Family of Slain Officer Visits the State Capitol

The family of the East Washington police officer who was killed along I-70 last December visited Harrisburg last Monday for the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service. 

I was proud to host John and JoAnn Dryer, parents of Officer John David Dryer, their grandson Ben, and other family members for the memorial event and an introduction on the Senate floor.

I reminded my colleagues in the Senate that every family of a law enforcement officer knows how difficult it is to say goodbye every day and hope and pray that the person they love, who happens to carry a badge, will return home at the end of their shift.

Officer Dryer was killed by gunfire during a traffic stop near the Beau Street Interchange six days before Christmas. His service to his community didn’t stop when he wasn’t wearing his police uniform. He was also a veterinarian, a dog trainer, a wildlife conservation officer, a volunteer firefighter and an emergency medical technician.

He was one of four Pennsylvania law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in 2011.

On Tuesday, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 1382, renaming the Beau Street Interchange as the Officer John David Dryer Memorial Interchange.  It now heads to the House of Representatives.

I’m also urging readers to post remembrances on Dryer’s Officer Down Memorial Page or visit the memorial Facebook page, where information can be found about contributing to the John David Dryer Memorial fund.

Local concerns force progress on budget

Something that looked like a budget passed the Senate this week when Senate Republicans surprised many by standing up to the governor.

The reason seems pretty clear: every lawmaker has been getting heat from back home about last year’s drastic budget cuts, which passed tough tax decisions to local counties, municipalities and school districts.

While we can’t tax our way out of the recession, we can’t cut our way out either.

The budget has to be balanced in a way that makes sure seniors and the disabled are adequately cared for and students get the skills they need to compete in the 21st century workforce.

Despite the restoration of some of the administration's cuts, I voted against the budget bill because it left work to do in job training, child care, human services and education.

The progress, however, is good news for those of us who share these priorities.

Hundreds Turn Out for Musial Bridge Ceremony

As hundreds of people gathered in Donora last Friday to dedicate the “Stan the Man Musial Bridge,” the news of Lillian Musial’s passing just hours earlier evoked fond memories of a couple who set an example for the entire nation.

Mrs. Musial was the daughter of Sam Labash, the local grocer who was known for extending credit to struggling millworkers when money was tight. 

It was Stan’s baseball skills that drew the attention of the St. Louis Cardinals and sportswriters across the country, but it was the couple’s devotion to each other and to their community that made them cherished role models.

Last week’s ceremony was years in the making. Chummy Lignelli, Donora’s mayor, deserves a lot of credit for his dedication to the project. 

It was a fine day to honor Stan, mourn the passing of Lil and celebrate the importance of family, community, and devotion.   

Job Fair Connects Workers, Employers      

One of the great challenges for the natural gas industry, and for our area, is the availability of trained, reliable and skilled workers.

The Tri-County Oil and Gas Committee; and CareerLinks of Greene, Washington and Fayette counties, and the Mon Valley, are hosting the Tri-County Energy Job Fair on June 8 at the Greene County Fairgrounds in Waynesburg.

The job fair is designed to focus on career opportunities and to match job seekers with employers.

The fair will run from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and participation is free to employers and job seekers.

Employers will be able to accept applications and resumes, offer information about positions currently available and interview for part-time or full-time positions. We encourage you to provide information that promotes your business.

Employers can reserve a space by clicking here.  Questions can be directed to Barbara Cole at 724-852-2900 extension 229.

Help for Veterans Looking for Employment

Military veterans looking for employment can locate jobs through the convenience of their home computers. These “virtual” career fairs are targeted toward particular service members or particular companies.

Upcoming events are:    
    May 15: Virtual Military Career for Amazon.  The event will start at 12 noon. Veterans must sign-up in advance at www.brazenconnect.com/event/amazon_main_may_15.
    May 16: Virtual Military Career Fair for Safeway.  The event will start at 12 noon. Veterans must sign-up in advance at www.brazenconnect.com/event/safeway_may_16.
    May 30: Virtual Military Career Fair. The event will start at 12 p.m. To sign-up, visit www.brazenconnect.com/event/corp_gray_main_may_30
    July 18-19: Virtual Military Career Fair for Marines. Marines must sign-up in advance at http://www.brazenconnect.com/event/marines_main_july_18_19  

Summer Jobs for Students

As the school year winds down and the economy slowly recovers, many students are worried about getting summer jobs to help pay for college or technical school.

The U.S. Department of Labor has put up a website devoted to helping young people find the jobs they’re looking for.  This online job search tool will connect young people like you to summer opportunities nearby or wherever your interests take you.

In addition to traditional job opportunities, the Summer Jobs+ Bank also features innovative online training programs like Code Academy, and job shadowing and mentorship opportunities from nonprofit groups like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Visit the website by clicking here.