing you a blessed day filled with peace, hope and joy! โ๏ธโ๏ธ
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Efforts to boost community safety across #Pennsylvania are at the forefront of policy discussions in the Senate, and this week I was very pleased to join state and local leaders at the Indiana County Courthouse to highlight Indiana Countyโs expansion of the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI).
Originally launched here in 2023 to support individuals battling substance use disorders, LETI now extends to broader #mentalhealth needs as well.
District Attorney Robert Manzi and Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the update, emphasizing treatment over criminalization and reinforcing partnerships between law enforcement and local support services. Thank you to our law enforcement for your ongoing work to strengthen the #safety and security of our communities!
