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In this Update:
SEPTA Update
This week SEPTA announced a budget proposal that would increase fares and decrease services. In response to this announcement, our office received multiple constituent contacts regarding my position on SEPTA. I wanted you to hear the facts from me and not internet misinformation. Transit plays an important role in the 6th Senatorial District for our citizens, students, and workforce and I absolutely support a funding package for infrastructure improvements and public transit. SEPTA has a $213 million structural deficit. I have met with SEPTA over a dozen times to discuss their budget issues, potential legislative fixes, and their importance within the 6th Senatorial District. I have stood at their rallies in support of public transit and the workers that provide these services. I even stood with the Governor right here in Langhorne last year to advocate for transit funding. We have introduced legislation that could potentially serve as a funding mechanism for a funding package and will be reintroducing this legislation soon. I have been crystal clear, I absolutely support a funding package that would fund infrastructure improvements and public transit. That has been my stance, and that will continue to be my stance. I remain committed to working with my colleagues in Harrisburg to work in a manner to get something done. Congratulations to Steve Wallin on his Retirement
Earlier this week, I had the honor of celebrating Steve Wallin on his retirement from the Upper Southampton Township Board of Supervisors after a career in public service spanning more than thirty years. I presented him with a citation from the Senate of PA for his years of loyalty and service to his community. A lifelong resident of Upper Southampton Township, Steve served locally as a member of the Upper Southampton Municipal Authority Board and as an elected Auditor. As a member of the Upper Southampton ‘Township Board of Supervisors for many years, he shared valuable input with the public and was active with the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors and the Bucks County Association of Township Officials. He also owned and operated various local businesses and served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bucks County School of Beauty Culture for more than fifty years. A past Director of the Pennsylvania Association of Private School Administrators Board, he also served on the State Board of Cosmetology and as Director and President of the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce. Throughout his career, Steve strove to adhere to the highest standards of service and rightly earned the respect and admiration of his many friends and colleagues. Congratulations again to Steve on his unwavering commitment to his community and I wish him the best for continued success for years to come. Lincoln Tech School to Open in Middletown Township
I had the opportunity to tour the new Lincoln Tech campus in Levittown earlier this week. The 90,000-square-foot property at 311 Veterans Highway in Levittown will provide training in welding; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and electrical and electronic systems technology. This new location will accommodate about 600 students and will open later this summer. Career and technical education prepares students for rewarding, family-sustaining careers, often at a significantly reduced cost compared to attending college. Pennsylvania is in great need of people with this training, and there are many job openings waiting to be filled. To ensure people have the training needed for these jobs, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 315. The legislation would provide more certainty regarding grant funding for career and technical education equipment by making funding calculations before the school year in which the allocation occurs. Currently, schools are reimbursed after they have made purchases based on calculations made near the end of the school year. Read more about career and technical education opportunities in the commonwealth. School Safety Report Available Now
Students deserve to feel safe while they’re learning, and their families should be confident that extensive efforts are made to ensure that happens. Senate Republicans have prioritized fostering healthy and safe communities, which include schools. Part of that work includes requiring and conducting a report to evaluate school safety initiatives and how they can be adjusted to more effectively protect students. The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee’s report highlighted the need for security assessments of school buildings and certification requirements for school safety and security coordinators. Other key findings include collecting and analyzing more relevant data – such as tips made using the Safe2Say Something Program. I co-authored the legislation that started The Safe2Say Program in 2018. The program, overseen by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, educates individuals on warning signs or possible threats, and how to report those concerns through the program 24/7. Find the full report here. Purple Star Schools Support Military Children
Military children face unique challenges as a result of frequent moves and parental deployments. To give them the best chance of success, we passed Act 69 of 2022. The law created the Purple Star designation for schools that demonstrate their commitment to supporting military families. Many schools have embraced this program and stepped up to help the children of our service members. Purple Star Schools go the extra mile to provide stability, resources and a welcoming community for military children, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive. Pennsylvania has 37,000 children with parents serving in the military – and 80% of these children are in kindergarten through grade 12 and attend public schools. We are working with local schools within the 6th Senatorial District to make them aware of this program and guide them through the process of becoming a Purple Star School. Learn more about Purple Star Schools. Passover Begins on April 12
Saturday marks the beginning of Passover, the eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’ emancipation from slavery in ancient Egypt. I hope it’s a warm occasion of family and friends for all who observe.
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