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state rep aaron bernstine

August 17, 2020

Bernstine Announces $1.1 Million in Funding for Beaver, Lawrence, Butler Counties

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced the awarding of nearly $1.1 million to Beaver, Lawrence and Butler counties, which was made available through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Program (PHARE) to help with homelessness and household modifications and safety challenges. “This funding will help especially with those individuals and families who have limited financial means,” said Bernstine. “Rehabilitating existing properties to meet current market demands is an excellent way to invest our resources for homeless prevention and household projects. I am grateful to see projects in our area have been chosen to receive funding and look…

June 25, 2020

Bernstine Applauds Senate Committee Approval of Markie’s Law Bill

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) applauded Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne/Pike/Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) and members of the committee for unanimously passing his legislation that would preclude the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole from paroling an inmate at the expiration of his or her minimum sentence if the inmate was convicted of a violent offense or an obstruction of justice while incarcerated. Bernstine’s legislation, House Bill 1855 or Markie’s Law, was named after Mark Mason, an 8-year-old from Lawrence County, who was brutally stabbed to death by a man who was paroled at the end of his minimum sentence…

May 17, 2020

Governor Moves Beaver County to ‘Yellow’ Phase, Says Bernstine

ELLWOOD CITY, Beaver County – Citing a low caseload and flattening the curve, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement that Beaver County is one of 12 counties set to move into the “yellow” phase starting Friday, May 22, under his reopening plan. “The governor has heard your voices and finally reacted to safely reopen Beaver County. We have a lot of people who want to go back to work and they feel they can do it safely. They can make good judgments and make sure they are safe, and their customers are safe. “Instead of…

May 7, 2020

Bernstine Bill to Address PA Nurse Shortage, Provide Support for Health Care Professionals

HARRISBURG – Marking National Nurses Day, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today introduced legislation that could expand the number of nursing education programs in Pennsylvania and help improve the quality of life for current nurses. Due to a discrepancy in Pennsylvania state licensure law, only regionally accredited education institutions can offer RN education programs. House Bill 2112 would clarify that applicants for licensure as a registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice nurse must have received education from an institution accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education. This would include both national and regional accreditation agencies. “During the COVID-19 pandemic,…

April 24, 2020

Bernstine Announces State Funding for Learning Enhancements

ELLWOOD CITY – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced that three school districts in the 10th District have been selected to receive a Continuity of Education and Equity Grant (CEEG) for the 2019-20 academic year. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative we don’t lose sight of how important it is for us to deliver the best possible education to every child,” said Bernstine. “This funding will help schools purchase equipment, so teachers can better connect with students ready to learn.” Those receiving grants locally are: • New Brighton Area School District – $76,000. • New Castle Area School District –…

March 20, 2020

Bernstine Temporarily Halts In-Person Visits to EC Office, Cancels March Event

ELLWOOD CITY – To protect the health and safety of the community and office staff, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced his Ellwood City office will be temporarily closed to walk-in visitors. In addition, his “Coffee with Aaron” event scheduled for Friday, March 27, has been canceled in observance of social distancing practices. “Since day one of taking office, my staff and I have made it a top priority to be extremely responsive and helpful to 10th District residents,” said Bernstine. “The health and safety of our community is just as important. We are absolutely committed to continuing high-quality and…

March 4, 2020

Bernstine, Longo and Toomey to Host Vietnam Veterans Event

HARRISBURG – Local veterans of the Vietnam War-era will be honored by the offices of state Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence), U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Slippery Rock Mayor Jondavid Longo during a recognition ceremony at Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Hall, located at 162 Elm St. on Thursday, March 26, at 10 a.m. “The bravery shown in Southeast Asia is unsurpassed in American history,” said Bernstine. “This ceremony provides me and the community the opportunity to thank them for their efforts and commitment in defending America.” The event will include a ceremonial pinning and citation presentation. Living United States veterans…

February 27, 2020

Bernstine Announces State Funding for School Safety Enhancements at Area School Districts

ELLWOOD CITY – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today announced the School Safety and Security Committee has awarded $53.7 million in School Safety and Security Grants to school districts, vocational schools, intermediate units and charter schools across the state. The 17-member committee within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency was created as part of Act 44 of 2018, a comprehensive school safety law passed in 2018. One of its duties is to help distribute both meritorious and competitive grants. “As parents and as a community, our first priority is the safety of our children,” said Bernstine. “I’m pleased we are…

February 5, 2020

Bernstine Reacts to Governor Wolf Budget Address

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today joined his colleagues in a joint session of the General Assembly as Governor Tom Wolf delivered his budget address. Bernstine released the following statement on the governor’s proposal. “The governor today failed to mention the billions of dollars he wants to borrow from the taxpayers’ credit card. He claims his budget does not include any new taxes, but we know that debt doesn’t magically disappear. He’s mortgaging the paychecks of our children and grandchildren with his excessive overspending and borrowing agenda. “Instead of discussions about all the different ways to spend the taxpayers’…

January 17, 2020

Bernstine Bill to Access Information Prior to a Public Meeting Passes House

HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) that would amend the Sunshine Act to require a public agency to post public meeting agendas no later than 24 hours prior to the start of a meeting passed the House today. House Bill 1069 would also prohibit an agency from taking official action on items not on the meeting agenda unless added by a majority vote. “I believe that we understand the intent and importance of the Sunshine Act in maintaining and enhancing the transparency of government decision-making and to allow Pennsylvanians to participate in their government,” said Bernstine. “Unfortunately,…