Recent News
Davanzo, Stefano: Scottdale Scores $100k in State Funding
Two grant awards to Scottdale top more than $100,000, Rep. Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland) announced today after the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) has approved nearly $700,000 in state funding for community improvements in the 58th Legislative District. [Read More]
Metzgar, Stefano Secure Over $570,000 in State Funding
Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-69) and Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) announced they secured a grant totaling more than $570,000 for Rockwood Area School District from the Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE) for the extension of natural gas service through Rockwood Borough to the school district’s facilities. [Read More]
Stefano, Boscola Bill to Protect Those with Communication Barriers Advances Unanimously from the Senate
The Senate today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32), in partnership with Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-18), to help protect individuals with communication barriers during interactions with law enforcement. [Read More]
E-news Updates – March 13, 2026
In this Update: Happy to Hear from You Senate Acts to Address Electric Generation Shortfall, Expand Energy Development 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. Patrick’s Day Happy to Hear from […] [Read More]
Connect With Us
Thank you to everyone who has come out to our “Chat with Pat” events!
I truly appreciate the time each of you have taken to stop by, share your thoughts, ask questions and talk about the issues that matter most to you. These informal gatherings are valuable because of your engagement, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect directly and hear what’s on your mind.
Looking forward to continuing these conversations at future events.
🏘 Affordable, attainable housing is essential for the future of our workforce and economy.
I was proud to welcome the Senate Majority Policy Committee to @fayettecopa for an important discussion on Pennsylvania’s housing crisis.
We heard testimony about the challenges that potential residents and communities face when housing isn’t available. When working families can’t relocate for the jobs we`ve created here, businesses struggle to grow and overall, our economy suffers. That’s why we’re exploring practical solutions to cut red tape, support responsible development and create opportunities for families to live where they work.
A big thank you to everyone who shared their insight and expertise with us. 🏘️
This week, the Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee unanimously passed several bills to help Pennsylvania join key interstate licensure compacts, making it easier for professionals to work across state lines.
☑️ SB 331 (Argall) – Cosmetology Licensure Compact
☑️ SB 571 (Boscola) – Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact
☑️ HB 80 (Venkat) – Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Compact
☑️ HB 482 (Markosek) – Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact
☑️ HB 554 (Abney) – Social Worker Licensure Compact
☑️ HB 668 (O’Mara) – Counseling Compact
☑️ HB 1961 (Merski) – Physician Assistant Licensure Compact
These measures will streamline licensing and expand access to care for all Pennsylvanians.
🎩 Happy to celebrate two @somersetcountychamber ribbon cuttings with Top Hat Cleaners in Somerset County! It’s always exciting to see local businesses thrive thanks to the incredible support of our community. ✂
Hat`s off to the entire Top Hat team! You’re doing great work.
➡ Proud to share that my bill, SB 802, has advanced out of the Senate Transportation Committee this week.
This legislation would let Pennsylvanians voluntarily add a symbol on their driver’s license or ID to indicate an invisible disability—like deafness or autism—so law enforcement can recognize communication barriers and keep interactions safe and respectful.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, every February feels like Groundhog Day. Year after year when it`s time for the budget address, Gov. Shapiro recites some version of the same trite speech full of promises and disregard for reality.
Words only get us so far. Instead of recycled talking points, we should be focused on the Independent Fiscal Office’s projections and the looming structural deficit that threatens Pennsylvania’s future.
Pennsylvanians deserve more than empty rhetoric and grandstanding. They deserve a responsible plan that protects taxpayers, strengthens our economy and ensures long-term stability.
Great time at @downtownbedford`s Chili & Soup Cookoff! 🥄
Despite this week`s snow, Fayette County, PA proudly kicked off America250PA’s celebration of our great nation’s 250th anniversary.
Pennsylvania has always been — and continues to be — at the heart of the American story, and that rings true especially for us in Fayette County. From Fort Necessity to Friendship Hill and everything around and in between, history was made here.
Supporting the future of agriculture starts with investing in students. 🚜 Every year, the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation awards funds to college students with a background in agricultural education. This year, three scholarship recipients call Fayette and Somerset Counties home:
🍎 Elizabeth Dice of Smithfield, studying at Penn State Fayette
🍎 Samantha Hayman of Berlin, studying at Mount Aloysius College
🍎 Lydia Sheeler of Somerset, studying at Potomac State College
Congratulations Elizabeth, Samantha and Lydia! Thank you for your hand in moving Pennsylvania agriculture forward. 🌽🐄
Layton Bridge has stood for more than a century and now it’s finally being replaced. This week, I was proud to join PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll and local leaders to break ground on the long-awaited replacement project.
🚧 Built in 1899, the current bridge will be replaced with a modern three-span structure, along with roadway and nearby bridge improvements. PennDOT will keep the existing bridge open as long as possible during construction, and once complete, this new bridge will safely serve Perryopolis and Perry Township for generations to come.
Somerset County unveiled its America250PA Bells Across PA bell at the County Annex Office Building. 🔔 Designed by local artist Kathy Trexel Reed and titled “Unending Spirit,” the bell is a meaningful tribute to the spirit of Somerset County and our nation`s 250-year history!
