Recent News
In case you missed it:
Earlier today, I joined Representative Eddie Day Pashinski to lead a joint hearing of the Senate and House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committees at the PA Farm Show to talk about an issue that doesn’t get nearly enough attention — the mental health crisis facing Pennsylvania’s farmers.
We heard powerful stories from farmers, advocates, and experts about the real challenges our agriculture community faces every day — from financial stress and health care shortages to the stigma that too often keeps people from asking for help.
I’m so grateful to everyone who shared their experiences. As I’ve said before, our farmers are the backbone of our nation, and we need to do everything we can to support their well-being.
You can watch the full hearing below 👇
https://agriculture.pasenategop.com/ag-011426/
If you or someone you know is a farmer in crisis, please reach out:
📞 AgriStress Helpline: 833-897-AGRI (2474)
💬 Text PA to 741-741
📞 Or call/text 988 for the National Suicide Hotline
I was honored to attend the PA FFA Mid-Winter Convention yesterday. It was a blast to witness the recognition of our agricultural education students across the Commonwealth. Not to mention, it was a record-breaking event with 1,448 FFA jackets and 536 Keystone State Degrees awarded! The future of agriculture in PA is strong! Congrats to all!
High school seniors have until Jan. 31 to apply for $10,000 college scholarships as part of the @America250PA celebration. More than three dozen PA schools will match it and 25 will be awarded in six PA regions for the 2026-27 year. Learn more and apply here: https://bit.ly/4qdK2SH
High school seniors have until Jan. 31 to apply for $10,000 college scholarships as part of the @America250PA celebration. More than three dozen PA schools will match it and 25 will be awarded in six PA regions for the 2026-27 year. Learn more and apply here: https://bit.ly/4qdK2SH
Congratulations to Vitalia Wood Fired Oven on the grand opening of their first brick-and-mortar location in Cranberry Township!
Founded by Francesca and Emilio Veneziano, Vitalia began as a mobile, wood-fired oven bringing authentic Italian cuisine to neighborhoods and events across Western Pennsylvania. After years of hard work and community support, they’ve now opened their doors at 1075 Freedom Road, Cranberry Township — a true testament to family, passion, and perseverance.
Our office was proud to join the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, Cranberry Township, and Representative Stephenie Scialabba to celebrate this milestone. Congratulations to the Veneziano family on this exciting new chapter — and best wishes as you continue to grow and serve our region!
Pennsylvanians with a qualifying disability occurring prior to age 46 – up from 26 – are now eligible to open a PA ABLE savings account, allowing them to save up to $19,000 per year tax-free for expenses without impacting benefits. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4szjiO4
🥛 Photos from today’s Fill a Glass with Hope® 11th Anniversary Celebration at the PA Farm Show!
Thank you to Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, former Steelers quarterback and two-time Super Bowl Champion Charlie Batch, and so many partners who continue to make this campaign a success.
Since its start, Fill a Glass with Hope has provided more than 41 million servings of fresh milk to families in need across Pennsylvania. Thank you to the PA Dairymen’s Association, Feeding Pennsylvania, American Dairy Association North East, and all the farmers, food banks, and supporters who make this possible! 🐄💙
Visiting the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show? Be sure to stop by the Giant Expo Hall and visit The America250PA `Countdown to 250` Mobile Unit powered by Penske! As we begin 2026, our Semiquincentennial year, you can test your PA and U.S history knowledge with Pennsylvania Pursuit, try out the 8-bit video game, The Keystone Quest, and/or tell your PA story in the Commonwealth Chronicles to become a part of history AND win cool swag! Be sure to stop by!
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