Politics

Bernstine Announces $1.1 Million in Funding for Beaver, Lawrence, Butler Counties

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced the awarding of nearly $1.1 million to Beaver, Lawrence and Butler counties, which was made available through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Program (PHARE) to help with homelessness and household modifications and safety challenges. “This funding will help especially with those individuals and families who have limited financial means,” said Bernstine. “Rehabilitating existing properties to meet current market demands is an excellent way to invest our resources for homeless prevention and household projects. I am grateful to see projects in our area have been chosen to receive funding and look…


American Legion Post 157 Passes Resolution

The American Legion Post passed a resolution focused on protests by kneeling during the playing of the National Anthem and other protests of social conditions in the United States.  The resolution reads as follows: Whereas certain groups have chosen to protest social conditions in the United States of America by taking a knee during the playing of our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, prior to the beginning of sporting events: Whereas we recognize the right to peacefully protest under the Constitution of the United States: Whereas, we, nonetheless, view this particular form of protest as disrespectful, divisive, and counterproductive to…


Mayor Urges Community to Slow Down; Council Hires Part-Time Officer

During Monday’s Borough Council Meeting, Mayor Anthony Court had one message for the community: Slow down and obey traffic signs. Court warned that if he continues to receive complaints about speeding and other traffic violations, police will setup points of surveillance and tickets will be issued. “Gotta slow down,” Court said. “It’s that simple.” He said numerous complaints have been made about violations on Sunset Boulevard and Perry Street as well as other areas in the borough. In other news, council decided to reject bids for the 2020 Paving Program. Borough Manager David Allen said bids came in 30 percent…


Ellwood City Borough Council to Meet Monday

Ellwood City Borough Council will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of the building. The following is the meeting agenda: 4:30pm – EXECUTIVE SESSION (Police Contract Negotiations) 5:45pm – 2019 Audit presentation (Mark Turnley, CPA) AGENDA/MOTION SHEET I. OPENING EXERCISES: A) Call to Order B) Roll Call C) Invocation – Norina Owens, Women of Faith International D) Pledge of Allegiance E) Visitors F) Communications II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting 6/17/20 A motion would be in order to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held 6/17/20, as submitted. III. APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS:…


Grant Announced To Turn Stonecrest Golf Course Into Business Park

State Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) announced this week the Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded a $2 million Business in Our Sites grant and a $3 million Business in Our Sites loan for the development of what will become the former Stonecrest Golf Course into the Stonecrest Business Park located in New Beaver Borough. The Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC), in cooperation with Stonecrest Business Park (SBP), plans to develop the former golf course into the Stonecrest Business Park. The site consisting of 213 acres, 110 acres of which is developable, is accessible to Interstate 79 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike and…


Applications Now Accepted for Beginning Farmer Tax Credits

Applications are now being accepted for a tax credit program intended to support Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry by helping new farmers get established, according to Senator Elder Vogel, who authored the legislation that created the initiative. The Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program created by Senator Vogel’s measure, Senate Bill 478 (Act 65 of 2019), provides an incentive to landowners who lease or sell their land, buildings and equipment to beginning farmers. Landowners will receive a one-time personal income tax credit for the sale or a multi-year lease of property. The legislation requires all leases be enforced through written agreements and that…


Senate Committee Approves Bernstine’s Legislation to Provide More Transparency to Pennsylvanians

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) commended Senate State Government Committee Chairman John DiSanto (R-Dauphin/Perry) and members of the committee for passing his legislation that would amend the Sunshine Act to require a public agency to post public meeting agendas no later than 24 hours prior to the start of a meeting. “This bill is a commonsense and critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to increasing transparency and ensuring government officials think twice about letting important business fly under the taxpayers’ radar,” said Bernstine. “In today’s fast-paced world, it is important that we give our constituents the tools…


Wolf Administration: CARES Act Funding for Small Businesses Made Available June 30

Governor Tom Wolf announced that beginning tomorrow small businesses across Pennsylvania can apply for grants to offset lost revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting shutdown order. “In unprecedented times, like those we are currently facing, collaboration is imperative to getting help to those who need it most, as quickly and effectively as possible,” said Gov. Wolf. “This joint effort between my administration, the legislature, and The Pennsylvania CDFI Network will provide critical assistance to Pennsylvania’s small businesses, putting them on better financial footing as they begin to reopen.” The COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance program, announced…


Ready To Vote PA: Toolkit for Businesses Can Increase Election Participation, Keep Pennsylvanias Safe

PHILADELPHIA (June 25, 2020) — This year was already destined to bring forth significant changes in how elections in Pennsylvania were conducted. With the introduction of no-excuse vote-by-mail and new, modern voting equipment, voters across the commonwealth faced a learning curve. The coronavirus pandemic has complicated election plans and put a premium on protecting the health of voters and poll workers. While the postponed Pennsylvania primary election was mostly smooth, there are still several reforms that lawmakers should consider that will ensure no Pennsylvania worker has to sacrifice their ability to earn a paycheck or their health to exercise their…


Bernstine Applauds Senate Committee Approval of Markie’s Law Bill

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) applauded Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne/Pike/Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) and members of the committee for unanimously passing his legislation that would preclude the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole from paroling an inmate at the expiration of his or her minimum sentence if the inmate was convicted of a violent offense or an obstruction of justice while incarcerated. Bernstine’s legislation, House Bill 1855 or Markie’s Law, was named after Mark Mason, an 8-year-old from Lawrence County, who was brutally stabbed to death by a man who was paroled at the end of his minimum sentence…