December 20, 2019
Harrisburg – December 20, 2019 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that the state Department of Education has awarded Northern Westmoreland CTC $16,930 and A.W. Beattie Career Center $49,650 for new equipment to better align job training programs with high demand jobs.
“There is a real need to ensure that individuals in job training programs can access state-of-the-art equipment, so they are well-prepared to enter the workforce,” Brewster said. “The funds will help better match job skill with job.”
Brewster said the grants were among 32 which were awarded to job training and vocation education centers. He said almost $1,2 million was awarded statewide.
“The funding will enable more students to receive hands-on training which boosts their skill sets and makes them better prepared to meet the needs of local employers,” Brewster said. “Matching job with trained employee is a win for the employee, the employer and our economy.”
The maximum grant is $50,000 and must be matched locally.
Brewster is a member of the Senate Education Committee.
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December 18, 2019
Harrisburg – December 18, 2019 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D – Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that $1,146,950 has been awarded for various railway track upgrades and expansion projects in the region.
“The railways that serve the industrial facilities of our region remain as critical components of highly integrated rail network,” Brewster said. “I am pleased that the state has made this significant investment that will help businesses in the area and create an environment that is conducive to job creation.”
U.S. Steel Corporation has been awarded $689,500 to complete rail track updates to accommodate their new hot rolling mill in Braddock.
Union Railroad was awarded $457,450 to construct new railway track and a new rail turnout that will also serve U.S. Steel’s new hot rolling mill.
PennDOT will be distributing the funds for the projects.
“I will continue to push for investments in railway and manufacturing operations,” Brewster said.
December 13, 2019
Harrisburg – December 13, 2019 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D- Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that he was honored to recognize more than 60 local veterans for their service to our country at a Thursday, Dec. 12 breakfast at VFW Post 92 in Lower Burrell.
“The veterans who were recognized at the breakfast — and all veterans from all branches of our armed forces — deserve to be recognized for their sacrifice and service to our nation,” Brewster said. “Reaching out to local veterans and thanking them for what they have done to protect our nation and defend liberty was an honor.”
The lawmaker has hosted events to honor veterans at several locations throughout the year.
As a part of the breakfast, veterans were called up to receive a special pin and certificate of recognition.
Brewster has been very involved in veterans’ issues during his tenure in the Senate. In this session alone, he co-sponsored and voted for legislation to help pay for an education program for spouses and family members of those in the National Guard. He is also a co-sponsor of legislation to increase the pension for blind and vision impaired National Guard veterans.
Veterans services representatives from federal, state and county offices were available at the event to answer questions about programs and services.
“I was happy to recognize veterans who came to the breakfast and offer services,” Brewster said. “If a veteran or family member needs help at any time, they can call any of my district offices and my staff can provide assistance.”
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December 12, 2019
Harrisburg – December 12, 2019 – The state Department of Education (PDE) has approved a $29,935 grant for Allegheny Intermediate Unit to purchase equipment to aid instruction for homebound students, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today.
“The funding from PDE will help provide instruction to students suffering from chronic illnesses or medical issues who are recovering at home,” Brewster said. “The equipment will help the students stay immersed in activities with classmates.”
Brewster said the funding is part of $300,000 in Keystone Telepresence grants to intermediate units statewide.
The McKeesport lawmaker said the grants are being made available through PDE’s special education funding line. This year’s budget includes $1.19 billion for special education.
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December 11, 2019
Harrisburg, PA – Just in time for the holiday season, Senator Jim Brewster is excited to announce that the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is now selling 2020 fishing licenses.
“When you buy a fishing license now, you really get the most value for your dollar,” said Amber Nabors, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Outreach, Education and Marketing. “Not only will you be covered for every fishing season for the rest of this year and next year, but if you like to buy your license at a store, you can avoid the long lines we often see around the start of the spring trout season.”
All fishing licenses and related permits purchased now are valid for up to 13 months, from December 2019 through December 31, 2020. Licenses and permits can be purchased at www.gonefishingpa.com, at more than 700 issuing agents, county treasurers’ offices and at all PFBC regional offices.
In addition to licenses and permits, such as the trout/salmon or Lake Erie permits, customers may choose to purchase vouchers that can be given as gifts and be redeemed by recipients.
“We are always looking for ways to spend more time with our families and friends,” said Nabors. “Vouchers make great gifts for the avid angler in your life or even someone new to the sport. If you want to introduce someone to fishing, buying them a license voucher can be the nudge they need to join you on the water this year.”
The price of an annual resident fishing license this year is still $22.90. Multi-year options are also available in 3, 5 and 10 year increments. The most popular add-ons, a trout-salmon permit and a Lake Erie permit cost $9.90 each, or $15.90 for a combination permit. Once again for the 2020 license year, customers can purchase a collectible fishing license button for $10. This year’s button features a pumpkinseed sunfish design and is customized with the angler’s individual license number (buttons are not issued at the time of purchase and will be mailed to the buyer within 3-4 weeks).
In 2020, anglers who visit a license issuing agent in-person can receive the Fishing Summary book free of charge. The book, which outlines current fishing regulations and laws, seasons and creel limits, and safety information also includes advertising and coupons. An identical, digital version of the Fishing Summary book can be viewed and printed for free at www.FishInPA.com, or viewed on the free FishBoatPA mobile app for smart phones.
“Pennsylvania anglers have a lot to look forward to this year,” added Nabors. “In 2020, we will be more than doubling the number of trophy-sized trout being stocked in lakes and streams across the state and extending many of our Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters. We’ll also be increasing the number of Golden Rainbow Trout that we stock prior to the trout season and stocking them in-season for the first time ever. The FishBoatPA app can help you keep track of stocking locations and the expanded special regulation areas closest to you.”
Customers purchasing a 2020 license can once again can support their favorite PFBC programs through the purchase of voluntary permits for Bass, Musky, Wild Trout and Enhanced Waters, and Habitat/Waterways Conservation. These permits are not required for fishing and carry no additional privileges, but all funds generated through them are reinvested into their respective program.
While youth anglers under age 16 do not require a fishing license, they must have either a Voluntary Youth Fishing License ($2.90) or a free Mentored Youth Fishing Permit to participate in various youth opportunities throughout the season. This includes the Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Days, which occur the week before the opening of the regional and statewide openers in each area.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is a user-funded agency that operates primarily on funds generated through the sale of fishing licenses, boating registrations and associated fees. The PFBC receives no Pennsylvania General Fund tax revenue to support its programs.
Fishing Dates
December 1, 2019 – 2020 Fishing Licenses On Sale
March 28 — Regional Mentored Youth Trout Day (18 southeastern counties)
April 4 – Regional Opening Day of Trout Season
April 11 – Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day
April 18 – Statewide Opening Day of Trout Season
November 1, 2019 through April 30, 2020 – Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement
