Recent Activity in Harrisburg and Butler County

Touring Fort Indiantown Gap

As an avid supporter of our military, I toured Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County this week with the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

For more than 80 years, “The Gap” has served as a critical site for the Army and the Pennsylvania National Guard. It includes Muir Army Airfield, Eastern Army Aviation Training Site, a state-of-the-art helicopter training center, an educational complex for combat arms training through the 166th Regiment, the Northeast Counterdrug Training Center, numerous firing ranges and maneuver areas.

Part of our tour included being a passenger on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, which is a primary heavy troop and supply aircraft for the U.S. Army.

Thank you to Fort Indiantown Gap staff for showing us around. I gained valuable insight on how our brave men and women train in the event they are called to defend us from foreign and domestic enemies.

Topic Table

We’re continuing a tradition at the district office of having a monthly “Topic Table,” where we highlight an organization, individual or business. Last month belonged to Pennsylvania Women Work, a nonprofit organization that aims to empower women to advance in their careers and achieve self-sufficiency through life-changing career development programs and mentorship.

This month is for William Piocquidio, a local veteran who leads R.E.D. Fridays in the county. R.E.D. is an acronym that stands for Remember Everyone Deployed. R.E.D. Friday was created to remind people of our heroes overseas and those who are deployed here in the U.S. and show that we are thinking of them. People across the country wear red every Friday.

Thank you, William, for your service and your work on raising awareness! If you would like to learn more about this initiative, please stop by my office to pick up the information.

Spending Time with Local Veterans

I recently visited the Butler VA Home Health Care Center in Butler where I toured the facility; presented the U.S. flag to Cranberry Elks President of Veterans Affairs Robert Pearce; and chatted with veterans while distributing items from the Comfort Cart. Their stories painted a vivid picture in my head of what these courageous patriots had to endure. Life is precious, and we must continue to support the people who’ve done so much for us. Thank you to the center for inviting me.

Collaboration Continues to Improve District 12

Today, I joined the Butler County Board of Commissioners for a legislative luncheon and tour of the 9-1-1 Center in Butler. We discussed county issues, such as infrastructure and transportation, and how we can improve them through funding opportunities. This event was very informative, and I learned a lot that I can take with me to Harrisburg.

Local Scouts Recognized

Last weekend, I presented citations from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to local scouts for their tremendous work in their communities.

Aydan Clark with Troop 457 recently completed his Eagle Scout project. His project focused on renovating a rotary shelter at the Zelienople Community Park. Aydan will be graduating in June from Seneca Valley School District.

Alexis Marcotte, Ainsley McLane and Emma Kovarik with Girls Scouts of Western Pennsylvania received a Gold Award for their exceptional leadership and service work.

Congratulations to all!

Healthy Kids Day in Butler County

Last Saturday, my family and I joined Rose Schneider Family YMCA in Cranberry Township to promote healthy lifestyles among our young people. Not only did the kiddos have fun in the sun, but local vendors and organizations also were on hand to discuss the services they offer to the community. It was a wonderful event, and I look forward to standing up for our children in Harrisburg!

Honoring a Longtime Local Resident, Public Official

Today, my office joined Cranberry Township officials and the community in paying tribute to the late Dick Hadley at the Cranberry Highlands Golf Course. Here, we dedicated a bridge in his honor to keep his legacy alive.

A township resident for more than 40 years, his 30 years of service included 27 on the board of supervisors, for which he served as chairman of at the time of his passing last August.

As an avid golfer, Hadley’s vision was instrumental in creating Cranberry Highlands Golf Course, which has become a regional destination known for its high caliber and challenging course. Hadley once said his favorite part of the township was the number three tee box at the course.

Celebrating Butler County Tourism

I had a wonderful evening on Tuesday celebrating Butler County with other elected officials as well as business owners and community leaders at Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau’s Toast to Tourism!

A special shout out to our very own Mike Hall of General Rental Center for receiving the 2023 Butler County Tourism Ambassador of the Year! Well deserved, Mike!

Staff Members Visit Clemente Museum

My staff toured the Clemente Museum in Pittsburgh on my behalf. They learned about the life of Roberto Clemente both on and off the field.

Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1954, he spent his entire 18-year career with them. Inducted to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, he’s considered to be one of the greatest players to ever play. However, his exceptional reputation arguably came from his humanitarian work with a passion to help children through sports.

On Dec. 23, 1972, a massive earthquake rocked Managua, the capital city of Nicaragua. He worked urgently to ensure the victims received relief, which included traveling to the country. Eight days later, Clemente was killed in a plane crash while he was on his way to deliver emergency supplies.

