Author: Tiffany P

HOLLIDAYSBURG – State Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) is inviting local families to join her at an educational and interactive event to explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), four of the foundational skills to help children succeed in their careers and lives.

Discover STEM, a free event for all ages, will take place Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Kennedy Sports and Recreation Center, Juniata College.

“This is a great opportunity for children to see and experience how STEM subjects affect them and the world around them,” Ward said. “We’re hoping to spark interest in some young minds at Discover STEM.”

Attendees will be able to explore the StarLab, watch ice cream develop, code their way through the world of robots, discover secrets about the animal kingdom and experience more hands-on activities.

Ward is presenting the event in partnership with the Science in Motion Consortium and Juniata College.

Science in Motion is a state partnership program with colleges and universities. Science in Motion educators bring science and technology learning to students across the commonwealth.

Families with questions can call Ward’s Hollidaysburg office at 814-695-8386.

Residents can follow Ward on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SenJudyWard and Twitter @SenatorJWard for news about legislation and the 30^th Senate District. Contact information for her district offices and other information can be found on her website at SenatorJudyWard.com, and constituents also can sign up for her e-newsletter at SenatorJudyWard.com/enewsletters.

Contact: Nathan Akers
                 717-787-2421

Funds to pay for Altoona fire truck, Allegheny Township police vehicles and Logan Township Strawberry Hills Soccer Complex

HARRISBURG – State Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) and state Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-79) today announced more than $1.6 million in state grant funding has been awarded to three projects in Blair County.

“The grant guidelines for this program were very broad, and there was significant competition from a variety of excellent projects throughout the district,” Ward said. “Public protection is a primary responsibility of our government, and providing our emergency services providers and law enforcement agencies with the necessary equipment to keep our communities safe is an excellent use of this funding.”

Altoona City was awarded more than $685,000 to help pay for a new fire pumper truck and Allegheny Township was awarded nearly $97,000 to purchase new police vehicles.

“Our valiant first responders put their lives on the line for us each and every day,” Schmitt said. “These grants will help provide them with the tools they need to get the job of protecting us and our communities done.”

Logan Township also received more than $850,000 for the first phase of the construction of the Strawberry Hills Soccer Complex. 

“The growth of outdoor soccer presents recreational and economic opportunities for our region,” Ward said. “In addition to providing our youth with high-quality fields, this soccer complex will benefit the region by attracting tournaments drawing large numbers of visitors to the area.”

“I am glad to see this recreation initiative moving forward. Once complete, youth and families will have a new opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors,” Schmitt said 

Funding for the projects is being provided through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) Local Share Account (LSA) program, which uses gaming revenue to support projects in the public interest across the commonwealth.

The CFA was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to administer the commonwealth’s economic stimulus packages.

The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act of 2004 provides for the distribution of gaming revenue through the CFA and its LSA program.

Residents can follow Ward on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SenJudyWard and Twitter @SenatorJWard for news about legislation and the 30^th Senate District. Contact information for her district offices and other information can be found on her website at SenatorJudyWard.com, and constituents also can sign up for her e-newsletter at SenatorJudyWard.com/enewsletters.

Ward Contact: Nathan Akers
                            717-787-2421

Schmitt Contact: Greg Gross
                                717-260-6374

Funds to pay for Dreams Go On barn construction, Blair Township Tractor, and rail lines and facilities at DeGol Industrial Center

HARRISBURG – State Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) today announced more than $1.8 million in state grant funding has been awarded to three projects in Blair County.

Funding for two of the projects is being provided through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) Local Share Account (LSA) program, which uses gaming revenue to support projects in the public interest across the commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act of 2004 provides for the distribution of gaming revenue through the CFA and its LSA program.

Through the LSA Program, Frankstown Township was awarded $1 million on behalf of Dreams Go On, a nonprofit therapeutic riding center, to construct a new barn and indoor riding facility.

“The new Dreams Go On indoor riding facility will allow the organization to expand its therapeutic horseback riding services to Blair County adults and children with physical, mental, and behavioral challenges,” Ward said. “The physical and mental benefits for these individuals can be life-changing, including muscular strengthening and toning, balance improvement, better control and coordination, increased self-esteem, and a sense of independence and freedom.”

In addition, Blair Township was awarded more than $135,000 to help pay for a replacement tractor and boom mower.

“Municipalities face steep financial challenges that make large equipment purchases very difficult for them,” Ward said. “This equipment will help Blair Township with day-to-day maintenance tasks required to keep public property in good condition.”

