Politics

Veterans’ Specialists to Visit Gibbons’ Office this Week

State Rep. Jaret Gibbons today announced he will host two veterans’ specialists in his Ellwood City office this week. “I am happy to provide this service so veterans can understand their rights and benefits,” said Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence. Stephanie Bengoa and Ryan Paglia will be available at his Ellwood City office, located at 438 Line Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 8 to lend help to veterans and their families. Bengoa of the American Legion Veterans Assistance Program will be in Gibbons’ office to assist veterans with understanding what benefits they have earned, filing appeals to existing claims,…


Gibbons Invites Public to Town Hall Meeting 6 p.m. Thursday

WEST PITTSBURG, June 6 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, will host a fifth town hall meeting to update residents on local community events and important state government-related issues. The town hall will be held 6 p.m. Thursday, June 9 at the Taylor Municipal Building, Industrial Street, West Pittsburg. “I am holding town hall meetings in various locations of my district in order to give everyone a chance to participate in the discussion,” Gibbons said. Gibbons will lead the talks about some of the critical issues coming up in Harrisburg, including the state budget and education plans. Gibbons said he…


Senator Vogel Seeking Local Photos for 2017 District Calendar

Senator Elder Vogel is calling on residents to submit photos capturing the spirit and beauty of the 47th Senatorial District, with the top entries to be featured in his 2017 calendar. Contestants can submit two photos per category (spring, summer, fall and winter). The top three vote-getters in each group will serve as a featured month in Senator Vogel’s 2017 “Scenes from the 47th Senatorial District Calendar.” The contest is open to all individuals, children and adults, but photos must have been taken within the boundaries of the 47th District. The contest will remain open for submissions until Aug. 31….


Gibbons Invites Public to Town Hall Meeting 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 31

NEW CASTLE, May 27 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, will host a fourth town hall meeting to update residents on local community events and important state government-related issues. The town hall will be held 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 31 at the Scott Township Volunteer Fire Department, 3712 Harlansburg Road, New Castle.  “Town hall meetings are an important tool to inform my constituents about emerging state and local issues, gauge where a community stands on specific issues, and keep in touch with constituents’ concerns,” Gibbons said. Gibbons said he encourages constituents to attend. Those who do can obtain information on…


ABATE Members Support Gibbons Legislation

HARRISBURG, May 23 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, was recognized at a state Capitol rally by members of the Alliance of Bikers Aimed toward Education (ABATE) in support of his bill (H.B. 853), commonly referred to as Daniel’s Law. The bill, designed to toughen penalties for distracted driving accidents, was introduced in honor of Daniel Gallatin, a father, grandfather, military veteran and 40-year fireman. Gallatin, from Scott Township, Lawrence County, in Gibbons’ district, was killed on May 7, 2013 while riding his motorcycle when a driver texting while driving struck him from behind. “Changes need to be made to…


Gibbons Invites Public to Upcoming Town Hall Meeting at Beaver Falls City Building

BEAVER FALLS, May 23 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, will host a third town hall meeting to update residents on local community events and important state government-related issues. The town hall will be held 6 p.m. Thursday, May 26 at the Beaver Falls City Building, 715 15th St., Beaver Falls. “I look forward to meeting with constituents and the general public at this town hall event to discuss important issues that affect us on both the local and statewide level,” Gibbons said. “Town halls are a great way for constituents to stay informed and be involved in how their…


Gibbons: Treasury Small Business Event Set in Pittsburgh in June

Pittsburgh, May 19 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, said the Pennsylvania Treasurer’s Office Small Business Initiative is coming to the University of Pittsburgh. The event will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 2, at the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business and the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence Alumni Hall, 4227 Fifth Ave. Gibbons said small business is the engine of Pennsylvania’s economy with approximately 1 million small businesses employing 2.4 million workers across the Commonwealth. “Small businesses are the backbone of our communities in Pennsylvania,” Gibbons said. “Often businesses face a number of challenges,…


Ellwood City Borough Council May Meeting Brief

The following is a brief summary of the borough council meeting held on May 16: Awards/Recognition Nikol Damato, junior council member, was recognized for her year of service on council. Jozek, Ellwood’s K-9 who is retiring this month after nine years of service, was recognized by council, the Lawrence County Commissioners, State Police and Jarret Gibbon’s office. The K-9 officer, Sgt. Michael McBride, will now work with Jozek’s son, Ranger, who is already certified. Jozek will retire on the McBride Family Farms, after McBride purchased him from the borough for $1. Council President Connie MacDonald presented McBride with 10 dimes…


Gibbons Introduces Budget Continuation Bill to Keep Funding Schools and Social Service Agencies if Impasse Occurs

HARRISBURG, May 17 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, has introduced a bill (H.B. 2077) that would fund schools and human service agencies if a budget is not enacted by the July 1 deadline to start the new fiscal year. Under Gibbons’ bill, if a budget is not successfully enacted by July 1, all line items from the previous year’s budget will continue to receive funding equal to that of the previously enacted budget, with the exception of the Governor’s Office, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office, the Senate and the House of Representatives. These offices will not receive funding until a…


Kaufman House Renovation Project Receives $500,000 State Grant

Zelienople, Pa.- Efforts to restore the historic Kaufman House in Zelienople received a significant boost in the form of a $500,000 state grant, according to Senator Elder Vogel. The grant was part of more than $2.6 million in funding awarded through the Keystone Communities program to support 14 community revitalization projects across the Commonwealth. “This is a great contribution by the state to support a major project by a coalition of organizations that will provide a significant economic boost to Zelienople and the entire region,” Senator Vogel said. “This project will help the Kaufman House rise up from the ashes…