Recent News
E-news Updates – April 11, 2024
In this Update: Bill Requiring Prosecutors to Notify ICE of Illegal Migrants Passes Senate AICUP Students Visit State Capitol Senate Approves Bill Prioritizing Community Safety Beware of E-ZPass Scam Increasing Student Transportation Safety April is National Financial Literacy Month Bill Requiring Prosecutors to Notify ICE of Illegal Migrants Passes Senate The Senate approved legislation that […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – April 5, 2024
In this Update: Clarion Hospital Receives 2024 Achievement Award Upcoming Job Fair Court Ruling Helps to Safeguard Elections Survey: How Did PennDOT Do This Winter? Destroy Spotted Lanternfly Eggs, Support PA Agriculture PA Broadband Development Authority Unveils Improved Website Mobile Van Connects Veterans with Important Services, Programs Honoring Sacrifice on Gold Star Spouses Day Clarion […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – March 28, 2024
In this Update: Farm Bureau Legislative Day at the Capitol Senate Votes for Athletic Trainers to Provide Important Care Supporting Firefighters, Community Safety Voter Registration Deadline is April 8 Free Tax Resource for Pennsylvanians Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8 Happy Easter to You and Your Family Farm Bureau Legislative Day at […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – March 22, 2024
In this Update: Calling on Shapiro to Send PA National Guard to Defend Texas Border Senate Finance Committee Advances Taxpayer Friendly Measures Senate Passes Public Safety Bills Targeting Opioid Overdoses, Human Trafficking PennWest Clarion Students Visit Capitol Recognizing Agriculture’s Impact on Our Lives Calling on Shapiro to Send PA National Guard to Defend Texas Border […] [Read More]
Connect With Me
This week, I had the opportunity to meet with Dustin McMullen, a biology and pre-med student attending Seton Hill University from the 21st Senate District. During our discussion, Dustin expressed his passion for his studies, his involvement on campus and student life, as Vice-President of Student Government, a resident advisor, a member of track and field, vice-president of the Seton Hill Honor Society and much, much more.
What really stood out, was Dustin’s devotion to his studies and what led him to major in biology and pre-med. He talked about growing up surrounded by the medical field and how both of his parents are emergency medical technicians in the district and that his sister is also pursuing a medical career and the impact that it has had on him. Thank you, to the McMullen family for your dedication to our communities and thank you, Dustin for stopping by!
This week members of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau converged at the state capitol for their annual Farm Bureau Legislative Day, an occasion for them to meet directly with legislators and share how different economic trends and state policies are affecting Pennsylvania’s largest industry: agriculture.
In the morning, before gathering with hundreds of farmers from across Pennsylvania for lunch, my colleagues and I met with Farm Bureau members from Northwest Pennsylvania, including several from the Butler County, Erie County and Clarion-Venango-Forest County Farm Bureaus. This yearly event, coordinated by Sen. Michele Brooks, is a great opportunity for us to hear directly from farmers who live in NWPA about the challenges and advantages that are unique to the agricultural community in our region of Pennsylvania.
Earlier in the day I also had the pleasure of joining FFA members from across Pennsylvania at their 35th Annual Legislative Breakfast. This event is hosted by the FFA’s State Legislative Leadership Conference, comprised of bright young men and women in agriculture who are laser-focused on honing their leadership and communication skills. It was wonderful to meet with the next generation of Pennsylvania leaders in agriculture!
This week I had the opportunity to meet with students Isabelle Snyder and Michaela Armanini, from PennWest Clarion, who are students of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Isabelle and Michaela, were here at the state Capitol to present their research on adults with cerebral palsy in Bulgaria. It was a wonderful opportunity to discuss the hands on research opportunities that Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education is able to provide to their students. Joining the students was PennWest trustee, Kathy Pape.
Recently, at PennWest Clarion, I hosted my annual Student Government Seminar where students from all across the 21st senatorial district have the opportunity to be Senator for a Day! I was pleased to have students from North Clarion, Venango Catholic, Rocky Grove, Warren Area, Keystone Senior, Oil City Senior, Redbank Valley, Union, Sheffield Area, and Franklin Area Senior High Schools.
I was honored to have former Senate Secretary and current Vice President and General Counsel of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, Megan Martin, open the day for us with a very informative discussion for the students. We were also joined by many elected officials, including PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, along with many industry leaders and professionals. This day truly offers students the ability to see the ins-and-outs of the day-to-day of a Senator and the importance of the legislative process. As we gaveled into session, one student, Jackson Dilks, was selected as the student Senate Secretary for the session. Thank you, to all who came and participated and made it a wonderful event!
Recently, I joined Rep. Marci Mustello in presenting House and Senate citations to Chuck Crispin for his 50 years of service to East Butler Borough. Grace, his lovely wife of more than 60 years, was able to join us for the occasion.
In 1978, Chuck became East Butler’s first full-time employee and was very active in building Brandon Park in the 1980s. Throughout his career with the borough he has positively touched the lives of everyone in some manner.
