state rep aaron bernstine

Bernstine Announces State Grants for Fire, EMS Services in Butler, Lawrence Counties

BUTLER/LAWRENCE COUNTIES – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced fire and emergency response organizations throughout the 8th Legislative District have been awarded nearly $244,000 in grants from the state. “Our volunteer fire departments and EMS providers are essential to keeping our communities safe,” said Bernstine. “These grants will help ensure first responders in Butler and Lawrence counties have the equipment, training and resources they need to continue protecting our families and neighborhoods. This will deliver real results at the local level by strengthening emergency response capabilities without raising taxes on hardworking families.” The funding comes from an ongoing grant program…


Bernstine to Host Ellwood City Town Hall Meeting

ELLWOOD CITY – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) will host a town hall meeting for Lawrence County residents on Wednesday, February 11th from 6-7:30 p.m., at the Wurtemburg-Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department, located at 425 Portersville Road in Ellwood City. The town hall will give residents the opportunity to participate in an open forum on local and statewide issues. Bernstine will share an update on legislative activity in Harrisburg and discuss how current proposals and policies may impact individuals, families and communities throughout the 8th Legislative District. “Town halls are one of the most important ways I stay connected to the…


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…


Bernstine to Run for Re-Election to PA House of Representatives in 2026

NEW GALILEE — Citing the growing threat posed by the radical left agenda being pushed by Democrats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Governor Josh Shapiro, State Representative Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced he is running for re-election in 2026, seeking another term representing the 8th Legislative District. “With Democrats and Governor Shapiro doubling down on policies that undermine our freedoms, weaken public safety, and make life more expensive for working families, now is not the time to send timid lawmakers to Harrisburg,” Bernstine said. “We need proven conservative fighters who are willing to stand in the line of…


Bernstine, Brown Announce Grant for Lawrence County Historical Society

LAWRENCE COUNTY – Reps. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) and Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) today announced the Lawrence County Historical Society has been awarded a $9,000 grant to support the preservation, care and maintenance of the county’s historically significant records and artifacts. “The Lawrence County Historical Society is a vital guardian of our community’s past, and this grant helps ensure its irreplaceable records and artifacts remain protected,” said Bernstine. “I’m proud to support funding that preserves our shared history and keeps it accessible for future generations.” “Our historical societies play an essential role in educating the public and strengthening our sense of place,” said…


Bernstine to Host Senior Citizen Breakfast in Ellwood City

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) invites senior citizens from the 8th Legislative District to attend his upcoming Senior Citizen Breakfast. The event will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at the Wayne Township Fire Hall, located at 5153 Ellwood Road, Ellwood City. “Pennsylvania is home to one of the largest senior populations in the country, and it’s important every senior has access to the resources and support they deserve,” said Bernstine. “I look forward to meeting with residents, hearing their concerns and making sure they have the information they need to thrive.” Seniors will…


Bernstine Co-Hosts Town Hall Meeting on Property Tax Elimination

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) will join Reps. Jeremy Shaffer (R-Allegheny) and Roman Kozak (R-Beaver) to host a town hall on property tax elimination. The event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 20, beginning at 5 p.m., at the West Deer American Legion located at 57 Superior Road, Tarentum. “Property taxes keep climbing and that has real consequences for people in our communities,” said Bernstine. “People should not have to worry about losing their homes or feeling pushed out of Pennsylvania. This town hall is a chance for everyone to learn more about what is being discussed in Harrisburg…


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…


Bernstine Applauds Launch of RowAmerica Pittsburgh at Lake Arthur

BUTLER – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced the upcoming launch of RowAmerica Pittsburgh, a state-of-the-art rowing facility scheduled to open in spring 2026 at Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park. This project is made possible through the support of entrepreneur and philanthropist Howard Winklevoss, whose passion for youth development and rowing excellence is bringing new opportunities and investment to the region. To mark the announcement, a press conference will be held on Friday, Oct. 10, at 4 p.m., at the Bear Run Boat Ramp on Bear Run Road in Portersville, the future site of RowAmerica Pittsburgh. “I am proud…


Bernstine Votes ‘No’ on Irresponsible State Budget Proposal

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) released the following statement after voting “no” on the 2025–26 Pennsylvania state budget, as House Democrats pushed through House Bill 1330, the General Appropriations bill. “This proposal spends too much, lacks transparency and sets up Pennsylvania for long-term fiscal trouble. “We are being asked to vote on a $50.6 billion spending plan without a full financial sheet, without a tax code and without a fiscal code. That’s not how responsible government works. “A budget isn’t just about how much money we spend; it’s about how that money is spent and how it impacts our future….