Latest news with #ShapiroAdministration
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Changes made to Pennsylvania's provisional ballot envelopes
(WHTM) — The Department of State has announced changes to Pennsylvania's provisional ballot envelopes. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt announced that the Department of State has redesigned Pennsylvania's provisional ballot envelopes to improve legibility and increase user-friendliness. 'Every registered voter in our Commonwealth should have the opportunity to cast their vote and make their voice heard in each election,' Schmidt said during a press conference in Philadelphia. 'We believe these changes to the provisional ballot envelopes will have a positive impact, just as the changes we made to mail ballot materials two years ago did.' In 2023, the Shapiro Administration redesigned Pennsylvania mail ballots and materials, which contributed to a 57% decrease in mail ballot rejections during the 2024 general election. 29.12% of provisional ballots were rejected, with the most common reason being that the voter was not registered, and the second being an incomplete ballot envelope. Schmidt says it received feedback from county elections officials across Pennsylvania who mentioned the need for enhanced usability for voters and poll workers. In response, the Department featured a new layout that clearly instructs voters which fields they must fill out, including highlighting the two places where the envelope must be signed. 2025_provisional_ballot_envelope_new-1-2Download The new envelopes also streamline the process for election workers, identifying which fields they need to complete before and after the voter completes their provisional ballot. 'The redesign of the ballot envelope simplifies the process of voting provisionally, and that means fewer errors and fewer rejected ballots,' said Omar Sabir, Chairman of the Philadelphia City Commissioners. 'It's an important part of ensuring that every eligible vote gets counted, and we're proud to lead this multi-county effort alongside our partners at the Department of State.' Schmidt said he expects counties to use the new materials in the 2025 general election. The Department is offering grant money to counties that choose to use the new envelopes to help counties with the cost of replacing their current provisional ballot envelopes. For more information on voting in Pennsylvania, including mail and provisional ballots, call the Department of State's year-round voter hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA or visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP: State invests nearly $10M to ensure 35 farms in 18 counties stay farms forever
Jun. 13—Gov. Josh Shapiro's administration announced this week that Pennsylvania is investing nearly $10 million to purchase development rights for 2,672 acres on 35 farms in 18 counties — protecting them from future residential or commercial development. These joint investments by state and local government ensure that Pennsylvania farmers will have the prime-quality land they need to continue feeding families and supporting jobs and communities in the future, the governor's adminstration said. Since the Shapiro administration began, Pennsylvania has invested $125.2 million to preserve 415 new farms and 35,177 prime acres of farmland across the state. "Preserving Pennsylvania farmland is an investment in the future of our economy and farm families," said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. "When that land is lost to development, we lose one of our most valuable economic assets." More than 48,800 farms across Pennsylvania contribute $132.5 billion to our economy and support almost 600,000 jobs, making agriculture a key driver of Pennsylvania's economy. To continue Pennsylvania's national legacy as an agriculture leader, Shapiro's 2025-26 budget proposes: —An additional $13 million investment in the historic Ag Innovation Grant to help build the future of American agriculture right here in Pennsylvania. —Investing $2 million to keep Pennsylvania's new animal diagnostic laboratory in the western part of the state operational, providing critical testing services for farmers to ensure their livestock remain healthy and viable for continued farming operations. —A $4 million funding increase to connect Pennsylvanians at risk of hunger with healthy, local food through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System. —An additional $4 million funding increase to the State Food Purchase Program to provide emergency food assistance for low-income Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in preserved farmland. Since 1988, Pennsylvania has protected 6,564 farms and 654,551 acres in 58 counties from future development, investing nearly $1.76 billion in state, county, and local funds. Farms preserved at the State Agricultural Land Preservation Board meeting include: —Luzerne County — total investment, $555,160, state only. —Raymond H. and Corrine A. Barchik, 115-acre crop and livestock farm, Fairmount Township. —Joseph A. Disabella Sr. and Deborah A. Disabella, 54-acre crop farm, Sugarloaf Township. Bill to move DOE office to Pittsburgh introduced U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pittsburgh, and U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock, this week introduced S. 2044 — which would move the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management to Pittsburgh. "For far too long, federal agencies in Washington have been physically removed from the workers and industries they regulate," McCormick said. "I'm proud to partner with Sen. Fetterman on this legislation to bring a critical Energy Department office to Pittsburgh near the heart of the Marcellus." "With its rich history of energy production, top-tier universities, and state-of-the-art manufacturing infrastructure, Pittsburgh is uniquely qualified to be the home of the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management," Fetterman said. "I'm proud to join Sen. McCormick to introduce legislation calling for this move while protecting the union way of life. FECM is an important agency that supports lower-carbon fuels like natural gas while addressing and lowering carbon emissions. Housing federal agencies in the communities they impact is a no brainer." Last year, McCormick proposed moving DOE operations to Pittsburgh