Bill OBoyle: Shapiro aims to make Pa. national leader in innovation/economic development
Apr. 7—Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger this week was joined by Department of Agriculture Director of Conservation and Innovation Michael Roth, and other local leaders for a tour of Philadelphia-based robotics company Burro to focus on Pennsylvania's growing robotics and technology innovation economy and Gov. Josh Shapiro's commitment to investing in economic development across the Commonwealth.
While visiting the company, Siger highlighted how Commonwealth companies like Burro are spurring innovation that the Governor's Economic Development strategy and proposed 2024-25 budget will continue to bolster.
"Pennsylvania is moving at the speed of business, and innovation is essential to our economic growth," Siger said. "That's why Governor Shapiro's economic development strategy focuses on growing sectors like robotics, technology, and agriculture."
Siger said companies like Burro are an outstanding example of how robotics can serve as a platform technology for key industries, and in turn grow economic opportunity, create good jobs, and a better quality of life for everyone.
"Agriculture businesses that are thriving today are thriving because of constant innovation," said Director Roth. "Gov. Shapiro's budget invests in giving farmers the kinds of advanced robotics tools Burro offers to help them meet daunting challenges like the labor shortage, so they can continue growing and feeding our families and our economy."
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has announced more than $1.2 billion in new private sector investment in Pennsylvania as a direct result of his Administration's work — positioning the Commonwealth to be a leader in innovation and economic development.
There are robotics and technology companies located across the Commonwealth — and with a projected 17,000 net new jobs created across the robotics and technology sectors over the next decade, Pennsylvania is primed to become a leader in these high-growth industries.
Meuser co-sponsors legislation that keeps Air Marshals in the air instead of at southern border
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, this week co-sponsored H.R. 7695 — the No FAMS at the Border Act — which would prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from deploying Federal Air Marshals (FAMS) to the border unless Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas officially certifies to Congress that there is a crisis at the southern border.
Meuser said this legislation directly addresses the issue of highly skilled Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) being diverted from our skies to the southern border for humanitarian, administrative, and civilian duties, due to the surge of illegal immigrants entering the country under the Biden Administration.
Following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack in Israel, FBI Director Christopher Wray warned of increased terrorist threats in the United States. Meuser said that means President Biden's decision to divert Federal Air Marshals to the southern border leaves air travelers and our national security vulnerable.
"The duty of Federal Air Marshals is in the sky, not at our southern border," said Meuser. "Rather than implementing policy changes to curb the flow of illegal migrants, President Biden is instead pulling federal law enforcement officials off of critical assignments to deal with his self-created crisis. This decision poses a grave threat to our national security. The No FAMS at the Border Act will ensure the safety of millions of Americans who travel daily by redirecting essential security personnel from the southern border back to where they belong — aboard commercial aircraft."
H.R. 7695 was referred to the House Homeland Security Committee for further consideration.
Nomination period open for 2024 Women Veterans Day celebration
Continuing the Shapiro-Davis Administration's effort to support women in the Commonwealth and recognize those women who have served their country in the military, the Governor's Advisory Commission on Women and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs are seeking statewide nominations for outstanding women veterans who will be honored during this year's Women Veterans Day Ceremony in June.
"Every year, the Governor's Advisory Commission on Women recognizes outstanding women who have served in every branch of the military," said Moriah Hathaway, Executive Director, Governor's Advisory Commission on Women. "It is a true honor to award these selfless women for their bravery and dedication to our nation. We look forward to meeting the next class of nominees and celebrating their tremendous accomplishments during Women Veterans Day."
"Women are the fastest growing veteran population in Pennsylvania." said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania's adjutant general and head of the DMVA. "For many of our women veterans, their service was groundbreaking in terms of ranks, roles and responsibilities. In today's armed forces, there is nothing women can't do. Our female veterans paved the way for the women service members of today."
This year, the Women Veterans Day nomination form is available online. Nominees must be current Pennsylvania residents who demonstrate a commitment to service and leadership. The deadline for nominations is April 29.
For additional information on the nomination process, please contact the Governor's Advisory Commission on Women at women@pa.gov.
DMVA reminds veterans to apply now for Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) wants veterans who may qualify for a monthly pension through the state's Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension program to apply now.
The DMVA is helping to raise awareness as the Amputee Coalition recognizes National Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in April.
Pennsylvania veterans who qualify for the pension receive $150 per month. Currently, there are more than 2,300 veterans across the Commonwealth enrolled in the program.
"Pennsylvania's veterans bravely served this state and our nation, often at great peril," said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania's adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. "It is our duty to care for those who served."
To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
—Have been a resident of Pennsylvania upon entering the military.
—Have received Honorable or Under Honorable Conditions discharge.
—Have a service-connected disability rating of 40% or higher in each of two or more limbs (arms/hands or legs/feet) as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
PUC urges safe practices as April marks Safe Digging Month
As April begins, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission marks the start of Safe Digging Month — an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of safe digging practices.
Spring weather typically brings an increased tempo of excavation projects, making it essential to prioritize safety to prevent damage to underground utilities.
"As we enter Safe Digging Month, it's imperative that we emphasize the importance of safe digging practices," said PUC Commissioner John F. Coleman Jr. "By calling 8-1-1 and following proper protocols, we can reduce the risk of accidents and help prevent damage to vital underground utilities, ultimately creating a safer environment for everyone."
Safe Digging Month serves as a crucial reminder for residents, businesses, and contractors across Pennsylvania to adopt safe digging practices and prioritize the protection of underground infrastructure. By calling 8-1-1 before any excavation project, individuals can ensure that underground utility lines are marked, minimizing the risk of accidents and costly repairs while promoting community safety.
Pennsylvania law requires contractors and residents to contact the PA One Call system at least three business days prior to excavation — triggering alerts to all utilities within an intended digging area and prompting utilities and other facility owners to mark where their facilities are located. Pennsylvanians can dial 8-1-1 to connect with the One Call system, while out-of-state residents or businesses can call 800-242-1776.
According to national statistics from the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the number one root cause of damages to underground systems is the failure to contact the 8-1-1/One Call systems, which alerts utilities to locate and mark their facilities in the planned excavation area. Most frequently this involves work like landscaping, fencing, work on water or sewer lines, and other construction.
During Safe Digging Month, and throughout the rest of the construction season, the PUC encourages project owners and excavators to take the following steps when planning a digging project this spring — and that includes homeowners and others working on "do it yourself" and weekend projects:
—Always contact 8-1-1 at least three business days before digging.
—Provide ample time for lines to be located and marked before work begins.
—Confirm that all lines have been marked.
—Consider relocating projects that are near utility line markings.
—Verify that a contractor has contacted 8-1-1 if you are using a contractor.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
