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West Central PA News

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

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Struzzi Announces Grants for School Safety, Mental Health for Local Districts

Representative Jim Struzzi, serving the 62nd District in Pennsylvania, has announced that several school districts in the area have been awarded grants to enhance safety, security, and mental health support. The funding, totaling $155 million, was approved by the School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC) and includes allocations from various programs such as the Noncompetitive School Mental Health Grants program and the Competitive School Safety and Security Grants program. The grants were part of the FY 2023-24 state budget.In a statement, Rep. Struzzi expressed his...

By West Central PA News | Apr 29, 2024

Local Government

Armstrong, Indiana and Punxsutawney Hospitals to Receive $3.7 Million in State Funding

INDIANA, PA – The Hospital and Health System Emergency Relief Program grant application period is now open, according to Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41). As part of the current 2023-2024 fiscal year state budget, $50 million was included for the Hospital and Health System Emergency Relief Program. Recognizing hospitals are economic drivers within the communities they serve, administration of the program was placed under Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).Sen. Joe Pittman expressed his enthusiasm for the funding allocation, stating, "This funding will go a...

By West Central PA News | Apr 26, 2024

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Pittman, Struzzi Announce $14 Million in Funding for Area Water System Improvements

By West Central PA News | Apr 24, 2024

INDIANA – Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41) and Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-62) today, announced the approval of over $14 million in state funding to allow the Indiana County Municipal Services Authority to complete numerous upgrades to its Heilwood, Cherry Tree, and Crooked Creek drinking water systems."This substantial funding will go a long way in helping to improve local water systems, by providing new water service and emergency interconnections with neighboring systems," stated Sen. Joe Pittman.“I am very happy the Indiana County Municipal Services Authority has been awarded this...

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2A Caucus Chairs Dush and Major Announce Speaker Lineup for April 30 Shall Not Be Questioned, Right to Keep and Bear Arms Rally

By West Central PA News | Apr 24, 2024

Pennsylvania Senate and House Second Amendment Caucus Chairs, Sen. Cris Dush and Rep. Abby Major, have announced the speaker lineup for the upcoming "Shall Not Be Questioned, Right to Keep and Bear Arms Rally" scheduled for April 30, 2024. The event, set to take place at 9 a.m. on the front steps of the state Capitol, will see the participation of pro-Second Amendment state lawmakers, law-abiding firearm owners, and concerned citizens from across the commonwealth.Rep. Abby Major expressed her enthusiasm for hosting the event, stating, "We must continue to work to ensure...

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Pittman Announces Investment to Improve Access to High-Speed Internet in the 41st Senatorial District

By West Central PA News | Apr 18, 2024

Senator Joe Pittman (R-41) has announced a significant investment aimed at improving access to high-speed internet in the 41st Senatorial District. The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) revealed that Verizon and Comcast Cable have been granted almost $6.5 million for this purpose.Pittman emphasized the importance of high-speed internet, stating, “High-speed internet allows people better access to basic amenities such as education, health care, public safety and government services, and it has become essential for most businesses.” He also highlighted the...

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Struzzi to Cut Ribbon on Saltsburg District Office

By West Central PA News | Apr 11, 2024

State Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) is set to partner with the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce to officially cut the ribbon on his new Saltsburg district office on Thursday, May 2, at 3 p.m. The office, located in Suite 3 at 307 Point St, has been operational since early March, with Struzzi expressing gratitude for the warm reception from the community. “We’ve been open for business since early March and our new neighbors have been more than gracious in welcoming us to town,” said Struzzi. “My staff and I are just happy to be able to bring state government a little...

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Friday: Ceremony Designating Highway for Cpt. Harry G. Cramer

By West Central PA News | Apr 9, 2024

HARRISBURG – A ceremony will be held Friday designating a portion of Route 403 in the name of Army Cpt. Harry G. Cramer, as announced by Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35.)The ceremony, scheduled for Friday, April 12, at 2 p.m. at American Legion Post 294, 114 Main St., Johnstown, will mark the dedication of Route 403 from the intersection with Route 3041 in West Taylor Township, Cambria County, to the intersection with Route 8010 in East Wheatfield Township, Indiana County, as the Captain Harry G. Cramer Memorial Highway.Cpt. Cramer, a native of Johnstown, played a...

