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| The Latest News from Your State Representative |
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Governor Finally Recognizes Need for Responsible Data Center Development
For more than one year, I have been advocating for responsible data center development in Pennsylvania and making sure local communities have a voice in decisions that affect them. I’m glad Gov. Josh Shapiro is now on board with the approach we have been calling for all along.
His recent executive order establishing the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) program, which I supported, is a welcome step in the right direction. It calls for data center developers to help cover the cost of powering their facilities, engage with host communities, and meet water and environmental standards.
As chair of the House Republican AI Task Force, I understand the opportunities these technologies can bring to Pennsylvania. But growth must be responsible, and communities should not be left paying the price.
I have co-sponsored and supported legislation in the House that would give communities greater protections.
We need transparency. We need strong environmental protections. Data centers need to pay their fair share. And Pennsylvania families and small businesses should never be stuck paying the bill for these massive projects.
But above all, local control matters. The people who live in these communities deserve a say in what gets built in their backyard. Our communities need a voice!
Please watch the video as I share my thoughts on the governor’s executive order and why giving communities a voice in data center development remains so important.
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Hearing Highlights: Accountability and Justice in Second-Degree Murder Sentencing
Last week, I hosted a House Republican Policy Committee hearing on second-degree murder sentencing and the serious consequences of failing to establish a clear sentencing framework.
Prosecutors shared concerns about inconsistent sentences, public safety and the burden placed on victims’ families, who may be forced to relive the loss of their loved ones.
The Senate had passed a bipartisan bill establishing a clear sentencing framework for second-degree murder. Instead of allowing that bipartisan compromise to move forward, House Democrats amended the legislation, weakening its accountability provisions and creating a pathway for some individuals convicted of second-degree murder to be released prematurely.
That is a serious concern for public safety and for victims’ families. Behind every one of these cases is a life lost and a family that continues to live with that loss.
I also spoke with Laurie MacDonald, president and CEO of Victims in Allegheny County, about what these changes could mean for victims and their families. Please watch our conversation.
To watch the hearing in its entirety, click here: Video of the full hearing is available here.
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Know Your Local History
Leetsdale has a rich history that helped shape our community, and preserving it ensures future generations can appreciate the people and places that came before us.
I’m proud to have helped Leetsdale Borough obtain a Keystone Preservation Grant through the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) to preserve and highlight this important local history.
Watch my interview with Leetsdale Borough Council President Maria Napolitano to learn more about how the borough plans to use this funding.
Did you know parts of our community were once Revolutionary War depreciation lands? Learn more about this part of our local history, along with other Pennsylvania history, here.
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A New Opportunity for Moon Area Students
The Richard Hyde Academy is a new addition to the Moon Area School District. I was pleased to join the community for the ribbon cutting and see this new facility open its doors.
The academy’s transition program will give students valuable opportunities to build life skills, prepare for greater independence and develop skills for future employment. This facility will be an excellent place for that important work to take place.
Thank you to everyone who made this day possible, and congratulations to everyone who helped bring the Richard Hyde Academy to life.
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A Great New Addition to Ryan Park
Giving back to our community can take on many forms, and it was great to see that spirit in action at Ryan Park in Oakdale.
I had a fun day at the grand opening of the new dog agility course, and I even brought along my rescue dog, Annie, to help put it to the test. I also had the opportunity to interview Connor Gillpatrick, whose Eagle Scout project brought this great addition to the park to life.
As part of his Troop 248 Eagle Scout project, Connor created the dog agility course with help from his fellow Scouts, Play Mart, Pet Vet 365 and Lowe’s.
Projects like this show what can happen when young people step up, bring others together, and invest their time and talents in the community. Congratulations to Connor and everyone who helped make the dog agility course a reality.
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Celebrating 50 Years of the Findlay Township Fair
Congratulations to Findlay Township on 50 years of the Findlay Township Fair in the Woodlands.
I was proud to present a House of Representatives citation recognizing this incredible milestone, hand out cupcakes and present medals to the winners of the 5K race. Congratulations to all of the runners.
The celebration continued with the Findlay Township Community Fair Parade, where I enjoyed spending time with so many members of the community.
A special thank you to Havens Hideout Ranch for joining us with their horses. Their work with wild mustangs from across the country, providing them with a safe place and helping them find new homes, is truly admirable. It was wonderful to have them be part of the parade and this special celebration. Learn more about Havens Hideout Ranch here: https://www.havenshideoutranch.com/
Congratulations again to Findlay Township and everyone who has helped make the fair a beloved community tradition for the past 50 years.
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Treasury Announces Bonus for Families’ Education Savings
Pennsylvania families with qualified PA 529 College and Career Saving Program Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) accounts could receive a $1,000 bonus contribution, enhancing education savings for about 107,000 Pennsylvania families.
The bonus is being paid for through surplus dollars in the GSP Fund. As of June 30, the GSP fund was 156.04% funded, reflecting a surplus of $1.06 billion. Nearly 107 million in surplus funds will be distributed across 106,914 PA 529 GSP accounts, representing 89% of participants in the plan.
PA 529 GSP savers with at least a $1,000 account balance, or those with at least a $100 balance with contributions made since 2022, as of July 31, are eligible for this bonus deposit. Account owners will see this deposit reflected in their third-quarter statement.
Visit pa529.com to learn more.
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Applications Open for Motorized Trails and Recreation Grants
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced it is accepting applications for snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, motorized trails and facilities-related project grants.
The program, now named the Motorized Trails and Recreation Program, awards grants from the ATV and Snowmobile Management Restricted Accounts for projects proposing land acquisition, planning, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, equipment purchase or relevant educational programs.
Eligible applicants include for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, and counties and municipalities in the Commonwealth.
Proposals must be submitted via DCNR’s online grant application portal by Wednesday, Sept. 30. Click here for additional information.
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