Every September, "Roberto Clemente Day" is dedicated to celebrating his life. This year’s date is Friday, Sept. 15.

Thank you to the museum officials for hosting my office staff!

Butler County Group Receives Local Government Excellence Award

Last week, the Southwest Butler County Stormwater Planning Group was awarded a 2023 Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence. I commend all the individuals involved in this monumental and inspiring effort to collaborate regionally. Great work and well-deserved! Always a pleasure seeing Sens. Scott Hutchinson and Elder Vogel Jr., too.

After attending a group meeting earlier this year, I was impressed by their collegiality and commitment to putting the entire region first.

You can read more about the Southwest Butler Stormwater Planning Commission on page 10 here.

Improving Security at Educational Institutions

We need to improve and bolster security at all places of learning.

This week, I visited Slippery Rock University with members of the governor’s staff and administration, Slippery Rock Mayor JD Longo, Rep. Marci Mustello (R-Butler) and Jordan Grady from the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. We also met with university administrators and the campus police to discuss how we can work together to provide greater support for the campus police. The department has gone from 17 to 10 officers and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are responsible for the safety and security of 10,000 students across a large area.

We must act swiftly to address this critical issue, and I will do everything in my power to ensure we do just that.

Insight Gained at Water Facility Tour

I recently toured the Harmony Borough Water Authority facility where I got to learn what goes into ensuring residents have access to clean water.

I found it fascinating that they take more than 200,000 gallons of water per day from the creek, run clean water tests and then provide it to 607 residences and businesses.

Thank you for what you do for our communities!

Over 70 Served at Hard-to-Read License Plate

Thank you to the Adams Township Police Department and everyone who attended for making my hard-to-read license plate event a successful one! We helped around 70 people.

If you have an illegible plate that needs replaced and you couldn’t make it, no worries. The next opportunity to do so will be on Friday, June 2, from 2-4 p.m. at the Cranberry Township Police Department.

If you have any questions, please contact my district office at 724-772-3110.

Extended Times for Veterans Outreach Hours

In order to meet demand for veterans or their spouses who need assistance, my district office is now offering additional, extended Veterans Outreach Hours. Come see us on the last Thursday of every month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. so that a veteran specialist can help you with your benefits.

The next time this service will be available is Thursday, April 27. Please call 724-772-3110 to schedule an appointment.

Mark Your Calendars -- the Senior Expo is Coming!

I’m thrilled to host my first Senior Expo on Thursday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Cranberry Township Municipal Center! We’ll have plenty of vendors who can provide freebies and information on available programs and services. There is no need to RSVP to the event. However, if you have questions about the expo, please call the district office at 724-772-3110.

First Small Business Roundtable in District

On Wednesday, I hosted a roundtable with Greg Moreland from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) to discuss issues plaguing our employers. I am cognizant of the outsized impact that regulations and laws have on our small businesses and this meeting provided more insight on how we can help protect and grow small business Thank you to everyone who attended, and I look forward to hosting more of these forums in the future!

Celebrating The Harmony Inn

This past weekend I gave a toast to the hardworking owners and staff of The Harmony Inn in congratulations for their achievements and commitment to mind-blowing cuisine and craft beer, while preserving the unique identity of this small business and small town.

The Inn is one of 25 small historic restaurants in the nation to receive a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Congratulations!

Topic Table

We’ve started a tradition at the District Office of having a monthly “Topic Table” where we highlight a good cause, organization, individual or business. Last month’s effort was to raise awareness for the Butler County’s Human Trafficking Task Force.

This month belongs to Pennsylvania Women Work, a nonprofit organization that aims to empower women to advance in their careers and achieve self-sufficiency through life-changing career development programs and mentorship. Since its founding in 1993, Pennsylvania Women Work has helped over 69,000 women in career transition overcome the economic, educational and emotional obstacles to achieving meaningful employment.

If you’re interested in learning more, you can check out their services and upcoming events by clicking here.

New College in Cranberry Township!

Yesterday, I toured South College’s new campus in Cranberry Township. Founded in 1882 in Nashville, TN, South College has campuses across the country where students can pursue academic programs at all levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Once we completed the ribbon cutting, I got the chance to visit the medical wing where scholars will gain knowledge about patient care and graduate as nurses, CRNAs and other professionals. During this exercise, I was checking a medical manikin for chronic disease symptoms. The technology at this campus is top-notch – it felt like a real hospital.