to place agency officials closer to the industry they regulate and work with every day. Pennsylvania is the second largest producer of natural gas in America, with most of that production happening in western Pennsylvania. The Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (OFECM) is made up of about 750 federal employees — scientists, engineers, technicians and administrative staff. The Office is responsible for research, development, and demonstration on advanced power generation; power plant efficiency; carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies; emission control technologies; and so much more. It is responsible for the technological solutions for the development of our unconventional oil and gas domestic resources and also manages the Nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve and Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve. The OFECM also manages the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). This is the lead field center for research and program development. Through this laboratory there are nearly 700 federal sponsored projects that are conducted through private sector research partners. The bill would require the Department of Energy to move the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (OFECM) within the DOE to Pittsburgh one year after passage. It would also require the Secretary of Energy to provide a report to Congress on employment changes and any impacts to collective bargaining rights. The OFECM houses the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), which is already based in Pittsburgh and does a significant amount of OFECM's functional work. The impact on staffing would be minimal and provide more jobs to Pennsylvania while having a federal office housed in the Commonwealth. Recommendations to help gun violence victims The importance of supporting the basic needs of gun violence victims — including housing, transportation, food — and providing tailored supports for youth were some of the key findings released this week by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), following a statewide needs assessment conducted at the request of PCCD Chair Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. "The people closest to the pain should be closest to the power — and that's exactly what this initiative is all about," Davis said. "By gathering insights directly from survivors, families, and providers, these reports highlight critical gaps that too often stand in the way of individuals' healing process after experiencing gun violence. We're not just working to reduce gun violence; we're ensuring that victims and the professionals who serve them receive the support they need and deserve." From Fall 2024 to Spring 2025, PCCD contracted with ICF to conduct a needs assessment to better understand resources available to support individuals exposed to or who have experienced gun violence. Statewide needs assessment takeaways Key findings: —Meeting basic needs is critical: Housing, transportation, and food insecurity remain major barriers. Survivors often can't access support services when their basic survival is at stake. —Local trust matters: Individuals affected by gun violence prefer hyper-local, culturally relevant providers who understand their communities. Many learn about services through friends, family or trusted community leaders — not official channels. —Youth need tailored supports: Youth exposed to violence feel isolated and misunderstood. They emphasized the need for connection through food, creative outlets, and social media, as well as education on gun safety and conflict resolution. —Long-term care is lacking: Many survivors feel overwhelmed by offers of services immediately after a violent event but struggle to find help when they're ready. Services must be available beyond the crisis period. Recommendations: —Develop hyper-local communications to build awareness and trust in services. —Provide trauma-informed training to service providers and journalists. —Expand gun safety education and access to secure firearms storage devices. —Make services available long term, beyond the initial crisis period. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Blair County crop, livestock farm to be protected from future development
BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — The development rights to 35 farms, including one in Blair County, have been purchased to help ensure that the farmland will be protected. Pennsylvania is investing nearly $10 million to make sure that over 2,600 acres of land in 18 counties will never be used for residential or commercial property. The Shapiro Administration added that these investments will make sure that farmers have quality land to continue feeding families across the state and supporting jobs. Bill to allow for Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania passes House Here is the Blair County farm that will be preserved: England Family Limited Partnership, 123-acre crop and livestock farm, Woodbury Township Total investment( $298,671): State – $209,671 and County – $89,000 'Preserving Pennsylvania farmland is an investment in the future of our economy and farm families,' Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. 'When that land is lost to development, we lose one of our most valuable economic assets.' There are over 48,000 farms in Pennsylvania, and the farming industry contributes $132.5 billion to our economy and supports almost 600,000 jobs. Since 1988, the Farmland Preservation Program has protected 6,564 farms and 654,551 acres in 58 counties from future development. You can read the full list of farms that will be preserved on the Department of Agriculture's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Uniontown Driver License Center to close for much of next week