Congratulations Chuck on this hard-earned retirement! We wish you all the best!
I recently joined Rep. Marci Mustello in recognizing Butler County Community College Professor David C. Huseman for his longtime service and dedication to BC3’s students and community. Last year BC3 named its Professor David C. Huseman Center for Economic Education on its main campus in recognition of his longtime commitment to promoting financial literacy, entrepreneurship and economic education. Professor Huseman has been director of the center since its beginning in 1983 and is BC3’s longest-serving employee at nearly 57 years.
Yesterday, I joined my colleagues on the Senate Majority Policy Committee at the Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center located at the Penn Highlands Mon Valley Hospital for a hearing focused on finding solutions to the unique health care challenges facing rural Pennsylvanians.
We heard from medical providers, non-emergency transportation providers, and leading policymakers about how we can improve care and access to care in a financially sustainable way. You can watch the full hearing here ➡ https://policy.pasenategop.com/policy-021424/
A crisp morning has arrived, to provide the Great Prognosticator his due, much to our surprise! No shadow! Spring is on its way! Happy Groundhog Day, everyone!
It was great to have members of the Allegheny-Clarion Valley and Union High Schools Competitive Spirit squad – The Falcon Knights – visit the state capitol on Thursday as they were on their way to Hershey to compete in the 2A Small Varsity Division of the PIAA state championship after winning the District IX championship. Squads from Karns City and Redbank Valley school districts were also competing at the state championship.
On Jan. 11, to recognize National Human Trafficking Awareness Day and to mark January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, I joined my colleagues on the Majority Policy Committee at the Union Trust Building in Pittsburgh for a hearing about human trafficking.
Testifiers included law enforcement, policymakers and those on the front lines of this issue who continue to help victims of and raise awareness about human trafficking. The hearing covered topics of victim support, prosecution of traffickers and crucial strategies for prevention.
I recently redesigned my website – www.senatorscotthutchinson.com – to improve its speed, make it more user-friendly – particularly on mobile devices – and give it a fresh look so it is easier for you to get the state-related information you need. My goal is always to make your experience dealing with your government as positive as possible, whether you prefer to interact online or in person.
My offices are available to serve you with all sorts of things, including status reports on legislation, applications for Pennsylvania birth and death certificates, state tax forms, PACE/PACENET applications, voter registration forms and more.
I joined PA State Rep. Marci Mustello in presenting House and Senate Citations to Kendall Myers and Peyton Turner.
Kendall Myers was honored for winning first place in the Low Equitation Over Fences Ages 14 to 18 in the Hunter-Jumper Class during the 2023 Pennsylvania State 4-H Horse Show. Kendall, has been involved in 4-H club since the age of 10 and an equestrian since the age of 5. She was instrumental in restarting the Lucky 7 Horse Club through the 4-H Club.
Peyton Turner was honored for winning the 2023 Air Race Classic, which is lauded as the epicenter of women’s air racing. The 2023 event featured 42 teams and spanned more than 2,600 miles from Grand Forks, ND to Homestead, FL.
Congratulations to both Kendall and Peyton on your many continued successes!
I recently presented a Senate Citation to A&B Heating & Sheet Metal Company, Inc., in Warren on behalf of their 70th Anniversary. Founded in 1953 by Carl Papalia, it soon became a family business when his brothers Ralph and Joe joined him for more than four decades. In the early 1990s current owner, David Papalia, took sole ownership and has grown the business to twenty employees, headquartered right here in Warren County. A&B has maintained a tradition of excellence, remaining responsive to the everchanging needs and interests of the community it serves. Here’s to another 70 years! Here I am pictured with John Papalia, Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry; Dave Papalia, owner; and Dave Wortman, Mayor of Warren.
I recently attended the Pennsylvania State Association of Elected County Officials annual meeting, where they swear in their new officers for the upcoming year. As chairman of the Local Government Commission, we often coordinate with those at the county level. Congratulations to the newly elected officers of PSAECO and thank you to all of those who have served the organization!
On Dec. 16, it was my honor to speak at and participate in the Brandon Cemetery Wreaths Across America Ceremony. Wreaths Across America adorns the grave sites of our service members with wreathes. As each wreath is placed upon the site, the name of the service member is spoken aloud to remember and appreciate the sacrifice they made.
Pictured above with me is Joanne Scrip, Venango Chapter DAR Regent, and Debbi Wersonick, Wreaths Across America Location Coordinator and Venango Chapter DAR member.
Also on Dec. 16, I was honored to attend the Wreaths Across America Ceremony at the Marienville North Forest/St. Ann’s Cemetery.
On Tuesday, I had the honor of joining some of my Senate colleagues in a wonderful ceremony in the Capitol rotunda, where we recognized our fallen veterans and joined those from Wreaths Across America – Official Page.
