|
|||
|
In this Update:
Chambersburg’s Ice Fest 2026
Bundle up and embrace the winter magic! The largest ice festival in Pennsylvania returns Thursday, January 29 through Sunday, February 1, 2026, throughout Downtown Chambersburg. Don’t forget to stop by your favorite downtown small businesses, many of which will have extended hours during IceFest! Tour at Totem Pole Playhouse
On Thursday, I was given a wonderful site tour at Totem Pole Playhouse. What a fantastic and treasured cultural landmark dedicated to inspiring, entertaining, and educating our community through high-quality live theatre and arts programming. For generations, Totem Pole Playhouse has brought powerful stories to life while supporting artists, engaging audiences of all ages, and keeping the arts accessible in our region Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department Annual Awards Banquet
I am honored to have been a part of the Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department Annual Awards Banquet. Thank you to President Mark Bumbaugh, Fire Chief William (Bill) Wishard, the officers, and all Firefighters, Fire Police, and EMS who have proudly served this community and surrounding areas since 1953. Your dedication and sacrifice mean everything. May God bless you and your families Franklin, Adams County Community Projects Awarded $6.5 Million in State Grants
I was pleased to work with Reps. Rich Irvin, Chad Reichard, Rob Kauffman and Dan Moul to secure more than $6.5 million in state grants to benefit communities throughout Franklin and Adams counties. The following projects were awarded funding from the PA Small Water and Sewer Program:
The following projects were awarded funding from the Multimodal Transportation Fund:
By investing in these projects, we are laying the foundation for stronger communities, job growth and a higher quality of life for generations to come. Shapiro’s Reckless Remarks on ICE Endangers Law Enforcement
Gov. Josh Shapiro went on national television this week to attack our federal officers putting their lives on the line in Minnesota. His remarks were nothing more than reckless and dangerous political theater designed to undermine law and order. The men and women of ICE are on the front lines protecting our communities from illegal activity and enforcing the laws of this nation. They deserve respect — not baseless attacks. I stand firmly with ICE, President Trump, Secretary Noem and every federal officer committed to upholding the rule of law. Pennsylvania will not become a sanctuary for chaos. We will cooperate fully with federal immigration enforcement and reject any attempt to erode public safety. Let’s be clear — this is Josh Shapiro auditioning for his run for president. He has always viewed every office he’s held, including governor, as a stepping stone on his journey to the White House. The people of Pennsylvania deserve better than a leader who puts his own ambitions ahead of their safety and security. Throwback!
Me with fellow cavalry soldiers next to the opposing force’s (OPFOR) Bradley Fighting Vehicle, which they knocked out during maneuvers at Hohenfels Training Area in Bavaria, West Germany, in the 1980s Keeping Construction Jobs Local
Legislation to boost the hiring of local workers for public works projects was the topic of a hearing held by the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. Senate Bill 1076 is modeled after existing local hire programs in West Virginia, Montana and Illinois, and specifies at least half of workers on state and local projects exceeding $500,000 must be residents of Pennsylvania or a neighboring county. Contractors can seek a waiver if they’re unable to secure local workers even after utilizing a local PA CareerLink® office for recruitment. Testifiers included representatives of local building trades, contractor associations and others. They discussed how a local hire requirement could help address the skilled trade shortage, save taxpayer dollars, promote accountability within the construction industry and more. You can find video of the hearing here. State Law Requires Removing Ice and Snow from Vehicles
It’s a chore, but removing ice or snow from your vehicle not only improves safety, it’s the law. Under state law, drivers must remove ice or snow from vehicles, including the hood, trunk and roof, within 24 hours after a snow or ice event. It is also illegal to drive with snow and ice obstructing your vision through the front, side or rear windows. It’s a $50 fine for failing to reasonably clear your vehicle and up to $1,500 if dislodged snow/ice causes serious injury or death. The fines were set under “Christine’s Law,” named for Christine Lambert, who died on Christmas Day 2005 when ice from a tractor trailer crashed through her windshield. Celebrating National School Choice Week
The week of Jan. 25-31 is designated as National School Choice Week to recognize the importance of empowering parents and families to choose educational options that meet each student’s unique learning needs. School choice programs like the state’s popular Educational Improvement Tax Credit program – which was expanded this year to help more families in disadvantaged schools – are a key component of Pennsylvania’s efforts to ensure every student reaches their full potential. Education is not a one-size-fits-all experience. National School Choice Week highlights how a broader range of educational options can boost student achievement and encourage competition and innovation in education. Recognizing Catholic Schools Week in PA
Throughout Pennsylvania, Catholic schools deliver an outstanding education grounded in strong values and character, helping students develop confidence and strong leadership skills that strengthen our communities. Nearly 140,000 students are enrolled in Catholic schools throughout our commonwealth, and data show that 99% of Catholic school students graduate from high school and 96% go on to college after graduation. Senate Republicans led efforts to designate Catholic Schools Week in Pennsylvania from Jan. 25 through 31 to recognize the key role these schools play in educating the next generation of leaders. DEP Recommends Testing Your Home for Radon
Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking in the U.S. To help mark Radon Action Month, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Pennsylvanians to test their homes for radon. DEP recommends all homes, schools, public and private buildings get tested. Radon test kits are also available at many home improvement and hardware stores, as well as from state-certified radon laboratories. Call DEP’s Radon Division at 717-783-3594, or the Radon Hotline at 800-237-2366, for help with interpreting their test results and what follow-up action may be necessary.
For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive e-newsletters, you can get on the e-newsletter mailing list here. |
|||
|
|||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatormastriano.com | Privacy Policy |
