Senator Mastriano

I was truly honored to join Senator Greg Rothman in recognizing our WWII Veterans during the Medal Presentation yesterday. This remarkable generation has been a profound inspiration for my own service in the U.S. Army. We stand united in saluting your bravery and sacrifices!

Mar 17th – Today is St. Patrick`s Day, an Irish and Irish-American holiday commemorating the death, as legend has it, of Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, on March 17, circa 492.

Please enjoy reading my Newsletter from this week.
Link in bio.

For Immediate Release
March 13, 2025
Senator Mastriano Urges Pennsylvanians to Apply for Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program Now
HARRISBURG – Senator Mastriano is encouraging college students and individuals seeking career training programs in high-demand industries to apply now for the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).
The new program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation. To qualify for the grant, applicants must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation.
Grant recipients will be required to live and work in Pennsylvania for 12 months for each year they receive the grant. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the grant converting to a loan that must be repaid.
Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs as approved by PHEAA.
Applications for the 2025-26 program are available now at pheaa.org/growpa. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
While the Grow PA Grant Program benefits Pennsylvania students, there is also a new program for out-of-state students. The Grow PA Tuition Waiver Program allows eligible non-resident PASSHE students pursuing in-demand occupations to pay tuition at an in-state rate rather than an out-of-state rate. Graduates must meet the same requirements to live and work in Pennsylvania after graduation to qualify for the in-state tuition rates.
For more details on the Grow PA Tuition Waiver Program, visit pheaa.org/growpawaiver

Mar 13th - Purim The Festival of Lots recalls the rescue of the Jews of Ancient Persia from annihilation at the hands of Haman, who cast lots to choose this day for his plot to kill the Jews. Queen Esther and her uncle, Mordechai, foiled his plan.
On Purim, the Megillah of Esther is read, and the holiday is celebrated with festivity, costumes, and noisemakers. Hamantashen are the traditional food, mishloach manot (gift packages) are exchanged, and money is given to the poor.

Preserving Our Heritage: The Creation of Law in Our Schools Act
Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33)

In an era when historical literacy is under attack, when civic knowledge is in decline and when the fundamental values that built our nation are being forgotten, it is time for us to restore a sense of history, law and ethical responsibility in our schools. That is why I am introducing the Creation of Law in Our Schools Act, legislation that will require the display of four foundational documents in Pennsylvania’s public schools:

 The Ten Commandments – The first known codification of law in human history.
 The Declaration of Independence – The defining statement of American liberty.
 The Pennsylvania Constitution – The cornerstone of our laws and freedoms.
 The U.S. Constitution – The supreme law of our nation.

These documents are the living foundation of our legal system, our liberties and our national identity. However, a recent survey found that only 47% of Americans can name all three branches of government, and one in five cannot name one.

A nation that does not know its history is doomed to lose its identity. By ensuring that our students see and engage with these bedrock documents, we will instill in them a greater appreciation of law, responsibility and the sacrifices made to build this great nation.

Our Founding Fathers understood that a free society cannot survive without an educated citizenry. William Penn, the founder of our commonwealth, envisioned Pennsylvania as a place of freedom, law and virtue.

By displaying these essential texts, we are not promoting a single ideology – we are reinforcing the principles that unify us as Americans. We are saying, “This is where we come from, this is what we stand for and this is what we must preserve for future generations.”

Many states have passed legislation requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in schools. But Pennsylvania will take a unique and comprehensive approach by ensuring that students engage with all four foundational documents that shaped our commonwealth and our nation. This is not just about teaching history – it is about preserving the very principles that make America great!

Today, I, along with Senator Baker and Senator Brown, toured Camp Freedom. Their facility is fantastic! They provide outdoor adventures for disabled Veterans, First Responders, their family members, and Gold Star families. The vital program not only supports our heroes, but also fosters connections and healing in a beautiful, supportive environment.

I had the opportunity to award three outstanding individuals a coin from Rebbie and me, recognizing their contributions and faithful collective service of forty years to our veterans at the Gino Merli Veterans` Center. We are grateful for you Rosa, Tom, & Mario!!

Today, we engaged in a highly productive roundtable discussion focused on our Pennsylvania State Veterans Homes and their oversight. This vital conversation will empower us to enhance the quality of care provided to our Veterans, ensuring they receive the respect and support they deserve.