Thank you to South College administrators for inviting me. I had a wonderful time and learned a lot!

Reading to Children at Mars Public Library

Ahead of National Library Week, I had a great time reading to preschool children at the Mars Public Library. The kiddos were great listeners and did a wonderful job participating! Thank you for the invite, and I look forward to continuing reading throughout the district.

Thanks to Butler VA Volunteers!

In honor of National Volunteer Week, I wanted to take a moment to recognize the 117 volunteers with the Butler VA Health Care System who drive, direct, serve, and comfort veterans every day. Your dedication to their well-being is inspiring and heartwarming. On this day and every day, thank you for everything you do!

Upholding Law and Order in Butler County

Click here to view WTAE video.
Click here to see my interview with Fox and Friends.

Butler County recognizes the importance of, and encourages, legal immigration. Our community and its institutions were built by immigrants, and we enjoy the uniqueness of many cultures here. Many still are coming to enrich our community and build new lives here. However, the county is facing significant problems with drug trafficking and human trafficking.

The sanctuary designation did not reflect our intentions or practices. We are a county of security and law and order. Being listed on the internet as a sanctuary county only served as a calling card for crime.

We are committed to abiding by the constitutions of the United States and the Commonwealth and encourage individuals to come here legally.

National School Choice Week

On Jan. 25, I spoke at the PA Coalition of Public Charter Schools CEO Summit in recognition of National School Choice Week. Click here for more information and to access photos.

As we continue to search for innovative pathways to best enhance our students’ educational experience, I spoke about the need to give parents the proper authority to choose which learning institution best serves their child’s needs. I also got the chance to fly a drone and learn about the robotics, cybersecurity and aquaponics lab at a nearby charter school. I can’t imagine having had access to these resources as a student. In addition to the tech works facility, the Commonwealth Charter Academy is constructing a “med works” facility to prepare students for a career in medicine.

Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner

On Jan. 14, I had the honor of attending and presenting citations to the brave men and women at the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner. On behalf of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and our community, thank you and your families for your incredible service and sacrifice. Averaging a response time of 7.5 minutes and 2.5 calls per day, our community wouldn’t be what it is without you.

Touring the Harmony Museum

My staff and I visited the historic Harmony Museum to check out the great preservation work they are doing with artifacts and architecture. Fixtures like these are so important to teaching our communities about what transpired before our time. I look forward to the work ahead to ensure this site will continue its tremendous work!

Tour of The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about all of the good work The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh does to help the kids and families in our state. Thank you for what you do and thank you for having me!

LOVEly Storytime in Cranberry

Ahead of Valentine’s Day, I had a wonderful time reading the book “If Animals Said I Love You” to pre-school children at the Cranberry Public Library! I look forward to doing more holiday pre-school readings at each of our district libraries!

Commemorating the Cranberry Public Library

I had the best time celebrating the success of the Cranberry Public Library’s Makerspace. Such a unique and beneficial amenity — I encourage you to check it out!

Corridors of Opportunity

It was a busy day for team Scialabba. I attended the “Corridors of Opportunity” event for the “Greater Cranberry Area” and heard from representatives in the development, real estate, municipal and educational fields. We discussed the growth to date and where we need to go from here.

At the same times, Julia from my District Office attended the Regional Broadband Summit in Cranberry Township hosted by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC).

That event educated local governments, nonprofits, partners and the public about the state of the region’s connectivity, community funding opportunities and available resources (programmatic and infrastructure), current and future legislation considerations and other important issues.

Family Fun at the ‘Carved in Ice’ Event

I enjoyed all the activities at the 7th Annual “Carved in Ice” event presented by the Butler AM Rotary.

The two-day event was free to the public. The theme on Friday evening was “Lights on Ice.” Carvers created amazing art out of ice and people could watch it happen.

Saturday was “Family Fun Day.” There were live ice carvings, chili cook off, hot dog eating contest, music and entertainment.

As always, the Butler AM Rotary club hosted an amazing event.

Statewide Hearing Held in 12th District

It was an honor to host a House Republican Policy Committee hearing in Cranberry Township on Feb. 2 about workforce development and how we can alleviate the ongoing shortages our employers are experiencing.

In order for Pennsylvania to be competitive with surrounding states, we must be leaders of innovation. The success of small businesses is a critical component of our economy, and it starts with addressing the workforce shortages plaguing our employers.

Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy days to get involved in this important discussion! My colleagues and I heard a lot of tremendous feedback that we can use in Harrisburg.

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