Politics

HARRISBURG – In an effort to ensure more foster children can find forever families, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) sent a letter last week to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) requesting relief from federal regulations he says are being unconstitutionally imposed on faith-based adoption and foster care agencies in Pennsylvania. The letter, which was sent to HHS Assistant Secretary of Administration for Children and Families Lynn Johnson, was co-signed by more than 35 members of the Pennsylvania Legislature. In the letter, Bernstine notes that the Wolf administration is “forcing Catholic and other faith-based adoption and foster agencies…

With the “graying” of Pennsylvania’s farm families, Senator Elder Vogel (R-47) is introducing legislation that will encourage existing farmers and landowners to work with beginning farmers to help them get started. “My legislation (Senate Bill 478) provides a personal income tax credit for landowners who lease or sell their land, buildings and equipment to beginning farmers,” said Senator Vogel, who serves as Chairman of the Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee and operates a family farm in Beaver County that was established in the late 1800s. “The number one concern faced by new farmers is finding affordable farmland. My bill…

Senator Elder Vogel, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, will hold a media availability on Wednesday (March 27) to announce his legislation that is intended to encourage existing farmers and landowners to work with beginning farmers to help them get started. Senator Vogel (R-47) will be joined by Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R-34) and Senator Judy Ward (R-28) at the event set for 10 a.m. in the Capitol Media Center in the East Wing of the State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. For every four farmers in Pennsylvania over the age of 65, there is only one…

Apprenticeship pilot program would encourage local partnerships HARRISBURG – In a bipartisan effort to prepare Pennsylvania’s youth for the 21st-century workforce, state Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) has teamed up with Reps. Kate Klunk (R-York) and Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia) to introduce legislation which would allow high school students to obtain real-world work experience while still in school. House Bill 796 would establish a pilot grant program which would encourage schools and local businesses to collaborate to provide work-based learning opportunities for high school students. “This innovative pilot program would bring our business leaders and students together to transform our education system…

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…