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July 17, 2026

Bernstine Announces State Grant to Support Redevelopment of the Former INMETCO Facility

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced a $1.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant has been awarded to support the redevelopment of the former International Metals facility in Ellwood City. The funding will help American Metal Recycling (AMR) and Irongate Industrial LLC complete critical improvements needed to restore the facility to operation. Planned renovations include repairing and modernizing existing infrastructure, rebuilding the blast furnace, installing semi-robotic refining systems, upgrading equipment and improving site utilities to enhance safety, efficiency and long-term competitiveness. Once operational, the facility will reclaim nickel, chrome and iron while positioning the plant to expand…

July 13, 2026

Bernstine, Brown Vote Against General Appropriations Bill

Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) and Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) each voted against the General Appropriations bill for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Bernstine: Budget Relies on Accounting Tricks Instead of Fiscal Responsibility HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) voted against the General Appropriations bill for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The measure passed the House and now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature. Bernstine issued the following statement: “This budget relies on the same type of accounting tricks Bernie Madoff used to make the numbers look better than reality. Delaying payments and shifting costs into the future does not reduce…

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…