Recent News
Mastriano Bill to Streamline Funding Program for Fire Companies, EMS Agencies Passes Senate
Legislation introduced by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) to make it easier for fire and EMS agencies to access state funding through the Fire and EMS Grant program was approved by the Senate today. [Read More]
Working Animal Appreciation Day News Conference
Intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Soldier’s Grove, Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex, Harrisburg [Read More]
Mastriano, Mehaffie Call for Congressional Medal of Honor for Maj. Richard D. Winters
Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) and Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R-106) today announced the introduction of resolutions in support of posthumously awarding Maj. Richard D. Winters the Congressional Medal of Honor. [Read More]
Mastriano Announces Grants Targeting School Violence Reduction
Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) is pleased to announce funding was awarded to the following private schools or school entities in Adams and Franklin counties as part of the 2025-26 Targeted School Safety for Nonpublic Schools grant program: [Read More]
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Mastriano Bill to Streamline Funding Program for Fire Companies, EMS Agencies Passes Senate
HARRISBURG — Legislation introduced by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) to make it easier for fire and EMS agencies to access state funding through the Fire and EMS Grant program was approved by the Senate today.
“The bottom line is we do not want our first responders to be ill-equipped when fighting a fire and protecting our community,” said Mastriano, who chairs the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. “By passing this important bill, we’re supporting our brave firefighters and EMTs and helping ensure they can continue to perform their critically important jobs.”
Senate Bill 1261 makes administrative changes to the Fire and EMS Grant program to streamline the application process, including eliminating outdated wording and incentives, requiring the State Fire Commissioner to use the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Single Application for Assistance instead of having a separate, redundant system, and asking fire companies to provide additional contact information to ensure lines of communication are open.
The bill also increases the amount fire and EMS agencies can borrow through the State Fire Commissioner’s low-interest loan program, freeing up more funding opportunities for first responder agencies.
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee held a public hearing Monday about the rising costs of fire apparatus and how municipalities and fire companies have struggled to respond. Mastriano noted passage of this measure would help provide the assistance requested by fire companies and stakeholders during the hearing.
Senate Bill 1261 now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Today, we celebrate Portugal National Day, honoring the rich history, culture, and enduring spirit of the Portuguese people.
From its Age of Discovery to its vibrant traditions, Portugal has made lasting contributions to the world and continues to be a valued friend and ally of the United States.
Wishing all those celebrating a joyful Portugal Day filled with pride in their heritage and optimism for the future.
Viva Portugal!
🐾 Working Animal Appreciation Day at the Pennsylvania Capitol 🐾
More than a dozen organizations from across Pennsylvania participated in Working Animal Appreciation Day at the State Capitol, highlighting the invaluable contributions of police K-9s, military working dogs, search and rescue teams, service animals, therapy animals, and agricultural working animals.
Thank you to the organizations, handlers, trainers, and volunteers who joined us to demonstrate the remarkable work these animals perform every day. Their dedication helps keep our communities safe, supports those in need, and strengthens our Commonwealth.
I also want to thank Senator Joe Pittman and my Executive Director, Nate Silcox, for speaking at the event and helping recognize the extraordinary service provided by Pennsylvania`s working animals.
#WorkingAnimalAppreciationDay #WorkingAnimals #K9 #ServiceAnimals #SearchAndRescue #Pennsylvania #PAStateCapitol 🐾
How a Bill Becomes Law in Pennsylvania
Ever wonder why legislation can take months, or even years, to become law?
In Pennsylvania, every bill must move through a detailed process that includes committee review, public discussion, debate, multiple votes in both the House and Senate, and final action by the Governor.
This process is designed to ensure that every proposal receives careful consideration before becoming law. It also means that not every bill introduced will make it across the finish line.
Take a look at the graphic to see how everyday ideas undergo the scrutiny required to determine the future of Pennsylvania.
June 8th – American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) was born. He designed about 1,000 structures and is considered the most influential architect of his time. "No house should ever be on any hill or on anything. It should be of the hill, belonging to it, so hill and house could live together each the happier for the other."
