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June 25, 2018

Bernstine Launches Parliamentary Attack on Anti-Second Amendment Bills

HARRISBURG – Staunch Second Amendment supporter Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced his plan to use legislative tools at his disposal to stop the state House of Representatives from voting on anti-gun legislation which would violate the Pennsylvania Constitution. “Our state Constitution is crystal clear when it says citizens’ Second Amendment rights ‘shall not be questioned,’” Bernstine says. “I took an oath to defend and protect our Constitution, and I take that very seriously. I will use any and all legislative tactics available to defeat these attempts to infringe on the rights of law-abiding gun owners.” Bernstine filed 79 amendments…

June 22, 2018

Ellwood City Borough Council June Meeting Brief

The following is a brief summary of the Ellwood City Borough council meeting held on Monday, June 21: Zoning Ordinance Amended Council amended the Zoning Ordinance to remove a limitation on non-pedestrian use businesses on downtown Lawrence Avenue. The ordinance, passed in 2016, limited businesses such as doctor and lawyer offices to the 2nd floor. Council considered allowing setbacks on Lawrence Avenue, but ultimately decided to maintain the requirement that storefronts be flush with the sidewalk. Vice president Jim Barry said setbacks wouldn’t conform to the look of the downtown. According to council president Judi Dici, the 2016 ordinance has…

June 21, 2018

Bernstine Votes in Favor of No-Tax-Increase Budget

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today released the following statement after joining a majority of his House colleagues in voting to send the 2018-19 state budget to the Senate: “This bipartisan budget doesn’t ask taxpayers to send Harrisburg more of their hard-earned money and keeps spending below the rate of inflation. I am committed to not reaching any deeper into the pockets of the hard-working taxpayers, so I am pleased the plan we passed today honors that commitment. Thanks to recent economic growth, we were also able to invest in our classrooms and put some money away in the…

June 21, 2018

Council Votes to Maintain Beechwood Boulevard Address Change Despite Backlash

At Monday’s regular meeting, council defeated a motion to rescind an address change to nearly 40 street addresses, including 11 that converted from Beechwood Boulevard to Constitution Avenue. The motion was proposed by Michelle Lamenza and supported by George Celli. The other five members voted against rescinding the change  despite considerable backlash from several residents from Beechwood/Constitution, who felt the action was unnecessary and detrimental and accused council of targeting Beechwood and not responding to citizens’ concerns. Several council members emphasized the decision was done in the interest of public safety at the urging from the Lawrence County government and…

June 20, 2018

Request to Host Event Turns into Contentious Council Meeting

After considerable contention, council voted to suspend a zoning ordinance and permit Scott and Caroline Golmic, owners of Sweet Caroline’s  on 507 Lawrence Ave, to host events on an empty adjacent lot. The Golmics originally requested permission in a letter dated June 6. However, a motion approving the event was pulled immediately prior to council’s agenda meeting on Monday, June 11. The Golmics attended the meeting to question why their request had been pulled and were told their event violated several ordinances. Council member George Celli offered to meet with the Golmics to work out a solution. However, by the…

June 18, 2018

Ellwood School Board Amends Academic Competition Policy

Controversy ensued at Thursday’s Ellwood City Area School Board meeting when the board voted to approve amendments to its academic competition policy. The amendments were requested by board member Renee Pitrelli to better promote students involved in competitions. According to Pitrelli, the new policy will enable the district to support academics as much as athletics and leadership. Board members Jennifer Tomon and Danielle Woodhead believed the amendments were too vague and requested tabling the motion in order to polish the language. The amendment requires the district to pay all the travel expenses for students in statewide and national competitions, while…

June 15, 2018

Senate Approves Vogel Bill Promoting Telemedicine in Pennsylvania

The Senate today (June 13) approved legislation introduced by Senator Elder Vogel (R-Beaver) aimed at promoting telemedicine in Pennsylvania as a way to overcome barriers to quality patient care created by distance and reduce the costs of those services. Senate Bill 780 specifically defines telemedicine as “the delivery of health care services provided through telecommunications technology to a patient by a healthcare practitioner who is at a different location.” It also establishes guidelines regarding who can provide telemedicine services, and provides clarity regarding insurance company reimbursement for those services. “Telemedicine can help patients get the care they need. It allows for…

June 14, 2018

Bernstine Appointed to Bipartisan Budget Watchdog Committee

HARRISBURG – Furthering his opportunities to be involved in shaping some of the most critical fiscal issues facing the Commonwealth, State Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) Tuesday was appointed by House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) to replace outgoing state Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver/Washington) on one of the General Assembly’s most influential watchdog committees. The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) is a bipartisan, bicameral legislative service agency tasked with making research-supported recommendations for the elimination of wasteful expenditures and promotion of economic growth, as well as ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer dollars. “I’m looking forward to the…

June 14, 2018

Council President Responds to PUC Letter From Council Members

Earlier in the month, council members Rob Brough and Lisa Guerrera sent a letter to council president Judith Dici requesting a reduction in electric rates based on a Pennsylvania Utility Commission (PUC) announcement that customers across the state would be receiving a discount. Dici, although absent from Monday’s agenda meeting, left a written response to the council members as follows: I am aware of the May 18, 2018 decision of the Public Utility Commission (PUC). This decision was as a result of the substantial decrease in Federal tax rates and other changes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of…

June 13, 2018

Lawrence Avenue Event Pulled from Council Agenda

At Monday’s Ellwood City borough council agenda meeting, Scott and Caroline Golmic addressed council regarding an event request that was pulled from the agenda. The Golmics, owners of Sweet Caroline’s at 507 Lawrence Ave., leased an empty lot at 509 Lawrence with the intention of hosting events to promote the downtown. The Golmics paired together with other local businesses to host an event on May 23 for the Ellwood City Amateur Baseball Federation, which attracted hundreds of people downtown. The couple plans on hosting future events on the lot featuring food, music and games to attract people downtown and draw…