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In this Update:
New LECOM Medical Center and Behavioral Health Pavilion Opens in Erie
Yesterday, my staff attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new LECOM Medical Center and Behavioral Health Pavilion. This state-of-the-art facility marks a significant investment in the health and well-being of our community, expanding access to both physical and mental health services. Congratulations to LECOM on this exciting new chapter! Erie’s CRIZ Designation Featured on The Insider This Sunday
Don’t miss this week’s episode of The Insider as we dive into what Erie’s new CRIZ (City Revitalization and Improvement Zone) designation means for job creation, economic investment, and the future of our region. Tune in Sunday at 7:00 AM on WSEE and 11:00 AM on WICU! Trout Stocking Completed on Elk Creek Ahead of Opening Day
My staff helped with trout stocking on a 2-mile section of Elk Creek near the Legion Park area in Girard in preparation for opening day. This annual effort helps ensure a strong start to the fishing season and supported continued angler enjoyment throughout the spring. Erie County Farm Bureau Visits Capitol to Advocate for Agriculture and Landowners
On Tuesday, members of the Erie County Farm Bureau were in Harrisburg as part of their annual State Legislative Conference. They met with my Chief of Staff and shared issues important to them as they continue their strong advocacy for landowners rights, state investment in agriculture, and advocating for environmental stewardship. Thank you to all of them who made the trip and took the time to share how these issues impact their farms and the citizens of Erie County. Senate Passes Bill Benefitting Career and Technical Schools
Career and technical education prepares students for rewarding, family-sustaining careers, often at a significantly reduced cost compared to attending college. Pennsylvania is in great need of people with this training, and there are many job openings waiting to be filled. To ensure people have the training needed for these jobs, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 315. The legislation would provide more certainty regarding grant funding for career and technical education equipment by making funding calculations before the school year in which the allocation occurs. Currently, schools are reimbursed after they have made purchases based on calculations made near the end of the school year. Read more about career and technical education opportunities in the commonwealth. Program Increasing Digital Connectivity to Provide Laptops
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) is accepting applications for its Digital Connectivity Technology Program. Through the program, the PBDA will purchase and distribute $20 million in devices such as laptops for eligible public-facing institutions including libraries, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, and other institutions that can offer internet access to individuals who lack the technology. PBDA strongly encourages interested applicants to review the program FAQ before applying. The FAQ, pre-recorded webinar providing an overview of the program, guidelines and online application are available here. Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 30. School Safety Report Available Now
Students deserve to feel safe while they’re learning, and their families should be confident that extensive efforts are made to ensure that happens. Senate Republicans have prioritized fostering healthy and safe communities, which include schools. Part of that work includes requiring and conducting a report to evaluate school safety initiatives and how they can be adjusted to more effectively protect students. The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee’s report highlighted the need for security assessments of school buildings and certification requirements for school safety and security coordinators. Other key findings include collecting and analyzing more relevant data – such as tips made using the Safe2Say Something Program – and improving how the data already being collected is shared. Find the full report here. Purple Star Schools Support Military Children
Military children face unique challenges as a result of frequent moves and parental deployments. To give them the best chance of success, Senate Republicans passed Act 69 of 2022. The law created the Purple Star designation for schools that demonstrate their commitment to supporting military families. Many schools have embraced this program and stepped up to help the children of our service members. Purple Star Schools go the extra mile to provide stability, resources and a welcoming community for military children, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive. Pennsylvania has 37,000 children with parents serving in the military – and 80% of these children are in kindergarten through grade 12 and attend public schools. Learn more about Purple Star Schools. Passover Begins on April 12
Saturday marks the beginning of Passover, the eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’ emancipation from slavery in ancient Egypt. I hope it’s a warm occasion of family and friends for all who observe.
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