Author: kgordon

CONNELLSVILLE – Sen. Patrick Stefano (R-32) and Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette) announced today nearly $995,000 in state grants have been awarded to 10 communities in Fayette County.

“Fayette County residents will benefit from nearly $1 million in local improvements that might not have happened without these grants,” Stefano said. “I’m honored that, with Rep. Warner, I was able to secure grants that minimize the burden felt by our hard-working families.”

“I was pleased to advocate for grants to support important, basic community needs, including equipment, water and sewer systems, road repairs and more,” Warner said. “These are necessary and valuable investments in Fayette County communities and citizens.”

The grants were awarded as follows:

• Bullskin Township: $74,690 for the purchase of new municipal equipment.
• Connellsville City: $50,000 for creation of a master plan for West Side Flats.
• Connellsville Township: $31,000 for costs associated with an Act 537 sewage facilities plan.
• Dunbar Borough: $46,084 for repairs to the Short Street retaining wall over Dunbar Creek.
• Dunbar Borough Dunbar Township Sanitary Authority: $40,535 for the installation of a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system at the sewer pump station in Dunbar Borough.
• Everson Borough: $125,000 to rehabilitate and upgrade the municipal building.
• Perry Township Municipal Authority: $200,000 for improvements to the Wickhaven Wastewater Treatment Plant and Banning, Whitsett, and Rehoboth Pump Stations.
• South Connellsville Borough: $207,870 for reconstruction of Casparis Road.
• Upper Tyrone Township: $106,068 for the purchase of a new borough truck.
• Vanderbilt Borough: $113,475 for replacement of the storm water system on Bank Street.

The grants were approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority and are funded by the Local Share Account program, which is funded through state gaming revenues.

BEDFORD – Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) and Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford) announced today that $695,500 in state grants have been awarded to three projects in Bedford County.

“Bedford County residents will benefit from local improvements that might not have happened without these grants,” Stefano said.  “I’m honored that, with Rep. Topper, I was able to secure grants that minimize the burden felt by our hard-working families.”

“Grants for these projects will serve the community through economic development, increased recreational opportunities and improved wastewater treatment,” Topper said. “I applaud the Commonwealth Financing Authority for recognizing the need to complete these projects.”

The grants were awarded as follows:

• Bedford County Development Association: $165,600 for a feasibility study to determine the location of their next business park, known as “Business Park III” to be located within Bedford County
• Broad Top Township: $401,200 for the construction of a new recreational campground
• Hopewell Township: $128,700 for improvements to the wastewater collection system

The grants were approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority and are funded by the Local Share Account program, which is funded through state gaming revenues.

CONTACT: Jake Gery

SOMERSET – Sen. Patrick Stefano (R-32), Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset) announced today that $1,211,642 in state grants have been awarded to eight communities in Somerset County.

“Somerset County residents will benefit from over $1 million in local improvements that might not have happened without these grants,” Stefano said.  “I’m honored that, with Rep. Metzgar, I was able to secure grants that minimize the burden felt by our hard-working families.”

“I’m particularly proud of my support for the grants that provide a clean and safe water supply and public safety for Somerset County residents,” said Metzgar. “Government should be as small as possible, but public safety is certainly the number one priority.”

The grants were awarded as follows:

• Conemaugh Township Municipal Authority: $39,506 for upgrades to the water monitoring equipment to the water system
• Confluence Borough Municipal Authority: $250,000 for waterline improvements along Draketown Road and Dull Hill Road
• Elk Lick Township: $123,576 to reline culvert piping underneath the flood control levee
• Jefferson Township: $100,000 to construct a maintenance shed
• Jefferson Township Water and Sewer Authority: $49,720 to purchase a vehicle
• Seven Springs Municipal Authority: $250,000 to replace outdated equipment servicing Seven Springs Borough and Middlecreek Township
• Shade Township: $150,000 for a memorial rose garden
• Somerset County: $298,560 to resurface a portion of the Great Allegheny Passage from Greenville Township to Garret Borough

The grants were approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority and are funded by the Local Share Account program, which is funded through state gaming revenues.

CONTACT: Jake Gery

UNIONTOWN – Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) and Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa (R-Fayette) announced today that $1.2 million in state grants have been awarded to four communities in Fayette County.

“These Fayette County residents will benefit from more than $1 million in local improvements that might not have happened without these grants,” Stefano said. “I’m honored that, with Rep. Krupa, I was able to secure grants that minimize the burden felt by our hard-working families.”

“These grants will ensure numerous municipalities are able to continue to advance projects for the benefit of area residents,” said Krupa. “It is vital we are taking the proper steps to invest in our water, sewer, stormwater infrastructure and much-needed construction projects. I am pleased that tax dollars are returning to our communities to help fund these important projects.”

