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Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PA making state government workforce stronger and more competitive
May 26—WILKES-BARRE — To mark the one year anniversary of Gov, Josh Shapiro's executive order to strengthen the Commonwealth state employee workforce, the Shapiro Administration this week announced the completion of key milestones to improve recruitment, hiring, retention, and development so that Commonwealth agencies can continue to attract highly qualified and dedicated public servants to address the needs of Pennsylvanians. Initiatives to hire more bilingual workers, expand access to childcare, and engage with job seekers are delivering real results that build on Gov. Shapiro's goal of making the Commonwealth a top employer. "Pennsylvania state government should be a place where the best and brightest want to work; a place where every Pennsylvanian, no matter their background, can see themselves thriving in meaningful careers," said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver. "Through the work of the HIRE Committee and the actions taken through the Governor's executive order, we are making tangible progress in creating a workforce that is as diverse, dynamic, and innovative as the people we serve." "At DGS, we're proud to play a key role in supporting Governor Shapiro's vision of making the Commonwealth a top-tier employer by investing in the people who serve Pennsylvania every day," said Secretary of General Services Reggie McNeil. "From expanding access to quality childcare to improving physical accessibility and ensuring dignity through free menstrual products and single-use restrooms, our work is focused on creating a workplace that values every employee and meets the needs of a modern workforce." Over the past year, the HIRE Committee has built on this foundation through targeted initiatives and pilot programs that include: —Eliminating Waiting Periods for Benefits — Effective Aug. 1, 2025, the waiting period for new hires to enroll dependents into PEBTF medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage without paying additional out of pocket costs will be eliminated. —Offering Financial Incentives for Bilingual Employees — Launched in April, this pilot program at L&I provides a $1.00 per hour bonus — almost $1,000 more over the course of the 6-month pilot — for bilingual employees in certain Unemployment Compensation and PA CareerLink positions to ensure Pennsylvanians who speak a language other than English receive efficient, effective service. —Fostering Re-entrant Success through Employment Opportunities — OA is piloting a hiring program with the Department of Corrections to promote pathways to employment in state government for people who have previously interacted with the criminal justice system. —Hosting the Second Annual Commonwealth Job Fair — OA hosted the second multi-agency job fair for job seekers in the Harrisburg area in March, attracting over 1,000 registrants to learn about open positions and opportunities to join public service. —Enhancing Services for Pennsylvanians with Limited English Proficiency — After hiring the first enterprise language access program manager, OA has prioritized expanding technical assistance and training for agency staff on procuring high-quality translations and language services, supporting agencies as they develop language access plans, and building open and continuous communication with agencies to distribute translated materials and information to Pennsylvanians who need it most. —Promoting Employee Work/Life Balance — The Commonwealth has expanded assistance for mental health and substance misuse issues, family care-giving, and more to support the well-being of all employees. —Expanding Access to Employee Child Care — DGS is managing the expansion of the Keystone Early Learning Center, a year-round childcare facility available to Commonwealth employees. —Improving Accessibility of Commonwealth Buildings — DGS continues to lead an accessibility study that is the first step in helping to improve access and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities throughout the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex. —Offering Free Menstrual Products — DGS has placed menstrual products in woman's restrooms and single-use restrooms throughout Commonwealth buildings directly managed by the agency to ensure that essential hygiene products are readily available to employees and visitors who need them. —Continuing to Add Single-Use Restrooms — DGS has added 12 single-use restrooms in state government facilities following the issuance of the HIRE executive order. State graduates inaugural class of 15 small business owners from Mentor Protégé Program The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) this week graduated the inaugural cohort of the Mentor Protégé Program (MPP) — a key initiative started under the Shapiro-Davis Administration to expand opportunities and access for small, small diverse, and veteran-owned businesses seeking to compete in the Commonwealth's procurement process. The MPP, established under Governor Shapiro's Executive Order 2023-18, provides small business owners with one-on-one mentoring relationships with seasoned prime contractors. Mentors provide guidance, support, and valuable insights to help protégés improve their business management and contract bidding skills which could be useful in acquiring additional Commonwealth business. "This program is a reflection of the Shapiro-Davis Administration's commitment to economic equity and opportunity," said DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil. "By investing in mentorship and creating space for small, small diverse and veteran-owned businesses to grow, we're strengthening Pennsylvania's economy and seeking to ensure that our procurement processes reflect the diversity and talent of our business community." This first cohort, focused on IT services, included 15 business participants who engaged in targeted programming on business development, procurement readiness, leadership, and strategic planning. Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis participated in the ceremony with a special pre-recorded message, applauding the graduates and reaffirming the Shapiro-Davis Administration's commitment to breaking down barriers for small, small diverse, and veteran-owned businesses. "Small businesses are the backbone of our communities—and when we empower them, we uplift all of Pennsylvania," Davis said. "This administration is committed to cutting red tape, reducing wait times, and creating real ladders of opportunity." League of Women Voters of Wilkes-Barre to hold Annual Meeting June 5 The League of Women Voters of Wilkes-Barre will hold its annual dinner meeting on Thursday, June 5, at 6 p.m., at Theo's Metro Restaurant, 596 Mercer Ave., Kingston. The guest speaker will be Ned Miller, the Northeast Regional Representative for Fair Districts PA. Fair Districts PA is a nonpartisan, statewide coalition that advocates redistricting reform to ensure that the process of determining Pennsylvania's congressional and state legislative districts is fair and transparent. The cost of the buffet dinner is $42 for members and $45 for non-members. RSVP by Friday, May 30. Founded in 1944, The League of Women Voters of the Wilkes-Barre Area (LWVWBA) is a nonpartisan organization that presents citizens of the Wilkes-Barre area with educational tools about issues and candidates so they can make informed decisions on election day. Activities include publishing a government directory and voters guides, voter registration drives, and hosting events where constituents can meet their elected officials. Entirely run by local volunteers, League membership is open to all, regardless of political affiliation or gender. To reserve your seat at the Annual Meeting, contact the League at — 570-675-3429 — or email at lwvwba@ Or visit the League Website at — League updates can be found on Facebook @LWVWB. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rite Aid layoffs: State to host online meeting to support affected employees
May 12—WILKES-BARRE — On Wednesday , May 14 , the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) will host a virtual Rapid Response Information Meeting (RRIM) for employees affected by the recently announced Rite Aid layoffs which affected hundreds of workers in Pennsylvania. The session will provide important information to help impacted workers during this career transition, like PA CareerLink services, Unemployment Compensation guidance, health insurance enrollment and additional local and state resources. The meeting will take place online from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and registration is required. Impacted workers can sign up online. "Suddenly losing employment and having to determine your next move can feel overwhelming and intimidating," said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. "But L&I is here to help during this challenging time. Our Rapid Response team is working to ensure those impacted by Rite Aid's layoffs have access to the resources and support they need to help them transition to meaningful employment opportunities that offer family-sustaining wages." L&I encourages workers to reach out to their local PA CareerLink for more information and services. Topper: Flawed process created flawed legal marijuana bill Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper, R-Bedford/Fulton, this week said the flawed process leading to House Bill 1200 — legislation legalizing marijuana for recreational use in Pennsylvania — resulted in a flawed bill that demanded opposition. The legislation passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Wednesday on a party-line vote of 102-101. "The bill to legalize marijuana in Pennsylvania was introduced at the end of the day Sunday and then rushed through a committee vote on Monday afternoon — a move that stifled debate and potential amendments," Topper said. "That flawed process led to a seriously flawed piece of legislation that creates an unnecessary government monopoly over the sale of marijuana, contains significant constitutional concerns, and fails to deliver on promised state revenue by cannibalizing the sales of legalized marijuana into new programs and state giveaways." Topper said House Bill 1200 massively expands government by creating a government monopoly over the sale of marijuana by vesting sale and regulatory authority with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, which estimated $260 million in costs to ramp up sales of marijuana. In addition, during the amendment process, Democrats unanimously rejected a Republican proposal that would have allowed municipalities to opt-out of having marijuana sales take place within their borders. "If Democrats were serious about getting this legislation done, the process they used would have reflected that," Rep. Topper said. "Unfortunately, this product was too rushed, too deeply flawed, and too far-ranging to garner any support from the House Republican Caucus." House Bill 1200 now heads to the Pennsylvania Senate. Structured literacy, PASS scholarship bills advanced The Senate Education Committee, chaired by Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver, R-Northumberland, this week advanced legislation to implement evidence-based reading instruction and establish the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) Scholarship Program — both of which aim to provide students with resources for learning and advancing in and out of the classroom. "Structured literacy is a top priority for me as Chair of the Education Committee, as we have students in all grades that are not able to read at grade level," Culver said. "Methods used in recent years for teaching letters, words, and reading comprehension are doing a disservice to an entire generation, and research backs the need for change." —Senate Bill 700 — requires schools to implement evidence-based reading instruction, conduct reading screenings for K — 3 students and provides grant funding to support literacy development. "Under-performing schools are also doing our students a disservice," Culver said. "PASS Scholarships allow parents and students to determine the best learning environment for them." —Senate Bill 10 — uses state testing performance metrics to identify the bottom 15% of schools, in order for parents to qualify for PASS scholarships that could be used to attend an alternative school. The committee also approved the following additional legislation: —Senate Bill 114 — expands the availability of long-term care training programs and nurse aide certification opportunities to address workforce shortages. —Senate Bill 127 — requires schools to provide instruction on the Holocaust, genocide and human rights violations, and post related resources online. —Senate Bill 227 — applies the Right-to-Know Law to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, increasing transparency in school governance. Senate Bill 246 — requires notification to parents and school staff when a weapon is found on school property to promote communication and safety. Senate Bill 310 — establishes a requirement for students to complete the FAFSA or an opt-out form as a condition for public high school graduation, supporting college and career readiness. For information, visit Pugh to hold concealed carry event Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-Dallas Township, this week announced she will host a Concealed Carry Seminar on Thursday , May 15 . The event will be held at the Luzerne Volunteer Fire Department, 66 Tener St., Luzerne, from 6 to 8 p.m. "Many people have questions about Pennsylvania's concealed carry laws and the Castle Doctrine," Pugh said. "I'm hopeful this event will help provide answers and clarity about firearm owner rights." The seminar, led by Sam Sanguedolce, Luzerne County district attorney, will provide information on state laws and a time to ask questions. No concealed carry permits will be offered. Reservations are required by calling 570-283-1001 or visiting Walsh to host seminar on financial exploitation of seniors Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, invites residents of the 117th District to a free seminar on the financial exploitation of seniors at noon Friday, May 16, at the Meadows Manor Community Room, 200 Lake St., Dallas. