Senator Stefano E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • McCray Robb Bridge Reopened
  • Thank You Veterans
  • Senate Republicans Organize for 2025-26 Session
  • Giving First Responders More Support
  • Seasonal PennDOT Jobs Open Now
  • Being Prepared for Fall Driving Hazards
  • Recognizing National Diabetes Awareness Month

McCray Robb Bridge Reopened

Huge week in Connellsville! After over 10 months, the McCray Robb Bridge on Crawford Avenue is open again. Happy to see traffic flowing back into the businesses of Downtown Connellsville, my district office included.

Thank you to PennDOT District 12, Connellsville Mayor Greg Lincoln and the City of Connellsville for their leadership and managing the completion of this essential infrastructure improvement project.

Thank You Veterans

In honor of Veterans Day,  Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar and I hosted our annual appreciation breakfast for veterans at the Somerset American Legion. Boswell native and Purple Heart Medal recipient, Sgt. Ret. Jacob Whipkey spoke to attendees about his time in combat and his work with the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation.

Thank you to Sgt. Whipkey, the Somerset American Legion and all of our attendees for making the event a meaningful and heartfelt celebration of our nation’s heroes. May we continue to support our veterans and honor their service and sacrifice, not only on Veterans Day, but every day.

Senate Republicans Organize for 2025-26 Session

Voters returned a 28-22 Republican majority to the state Senate for the 2025-26 legislative session. All Republican incumbents were re-elected and two new Republican senators are on the way to Harrisburg.

To drive priorities of protecting jobs, empowering families and defending freedoms, Senate Republicans re-elected our leadership team for the upcoming session.

Senate Republicans are united in our efforts to prioritize the needs of Pennsylvanians. We remain focused on helping families restore economic freedom while positioning communities to thrive. Increasing energy independence, expanding access to well-paying jobs and making communities healthy and safer are top initiatives in our work to move Pennsylvania forward.

Giving First Responders More Support

Beginning in December, a law passed by Senate Republicans will give first responders greater access to workers’ compensation benefits for a post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI).

Firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics will be entitled to benefits for psychological traumas resulting from their employment – even in the absence of physical injuries. To receive benefits, they need to be diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist.

Previously, Pennsylvania law required a first responder to prove there were “objective abnormal working conditions” to establish a PTSI claim. This standard was often difficult to meet.

Seasonal PennDOT Jobs Open Now

PennDOT is hiring individuals for its winter maintenance program that runs until April 2025. The jobs pay from $17.00 to $27.75 an hour and could become a career.

Roles include equipment operators, dispatchers, mechanics, tradesman helpers, semi-skilled laborers and tunnel maintainers. Job requirements vary based on position. Learn more regarding required experience, training and eligibility.

Submit an online application. Call 855-524-5627 if you have trouble accessing your account.

Being Prepared for Fall Driving Hazards

Fall brings different driving hazards, including wet leaves, fog, sun glare and frost. Drivers can use fall driving tips from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to make their commutes safer.

Extra caution is needed on roads covered with wet leaves, which can be as slippery as ice. When driving in fog, it’s best to use low-beam headlights to avoid the glare created by high beams. Morning frost and icy spots can cause issues as overnight temperatures drop toward freezing. Ice is more likely to form on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas.

Pennsylvania drivers face the third-highest chance of being involved in an animal-related crash in the nation. To report a dead animal for removal from a state road, call the PennDOT at 1-800-FIX-ROAD. Call the Game Commission at 1-833-742-9453 for local roads.

Recognizing National Diabetes Awareness Month

The men, women and children who live with prediabetes and diabetes face challenges not only with their health but also with the financial impact of the disease.

However, there is support available, including health tips and food ideas. Healthy eating for prediabetes and diabetes can be delicious and satisfying using recipes like these.

Tools and resources are available regarding health care affordability and driving with diabetes. There is also helpful information for caregivers.

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