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February 3, 2021

Senator Vogel Raises Concerns About Governor Wolf’s Tax & Spend Budget

Senator Elder Vogel today raised serious concerns about the Governor’s proposal to raise income taxes, increase state spending and slash Pennsylvania’s support for agricultural programs. The Governor today (February 3) unveiled his proposed $40.2 billion General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22, which includes a $3.1 billion (8.2 percent) increase in state spending, a substantial Personal Income Tax (PIT) rate hike, imposition of Marcellus Shale extraction tax, and elimination of funding for vital agricultural programs and services. As Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which oversees the budget review process in the Senate, and Chairman of the Senate Agriculture…

February 2, 2021

Bernstine Announces State Grant for Beaver County

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced that a $198,000 Strategic Management Planning (STMP) grant has been awarded for the City of Beaver Falls, Beaver County. “This is great news for our area,” said Bernstine. Beaver Falls’ renaissance will be driven by the need to increase community revitalization efforts. This grant is an investment in our community in many areas. It provides assistance and supports jobs that pay for our workers to remain a vital part of our community.” The STMP grant, approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, will include the following: Consultant service for…

January 27, 2021

Senate Approves $912 Million COVID-19 Relief Package

The Senate is poised to approve a comprehensive $912 million relief package to help restaurants, schools, employers, and tenants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Senator Elder Vogel, who supported the bill in the Senate and on Tuesday when it came before the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration. Senate Bill 109 amends the state Fiscal Code to allocate $569.8 million for Rental and Utility Assistance, $197 million for education programs, and $145 million to support Pennsylvania’s struggling hospitality industry as it copes with the devastation created by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Governor’s mandated closings and restrictions. The bill…

January 27, 2021

Bernstine Bill on Parole Process for Violent Offenders Passes House Committee

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) announced today that his legislation which focuses on the parole process for violent offenders in the wake of the 2019 murder of a child in Lawrence County, passed the House Judiciary Committee. Markie’s Law was named after Mark Mason, an 8-year-old boy who was brutally stabbed to death by a man who was paroled at the end of his minimum sentence for homicide, even after committing two separate assaults of other inmates while behind bars. “I applaud the House Judiciary Committee for approving this legislation,” said Bernstine. “Markie’s Law bill must get over the…

January 22, 2021

Wolf Announces $600 Pandemic Relief Awards to Eligible Child Care Employees

On Wednesday, Governor Tom Wolf announced the opportunity for one-time, $600 grants for child care workers across Pennsylvania. The funds are available to child care providers licensed by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) through federal Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) quality dollars and remaining funding previously made available through federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated for child care providers. “A healthy, vibrant child care industry is a cornerstone of a healthy economy. As with many other sectors of our economy, Pennsylvania’s child care providers have been greatly challenged by this pandemic,” said…

January 18, 2021

Ellwood City Borough Council to Advertise Bids for Waste Collection

Trash was the top topic at Ellwood City’s Borough Council meeting Monday night. Council voted to advertise bids for the collection of refuse, recycling, and yard waste. Borough Manager David Allen said this is just the bidding process and that a final decision as to the process and collection company will come later. Before voting to allow the bidding process, Councilwoman Lisa Guererra requested that officials take into consideration the concerns and needs of all community members including the ones who like the bags, who don’t like the bags, and those who pay to have their own dumpsters. She said…

January 18, 2021

Ellwood City Borough Council to Meet Tonight

Ellwood City Borough Council will meet virtually tonight at 6 p.m. How to join the meeting: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/96286869918?pwd=alVZejErMEZOTVdHU2U1UENSUUU2UT09 Meeting ID: 962 8686 9918 Passcode: 259097 One tap mobile +13017158592,,96286869918#,,,,*259097# US (Washington D.C) +13126266799,,96286869918#,,,,*259097# US (Chicago) On the agenda: A motion to approve the Pre-Paid Voucher List dated 1/ 12/21, in the amount of$357,565.89, and the List of Vouchers to be Paid dated 1/13/21 , in the amount of $163,599.10. A motion to adopt a Resolution, as submitted, re-establishing electric reconnection charges. A motion to adopt the 2021 IRS Mileage Reimbursement Rate of 56 cents per mile. A motion…

January 14, 2021

Senator Vogel Announces Railroad Grant; Reappointed Chair of Agriculture

New Castle Industrial RR Receives $262,500 State Grant New Castle Industrial Railroad, Inc., was today (January 13) awarded a $262,500 state grant to construct a new 3,200-foot siding to expand its main line track capacity accommodating increased interchange traffic with CSX and NS railroads, according to Senator Elder Vogel. “The efficient movement of goods is imperative for businesses to be successful,” Senator Vogel said. “This funding will help New Castle Industrial Railroad meet the needs of the industry and the local marketplace, which in turn should further expand family sustaining job opportunities in our area.” Formed in 1992, the New…

January 12, 2021

Bernstine Appointed to Four Key Legislative Committees

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced that he has been appointed to serve on the House Commerce, Game and Fisheries, Health and Insurance committees for the 2021-22 Legislative Session. Bernstine is serving his third term in the House of Representatives. “I’m excited to work on these committees that focus on the well-being of our citizens as well as important issues that affect the fiscal health of the 10th District and the Commonwealth,” said Bernstine. “Bills begin and end their lives in committees, whether they are passed into law or not. The House’s committees consider bills and issues and…

January 6, 2021

Senator Vogel Sworn-in to Serve in 2021-22 Legislative Session

State Senator Elder Vogel was sworn into office today (January 5) during a ceremony in the Senate Chamber of the State Capitol to represent the people of the 47th Senatorial District during the 2021-22 Legislative Session. “We will face many changes during this Session, and many of those issues are a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic” Senator Vogel said. “The pandemic and the mitigation efforts have had a devastating impact on our economy, locally and statewide. This is especially true among Pennsylvania’s farming families. The closure of restaurants and schools has rocked those families. Crops have spoiled and fresh…