HARRISBURG – Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) issues the following statement on SEPTA’s potential changes to address their budget deficit:

“Asking Pennsylvanians to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into mass transit is a challenging argument to make to constituents in rural areas of the commonwealth. SEPTA’s proposal to take steps forward and address their financial issues is a positive development. Given the substantial state investments for SEPTA included in the current state budget, as well as previous budgets, it is critical for conversations surrounding increased support of rider share and taxpayer subsidy to also take place at the local government level.

“I have made it clear that any transit discussion at the state level cannot occur without consideration of transportation infrastructure investment. We have never addressed transit or infrastructure without the other and the harsh reality is that if we’re going to deal with both issues, we need a new revenue stream which will not place additional pressure on the General Fund. 

“Public safety of SEPTA users and staff remains a top concern of our caucus as well. Much of the information released today raises more questions than answers. I look forward to a better understanding of SEPTA’s planned rate changes and ways they look to further address safety concerns at their planned hearings.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Flessner kflessner@pasen.gov

HARRISBURG – Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) has been appointed to key panels tasked with improving postsecondary education in the Commonwealth.

Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39) appointed Langerholc to the State Board of Higher Education and the Performance-Based Funding Council.

The 21-member State Board of Higher Education will play a crucial role in developing, planning, and advancing the higher education landscape in the Commonwealth. This board is tasked with establishing policies that ensure all Pennsylvanians have access to high-quality, affordable, and accountable postsecondary education opportunities, preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving job market.

The Performance-Based Funding Council is set to modernize how three state-related institutions—Penn State, Pitt, and Temple—receive funding. By developing a new process based on performance metrics, the council aims to boost degree attainment, promote affordability, and align educational outcomes with the workforce needs of the 21st-century economy. This innovative approach will help drive economic growth and ensure that higher education institutions are meeting the needs of students and employers alike.

“These appointments will put me in a position to tackle one of the biggest tasks facing Pennsylvania: retaining our young talent by making higher education more accessible and affordable while linking academic programs to high-demand, family-sustaining jobs,” said Langerholc. “I’m eager to serve on these boards and help Pennsylvania students set a course for living, working, and raising a family here in the Commonwealth.”

CONTACT: Gwenn Dando

MOON TOWNSHIP – Nearly 10% of all jobs in Pennsylvania are in the manufacturing sector, and this number could soon rise thanks to groundbreaking legislation spearheaded by Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37).

The Max Manufacturing Initiative is designed to foster public-private partnerships between state-related universities and private engineering companies. The initiative features two funds that provide grants and loans for specialized equipment, infrastructure and facilities dedicated to advanced manufacturing. On Tuesday, Robinson was joined by Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity and other industry leaders to celebrate the implementation.

“Pennsylvania boasts one of the most productive workforces in the world, and with the Max Manufacturing program, we’re positioned to attract even more innovative experts to our state and especially to our region,” said Robinson. “This new law not only bolsters cooperation between state universities and engineering firms, but it also fosters business partnerships, and drives innovation and production of high-value, high-tech products.”

The press event took place at HAMR Industries, located at Neighborhood 91 – a 195-acre advanced manufacturing innovation campus adjacent to Pittsburgh International Airport. Neighborhood 91, allows tenants to share resources and leverage each other’s strengths, offering easy access to air, highway and water transportation for product distribution.

“I worked in the manufacturing industry for three decades, so I know how important it is to Pennsylvania’s economy,” said Garrity. “This law represents great bipartisan work, and I thank Sen. Robinson for leading the way. Technology is evolving at lightning speed, and we absolutely must keep Pennsylvania competitive in the manufacturing sector. I’m hopeful that Gov. Josh Shapiro will include funding for the Max Manufacturing Initiative Act in his next budget address, and that the General Assembly will include it in the final budget. I will be a strong advocate.” 

“Neighborhood 91 is a key economic development project for this region, and I thank Sen. Robinson for his diligence in getting this support legislation passed,” said Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis. “This legislation is a key tool as we continue to build out the Neighborhood 91 campus at PIT and for advanced manufacturing across the state.”

“Pittsburgh, once known as the Steel City, has undergone a dramatic transformation in its manufacturing landscape,” Robinson said. “While the steel industry remains a vital part of our heritage, the city has successfully diversified into advanced manufacturing, supported by a highly skilled workforce and strong educational institutions that drive our ongoing renaissance.”

View Robinson’s remarks on the Max Manufacturing Initiative here.

CONTACT:
Kevin Battle