BACK- TO SCHOOL

As summer ends and students head back to school, I wanted to bring attention to some of my recent work as the Minority Chair of the Senate Education Committee.

A few weeks ago, I announced I will introduce legislation that will provide free school meals to all students. At the beginning of the pandemic, the Federal government took action to ensure that all students had access to free breakfast and lunch. However, this access to universal school meals is set to expire at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, which has already begun for many families. While the Federal government has taken some steps to help schools facing rising food, gas, and labor costs, unfortunately nothing has been done yet to help Pennsylvania’s students and families enduring the same financial strain.

The return to paying for school breakfast and lunches is especially going to hurt families just above the income-eligibility guidelines for the free and reduced meals program. As we see prices rising at the grocery stores, now is not the time to take away reliable, nutritious meals from students.

Earlier last month, me and my Democratic colleagues on the Senate Education Committee sent a letter to Governor Tom Wolf and Acting Secretary of Education Eric Hagarty asking the Administration to take any steps available to extend access to free school meals for all students for the upcoming school year. This action is supported by the School Nutrition Association of Pennsylvania (SNAPa). Their President, Megan Schaper, wrote a letter to the editor last week applauding this action, saying “The past two years have shown us how students and educators benefit when school meals are free for all kids. School meals reduce childhood hunger, decrease childhood obesity, support learning and contribute to positive mental and physical health.” You can read the full letter at: https://www.centredaily.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article264363446.html#storylink=cpy.

Whether we’re helping a student who forgot their lunch at home, a parent struggling with the loss of a job, or a family just trying to make ends meet, ensuring that every student has access to breakfast and lunch with no shame or stigma is one of the most common-sense ways we can help our kids be ready to learn every single day.

Check out some recent coverage of my legislation:

• CBS News
• City and State PA
• WTAE

Photo credit: my Mom & Dad; Commonwealth Media Services

The start of a new school year is a reminder of how impactful teachers can be in our lives. City and State PA asked leaders in education about which teachers were instrumental in becoming who we are today. For me, that was Mr. Heal. 

I was so fortunate to have many influential teachers who invested in me throughout my education, but one in particular recognized my potential before I saw it in myself. When I was in high school, a teacher I’d previously had in junior high, Mr. Heal, recommended to my parents that I apply for a youth conference in Washington, D.C. I was accepted to the conference and got to experience government and lawmaking firsthand. That was the first time I realized that a legal career could be in my future and set me on the path to eventually run for office.

Legislative Update

School Bus Safety Review

It is the back-to-school season in Pennsylvania and a great time to review school bus safety! Students, parents, teachers, administrators, transportation personnel, and the motoring public all play important roles in keeping our children safe while on or around the school bus.

Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law:

School bus safety is a high priority in Pennsylvania. Students, parents, teachers, administrators, transportation personnel, and the motoring public all play important roles in keeping our children safe while on or around the school bus.

• Motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm extended.
• Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus, or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped.
• Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety.
• If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping.
• Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety.

The penalties if convicted of violating Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law include:

• $250 fine
• Five points on your driving record
• 60-day license suspension

For more information, review Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law Fact Sheet.

New Recreation and Community Revitalization Grants!

I was proud to announce $805,600 in state grant funding for projects to improve recreation and community revitalization across Senate District 38 this week! The grants are part of the DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2), which is funded by the Keystone Fund. 

We can conserve the environment and improve our quality of life by investing in our shared parks and green spaces. This vital funding goes directly into community assets that people care deeply about, and invests in infrastructure to help with flooding and other stormwater related issues that are negatively impacting residents. The projects receiving funding are: 

• Aspinwall Riverfront Park: $300,000 for further development of Allegheny Rivertrail Park in Aspinwall Borough. Work includes construction of pedestrian walkways and wildlife viewing platform; streambank stabilization; installation of stormwater management measures; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements. 
• Harrison Township: $70,100 for rehabilitation and further development of Three Rivers Water Trail access along the Allegheny River in Harrison Township. Work includes rehabilitation of the parking area; construction of pedestrian walkways; installation of stormwater management measures; ADA access, landscaping, project sign, and other related site improvements.
• O’Hara Township: $62,500 for development of the O’Hara Township Community Park Hiking Trail in O’Hara Township. Work includes rehabilitation of approximately .04 miles of trail, bridge and streambank stabilization; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
• The City of Pittsburgh: $73,000 to prepare a Trail Maintenance and Management Plan for the Three Rivers Heritage Trail in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County. Work includes a written, bound report. 
• Allegheny Land Trust: $300,000 payment toward the acquisition of approximately 46.2 acres on Geyer Road Extension in Shaler and Reserve Township for open space and passive recreation. 

DEP Needs Your Comments on the Draft 2022 PA State Water Plan!

The PA Department of Environmental Protection is asking for public comment on its Draft 2022 Pennsylvania State Water Plan to help them identify water management and protection priorities. The finalized plan is used by legislative, governmental, industry, and community leaders to make informed decisions regarding water availability, infrastructure investment, water resource protection, health and safety, and climate change adaptation. The plan also guides the professional and volunteer workers that manage and protect our water every day. Public participation is critical, and the comment period ends September 19th!

To read about the plan and submit your comments go to State Water Plan (pa.gov).

Marijuana Pardon Project Deadline is September 30th

The PA Marijuana Pardon Project opened and you have until September 30th to apply for a pardon if you've been convicted of:

• Possession of Marijuana (Title 35 Section 780-113 Subsection A31)
• Marijuana, Small Amount Personal Use (Title 35 Section 780 Section 780-113 Subsection A31I)

It's free to apply, but time is limited. Go to PA Marijuana Pardon Project | PA.GOV now for more information and to apply if you qualify!