Wreaths Across America, which will take place on Saturday, at cemeteries across the nation, adorns a wreath on service members grave sites during the holidays, when it is often a very difficult time for their families and friends. As each wreath is placed upon the site, their name is spoken aloud, appreciating and remembering the sacrifice paid.
I am photographed here along with Senator Judy Ward, Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill, Major General Mark Schindler – Pennsylvania’s Adjutant General, and Senator Doug Mastriano.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet with Miranda Virone, professor of Occupational Therapy at Slippery Rock University and a Clarion County Native!
Miranda expressed the importance of the work that OT’s do across the Commonwealth, especially within the mental health field. Thank you, for all of the work you do for the profession!
Last week, I joined several of my colleagues for a visit and tour of Genesis of Pittsburgh to learn more about the services they provide to pregnant women, children and adoptive families in crisis.
Since the 1983 opening of its residence – the Genesis House – volunteers and staff have served over 1,300 young women by providing shelter, counseling and care.
The tour was one of a series of similar site visits coordinated by Sen. Judy Ward who chairs the Senate Aging and Youth Committee and co-chairs the House and Senate Maternal and Infant Health Caucus.
Recently, I was able to join Nicholas Von Damico for his Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony and present him with a citation from the Senate of Pennsylvania. Nicholas was joined by his parents John and Terra. As a member of Troop 31, he has served as Troop Quartermaster, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader.
For his Eagle Scout Community Service Project, Nicholas constructed a memorial pavilion at the Mount Varnum Cemetery in North Washington.
Congratulations, Nicholas, on this special achievement!
I had the opportunity to meet with Jacob Hagofsky of Buttercup Campground in Butler County, recently. Jacob and other members of the PA Campground Owners Association traveled to Harrisburg to stress the importance of campgrounds and RV parks to Pennsylvania’s economy, and to the many individuals and families who enjoy visiting them every year. Entrepreneurial small business owners like Jacob truly are the lifeblood of our economy.
On Wednesday, the Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing on regulatory reform and cutting government red tape. We heard from Bob McCafferty, owner of North Country Brewing Company in Slippery Rock, who provided testimony about the struggles he has faced in dealing with government bureaucracies while trying to grow his business and provide competitive pay and benefits to his employees. The hearing provided an opportunity to discuss how we can streamline government for all Pennsylvanians and eliminate unnecessary government roadblocks to job creation and economic growth.
Over the summer I visited the Wolf’s Corners Fair where some young farmers showed me how to feed their calf during the annual Youth and Ag Livestock Sale – what a fun time! Mark your 2024 calendars for the next Wolf’s Corners Fair – Clarion County’s “Biggest Little Fair” – which is held every year during the week of July 4th.
This past week at the state Capitol, I had the great honor to meet retired Pfc. U.S. Army Jessica Lynch, who addressed the state Senate to mark POW/MIA Recognition Day in Pennsylvania, which is every third Friday of September.
On March 23, 2003, while serving in Iraq, Lynch was captured after her unit was ambushed in the town of An Nasiriyah, leaving her severely injured. She was initially listed as missing in action but was being held captive by Iraqi forces. After some time in the custody of the Iraqi army regiment that had captured her, she was taken to a hospital in An Nasiriyah.
My colleague Sen. Devlin Robinson, who joined Lynch and me, was part of Marine Task Force Tarawa, which went door-to-door in An Nasiriyah to search for evidence of prisoner whereabouts. After nine days of tireless operations, actionable intelligence was collected and a special forces operation was launched to rescue Lynch. Two weeks later, the remaining soldiers who had been taken prisoner were rescued by marines in Baghdad.
Lynch became the first American POW to be successfully rescued since World War II. Nearly 82,000 Americans are still missing in action today.
Since Iraq, Lynch continued her education, became a mother and teacher, starred in a film and wrote a book. She has dealt with adversity and overcome it with courage and strength – she is an inspiration to me and many others.
This week, I joined hundreds of Butler County Chamber of Commerce members and business leaders for the Chamber’s annual Celebrate Business Dinner where they graduated the 2023 Leadership Butler County class, and presented the Stan Kosciuszko Leadership Excellence Award, the David L. Lloyd Chamber Champion Award and the William A. Morgan, Jr. Entrepreneur of the Year Award. In addition to the awards, Sen. Elder Vogel and I were pleased to present each recipient with a Senate citation.
Butler County Commissioner Leslie Osche was honored with the 2023 Stan Kosciuszko Leadership Excellence Award. Commissioner Osche serves our community in a variety of roles such as chairman of the board of the Southwest Pennsylvania Commission, Tri-County Workforce Investment and the Community Development Corporation.
Dr. Paul Keelan was named the William A. Morgan, Jr. Entrepreneur of the Year honoree for starting Keelan Dental in Butler eight years ago and for being an example to others throughout our community of what hard work looks like!
Mars Bank was presented with the David L. Lloyd Chamber Champion Award for their continued commitment to Butler County over the years. Jim Dionise, president and CEO of Mars Bank received a citation on behalf of Mars Bank for all of their great work!
