Fontana Praises Veterans at World War II Monument Dedication

Pittsburgh, December 6, 2013 – Calling the Southwestern Pennsylvania World War II monument a fitting tribute to World War II veterans and Pittsburgh’s historic role in that war, state Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) took part in today’s dedication ceremony at the...

Fontana Bill would Give Military Veterans Stronger Hiring Edge

Harrisburg, November 19, 2013 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today unveiled legislation that would increase the veterans’ preference points in Civil Service testing from 10 to 15 points. The Fontana legislation, introduced as part of a previous jobs...

Fontana Welcomes CSX Project to McKees Rocks, Stowe

McKees Rocks, October 17, 2013 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana is praising CSX Corporation’s announcement today that it plans to build the Pittsburgh Intermodal Terminal in McKees Rocks Borough and Stowe Township after reviewing numerous sites along CSXT mainline...

Pittsburgh Trial Highlights Need for Child Abuse Reporting Upgrade

Op-ed by Senator Wayne Fontana –  Testimony from the trial in Pittsburgh involving alleged child abuse by a former Pittsburgh Public Schools police officer underscores the need for better safeguards for our children and clearer reporting procedures for school...

Fontana Child Abuse Reporting Bill Clears Senate Education Committee

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...

PA Senate Manufacturing Caucus Holds First Meeting

Harrisburg, May 13, 2013 – The bipartisan Pennsylvania Senate Manufacturing Caucus, chaired by Sen. Kim Ward (R-39) and Sen. Wayne Fontana (D-42), held its first meeting today, bringing together manufacturers, legislators and experts to discuss ideas for boosting...

Fontana Applauds Highmark-West Penn Merger

HARRISBURG, April 29, 2013 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) issued the following statement in response to the state Department of Insurance’s decision today to approve the merger between Highmark and West Penn Allegheny Health System: “I am pleased with the...

Fontana Announces Deadline Extension for Home Heating Aid Program

Brookline, March 28, 2013 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana today announced today that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application deadline has been extended through April 26. “I urge low-income homeowners to look into whether they are eligible for...

Fontana Comments on Mayor Ravenstahl Challenge of UPMC Non-Profit Status

BROOKLINE, March 20, 2013 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today provided the following statement following city of Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s announcement concerning UPMC’s non-profit status: “I commend Mayor Ravenstahl and the city of Pittsburgh...

Fontana Pleased with Senate Vote for Mentored Hunting Program

Harrisburg, March 19, 2013 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today applauded unanimous Senate support for a bill that would enable the Pennsylvania Game Commission to establish an adult mentored hunting program. “A mentored hunting program can encourage more...

Fontana Child Abuse Reporting Bill Wins Bipartisan Backing

HARRISBURG, March 18, 2013 – Speaking at a Capitol news conference today, State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Brookline) said his bill that would strengthen child abuse reporting laws is being touted under a legislative package endorsed by the bipartisan Task Force on...

Sen. Fontana Re-Elected Vice Chair of PHEAA Board

Harrisburg, February 21, 2013 – State Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny) today was unanimously re-elected to serve as the vice chairman of the board of directors for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). “I am gratified by the unanimous vote...

Fontana’s Business Investment Tax Credit Bill Wins Committee Nod

Harrisburg, February 13, 2013 – The state Senate Finance Committee today approved Sen. Wayne D. Fontana’s (D-Allegheny) legislation that would provide tax credits for those who invest in start-up Pennsylvania businesses. “This measure is about generating private...

Fontana to Serve as Democratic Chairman of Key Senate Committee

Brookline, January 8, 2013 — State Senator Wayne D. Fontana (D-Brookline) has been re-appointed to serve as Democratic chairman of the Senate Committee on Community, Economic and Recreational Development. “I am pleased with this appointment and will continue my...

Sen. Fontana Urges Action on Child Protection Recommendations

PITTSBURGH, November 27, 2012 – Pleased that the state Task Force on Child Protection’s report today supported his call provide additional protections for school students who are abused by school employees, state Senator Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny) today urged that...

Senate Democrats Elect Leadership Team for 2013-14 Session

Fontana reappointed to Leadership Post Harrisburg, November 14, 2012 – Members of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus today elected leaders for the upcoming 2013-14 legislative session, with Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) reelected for a second term as Democratic...

Make it easy to get IDs

Elected officials should be able to issue them at their offices Op-ed By Sen. Wayne D. Fontana Act 18, signed into law by Gov. Tom Corbett in March, requires all Pennsylvania voters to show an acceptable photo ID at the polls prior to casting a vote. Since its...