(3/2024) Supporting Our Local Fire, EMS Agencies
Here in Adams County, we rely heavily on our local firefighters and emergency medical personnel to be there in emergency situations to protect us and our property. That is why I am pleased to announce that 12 fire and ambulance companies in the 91st Legislative District have been awarded nearly $282,000 in state grants through the 2023-24 Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.
These grants will help them obtain the equipment and personnel necessary to ensure they are there for us in our time of need. The grants, which are funded through slot machine gaming revenue, may be used for construction or renovation of a unit’s station, the purchase or repair of equipment, training, debt reduction, education and public outreach, as well as staff recruitment and retention efforts.
This year’s grant recipients the Fairfield Community Fire Co. - $14,812 and the Fountaindale Vol. Fire Dept. - $15,007.
FEMA Invites Applications for Firefighter Grants
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the opening of its Fiscal Year 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, which will award $324 million to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters nationwide against fire-related deaths and hazards. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary for protecting both the public and emergency personnel. Applications are due by Friday, March 8.
Governor Proposes $48 Billion State Budget
The 2024-25 state budget process got underway this week when Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered his budget address before a joint session of the General Assembly. His $48.34 billion proposal represents a spending increase of $3.7 billion, or 8.4%, over the current year. It also relies on a portion of the state’s reserve funds. Fortunately, the budget address is just the first step in the annual state budget process. The House and Senate Appropriations committees will each conduct hearings with various state departments, agencies and stakeholders to examine the details of the plan.
Adams County Technical Institute Receives State Grant
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) today announced that Adams County Technical Institute will receive a Career and Technical Education Equipment Grant of nearly $68,000. It is part of more than $4 million in competitive grants being awarded to 55 career and technical centers (CTCs) and school districts statewide. The funding will be used to purchase new equipment to help train students in high-demand occupations through career and technical education programs.
Trout Stocking Schedules Available
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced this week its 2024 trout stocking schedules are now available online and on the FishBoatPA mobile app. The PFBC will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 697 streams and 129 lakes open to public angling. Stocking is set to begin the week of Feb. 19 in advance of the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day on Saturday, March 30, and the statewide opening day of trout season on Saturday, April 6. The 2024 adult trout stocking schedule is searchable by county; lists the waterways in alphabetical order; and indicates stocking dates, meeting locations for volunteers and the species of trout that will be stocked at each location. For more information about stocking, fishing and licensing, visit fishandboat.com.
Apply Now for Community Conservation Grants
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Recreation and Conservation is now accepting applications for its Community Conservation Partnerships Program. The grants can be used to fund various planning, acquisition and development of public parks, recreation areas and trails. Grants can also fund river or open space conservation projects or support community and watershed forestry. Organizations eligible for the grants include counties, municipalities, municipal agencies, nonprofits, state heritage areas and prequalified land trusts. For-profit organizations may be eligible for some grant categories.
Preparing Pennsylvania to Navigate AI
With the expanding use of artificial intelligence (AI), it is necessary to navigate the challenges and maximize the opportunities it may present. This week, the House Republican caucus formed an Artificial Intelligence Opportunity Task Force, which will be charged with engaging experts and stakeholders to inform future legislative policy decisions relating to AI. This includes the human-centric ethical development of this emerging technology, along with appropriate safeguards. Also this week, the House Republican Policy Committee hosted a hearing to enhance members’ understanding of how AI technology works in our everyday lives and to discuss how to ensure the responsible use and advancement of the evolving technology. Testifiers included officials with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, IBM, TechNet and ChatGPT. More information about the hearing is available at PAGOPPolicy.com