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m., with a complimentary lunch provided at 11:30 a.m. David Shallcross, director of senior protection at the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, will lead a presentation on spotting and preventing financial exploitation among older adults. "Fraudsters and scammers are constantly changing their tactics to prey upon unsuspecting victims," Walsh said. "Awareness is our best defense against financial exploitation. I am happy to offer this free seminar to help my constituents learn the red flags and protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to financial fraud schemes." Registration is required. Call Walsh's Dallas office at 570-675-6000 for information or to reserve a seat. House approves bill to increase pension payments for disabled veterans The state House of Representatives has approved legislation that would increase pension payments for veterans who are blind and for veterans who have lost limbs or are paralyzed due to their military service, according to Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton, one of the bill's prime sponsors. "It's been 26 years since these pension payments made by our Commonwealth were adjusted, and it's long past due we make this change to support our disabled veterans," Watro said. House Bill 1144 seeks to raise the pension amount from $150 per month to $200 per month for both the Blind Veterans Pension Program and the Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension Program offered through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. "This $50 increase per month is the first step in right-sizing these programs for the deserving veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country," Watro said. "I hope the Senate acts quickly on this important legislation." Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PA Department of Labor to hold meeting to help Rite Aid employees
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Following the announcement that Rite Aid will be closing or selling stores across Pennsylvania, the Department of Labor is stepping up to hold a meeting to help those affected. They'll be holding a Rapid Response Information Meeting (RRIM) for hundreds of workers in both central and southeastern Pennsylvania. The session will provide important information to help impacted workers during this career transition, like PA CareerLink services, Unemployment Compensation (UC) guidance, health insurance enrollment, and additional local and state resources. The meeting will take place online on Wednesday, May 14 , from 1 to 2:00 pm , and registration is required. You can sign up online. Rite Aid to sell or close all stores in Central Pennsylvania The following 21 stores in Central Pennsylvania are up for sale: Altoona – East Pleasant Valley Boulevard; Pleasant Valley Boulevard; Chestnut Avenue. Cresson – Second Street. DuBois – Commons Drive. Ebensburg – Admiral Peary Highway. Everett – East Main Street. Emporium – East Allegheny Street. Hollidaysburg – Blair Street. Johnstown – Scalp Avenue; Goucher Street; Bedford Street; Central Avenue. Mt. Union – East Shirley Street. Nanty Glo – Shoemaker Street. Portage – Main Street. Punxsutawney – West Mahoning Street. Ridgway – Main Street. Roaring Spring – June Drive. Saint Marys – South St. Marys Street. Tyrone – Logan Avenue. Stores that do not sell will end up closing. 'Suddenly losing employment and having to determine your next move can feel overwhelming and intimidating. But L&I is here to help during this challenging time,' L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker said. 'Our Rapid Response team is working to ensure those impacted by Rite Aid's layoffs have access to the resources and support they need to help them transition to meaningful employment opportunities that offer family-sustaining wages.' Future meetings for impacted Rite Aid workers are currently being organized. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Over $1.3M invested into Penn State University project
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Penn State University's Agriculture Workforce Development Project has received a $1,325,699 investment. The project which is receiving funds through the Farms & Agribusiness Workforce Engagement Grant initiative, aims to strengthen Pennsylvania's agriculture workforce. They hope to do this by increasing awareness of PA CareerLink services, providing targeted technical assistance and training stakeholders to address unique workforce needs. Central Pennsylvania awarded over $1.3M in agriculture innovation grants Registering 1,000 farms and agribusinesses in the Commonwealth Workforce Development System while promoting PA CareerLink services. Providing 10,000 hours of technical assistance to at least 100 farms and agribusinesses, focusing on HR practices, legal compliance, safety, and employee management. Educating workforce system providers about the specific needs of the agricultural sector, including hosting events with subject matter experts and industry leaders to share insights on workforce trends and challenges. The university will also partner with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), to coordinate with local workforce development boards to implement its program. 'As we work to ensure Pennsylvania remains a national leader in agriculture, we must support the many small farms and agribusinesses facing challenges with attracting and retaining skilled workers,' L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker said. 'Ag is not just a way of life in Pennsylvania, it's also a cornerstone of our economy. The Shapiro Administration has selected Penn State to carry out this important project, which will help strengthen the industry's workforce for years to come.' Pennsylvania is home to over 53,000 farms, supports more than 600,000 jobs and produces $132.5 billion each year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
