Letter to the editor: Pittman supporting Pa. during crisis

In his first year as state senator for the 41st District, after winning the special election in May 2019, Joe Pittman was appointed chairman of the Urban Affairs and Housing Committee and vice chairman of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. Pittman is also an active member of the Senate Appropriations, Banking and Insurance, Communications and Technology, and Judiciary committees.

This year, Pittman co-introduced Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1122, an amendment to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, that would use federal stimulus funding to invest in volunteer fire and emergency medical services companies. SB 1122 was amended to tackle the covid-19 pandemic’s effect on long-term care facilities. It was passed by the Senate and sent to the House.

That investment totals $31 million for a one-time grant program for volunteer fire and EMS companies. The amendment taps $507 million in federal dollars from the CARES Act.

According to a state Senate Democratic memo, SB 1122 was “also amended to include that (state) Volunteer Firefighter Relief Association funds may be used for expenses related to covid-19, including sanitizing and disinfecting equipment and property,” adding, “no volunteer association should have to worry about an audit during the middle of a pandemic when their members’ lives are on the line.”

Pittman understands the needs of his constituents. He has been sponsoring significant legislation to support Pennsylvanians in this time of crisis.

Please vote for Pittman in the June 2 primary. He is endorsed by the Murrysville Export Republican Committee.

Tom Wubben

Murrysville