Politics

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…

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced a $6,500 grant has been awarded to Butler County Area Vocational Technical School (AVTS) for the purchase of new equipment aligned to training students in high-demand occupations. Awarded by the Department of Education, the grants will be used for the purchase of an engine lathe and tooling set. The new equipment will be used to support the machine technology program. The funding must be matched dollar-for-dollar at the local level. “The future of our local, state and national economies depend on having highly qualified, job-ready workers,” Bernstine said. “This grant will help…