The grants were awarded as follows:

• Henry Clay Township received $188,400 for new road maintenance machinery.
• Masontown Borough received $506,805 for streetscape improvements along Main Street.
• Point Marion Borough received $378,250 to replace borough waterlines.
• Stewart Township received $179,200 to purchase a wheel loader.

The grants were approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority and are funded by the Local Share Account program, which is funded through state gaming revenues.

CONTACT: Jake Gery

HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) to adjust the outdated requirement for a qualified mechanic to perform an oil change every 100 hours on all diesel-powered equipment used by mining companies passed the Senate today.

Senate Bill 115 would amend Pennsylvania’s Bituminous Coal Mine Safety Act to more appropriately reflect the needs of equipment presently being used, as opposed to equipment from decades ago.

It would allow mine operators to request permission from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Mine Safety to extend the requirement for oil and oil filter changes from 100 to 200 hours.

“The 100-hour requirement to replace the oil and oil filter on all diesel-powered equipment was established 25 years ago when diesel engines were much less efficient. It’s time the law reflects the needs of current equipment so companies aren’t forced to take the time and pay the costs associated with unnecessary oil changes,” Stefano said.

In accordance with existing law, mining companies must purchase excess oil and dispose of perfectly good oil.

Having received support in the Senate, the bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Watch Stefano’s remarks on the bill here.

CONTACT: Jake Gery

HARRISBURG – Taking significant action to protect Pennsylvanians’ wallets, the Senate today approved a bill to stop the automatic gas tax increase for 2023, according to Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32).

For the first time, the average wholesale price of gasoline exceeded $2.99 per gallon last year, triggering an automatic increase in Pennsylvania’s gas tax that went into effect Jan. 1, 2023.

Senate Bill 35 would eliminate the automatic gas tax increase for 2023 moving forward, preventing what would produce the second-highest gas tax in the nation behind California, and permanently sets the average wholesale price at $2.99 per gallon. The bill also requires the Department of Revenue to reassess this year’s gas tax structure.

“Federal policies have not only driven sky rocketing gas prices, but also ever-rising costs for other basic necessities, including food. Pennsylvanians absolutely can’t accept another financial consequence for decisions they didn’t make – they need our help, which is why I voted for this bill,” Stefano said.

Projections indicate the average Pennsylvania household will spend nearly $2,500 at the gas pump in 2023. This includes approximately $380 per driver in gas taxes alone.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

CONTACT: Jake Gery

HARRISBURG – Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) was assigned to serve on seven standing Senate committees during the 2023-24 legislative session: Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure as chair; Transportation as vice chair; Aging and Youth; Community, Economic and Recreational Development; Health and Human Services; State Government and Appropriations.

“My goal when I was elected to the Senate was to work to push Pennsylvania to the top of the lists in this country for growth, efficiency and vitality. The chairmanship of the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee will enable me to accelerate this goal as we focus on legislation to make Pennsylvania a better place to live and work,” Stefano said.

The committees provide legislative oversight and help shape the language in bills that fall under their areas of responsibility.

The Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee protects the health and safety of the public by handling all legislation, rules and regulations on consumer affairs, regulated public utility services and the 29 professional and occupational licensing boards in Pennsylvania. It also oversees numerous state boards, authorities and commissions designed to uphold necessary standards of professional conduct.

The Transportation Committee oversees all operations related to the Commonwealth’s multimodal transportation system, including legislation and policy on roads and bridges, public transportation, railroads, airports and ports.

The Aging and Youth Committee reviews legislation that affects the programs and services dedicated to senior citizens and younger Pennsylvanians. The committee also oversees the state Department of Aging.

The Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee works closely with the Department of Community and Economic Development on issues pertaining to the state’s various grant and loan programs to support business growth and development.

The Health and Human Services Committee is responsible for legislative and policy priorities impacting public health, human services, the state’s Medical Assistance program, substance use disorders and addiction treatment options, mental and behavioral health services and rural health issues.

The State Government Committee has broad oversight over the executive branch, including the Office of the Governor, the Departments of State and General Services, as well as the Civil Service, Historical and Museum, and State Ethics Commissions. It is also responsible for developing and approving legislation relating to campaigns and elections, ethics and transparency in state government, constitutional amendments, and state procurement and land sales.

The Appropriations Committee reviews all legislation for its fiscal impact and plays a crucial role in negotiating and developing the state budget. Each year, it holds a series of public hearings with leaders of state departments and agencies to study the governor’s budget proposal and ensure taxpayer dollars are being utilized properly.

CONTACT: Jake Gery