Brewster: Education Partnership Grants Approved for Technical Career Training

Brewster: Education Partnership Grants Approved for Technical Career Training

January 16, 2019

Harrisburg – January 16, 2019 – Education Partnership Grants to improve technical career training have been approved for projects in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, said Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland).

Westmoreland/Fayette Business Education Partnership and Three Rivers were approved for grant funding to help implement programs that will demonstrate the importance of technical careers to students and help those interested in technical careers prepare for post-secondary education and apprenticeship opportunities.

“STEM and technical careers are essential to our local and state economy,” Brewster said. “It is important that we continue to fund education programs that offer students pathways into these career fields.”

Westmoreland/Fayette Business Education Partnership was awarded $127,050 to develop technology projects and interactive programs that will allow students to explore and prepare for post-secondary education and careers within the STEM field. The programs, which will serve 600 K-12 students in the Westmoreland and Fayette area, will include both classroom and work-based learning opportunities.

Three Rivers in Allegheny was awarded $115,641 to implement a three-phase conference and networking program that will showcase careers in the building and construction industry.

“Providing students with the opportunity to explore more careers and the chance to gain hands-on experience is a great educational investment,” Brewster said.  “I am happy that these local programs have been awarded the funds to help students see more options available to them in their future.”

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Brewster’s Police Officers’ Training Commission Legislation Clears Senate

July 9, 2017

Harrisburg – July 9, 2017 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that the legislation he offered to change the composition of the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission is long overdue and is a common-sense change that will improve the operation of the commission.

The measure, Senate Bill 403, passed the Senate unanimously. 

The bill removes the membership of a special agent-in-charge from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with an appointee from the Pennsylvania Lodge Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).  The FBI seat on the commission has been vacant since 2007.

“The FBI seat on the commission has been vacant for many years,” Brewster said.  “The Department of Justice advised against making an appointment because they were concerned about a supervisory role as it relates to local police.”

Brewster served for many years as mayor of McKeesport.  He was heavily involved in police training and said an additional FOP member will provide additional expertise and insight. 

The legislation now awaits action in the state House of Representatives. 

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