State Senator Pat Stefano (PA)
Recent News About State Senator Pat Stefano (PA)
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Senate Committee Passes Stefano Bill Enabling Reduced Ratepayer Costs
On May 1, 2024, the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee made a significant move by passing legislation that could potentially lower ratepayer costs for public utilities. Sponsored by Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32), Senate Bill 1174 aims to provide relief to public utilities by allowing them to petition the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) for waivers from certain laws, regulations, or policies.Sen. Stefano emphasized the importance of reducing costs for consumers, stating, "Consumers continue to see increases in their utility bills and we...
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More Than $13 Million Dedicated to Improve Broadband Access in Somerset County
HARRISBURG – Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset) and Sen. Pat Stefano (R- Bedford/Fayette/Somerset/Westmoreland) announced that Somerset County fiber infrastructure received a $13.3 million boost in federal funding from the Pennsylvania Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP). The funding would be used to increase broadband throughout the county by constructing fiber optic networks."Every home and business in the Commonwealth must have access to high-quality broadband for day-to-day productivity and leisure. I am pleased to see the importance of these projects recognized...
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Stefano Bill to Adjust Outdated Diesel Oil Requirement Now Law
HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) to adjust the outdated requirement for a qualified mechanic to perform an oil change every 100 hours on all diesel-powered equipment used by mining companies was signed into law yesterday. Act 9, formerly Senate Bill 115, amended Pennsylvania’s Bituminous Coal Mine Safety Act to more appropriately reflect the needs of equipment presently being used, as opposed to equipment from decades ago. Mine operators can now request permission from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Mine...
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Early Childhood Education Caucus Highlights Need for More Pre-K Teachers, Child Care Workers
The Early Childhood Education Caucus recently held a rally in Harrisburg to address the critical issue of the teacher shortage in early learning programs in Pennsylvania. The event, attended by child care and pre-K students, teachers, parents, and advocates, aimed to bring attention to the challenges facing the state's early learning sector.Sen. Judy Schwank emphasized the need for change in the state's approach to child care, stating, “We all understand that the state of child care in Pennsylvania needs to change.” She highlighted issues such as low pay for childhood...
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Stefano, Schwank, Harkins and Labs Advocate for More Pre-K Teachers and Child Care Workers
Sen. Pat Stefano, Sen. Judy Schwank, Rep. Pat Harkins, and Rep. Shelby Labs will be shedding light on Pennsylvania's growing teacher shortage and its impact on early learning. The bipartisan, bi-cameral Early Childhood Education Caucus will address this issue on April 9th at the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg.According to Sen. Stefano, "a growing teacher shortage, fueled by low compensation, is closing child care and pre-K classrooms and driving up waitlists for working families."Sen. Judy Schwank emphasized the importance of addressing this crisis, stating, "We need to...
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Stefano, Davanzo Announce Nearly $259,000 in Grants to Westmoreland County
HARRISBURG – Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) and Rep. Eric Davanzo (R-58) announced today that nearly $259,000 in funding was awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) for Westmoreland County community safety initiatives."Protecting our constituents is paramount, and it’s great to see this funding going toward not only safer roadways but equipment to aid those who serve our communities," Stefano said. "I’m pleased to work with Rep. Davanzo to secure these funds and help ensure safety for Scottdale residents."The funding, approved by the CFA through the Multimodal...
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Nearly $1.1 Million in Grant Funding Allocated to Somerset County
HARRISBURG – Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset) and Sen. Pat Stefano (R-Bedford/Fayette/Somerset/Westmoreland) announced the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) approved nearly $1.1 million in grants for three Somerset County projects.“Safe, effective transportation is crucial to everyday life,” said Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar. “This funding will address current issues and improve the lives of Pennsylvanians.”“Sidewalk and bridge repairs are important projects that keep our communities in good working order as we all want them to be so we can enjoy the areas in...
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Stefano, Topper Announce $365,700 Grant to Replace Bedford Township Bridge
HARRISBURG – Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) and Rep. Jesse Topper (R-78) announced more than $365,700 in funding distributed by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) was awarded to Bedford Township to replace the bridge on Sweet Root Road over Shobers Run."I’m glad to have worked with Rep. Topper to secure these funds for this necessary bridge replacement in a high-traffic area," expressed Stefano. He further emphasized, “Commitment to investing in vital infrastructure projects leads to safer roads for residents and visitors.”The funding, approved by the CFA through the...
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Stefano, Grimm Krupa Announce More Than $701,500 in Grants for Fayette County
Sen. Pat Stefano and Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa announced today that more than $701,500 in funding was awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) for transportation improvement projects in Fayette County.Stefano expressed his gratitude for the funding, stating, “It’s a pleasure to see this much-needed funding come to Fayette County to make our roads and walkways safer. I’m grateful that Rep. Krupa and I were able to work together to secure these grants to offset the costs associated with the work that needs to be completed.”The grants, approved by the CFA...
