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June 23, 2026

Bernstine Bill to Protect Pennsylvanians from Mugshot Extortion Passes House

HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) to crack down on the commercial exploitation of booking photographs, commonly known as mugshots, unanimously passed the House today. House Bill 1585 would amend Pennsylvania’s Crimes Code to create a new criminal offense prohibiting the publication or dissemination of booking photographs for commercial gain. Under the legislation, anyone who publishes a mugshot and then solicits or accepts payment to remove, alter or conceal it would be guilty of a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Each payment or solicitation would…

May 8, 2026

Bernstine Announces Upcoming Town Hall Meetings, Veterans Event

BUTLER – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced three upcoming community events, including two town hall meetings and a veterans event. Bernstine will host an Ellwood City Town Hall Meeting on Monday, May 11, from 6-7 p.m., at the Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department. “This town hall is about listening,” said Bernstine. “I want to hear residents’ questions, concerns and ideas so the voices of local families are reflected in the decisions being made in Harrisburg. These conversations are critical to helping address the challenges facing our communities and Pennsylvania as a whole.” Bernstine will also host a veterans event…

May 1, 2026

Bernstine Announces Ellwood City Town Hall Meeting

Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) is inviting residents to join him in Ellwood City for an upcoming town hall meeting on Monday, May 11, from 6-7 p.m., at the Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department, 5153 Ellwood Road. The event will provide an opportunity for constituents to engage directly with Bernstine in an open discussion about state and local issues. He will offer an update on legislative developments in Harrisburg and outline how recent proposed policies could affect communities across the 8th Legislative District. “Hearing directly from the people I represent is critical to making informed decisions,” said Bernstine. “This town hall…

April 23, 2026

Plant Relief: An Earth Day Tax Break for Families

as submitted by Rep. Marla Brown, 9th District Today is Earth Day, but for many Pennsylvania families, the biggest concern is not lofty rhetoric about the planet. It is whether they can afford the basics. When every trip to the store costs more, every utility bill stings, and every household purchase has to be weighed carefully, even a small break can make a real difference. That is why my Republican colleagues and I are working on a package of bills which cut sales taxes for families in areas which would collectively save the ordinary, everyday family $1,100 this year. We…

April 21, 2026

Council Recognizes Quick Action by Police; Approves Two-Year Employment Agreement With New Borough Manager

Mayor Anthony Court recognized the Ellwood City Police Department for taking quick action during recent incidents in the borough during Monday’s Regular meeting of Borough Council. Court announced that the police department worked in conjunction with other law enforcement agents to apprehend suspects in a “drive by shooting” as well as suspects in thefts from the former Ellwood City hospital building. “Both incidents were solved in a timely and professional manner by the police department,” Court said. “The police department is working night and day to reduce crime and keep our community safe.” Council voted to hire Trent Young as…

March 26, 2026

PA House Republicans Launch ‘Freedom Through Affordability’ Initiative to Cut Costs for Families

HARRISBURG—With Pennsylvanians facing rising costs on everyday essentials, House Republican policymakers today launched their “Freedom Through Affordability” initiative – a plan to deliver tax relief and lower costs to make Pennsylvania a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. The initiative, unveiled at a Capitol press conference, includes a package of six-month tax cuts and sales tax holidays, a multi-billion-dollar relief effort, aimed at providing immediate relief to families and workers struggling under the weight of higher prices. Framing the effort, Rep. David Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, emphasized the direct connection between…

March 8, 2026

Bernstine to Host Concealed Carry Seminar in Ellwood City on Wednesday

ELLWOOD CITY – Gun owners and those interest in learning more about Pennsylvania’s gun laws are invited to a concealed carry seminar hosted by Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence). The free event will take place on Wednesday, March 11, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Ellwood City Municipal Building, 525 Lawrence Ave., Ellwood City. “This event will be a great learning opportunity for anyone who is considering applying for a concealed carry permit, as well as existing permit holders,” said Bernstine. “This seminar will teach you how best to protect yourself and others from danger, while still being safe, responsible and obeying…

February 16, 2026

Ellwood City Borough Council Still Seeking Borough Manager Candidates

Ellwood City Borough Council announced the end of the Emergency Declaration enacted on January 26, 2026, by the Mayor of Ellwood City, Anthony Court, during Monday’s regular council meeting. Brad Ovial, president of council, spoke on behalf of Court stating that the emergency declaration has officially ended. Ovial also praised various public works and public safety officials who worked endlessly providing services to the public. He thanked the public works departments who kept the streets cleared as well as the police and firefighters who were all dedicated to providing service to those who needed it during the storm. The Ellwood…

February 16, 2026

Bernstine Announces State Grants for Fire, EMS Services in Butler, Lawrence Counties

BUTLER/LAWRENCE COUNTIES – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced fire and emergency response organizations throughout the 8th Legislative District have been awarded nearly $244,000 in grants from the state. “Our volunteer fire departments and EMS providers are essential to keeping our communities safe,” said Bernstine. “These grants will help ensure first responders in Butler and Lawrence counties have the equipment, training and resources they need to continue protecting our families and neighborhoods. This will deliver real results at the local level by strengthening emergency response capabilities without raising taxes on hardworking families.” The funding comes from an ongoing grant program…

February 9, 2026

Bernstine to Host Ellwood City Town Hall Meeting

ELLWOOD CITY – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) will host a town hall meeting for Lawrence County residents on Wednesday, February 11th from 6-7:30 p.m., at the Wurtemburg-Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department, located at 425 Portersville Road in Ellwood City. The town hall will give residents the opportunity to participate in an open forum on local and statewide issues. Bernstine will share an update on legislative activity in Harrisburg and discuss how current proposals and policies may impact individuals, families and communities throughout the 8th Legislative District. “Town halls are one of the most important ways I stay connected to the…