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September 14, 2017

Senators’ Letter to Gov. Wolf Regarding Amazon’s HQ2

Yesterday, Senator Vogel and eleven other state senators representing Western PA penned a letter to the Governor urging his Administration to aggressively market this region as a location for Amazon’s proposed second headquarters facility. The letter reads: Dear Governor Wolf: According to recent media reports. Amazon is currently soliciting proposals from cities and states as a site for its second company headquarters (HQ2) in North America. Western Pennsylvania would be an ideal location for this major economic development opportunity and strong legislative support exists to work with the Administration to bring the headquarters here. As you know, Pennsylvania has partnered…

September 14, 2017

Bernstine: Senate and Governor Should Get On Board with Taxpayers-First Revenue Plan

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today released the following statement after joining a majority of his House Republican colleagues in voting to send their version of a state budget revenue plan to the Senate: “I’ve said it all along: I will NOT vote to raise taxes and I’m happy to say that my vote today for the House revenue plan upholds my promise to the hard-working taxpayers of the 10th District. If they are truly interested in standing up for the people of Pennsylvania, the Senate and governor will get on board with this responsible plan as well, as…

September 1, 2017

What’s Open for Labor Day?

Labor Day, which often marks the end of summer for many outdoor activities such as public pools, is this Monday, September 4, 2017. Labor Day is a federal holiday which means federal buildings are closed including post offices and government buildings. Libraries, banks, most organizations and small businesses (including some pharmacies) will also remain closed. To find out if a business will be open for Labor Day, call ahead. Meter parking will be waived in observation of the holiday. Besides cookouts and firework displays there will be some events going on specifically for the holiday including: The Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival,…

July 24, 2017

Bernstine Announces $460,000 to Improve Drinking Water in Wampum

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) announced today that $460,000 in state funding from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PennVEST) will allow Wampum Borough in Lawrence County to move forward with its plans to improve municipal drinking water. “The quality of water in Wampum has been an issue for many years,” Bernstine said. “I was happy to work with the local elected officials, as well as the state, to expedite the process of this grant. Nobody should go without quality water. This issue is finally on its way to being resolved.” The loan, which includes a 1 percent interest rate…

July 18, 2017

Council Approves Lawrence Avenue Demolition

Four Lawrence Avenue storefronts are set for demolition after yesterdays council meeting. In a unanimous vote of 6-0 with Council Vice President David DeCaria absent, the Ellwood City Borough Council approved the contract with Continental Demolition of Bethel Park for the demolition of 509 to 515 Lawrence Avenue. DeCaria has opposed the destruction of one of the buildings, “it is true that as the lone businessperson on council I have been opposed to the demolition of the buildings on Lawrence Ave. The cost of demolition is halfway to the cost of restoring one of the buildings,” he said. “But, as…

July 11, 2017

VIDEO: Bernstine Presents Next Steps in Hereford Manor Project

Yesterday, State Rep. Aaron Bernstine discussed the Hereford Manor project with representatives of the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Before Bernstine took office, the project was introduced to reopen the two lakes at Hereford Manor – previously Pennsylvania’s largest fishing property – after they were closed due to the dams questionable stability. He presented financial and public interest information to the representatives, including a petition with over three thousand signatures in favor of reopening the fishing hot-spot. The project is expected to cost upwards of 20 million dollars to complete, but with nearly $65,000 already saved up in private funds…

June 29, 2017

Gov. Wolf, Boston Terrier Sign Bill for Stricter Animal Cruelty Laws

HARRISBURG – Yesterday Gov. Tom Wolf and a Boston Terrier named Libre, signed the Libre’s Law Bill – strengthening Pennsylvania’s laws and punishments against animal abuse and neglect. Next to Wolf’s signature lies a tiny paw print belonging to a once neglected Boston Terrier, Libre, named by his rescuer meaning “freedom” in Spanish. In July 2016, Libre was found as a three-month-old puppy clinging to life in the summer heat, dehydrated, emaciated and suffering from severe mange with maggots eating his rotting flesh, he was disposed of and neglected by an Amish puppy mill farmer in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His rescuer,…

June 26, 2017

VIDEO: Live Stream from Hira Educational Meeting

The controversial sale of the former Youth Development Center in New Castle has led local government officials and many community members to publicly express their concerns. Shenango Township residents Shirley Sallmen and Barbara Thompson called for a public meeting regarding the sale. The meeting was hosted Friday evening by Jubilee Ministries International at the Kingdom Broadcasting Ministries with nearly 250 locals in attendance. Several elected officials were present at the meeting, including State Rep. Aaron Bernstine, who publicly presented the known and unknown facts regarding the company. “I want to be clear that this region is accepting of people from…

June 26, 2017

Senator Vogel Continues Push for Telemedicine Initiatives in Pennsylvania

Technology can help overcome the barriers to quality patient care created by distance and reduce the costs of those services, according to Senator Elder Vogel (R-Beaver), the author of legislation aimed at promoting telemedicine in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 780 specifically defines telemedicine as “the delivery of health care services provided through telecommunications technology to a patient by a healthcare practitioner who is at a different location.” It also establishes guidelines regarding who can provide telemedicine services, and provides clarity regarding insurance company reimbursement for those services. “Telemedicine is transforming healthcare and it is something our state should embrace and encourage,” Senator…

June 14, 2017

Bernstine, Solomon Bill Would Prepare PA Students to Enter Workforce

HARRISBURG – In a bipartisan effort to prepare Pennsylvania’s youth for the 21st century workforce, state Reps. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) and Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia) introduced legislation which would allow high school students to obtain real-world work experience while still in school. House Bill 1522 would establish a pilot grant program which would encourage schools and local businesses to collaborate to provide work-based learning opportunities for high school students. “As we work to prepare students for the 21st century workforce, this legislation would allow job creators to help transform our education system. When I came to Harrisburg, I wanted to develop…