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In this Update:
Senate Votes to Help Relieve Long-Term Care Worker Shortage
The number of Pennsylvania residents ages 65 and over is expected to nearly double by 2040, but even now many nursing facilities are forced to take beds out of service because they can’t fill direct care positions. The Senate recently passed legislation to tackle this critical problem by making it easier for those seeking employment at long-term care centers while still ensuring employees are well-qualified. Senate Bill 114 would encourage more employees to join the long-term care workforce by expanding the availability of training courses for nurse aides and the eligibility for individuals to take the nurse aide competency exam. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Measure to Help Veteran-Owned Businesses Approved by Senate
Beyond serving our nation in the military, many veterans create jobs through their entrepreneurial spirit. We approved legislation to promote these veteran-owned businesses. Senate Bill 64 would authorize the creation of a special logo to promote veteran-owned businesses. To be eligible, a business must be registered with the Department of State and at least 51% of the ownership interest must be held by a veteran, reservist or member of the National Guard. To discourage the logo from being used fraudulently, anyone who falsely claims to be a veteran to obtain this designation would face a misdemeanor of the third degree. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Honoring Forest City’s Distinguished and Extraordinary Citizens
Dawn Pentecost and Attorney Peter Ritenburg were selected as recipients of the 2025 Forest City Distinguished Citizen Awards by the Forest City Historical Society during this year’s Trail Town Festival. Each are leaders in their communities and role models worthy of emulation. As a special surprise, longtime publisher of the Forest City News, John Kameen, was also presented with the Extraordinary Citizen Award, an exclusive honor given in gratitude for his unwavering commitment to his hometown. A true pillar of the community, John has served the region through decades of business leadership, local government service and tireless volunteerism. I have known him for 40 years and have always been impressed by his deep commitment to making the world a better place. His many contributions have left a lasting mark, and this recognition is a fitting tribute to his exceptional dedication. Fire and EMS Funding Assistance Available
Our local fire and EMS companies are committed to saving lives and protecting property, so I’m pleased to announce they can apply now for assistance through the state Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grants program. The funding is available to volunteer or career fire, rescue and EMS organizations and can be used for facility improvements, equipment purchase and repair, debt reduction, training and certification, and more. The deadline to apply is Oct. 20. More information, important dates and the online application can be found here. Dedicating the Pedranti Pavilion at the Milford Community House
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to dedicate the Pedranti Pavillion at one of Pike County’s most cherished treasures – the Milford Community House. Built in 1924 through the generosity of Gov. Gifford Pinchot, the property has served as a hub for public life for more than a century. The new venue will provide additional space for residents to gather, learn and connect, ensuring that this historic landmark continues to serve the public for generations to come. Expanding Government Transparency with OpenBookPA
The Pennsylvania Treasury has launched an expanded portal for state government transparency, providing taxpayers with more tools to explore state finance details. OpenBookPA’s new features include:
Announced by Treasurer Stacy Garrity earlier this month, OpenBookPA also links to the Treasury Checkbook, which includes payments made by Treasury to vendors and the Contracts e-Library, which makes available state contracts, purchase orders and amendments valued at $5,000 or more for public review. Celebrating Our Precious U.S. Constitution
National Constitution Week runs through Sept. 23, commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, nine years after the Pennsylvania Constitution. Our nation’s most important document, the U.S. Constitution has provided Americans throughout history the power to maintain their liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights. Its stature is evident in the fact that every Pennsylvania legislator takes a solemn oath to “support, obey and defend” both constitutions as a condition for holding public office. Wayne Bank Opens New Branch in Forty Fort
I recently joined community leaders, neighbors and friends to celebrate the grand opening of Wayne Bank’s new branch in Forty Fort. The modern facility not only provides banking services but also represents Wayne Bank’s commitment to building strong, personal relationships with the people it serves. Congratulations on this exciting new chapter! Happy Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah begins this week. To everyone celebrating the Jewish New Year, I hope it brings thoughtful reflection, personal growth and renewed hope.
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