Politics

Jillian Court, Executive Director of Media, for the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce, has accepted a new position with the Lawrence County Conservation District as a Conservation Technician. Jillian has served as a crucial part of not only the Chamber, but as the head of Ellwood City Community Enrichment, Secretary for Ellwood City Revitalization, Treasurer for All Aboard Ellwood, and sits on multiple committees. Jillian has been an absolute blessing for Ellwood City and she will be greatly missed. She plans on continuing to volunteer for Ellwood City Community Enrichment and various Chamber sponsored events. Her last day will…

NEW BEAVER BOROUGH — The Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) program today announced State Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) has been chosen as one of 60 scholars nationwide for the program’s fifth annual class. PLS serves as a catalyst for a diverse network of leaders brought together to collaborate and make a difference in the world as they learn about leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Lyndon B. Johnson. The fifth class was selected after a rigorous application and review process. Scholars were chosen based on their leadership growth potential…

HARRISBURG – In an effort to promote transparency, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today introduced legislation to require full disclosure of contractual terms, known as project labor agreements (PLAs), on construction projects funded by taxpayer dollars. PLAs are comprehensive, pre-hire agreements which, under existing law, include labor terms and conditions for construction projects, often incorporating terms from collective bargaining agreements of unions to be involved in the project. “PLAs often increase the labor costs on a job, so it is problematic when we can’t see the full scope of the project up front,” Bernstine said. “When a contractor is crafting a…

Senator Elder Vogel will serve on five Senate Committees in addition to his chairmanship of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee for the 2019-20 Legislative Session. Senator Vogel will serve as the Vice Chairman of Environmental Resources & Energy Committee and as a member of the Appropriations, Banking & Insurance, Game & Fisheries, and Transportation committees. “My committee assignments cover a wide range of issues that have a direct impact on the lives of the people of western Pennsylvania,” Senator Vogel said. “The Environmental Resources & Energy Committee certainly has a major role in shaping the future of the Commonwealth…

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced he was assigned to serve on the House Commerce and Insurance committees during the 2019-20 legislative session. He also retained his seats on the House Health and Game and Fisheries committees. The second-term lawmaker said the new assignments will allow him to combine his private sector experience with his legislative duties to protect consumers and businesses. “Prior to running for office, I worked extensively with small businesses and large corporations while also building several of my own. I got to know the many issues they deal with daily,” said Bernstine. “Those experiences…