HARRISBURG, June 11, 2013 – The state Senate Education Committee today unanimously approved state Sen. Wayne D. Fontana’s (D-Brookline) bill that would toughen child abuse reporting requirements in schools

“I am heartened and encouraged by this strong bipartisan vote and look forward to the full Senate acting on the bill,” Fontana said.

Pittsburgh, PA (June 7, 2013) – Senator Wayne Fontana, Vice Chairman of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency’s (PHEAA) Board of Directors, today announced a new job creation initiative in Allegheny County that will generate 150 employment opportunities for local residents.

Last Wednesday, the state Supreme Court upheld a revised reapportionment plan that was approved last June by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission. The new maps will take effect with the beginning of the 2014 election cycle. Under the plan, the 42^nd Senatorial District undergoes several changes.  While I regretfully will no longer represent areas of my current district such as portions of the South Side section of the City of Pittsburgh and the Oakland neighborhood, Robinson Township and the Boroughs of Brentwood, Pennsbury Village, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg.

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is offering a State Work-Study Program (SWSP) that will provide students with an opportunity to gain career-related work experience and earn money to pay for their postsecondary education. The program is made possible through the Pennsylvania General Assembly funding and with the cooperation of the state’s postsecondary institutions and employers.

After a successful run at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) – West End branch, the popular Skills for Success: The Fontana Series moves to CLP-Mt. Washington on Thursday.

If you are currently looking for a job, or are interested in boosting your skills that will help you land a desired position, sign up today for one of these free workshops, which will serve as a great resource for you. 

Pennsylvania has one of the largest highway networks in the country and is one of the most heavily traveled, ranking fifth nationally in miles of state-maintained highways.  In March, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)released its first ever Transportation Performance Report which details the Commonwealth’s efforts in safety, mobility, system preservation and accountability.

Last year, the United States Supreme Court ruled that it is up to each individual state to voluntarily decide to expand the Medicaid program as part of the decision on the federal Affordable Care Act, which will begin to cover people on January 1, 2014. Last week, Governor Corbett announced that at this time Pennsylvania will not opt into expansion.

Next week marks National Library Week throughout the country.  First debuting in 1958, National Library week is sponsored by the American Library Association and observed by libraries nationwide each April.  The kickoff will begin on Sunday, April 14th, where communities across the United States will recognize of the role of libraries, librarians and library workers and the services and resources libraries and library staff provide to the community.