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Stefano, Warner Announce Nearly $108,000 Grant to Improve Community Safety
HARRISBURG – Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) and Rep. Ryan Warner (R-52) have revealed that Connellsville Township has been granted almost $108,000 in funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) to include sidewalks along Francis Avenue.Stefano expressed his satisfaction with the allocation of funds, stating, "It’s great to see aid coming to a project in Connellsville to make our community safer," and added, “I’m pleased that we were able to work together to secure funding to balance the costs of adding sidewalks along Francis Avenue.”The financing, approved by the...
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Stefano Hosts Area High Schoolers at Penn State Fayette for Annual “Senator for a Day”
Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) recently hosted his annual "Senator for a Day" program at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus. The event brought together 146 high school students from 17 schools, 22 teachers, and 17 panelists for a unique educational experience.During the event, students had the opportunity to participate in a mock legislative session where they could draft, amend, debate, and vote on their own pieces of legislation. This hands-on activity aimed to give students a deeper understanding of the legislative process and civic engagement.In support of the event,...
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Stefano Responds to Shapiro’s Budget Proposal
Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) has expressed concern over Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed 2024-25 state budget, which includes a significant increase in state spending. Stefano believes that this excessive increase would have a negative impact on Pennsylvania families.Shapiro's budget plan calls for a 7.1% increase in overall state spending. However, Stefano argues that the administration's revenue estimates are significantly higher than those prepared by the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO). In fact, the baseline revenue estimates used by the administration are $5.6 billion higher...
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Stefano’s District Offices Available to Assist with Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications
The application period for Pennsylvania's Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is now open, and Senator Pat Stefano is reminding constituents that his district offices are available to assist with the application process. The program has expanded eligibility requirements, allowing more Pennsylvanians to receive rebates and alleviate the burden of excessive property taxes."This is the first time the program has been expanded since 2006. With this, more Pennsylvanians will now receive the rebate to alleviate the burden of excessive property taxes and put money back into their...
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Stefano’s Connellsville Office Remains Open Through Bridge Closure
Connellsville, PA - Despite the ongoing Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) Crawford Avenue (McCray Robb) Bridge Rehabilitation Project, Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) assures constituents that his Connellsville district office will continue to operate during this time."Though navigating downtown Connellsville may be a challenge in the upcoming months, I encourage constituents to keep the businesses on both sides of the bridge in mind throughout the course of this project," Stefano said. "Our office hours will not change during construction."Stefano's...
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Stefano, Warner Announce $1.3 Million in Grants to Fayette County
Sen. Pat Stefano and Rep. Ryan Warner have announced that over $1.3 million in funding has been awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support water, sewer, and arts projects in Fayette County. The grants will help alleviate the financial burden on residents and ensure critical work is completed without additional costs.One of the recipients of the funding is the Dunbar Township Municipal Authority, which received $170,445 for its Mechanical Screen Replacement project through the Small Water and Sewer (SWS) Program. This program provides grants for small...
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Stefano, Davanzo Announce $65,000 in Grants to Westmoreland County
Sen. Pat Stefano and Rep. Eric Davanzo have announced the approval of $65,531 in grants for Westmoreland County. The funds will be allocated towards a wastewater improvement project and an arts and culture project. Stefano expressed his satisfaction with the grant funding, stating that it will help shield Scottdale residents from increased bills. He added, "I'm pleased to share this good news of this money coming back to the district."Scottdale Borough will receive $46,045 through the Small Water and Sewer (SWS) Program for its North Grant Street Sewer project. The...
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Stefano, Topper Announce $1.2 Million in Grants to Bedford County
Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) and Rep. Jesse Topper (R-78) have announced that more than $1.2 million in funding has been awarded for water and sewer projects in Bedford County, according to the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).The Woodbury Water Authority will receive $523,602 for the replacement of a water transmission line in Woodbury Borough and Woodbury Township through the H2O PA program. This program was established by the General Assembly in 2008 and provides grants for various infrastructure projects, including drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer...
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Stefano, Metzgar Announce Millions in Grant Funding Awarded to Fayette County
HARRISBURG – Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) and Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset) have announced that the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) has awarded over $2 million in grants to four projects in Fayette County. The funding will be crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.One of the projects receiving funding is the H2O PA – Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Water Projects Program. This program, funded by the COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), aims to uphold and exceed sanitation standards for the residents. Rep. Metzgar emphasized...
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Stefano, Grimm Krupa Announce Nearly $880,000 in Grants to Fayette County
Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) and Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa (R-51) have announced that Fayette County has been awarded nearly $880,000 in funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The grants will be used to support sewer and arts projects in the county.Stefano emphasized the importance of the sewer projects, stating, "The sewer projects are necessary ones that likely would have been financed by residents had the grants not been approved. I know how important it is for residents to have predictable utility bills, so working to secure this funding was a top priority."...