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Major, Policy Committee Host Third in Series of Hearings on Affordable and Reliable Energy for Pennsylvania Consumers

By West Central PA News | Apr 4, 2024

Rep. Abby Major and the House Republican Policy Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Josh Kail, recently held a hearing in Ford City to address the issue of affordable and reliable energy for Pennsylvania consumers. The hearing, titled “Balancing Your Budget and Thermostat: Consumer-Focused Energy Policy,” featured a panel of speakers including Michael Butler from Consumer Energy Alliance, Deb Davis and Scott Waitvertch from Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, as well as Pennsylvania residents Steve Craven and McKenna DeWitt.DeWitt, one of the residents who testified at...

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Dush and Thompson Announce Cameron County Satellite Office Hours

By West Central PA News | Apr 3, 2024

Sen. Cris Dush and Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson have announced their upcoming Cameron County area satellite office hours for April 2024. The office hours will take place on Thursday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce in Emporium, PA.According to the announcement, Dush’s staff will be available to assist with state government-related issues and legislative services. This includes helping residents deal with problems involving state laws, government, or agencies, as well as assisting with PennDOT paperwork, driver’s license and...

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Laughlin, Dush to Introduce Safe Harbor Legislation for Sexually Exploited Children

By West Central PA News | Apr 3, 2024

Sens. Dan Laughlin and Cris Dush have announced their plans to introduce legislation aimed at updating existing safe harbor laws to better protect sexually exploited children. Laughlin emphasized the importance of treating these children as victims rather than criminals, stating, “Minors should not be charged with prostitution; these children should be recognized as victims and provided with the necessary support services to help them recover from their exploitation.”Dush, the prime sponsor of Act 39 of 2023, highlighted the prevalence of sex trafficking even in local...

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Dush, Armanini Confirm $625,000 Awarded for City of St. Marys 120 Connector Project

By West Central PA News | Mar 28, 2024

Sen. Cris Dush and Rep. Mike Armanini have confirmed that $625,000 in state funding has been allocated to the City of St. Marys for the construction of the new 120 Connector Project. The project aims to divert truck traffic away from downtown St. Marys and create opportunities for economic development in Elk County and surrounding areas."I am fully supportive of this major connector project because it holds the potential to permanently divert 70% percent of truck traffic away from The Diamond," said Sen. Dush. He emphasized the broader impact of the project, stating, "the...

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Pittman Calls Court Ruling a Win for Safeguarding Elections

By West Central PA News | Mar 28, 2024

HARRISBURG – Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) today applauded the Third Circuit Court ruling upholding Pennsylvania State law that voters must date a mail-in ballot in order for it to be accepted.Pittman expressed his satisfaction with the ruling, stating, "Safeguarding elections in Pennsylvania has been chief among concerns voiced by voters, election officials and good government advocates over the past several years. The first step in providing for safe and secure elections is upholding our laws which are already in place. While Pennsylvania’s election law...

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Dush, Benninghoff Confirm $1 Million in Funding for Centre County Infrastructure Projects

By West Central PA News | Mar 26, 2024

Sen. Cris Dush and Rep. Kerry Benninghoff have confirmed the allocation of more than $1 million in state funding for three Centre County infrastructure improvement projects. Dush expressed his satisfaction with the funding, stating, "My team and I are constantly working to secure highly competitive financial assistance for the benefit of our local townships, boroughs and municipalities. It is always rewarding to see state funding return to the 25th Senate District to help offset or eliminate taxpayer costs for essential infrastructure enhancements." Benninghoff, who...

