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In this Update:
U.S. Senator Dave McCormick Visits Erie
Great to have Sen. Dave McCormick in Erie this week to visit Penn State Behrend’s Center for Manufacturing Competitiveness and Donjon Shipbuilding & Repair. Erie is proud to lead in advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding, and it’s important to showcase the innovation and talent we have right here in northwest PA. Sen. Laughlin Announces $10 Million in PENNVEST Funding
I’m proud to announce $10 million in PENNVEST funding to replace over 1,200 galvanized water lines in Erie’s environmental justice communities. This investment will help ensure clean, safe drinking water for families while protecting them from a potential 92% water rate hike. Work is set to begin in early 2026 and wrap up by late 2028. This is a big win for Erie—and a great example of what we can achieve by working together to improve public health and infrastructure. Read more here. Erie Insurance CEO Tim NeCastro Headlines Executive Speaker Series
Thank you to the Manufacturers & Business Association for hosting another fantastic Executive Speaker Series, featuring Erie Insurance President and CEO Tim NeCastro. Tim is not only a world-class leader here in Erie, PA, but also someone whose influence reaches far beyond our region. He’s a true friend and a remarkable force behind an organization that puts people first, a value that has no doubt fueled their success as they celebrate an incredible 100-year anniversary. It would be an understatement to say Erie is lucky to have Tim. As both an employer and a proud Erie native, he continues to invest in the place he calls home. Erie County Teen Driving Competition
I had the opportunity to speak to the students competing in the Great Lakes Insurance Teen Driving Competition. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, especially for teens. Keeping your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel can make all the difference. Big thanks to the organizers and volunteers for making this hands-on experience possible! Protecting Presque Isle’s Shoreline
Presque Isle’s beaches are in better shape this year thanks to early ice cover that helped prevent winter erosion. My staff recently joined local and federal officials for the annual beach walk to assess conditions and discuss next steps. While the state has already committed its share of funding for sand replenishment, we’re still waiting on the federal match to get the work started. I’ll continue pushing to make sure this vital project moves forward without delay. Students: Apply Now for Grow PA Scholarships and Improve Access for Everyone
People across the state have felt the pain of industries with declining workforces, from the long waits to see a doctor or a skilled mechanic. Senate Republicans took action to address those issues – and to reduce the loss of talent as young adults begin their careers in other states, rarely to return to Pennsylvania. As part of this year’s state budget, the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification for an in-demand occupation. Qualifying courses of study include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs approved by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Because the funding is being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s important to apply as soon as possible. To qualify for the grant, applicants must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation for 12 months for each year they receive the grant. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the grant converting to a loan requiring repayment. Learn more or apply here. Survey: How Did PennDOT Do This Winter?
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering a short survey so motorists can offer their feedback on the winter services PennDOT provided. Filling out the survey allows you to share your thoughts about where you get information about road conditions, how soon you can expect roads to be safe to travel following a winter storm event and what features you would find useful from 511PA.com. There is also an opportunity to share additional comments. The survey can be completed anonymously. PA Women Veterans: Register Now for Capitol Ceremony Honoring Your Service
Pennsylvania women who served in the armed forces have until May 9 to register for a state Capitol ceremony honoring their service on Tuesday, June 10. A virtual display will also be available online and will go live on June 9. The event will recognize the courage and dedication of Pennsylvania’s women veterans from World War II to the present. Women veterans from all branches of the military are encouraged to attend and take part. The first Women Veterans Day Capitol exhibit took place in 2023, after passage of legislation observing Women Veterans Day in Pennsylvania annually on June 12. New participants are encouraged to share their service stories by completing the required submission form. Veterans featured in last year’s display who wish to participate again may simply update their previous submission. How to Locate Lost Military Documents
A veteran’s DD214 is a vital document when it comes to receiving the benefits they deserve. It provides the member and the branch of service with a concise record of a period of time with the armed forces at the time of the member’s separation, discharge or change in military status. Veterans discharged from 2010 and after can access their own digital records by setting up an account through the VA e-Benefits portal. Veterans who were discharged before then may complete the Standard Form 180, which includes mailing instructions on the last page. They may also visit the National Archives and Records Administration site to submit a signed form electronically. Anyone who needs assistance is encouraged to call 1-800-547-2838, email RA-REQ@pg.gov or learn more online. April 26 is Celebrate Trails Day
Including trails in state parks, trails in state forests and rail trails – former railway lines that were converted to paths for foot and bicycle traffic – Pennsylvania has thousands of miles of trails to enjoy. Trail lengths and difficulties vary. Some trails are scenic or leisurely, while others are self-guiding educational. Still others offer rigorous exercise. No matter the trail you choose, enjoy it safely by planning the route for your trip as cell phones and GPS units may not work in some areas. Bring a friend, monitor the weather and stay on the trail. It’s also important to share your route and the time you expect to return with someone who will not be on the trail with you.
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