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senator vogel

February 4, 2026

Republicans React To Governor Shapiro’s Budget Proposal

Bernstine Slams Shapiro’s Out-of-Control Spending, Warns Families Will Pay the Price HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed $53.26 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, a 5.4% increase over last year: “The governor’s budget is out of touch and out of control. He wants to spend billions more than we take in, and he’s relying on new taxes and one-time revenue to cover the difference. On top of that, he plans to raid the Rainy Day Fund, the savings set aside to protect Pennsylvania during tough times, to pay for ongoing…

January 21, 2026

Ellport Borough Awarded Funds For Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrades

HARRISBURG – Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) today announced more than $5.6 million in state grant funding to support roadway and sewer infrastructure projects in Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties, which was administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA). Ellport Borough Sewer Authority was awarded $50,000 for the borough’s waste water treatment plant equipment upgrades as part of the initiatives. “The state of our roadways and water and sewer systems directly impact our residents’ day-to-day lives,” said Vogel. “These projects are critical to ensure these systems and roadways continue to be useable and efficient. This is an incredible investment in…

November 12, 2025

Local State Representatives React To PA State $50.6B Budget Passes

Local state representatives in the Ellwood City area expressed differing opinions on the recently passed 2025-26 Pennsylvania state budget, with reactions generally falling along party lines. The budget, which faced a 135-day delay, was approved by the legislature on Wednesday. Governor Josh Shapiro is expected to sign the General Appropriations Act into law today, November 12, 2025.  Bernstine: Can’t Support a Budget That Risks Future Tax Increases HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) issued the following statement explaining his “no” vote on the $50.1 billion budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year: “While this plan includes several positive elements, I could not…

October 30, 2025

Capitol Hunger Garden Closes Out Its 15th Season

HARRISBURG – Legislative Hunger Caucus Senate Chair Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) and House Chair Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-Allegheny) gathered at the Capitol Hunger Garden today with local and state leaders as they reflected on another impactful harvesting season and the need for communities to have access to fresh food options. “Our Hunger Garden is a shining example of how we can support and strengthen our communities across the commonwealth, assisting some of our most vulnerable neighbors,” Vogel said. “Whether you donate your own produce or contribute to your local food banks or volunteer your time at an area soup…

August 26, 2025

Vogel Announces $10.3 Million to Expand High-Speed Broadband Access in 47th Senate District

HARRISBURG – Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) today announced that $10.3 million has been provisionally awarded to expand broadband access in the 47th Senate District. Internet providers who will be receiving the awards from the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority are Amazon Kuiper, Armstrong Telecommunications, Inc, Comcast, CoreConnect, SpaceX and Verizon. “Whether through fiber or satellite, expanding broadband access to communities currently beyond reach is a critical mission,” Vogel said. “It impacts homes and schools, connects families and businesses, and is a key component of job creation. I’m very pleased to announce this multimillion effort in our region.” The funding comes from the federal…

August 13, 2025

Vogel: Senate-Led Spending Plan Focuses on Immediate Critical Service Funding

HARRISBURG – The Senate advanced a responsible spending plan aimed at providing immediate funding support to counties, school districts, social service providers and other services in need of critical resources, according to Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47). While the 2025-26 state budget negotiations continue, Senate Bill 160 would provide funding at the levels included in the final 2024-25 state budget. If the House of Representatives also approves the bill, the state can immediately begin disbursing nearly $47.6 billion without the need for any new taxes. “Our schools, hospitals, counties and other depended-on services should not be caught in the middle while awaiting a…

June 16, 2025

Vogel Announces $2.48 Million in PHARE Funding Benefiting Beaver, Butler and Lawrence Counties

HARRISBURG – Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) announced $2.48 million will be awarded to several Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) applicants in Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties. “The PHARE Fund is a vital funding source that helps our organizations and local government entities improve our local infrastructure; offer informational and educational opportunities related to housing; and better assist vulnerable communities,” said Vogel. “As someone who has fought hard to enhance this fund, I am pleased to see so many community projects benefit from it.” Beaver County The County of Beaver was awarded $100,000 for its Home Modification Program…

May 23, 2025

Three Community Projects in Beaver and Lawrence Counties Awarded Over $53,000 from the State Environmental Education Grants Program

Senator Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) announced three community projects in Beaver and Lawrence counties have been awarded over $53,000 from the state Environmental Education Grants Program. “Providing children and young adults with opportunities to learn about the importance of being environmental stewards is essential to aid conservation efforts for the future,” said Vogel. “These local projects will help achieve that goal.” Beaver County RiverWise was awarded $19,180 to host a “Summer Sustainability Institute” for middle and high school students, who will be engaged in hands-on learning, create video interviews, and write sustainability-themed articles. Lawrence County Ellwood City Area School District…

May 8, 2025

Vogel, Kinkead Kick Off the 15th Capitol Hunger Garden Season

HARRISBURG – Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) and Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-20), co-chairs of the Hunger Caucus, gathered at the Capitol Hunger Garden to highlight how the Harrisburg community benefits from the produce grown in the Hunger Garden. In addition to Vogel and Kinkead, remarks were also offered by Peter Flynn, President of the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association; Mieshia Jackson, Director of Operations for Downtown Daily Bread; Rep. Dan Moul, minority chair of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee; and Joe Arthur, CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. “Food insecurity affects all walks of life here in Pennsylvania,”…

February 5, 2025

Lake Forest Gardens, Sturges Orchard To Receive Agriculture Innovation Grants

HARRISBURG – Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) announced this week the approval of three state grants to improve agricultural innovation in Beaver County. Vogel said the following Agriculture Innovation Grants are being awarded by the state Department of Agriculture: Lake Forest Gardens of Fombell will receive $24,600 for automating tree-grading and sizing. Tiny Seed Farm of Rochester will receive $75,000 for the development of an integrated, sustainable farm-to-sale innovation plan. Sturges Orchard of Fombell will receive $18,775 to install pasteurizer and filter systems for improved cider production quality. “It was very important to fund these grants in the state budget,…