The DeGol Industrial Center in Frankstown Township was awarded $750,000 for the installation of rail lines and facilities. Funding for this project is being provided through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) Multimodal Transportation Fund.

“The DeGol Industrial Center located at the former Hollidaysburg Car Shops has become a successful multi-tenant business park with tenants that rely upon rail access to efficiently transport materials and products,” Ward said. “This investment in these cross-dock facilities will ensure commercial and industrial customers will have access to a premiere rail and freight hub right here in Blair County.”

The CFA was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to administer the commonwealth’s economic stimulus packages.

Residents can follow Ward on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SenJudyWard and Twitter @SenatorJWard for news about legislation and the 30^th Senate District. Contact information for her district offices and other information can be found on her website at SenatorJudyWard.com, and constituents also can sign up for her e-newsletter at SenatorJudyWard.com/enewsletters.

Ward Contact: Nathan Akers
                            717-787-2421

HOLLIDAYSBURG – State Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) is inviting residents of the 30^th Senate District to participate in a telephone town hall meeting she will host Monday, March 13, at 6 p.m.

“I welcome everyone to join the phone call and participate in the discussion,” Ward said. “I always enjoy hearing from constituents about some of the most important issues they face.  I am looking forward to answering their questions and providing information about current state government-related topics that are of interest.”

Senator Ward will provide updates about state government and issues impacting families and communities in the district.  Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions, and Senator Ward will answer as many as possible during the event.

“This is a great opportunity for constituents to participate, learn, and ask questions without leaving the comfort of their own homes,” Ward said.

Residents in the 30^th District can sign up to participate by visiting Senator Ward’s website at SenatorJudyWard.com/Access-Live.

The meeting is expected to last approximately one hour.

Residents can follow Senator Ward on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SenJudyWard and Twitter @SenatorJWard for news about legislation and the 30^th Senate District. Contact information for her district offices and other information can be found on her website at SenatorJudyWard.com, and constituents also can sign up for her e-newsletter at SenatorJudyWard.com/enewsletters.

Media Contact: Nathan Akers
                              717-787-2421

HOLLIDAYSBURG – Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) issued the following statement today regarding the Governor’s proposed 23-24 state budget:

“Governor Shapiro’s first budget included some encouraging areas of bipartisanship, including creating a better tax climate for business, expanding the Property Tax and Rent Rebate program for our seniors, promoting vocational and technical education, and mental health support for our children.

“There were unfortunately things I had concerns about as well.  The Governor’s budget doubles down on the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, depending on more than $600 million of revenue that he will generate from this carbon tax.  This will result in higher electric bills and increased inflation at a time when families and businesses in Pennsylvania are already struggling.

“I would have also appreciated a more balanced approach to education funding.  While some schools may benefit from an increase in funding, Pennsylvania already spends $4,000 per student more than the national average.  A quality education comes from more than just increased funding.  School choice is a huge part of providing that education to our students.  However, the Governor’s budget failed to include increases in the EITC or OSTC programs.  Also absent was a Lifeline Scholarship proposal, something he supported publicly while campaigning for Governor.  These would have gone a long way in delivering that quality education.

“I also had concerns regarding program sustainability and fiscal responsibility.  While we are sitting on a General Fund surplus, it is irresponsible to use money from the Rainy-Day Fund and one time stimulus dollars to fund recurring expenses.  Families across the state must balance their books and manage their money wisely.  We have an obligation to do the same with their tax dollars.

“This address marked the beginning of budget negotiations.  As we continue our negotiations, I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Governor to produce a budget that the people of Pennsylvania can be proud of.”

CONTACT: Nathan Akers

HARRISBURG – Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Altoona) and Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) today announced the Altoona School District received two Safe Schools Targeted Grants totaling more than $120,000 to improve school safety.

“Ensuring our students can learn in a safe environment is paramount,” Schmitt said. “These grants will be an asset to Altoona School District to continuing protecting our children.”

The district received a $75,000 grant for a school police officer, often referred to as a school resource officer. It also received a 45,872 grant to be used toward buying safety equipment.

“These grants are intended to provide safety and security at school, so teachers can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning,” Ward said. “We want to give every child an opportunity to succeed, and that begins with a safe learning environment.”

The Safe School Targeted Grant program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office for Safe Schools. Grants can be used to create safer school communities in a variety of ways, including purchasing safety equipment, implementing new programs, and hiring security personnel and school resource officers.

Representative Lou Schmitt
79th Legislative District
Media Contact:  Greg Gross
ggross@pahousegop.com

Senator Judy Ward
30^th Senatorial District
Media Contact: Nathan Akers
nakers@pasen.gov