$270K SUPPORTS CHILDCARE TRAINING

Childcare workers shape the earliest years of a child’s development, yet the industry continues to face staffing shortages. Pre-apprenticeship programs can help build a strong pipeline of qualified professionals by giving high school graduates the training and support they need to succeed. If we want working families and our economy to thrive, we must start by strengthening the childcare workforce.

Early Connections Inc. in Erie County will receive the $270,000 grant through the state’s Foundations in Industry program. The money will support a childcare pre-apprenticeship program for 30 high school students per year, providing them with employment connections, preparation to receive necessary credentials, and training supplies. Read more here.

STATE INVESTMENTS TO SAVE MAIN STREET

When you put Main Street over Wall Street, big things happen. I worked with the PA House Democratic Policy Committee to champion economic development programs like the CRIZ. Now in five locations, targeted state investment rebuilds & revitalizes downtowns, creating momentum for regional growth.

COMMEMORATING MEMORIAL DAY

On Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who gave their lives serving our country. Memorial Day is more than the start of summer — it’s a time to remember, reflect and honor the fallen for their willingness to serve and make the ultimate sacrifice.

I would like to wish everyone a safe, meaningful and peaceful Memorial Day weekend.

Our office will be closed Friday and Monday in honor of the holiday.

SEEING STATE & LOCAL INVESTMENTS PAY OFF

This month I toured the former Currie Landfill site in Millcreek – now being transformed into thriving MYAA fields where hundreds of local kids play lacrosse and flag football.

This project shows what’s possible when state, local, and community partners work together to clean up contaminated sites and turn blighted properties into community assets. It’s also a reminder that Pennsylvania must secure long-term funding for these critical cleanup efforts so more communities can benefit from projects like this across the Commonwealth.

Read more here.

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION

Great to take part in the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership’s May Knowledge Breakfast – State Legislative Briefing at Penn State Behrend. It was a valuable discussion with business leaders, community stakeholders, and members of our legislative delegation about the issues impacting Erie’s economic future, workforce development, and business climate across Pennsylvania.

Thank you to Secretary Rick Siger and my colleagues for sharing their insights and helping move these important conversations forward.

HOW WE VOTED

The House returns to session to vote on bills in Harrisburg on June 1. You can see how the House voted here.

The House passed a bipartisan proposed budget on April 14, but the House will continue to work with the state Senate to deliver a balanced budget on time – that serves workers and strengthens Pennsylvania.

WELCOMING VISITORS

Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming an incredible group of 7th and 8th grade students from St. Gregory Parish School to the Capitol as they learned more about how state government works and why civic engagement matters. It's always encouraging to see our young people taking an interest in the democratic process and learning how they can make a difference in their communities.

Our future is bright with the next generation of leaders already getting involved.

CONNECTING WITH OUR REGION’S BUSINESSES

A member of my dedicated team attended the PMTA Northwest Chapter Legislative Meet & Greet this week. Thank you to Great Lakes Insurance Services Group for hosting such a strong conversation between industry leaders and lawmakers. These discussions are critical to making sure Northwest PA’s trucking industry, drivers, and businesses have a voice at the table.

STATEWIDE WORK WITH POLICY COMMITTEE

As Chairman of the PA House Democratic Policy Committee and a member of the House Majority Leadership team, I travel across the state with the Policy Committee to hear from workers, seniors, advocates, business leaders, and officials on emerging issues and initiatives. We examine how policies are working for people across the state and identify opportunities to advance reforms that would help even more residents.

The committee has hosted 70 hearings with 49 hosts across 46 neighborhoods during this legislative session, including a joint hearing in Philadelphia on Monday.

UP NEXT: The Future of Healthcare is part of a symposium at the University of Penn in Philadelphia on Friday.

WE ARE READY TO HELP YOU

So far this year my dedicated team closed more than 7,100 cases. We have completed nearly 650 Property Tax & Rent Rebates, returning $420,000 to the region. If you need help filing your Property Tax/Rent Rebate, trust the professionals — we’re here to make it easy.

Stop by our Millcreek office or contact us if you have questions. A member of my team can also be reached at the Fairview Township Building on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WE ARE READY TO HELP YOU

If you need assistance with state programs, my office can help!

Last year, we:

helped 1,200+ people apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program,
resolved 4,500+ issues with PennDOT, and
completed 38,000+ items of casework.

Trust the professionals! Bring your issues to my team, we can help.