A Message From Sen. Solobay: Senior Expo a Success; Job Growth a Must

Hundreds of seniors packed the Washington Crown Center (last wee) for the annual Senior Expo—always one of the biggest events of the year.

Vistors were able to browse more than 100 booths to get information on everything from prescription drugs to home security. The Senior Expo always provides a great mix of important information and entertainment and it gets bigger every year.

Special thanks go out to my co-sponsors, Reps. Jesse White and Brandon Neuman, along with SPHS Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging Inc. and the Washington County Commissioners. We have really developed a great partnership over the years.  This year’s expo featured special guest speaker Dave Crawley, of KDKA-TV, along with entertainers Bobby Shawn and Donnie Cameron, and WJPA’s Pete Povich. 

Unemployment on the Rise; Jobs Plan Needed

Recent news that the number of Pennsylvanians out of work is again on the rise spotlights the need for quick, decisive action on the economy. Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate spiked by nearly a half percent from July to August—rising to 8.2 percent. Since May, the number of unemployed Pennsylvanians grew by 45,000.

The Corbett administration has so far been silent on ways to create new jobs and promote growth, but my Democratic colleagues and I have drafted a comprehensive plan called PA Works Now.

PA Works Now does not require new broad based taxes, is fully paid for and does not put additional strain on the state general fund, but it will pump $1.2 billion into the state’s economy and workforce efforts.

The plan includes renewed investment in job-producing programs and public works such as water and sewer projects as well as money for new business investments. The plan also provides a new round of capital infusion for the state Machinery and Equipment Loan Fund and would establish Pennsylvania’s version of the successful Georgia Works on-the-job training program.

The Pennsylvania Investment Bank would target more than $1.2 billion for water and sewer system reconstruction, new business investment and other public works. The bank would capture funds generated from existing borrowing capacity.

The bank would use $500 million in Commonwealth Finance Authority dollars plus a half-billion from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority.

The investment bank would also utilize $80 million in funds from a proposed Marcellus Shale tax or fee along with surplus state revenues. The sources will generate $180 million. For more information, click here.

Firefighter, Ambulance Company Grants Available

The state Fire Commissioner’s Office is now accepting applications for the Volunteer Fire Company, Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program. Local groups should respond quickly, because the deadline to apply is 4 p.m. on October 21. The grants can be used to purchase or repair equipment, to pay off debts or to provide training and certification.

Volunteer fire companies can apply for grants of up to $15,000, and volunteer ambulance services can apply for grants of up to $10,000. Volunteer fire companies that also provide volunteer ambulance service are eligible to apply for both. You can apply online at  the State Fire Commissioner’s website.

Out and About in the 46th District

The Senate is back in session after the summer recess, but constituents will still see me out and about in the community recognizing outstanding citizens and highlighting the economic progress in the district.

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