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Pittman, Major & Oberlander Announce $2 Million for Armstrong County Transportation Infrastructure Projects

By West Central PA News | Mar 26, 2024

Sen. Joe Pittman, Rep. Abby Major, and Rep. Donna Oberlander have revealed that $2 million in Multimodal Transportation Funding has been allocated for two projects in Armstrong County. The investments aim to boost economic development and enhance local transportation infrastructure in the area.Pittman expressed his satisfaction with the funding allocation, stating, “I’m proud to have worked with local and state leaders to advocate for this substantial state funding for projects within Armstrong County. These investments will have a positive impact on local residents, as...

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Pittman, Smith & Struzzi Secure Over $2.7 Million for Indiana & Jefferson County Transportation Projects

By West Central PA News | Mar 26, 2024

Sen. Joe Pittman, Reps. Jim Struzzi, and Brian Smith have announced grants totaling more than $2.7 million for transportation infrastructure projects in Indiana and Jefferson Counties. The investments, approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority on March 26, 2024, aim to improve roads, bridges, and airports in the region.Pittman expressed his satisfaction with the approved funding, stating, “I’m proud to have worked with local and state leaders to advocate for this substantial state funding for projects within our region. These investments will have a positive impact...

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Dush, Smith Confirm $721,000 Awarded for Jefferson County Infrastructure Improvements

By West Central PA News | Mar 26, 2024

HARRISBURG – Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) and Rep. Brian Smith (R-66) have announced the allocation of $721,138 for three Jefferson County infrastructure improvement projects. According to Sen. Dush, "Strategically bundling infrastructure upgrades, drainage improvements, utility work and other quality of life enhancements whenever possible are proven methods to reducing overall construction costs, increasing public safety and minimizing disruptions for Jefferson County residents and job creators." He emphasized the importance of a well-maintained local transportation...

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Four Pennsylvania Legislators Secure $1.6 Million for Westmoreland County Communities

By West Central PA News | Mar 26, 2024

Sen. Joe Pittman and Reps. Jill Cooper, Abby Major, and Leslie Rossi have announced that $1,647,151 will be awarded through the Multimodal Transportation Fund and Local Share Account Category 4 Facilities Program to benefit Westmoreland County communities. The grants were approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority on March 26, 2024."I’m proud to have worked with local and state leaders to advocate for this substantial state funding for projects within our region," said Sen. Pittman. "These investments will have a positive impact on local residents, as well as help...

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Dush, Causer Announce Funding for Keating Township Transportation Projects

By West Central PA News | Mar 26, 2024

Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) and Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) have unveiled a substantial financial boost for transportation projects in Keating Township, McKean County. The announcement, made on Mar 26, 2024, revealed that more than $914,500 in funding has been allocated for two key projects within the township.The funding includes $400,000 designated for the reconstruction of the Bordell Road Bridge and $514,523 for the reconstruction of Reilly Hollow Road. Sen. Dush expressed the significance of this financial support, stating, "Keating Township has received...

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Major to Host Concealed Carry Seminar

By West Central PA News | Mar 25, 2024

HARRISBURG – Rep. Abby Major (R-Armstrong/Westmoreland) has announced that she will be hosting a Concealed Carry Seminar on Thursday, April 11. The event is scheduled to take place at the West Leechburg Fire Hall, located at 1116 Gosser St., West Leechburg, from 6-8 p.m."Many people have questions about Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws and the Castle Doctrine," stated Major. "I’m hopeful this event will help provide answers and clarity about firearm owner rights."The seminar, which will be led by a representative of Firearms Owners Against Crime, aims to provide...

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PA Senate Passes Legislation Urging Gov. Shapiro to Deploy PA National Guard to Defend U.S. Southern Border

By West Central PA News | Mar 19, 2024

The Pennsylvania Senate has taken a significant step in national security by passing legislation urging Governor Josh Shapiro to deploy the Pennsylvania National Guard to support "Operation Lone Star" in Texas. Senator Joe Pittman emphasized the importance of this action, stating, “This crisis knows no borders, it knows no bounds.” Pittman highlighted the impact of illegal immigration by referencing the tragic case of Laken Riley, who was murdered by an illegal immigrant. He also criticized the response to this issue, noting, “President Joe Biden during his State of the...