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In this Update:
Returning Whole Milk to Schools
Last June, I joined my Pennsylvania Senate colleagues in voting to approve a resolution urging Congress to pass the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Whole milk provides 13 essential vitamins to help build strong bones and maintain a healthy immune system. The evidence is overwhelming that both 2% and whole milk should be offered to our students in schools. As of Jan. 14, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act was signed into law at the federal level, which allows U.S. schools to now offer whole and 2% milk as options for students, in addition to the current reduced-fat, low-fat and fat-free milk. The bill was in response to enactment of federal legislation in 2010 that permitted only low-fat and fat-free milk options in public schools. Within the first two years of the law taking effect, 1.2 million fewer students drank milk with their lunches. Students nationwide get to, again, enjoy this delicious and nutritious beverage as an option in their school lunchroom – an option that should never have been taken away over a decade ago. This change not only is a benefit to our students, but to our local dairy farmers who take pride in providing quality diary products to our communities. Pennsylvania ranks second in the number of dairy farms and eighth in total milk production, making this change a great positive for children while also supporting our dairy farmers! 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show RecapAnother Pennsylvania Farm Show is in the books, and I was pleased to have been able to participate in some incredible agriculture-focused events and visit many incredible vendors who provide farm-fresh products to communities throughout our commonwealth. Below are some Farm Show highlights! PA Future Farmers of America Mid-Winter Convention
I was pleased to attend this year’s Pennsylvania FFA Mid-Winter Convention and witness the recognition of our agriculture education students and the awarded of a record-breaking 1,448 FFA jackets and 536 Keystone state degrees! Our commonwealth’s agricultural future is strong! Joint Agricultural and Rural Affairs Hearing on PA Farmer Mental Health Crisis
State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski and I led a joint hearing of the House and Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs committees to discuss an important issue that doesn’t get nearly enough attention – the mental health crisis facing PA farmers. We heard powerful stories from farmers, advocates, and experts about the real challenges our agriculture community faces every day — from financial stress and health care shortages to the stigma that too often keeps people from asking for help. I’m so grateful to everyone who shared their experiences. As I’ve said before, our farmers are the backbone of our nation, and we need to do everything we can to support their well-being. You can watch the full hearing here. If you or someone you know is a farmer in crisis, please reach out to the AgriStress Helpline at 833-897-AGRI (2474), text PA to 741-741, orr call/text 988 for the National Suicide Hotline. Touring the Farm Show with the Governor and Ag Secretary Russell Redding
I had the opportunity to join my fellow House and Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee chairs and other officials as we toured the Farm Show with Gov. Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. I’m always grateful that as elected officials we can come together in support of agriculture and the hardworking men and women who keep the industry moving forward. $5.6 Million in State Grants Coming to Beaver, Butler and Lawrence Counties
This past week, I announced that the 47th District, which includes parts of Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties, will benefit from $5.6 million in state grants from the Multimodal Transportation Fund and the PA Small Water and Sewer Program. These programs, overseen by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, offer grant funding for projects focusing on improving transportation, and waterway and sewer infrastructure. For the full breakdown of the funding awarded in each county, click here. Welcoming Vitalia Wood Fired Oven to Butler County
Congratulations to Vitalia Wood Fired Oven on the grand opening of their first brick-and-mortar location in Cranberry Township! Founded by Francesca and Emilio Veneziano, Vitalia began as a mobile, wood-fired oven bringing authentic Italian cuisine to neighborhoods and events across Western Pennsylvania. After years of hard work and community support, they’ve now opened their doors at 1075 Freedom Road, Cranberry Township — a true testament to family, passion and perseverance. Our office was proud to join the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania and Rep. Stephenie Scialabba to celebrate this milestone. Congratulations to the Veneziano family on this exciting new chapter — and best wishes as you continue to grow and serve our region! Jan. 31 Submission Deadline for Student Anti-Litter Contest
Students in grades K–6 have until Jan. 31 to submit entries for the latest Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful “Litter Hawk” anti-litter campaign. This year’s theme is Celebrate America250 – Keep It Beautiful, incorporating the nation’s semiquincentennial. Students can craft their message through art, writing or video. Winners will be announced in April and will be invited to take part in a Capitol ceremony. Contest details and application can be found here. PA Department of Revenue Job Openings
Are you good with numbers? The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue lists openings for full-time, part-time, temporary and student positions. The department receives and collects all of the commonwealth’s General Fund tax revenue. In addition, it annually processes more than 10 million business and individual tax reports and payments. Positions include accountants, tax examiners, research analysts, clerical assistants and others, some of them seasonal. You can review what’s currently available and subscribe for job alerts to receive automatic email notifications when new vacancies are posted in your field of interest. Take Part in the Wild Turkey Sighting Survey
Pennsylvanians are asked to report wild turkey flocks they encounter to help the state Game Commission with winter research, population monitoring and leg-banding efforts to track survival and harvest rates. If you’d like to take part, please report the location of any turkey flocks you see through March 15 on this webpage. Game Commission crews will assess sites for the potential to trap turkeys. Turkeys will not be moved; they’ll simply be leg-banded and released on site. Trapping turkeys during winter is part of the Game Commission’s ongoing population monitoring. National Blood Donor Month
The American Red Cross reports a blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply, drawing down the blood supply by about 35% over the past month. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and type O, A negative and B negative blood. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving relies on friends and neighbors making donations.
Please contact me to provide input on any state-related matter, or to receive help in dealing with a state agency. |
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