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2017

December 12, 2017:  It’s the season of giving, and Senator Brewster has a suggestion for a gift you can give to others — and to yourself.

November 30, 2017:  Senator Brewster says the former Daily News building in downtown McKeesport has been donated to the city and is about to become a media hub.

November 13, 2017:  Senator Brewster reminds Pennsylvanians that they can still sign up for health insurance on the Affordable Care Act website (Healthcare.gov) — or modify an existing policy — but the time to do so is limited.

October 27, 2017:  Senator Brewster is joining with Senator John Yudichak of Luzerne County and  Senator Vincent Hughes of Philadelphia to introduce a new legislative initiative designed to spur manufacturing and job creation. The senators said that more manufacturing companies need access to additional state financial resources to gain a competitive advantage and keep up with changing technology and job training needs. Senator Brewster explains his legislation:

October 2, 2017:  Senator Brewster encourages everyone to help the victims of this summer’s hurricanes, but he warns those who donate to be careful not to become victims themselves.

July 10, 2017:  Pennsylvania Moment: Experts say ticks should be a big problem this year.  Senator Brewster has some tips from the PA Department of Health on how to deal with that problem.

June 30, 2017:  The state Senate has passed a spending plan for 2017-18 that Senator Brewster says addresses the needs of many Pennsylvanians.

June 20, 2017:  Pennsylvania has awarded permits to 12 applicants to grow and process medical marijuana. The PA Department of Health selected from 177 applicants. The 12 growers will have six months to meet standards that demonstrate they are operational, after which the state will give them permission to begin growing. Senator Brewster says one of the 12 will be located on Industry Road in McKeesport.

February 7, 2017:  Senator Brewster is interviewed by Pat Cloonan on WKGO-88.1.

February 8, 2017:   There are thousands of African-American citizens from Pennsylvania who have made a difference, large and small, both here in the Commonwealth and in the United States. Senator Brewster recognizes their accomplishments during Black History Month.

February 7, 2017:   Senator Brewster says  Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed 2017-18 budget invests in jobs and working families and is a good fiscal blueprint to begin budget deliberations.  The $32.3 billion budget plan eliminates a $3 billion deficit while making $2 billion in budget cuts and a 1.8 percent increase in spending, all without a broad-based tax increase. The budget plan also calls for an additional $100 million in basic education, $75 million for high-quality early education and $25 million for special education.

January 18, 2017: Pennsylvania Moment: Winter weather can cause hazards and delays for drivers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Senator Brewster advises you to be prepared by checking Turnpike conditions before you head out.

2016

December 1, 2016:  Pennsylvania Moment: Senator Brewster suggests making a donation to your local food bank as one way to make this a happy holiday season for all.

November 2, 2016:  Pennsylvania Moment: Registration has opened for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Senator Brewster says the LIHEAP program is designed to help low-income Pennsylvanians pay for heat this winter and get needed repairs to furnaces and other heating equipment.

October 18, 2016:  Senator Brewster paid tribute to former state Senator and U.S. Congressman Joseph Gaydos on the floor of the Senate, with the late Congressman’s family in attendance.

October 13, 2016:  Senator Brewster gives a summation of today’s hearing at the Monroeville Municipal Building that looked at charter school reform.

October 7, 2016: At the urging of Senator Brewster, the Senate Democratic Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on October 13th, 10 a.m., at the Monroeville Municipal Building, on Charter Schools and Cyber Charter Schools.  Here’s more with the Allegheny County lawmaker, a member of the Senate Education Committee, who says reform legislation is needed to address charter school transparency, fiscal solvency, and academic accountability.

October 5, 2016:  The month of October is set aside to increase awareness about Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence.  Senator Brewster has information on both topics.

September 28, 2016: Senator Brewster gives his reaction to Gov. Tom Wolf’s address to a joint session of the General Assembly today on the growing Opioid and Heroin abuse problem in Pennsylvania.  The Allegheny County lawmaker talks about what the state legislature can do to battle this epidemic that is affecting urban, suburban and rural areas of the Commonwealth.

September 2, 2016:  Pennsylvania Moment: The deadline to register to vote in this November’s Presidential election is October 11th. Senator Brewster reminds state residents that they can now register online to vote (register.votespa.com).

August 18, 2016: Senator Brewster says Pennsylvania State Troopers are raising retirement warning flags that need to be addressed by the state legislature and Gov. Tom Wolf.  Here’s more with the Allegheny County lawmaker who is the Democratic Chairman of the Senate Law & Justice Committee which has oversight of the Pennsylvania State Police.

July 5, 2016:  Pennsylvania Moment:  Lyme disease has been found in all 67 Pennsylvania counties. Senator Brewster has some simple tips to help everyone avoid Lyme disease this summer, as well as the West Nile and Zika viruses carried by mosquitoes.

June 30, 2016:  The Senate unanimously passed Senator Brewster’s Resolution calling on the President and Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senators and Congressmen to “fight for strong enforcement of our nation’s trade laws to level the playing field…to protect the domestic steel industry from unfair foreign competition…” Here are the Senator’s remarks on the Senate floor while presenting the Resolution.

June 13, 2016:  Pennsylvania Moment:  With summer coming, more bicycles will be on Pennsylvania roadways. Senator Brewster has safety tips for motorists and bicyclists on how to share the road.

May 6, 2016: Pennsylvania Moment: May 30th is Memorial Day, and May 21st is Armed Forces Day. Senator Brewster says veterans, their families and survivors should check and make sure they are receiving all of the benefits to which they’re entitled.

May 6, 2016:  Pennsylvania Moment: May is national Pet Month. Senator Brewster says one of the best things you can do for your dog is get a license.

April 6, 2016:  April is SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH in Pennsylvania. Senator Brewster says there’s a statewide campaign, “It’s On Us, Pennsylvania,” designed to call attention to and stop sexual assault, especially on college campuses.

April 6, 2016:  April is AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH  in Pennsylvania.  Senator Brewster says state law requires insurance coverage for autism treatment, and there’s a website listing the services offered to help those with autism.

March 17, 2016:  Pennsylvania Moment: Senator Brewster says one of the best ways for people to help their communities is to volunteer as a firefighter or emergency responder.

February 10, 2016:  Pennsylvania Moment: Time for parents and students to begin the process of applying for college loans and grants.  Senator Brewster says Pennsylvania’s Higher Education Assistance Agency can help.

February 9, 2016: Gov. Tom Wolf unveiled a $32.7 billion proposed Pennsylvania budget for 2016-17, but  Senator Brewster says the state won’t get out of its fiscal crisis until lawmakers deal with passing a realistic 2015-16 budget.

January 8, 2016:  Pennsylvania Moment: Senator Brewster says Pennsylvanians who need health insurance have a new affordable option: the Health Choices program.