The Uniontown Driver License Center will be closed for renovations during much of next week. Located at 855 North Gallatin Ave., the center will be closed from Tuesday to Saturday so renovation work can be completed, PennDOT officials say. It will reopen as normal on June 17. 'As part of the Shapiro Administration's commitment to enhancing customer experience, we're making important upgrades to our Uniontown location,' said Kara Templeton, PennDOT driver and vehicle services deputy secretary. 'While we understand the renovations may cause a temporary inconvenience, we're expanding services at our Waynesburg center to ensure uninterrupted access to driver licensing services.' PennDOT's Uniontown employees will be temporarily assigned to the Waynesburg Driver License Center at 1164 Willow Drive, officials say. During renovations, the Waynesburg center will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Photo services will be available throughout that period. RELATED COVERAGE >>> Real ID law goes into effect; what changes now? Customers with a scheduled driving exam at the Uniontown center will be contacted and offered the same exam date and time at the Waynesburg center, officials say. You can find a complete list of driver license and photo center locations and their hours of operation by visiting Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Officials remind drivers to put down the phone; Paul Miller's Law to take effect June 5
May 27—WILKES-BARRE — Paul Miller's Law is about saving lives, PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said on Tuesday. "Your choices behind the wheel can change lives forever," he said. "Make the safe choice. Put your phone out of reach and don't text and drive. One text, one glance down — it could kill someone. And it's not worth it." On Tuesday, in keeping with Gov. Josh Shapiro's commitment to safety on Pennsylvania roads, the Shapiro Administration urged drivers to put down the phone while driving, ahead of the June 5 effective date for Paul Miller's Law, which makes it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone while driving. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike), and Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) joined Sen. Rosemary Brown and national advocate Paul Miller Sr. and Eileen Miller, Paul Miller Jr.'s parents, to urge drivers to make safe choices behind the wheel. As part of his mission to provide a safe transportation system for all Pennsylvanians, Gov. Shapiro signed Senate Bill 37 into law on June 5, 2024. Effective June 5, 2025, the law — known as "Paul Miller's Law" — prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light, or other momentary delay. Pennsylvania already enforces a texting-while-driving ban that prohibits drivers from using mobile devices to send, read, or write text-based communications while their vehicle is in motion. Beginning June 5, law enforcement will begin issuing written warnings for violations of Senate Bill 37. Law enforcement will have the ability to issue summary citations to violators beginning June 6, 2026. Under Paul Miller's Law, drivers can still use their phones to alert emergency responders and, if they are using hands-free technology, to make phone calls, use a GPS, and listen to music. "As the Prime-Sponsor of Senate Bill 37, now Act 18 of 2024, seeing this law go into effect is incredibly rewarding knowing it will save lives," said Sen. Brown, R-Monroe County. "Since day one I have always believed in this commonsense policy. It's important that drivers remember that the cellphone has become the most consistent, repetitive, and lengthy distraction behind the driver's wheel causing significant public safety concerns. This law will change behaviors and save lives. The legislature passed Senate Bill 37, now Act 18, with overwhelming bi-partisan support, and I am confident that my efforts, along with the efforts of my friend Eileen Miller, have Pennsylvania going in the right direction for public safety." The law is named for Paul Miller Jr., who was tragically killed in a crash with a tractor-trailer in 2010 in Monroe County, as the result of a distracted driver who reached for their phone while driving. Since his death, Paul's mother Eileen Miller has become a national advocate for stronger laws to curb distracted driving. "Nearly 15 years ago, two Dunmore state troopers knocked on my door to tell me that my son was killed," said Eileen Miller, Paul Miller Jr.'s mother. "My son did everything right — he was killed by someone else's unsafe choices behind the wheel. This law is for every family in Pennsylvania that doesn't have to experience two state troopers knocking on their door to tell them that their loved one was killed by distracted driving. Paul Miller's Law will be a beacon of protection for every driver and passenger in Pennsylvania." Paul Miller's Law will also work to prevent bias in policing by requiring law enforcement to collect data on drivers pulled over during traffic stops, including race, ethnicity, and gender. The data will be made publicly available in an annual report. "The Pennsylvania State Police will enforce the new law to its full extent," said PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris. "Distracted driving is not a minor offense. Just one second of inattention can result in irreversible consequences. We urge all drivers to stay focused behind the wheel." According to PennDOT data, in 2024 there were 9,950 crashes involving a distracted driver, resulting in more than 6,000 injuries and 49 fatalities. Distracted driving crash data, however, is believed to be under-reported due to many drivers' reluctance to admit to being distracted at the time of a crash. Safe driving tips —If you are expecting a text message or need to send one that can't wait, pull over and park your car in a safe location before using your device. —Ask a passenger to be your "designated texter." Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages. —Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving. —Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone's "Do Not Disturb" feature, silence notifications, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination. Cell phone use is not the only distraction while driving. Anything that takes your attention away from driving, your eyes off the road, or your hands off the wheel is a distraction. Driver behavior is the leading factor in 83% of the crashes that occur annually in Pennsylvania. These behaviors include driving distracted, impaired or aggressive. For information on distracted driving, visit PennDOT's media resources web page offers social media-sized graphics for numerous transportation-related campaigns, including safety topics such as aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving and seat belts for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders. Find PennDOT news on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
