This week, we marked one year of our Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training and Technical Assistance Center which helps to train first responders and county CIT programs on how to safely help individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis. We’ve seen too often how interactions between officers and those in crisis can end in bad outcomes. CIT training has been shown to improve safety and connect people to mental health services.
 
Over the last year, we’ve seen 108 requests for training and support – and I’m excited to see this program grow more next year.

Our first responders put their lives on the line for Pennsylvania every day they go to work. 
 
From state troopers and volunteer firefighters to paramedics, search & rescue, 911 operators and mental health crisis responders, our first responders are some of the most dedicated men protect our Commonwealth and keep Pennsylvanians safe.
 
Today and everyday we thank you.

We’re one week out from the November Election and that means it’s the last day to apply for a Mail Ballot! Go to vote.pa.gov and complete the application before 5pm today so you can have your voice heard.

Today, we pause for a moment and remember the 11 people who were killed and 6 others who were injured in the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill on October 27, 2018.
 
Joyce, Richard, Rose, Jerry, Cecil, David, Bernice, Sylvan, Daniel, Melvin, and Irving were beloved members of this community whose memories remain with us and are honored everyday through acts of service.
 
I’ve seen firsthand how the Pittsburgh community has supported each other in the years since the deadliest antisemitic attack in this country. Through vigils and rallies, fundraisers and days of action, people from across faiths and different backgrounds have stood side by side, reminding all of us that we are stronger than hate.
 
Construction on the new synagogue is ongoing, and it is my hope that it serves not just as a place of strength and remembrance for the Tree of Life community, but for all to us to find ways to embrace each other despite perceived differences.

When we make state investments in our main streets, downtown businesses have the tools they need to generate economic growth and build strong communities.
 
Our successful Main Street Matters program has invested $34 million in 137 revitalization projects across Pennsylvania – to improve safety, walkability, business support and aesthetic improvements.

Since we took office, the Shapiro-Davis Administration has driven out $183 million in over 400 grant projects through the Violence Intervention and Prevention grant program.

And because of our work, violent crime has decreased by 16% statewide, including homicides which have decreased by 39%. We’ve got more work to do but this is good progress.

Our Administration has now launched the Victims Compensation Eligibility Checker, a free tool to help victims find out if they qualify for financial assistance – another step in removing barriers for victims and making sure critical support is accessible.
 
Since 2023, the sistance Program has paid more than $51 million for over 25,000 claims across all 67 counties covering expenses such as medical and counseling services, lost income or support, funeral costs, crime scene cleanup, and more.

This week, the House and Senate delivered 58 bills to the Governor’s desk for signature – bipartisan, commonsense solutions that will put Pennsylvanians first.
 
As President of the Senate, I’m proud to usher bills like these through the legislative process to deliver real esponders, business owners, working families and health care workers.

On Monday, Pennsylvania launched the Registered Doula Apprenticeship Program – the first in the nation – to train people with the skills and knowledge needed to support their clients before, during, and after childbirth.
 
This exciting new program is part of our Administration’s efforts to support our maternal health workforce and increase women’s access to doulas as they navigate their pregnancy.

pa.gov/agencies/dhs/n…

Every day, the men and women of @PhillyPolice put themselves on the line to protect and serve the people of Philadelphia – and Officer Shane Seiber was one of those brave men serving his city.
 
Though I did not know Officer Seiber personally, his service and impact on those in the memories that were shared and in the stories that were offered. From his time in the United State Air Force to the Philadelphia Police Department, Officer Seiber answered the call time and time again to protect his fellow Americans and keep his community safe.
 
My heart and prayers go out to his family, friends, and fellow officers who are mourning this deep and terrible loss.
 
May his memory bring you comfort and forever be a blessing.

It’s the last day to register to vote ahead of Election Day in November! Go to vote.pa.gov to register or update your voting information.

Today, for the first time in our history, Pennsylvania has released a 10-year Strategic Plan for Agriculture, outlining a pathway for our farmers to expand their production, build resiliency, and become a leader in innovative practices to grow nutritious and delicious food.
 
Agriculture is one of our biggest industries, annually contributing over $150 billion to our economy and supporting 600,000 jobs. This Strategic Plan will keep our farmers competitive and our farms economically successful for years to come.

Applications for the Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) + the Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) grant programs are now live!

Go to pa.gov/pccd/grants to apply today.

BIG NEWS: Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate has dropped to 3.6% – the lowest level in three years, as the U.S. rate increased to 4.2%
 
Since Governor Shapiro and I took office, Pennsylvania’s economy is competing regionally, nationally and internationally as more businesses look to us to expand their operations or start their company. From small businesses to a Fortune 500, companies of all sizes are finding success and Pennsylvanians are finding good-paying jobs right here in our Commonwealth.

Today, one more community has forever been changed because of a senseless and horrific school shooting. Blayre and I are sending our prayers and deepest sympathies to the families who lost their children and their loved ones at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon.

This is a tragedy that should never occur in any community or in any state in this country and it’s on all of us to pass reform and invest in the evidence-backed gun violence prevention programs that are seeing real results.

To our fellow Americans, Pennsylvania is mourning with you.

Addressing gun violence has been something I’ve worked on since I was 16 years old when someone was shot on my block.
 
No one should experience gun violence and no one should be made to feel unsafe in their own communities. And it’s through my work as Lieutenant Governor that ignificant progress to reduce rates of gun violence and make communities safer. It’s some of the most important work we do in Pennsylvania and we’re not going to stop anytime soon.

Since we took office, Governor Shapiro and I have cut taxes for working families and directed state dollars to child care, education, and after school activities to give our youngest Pennsylvanians more pathways for success.
 
This new bicameral Kids & Families Caucus will bring togevocate for better policies and better initiatives to support parents and our most precious resource, our children.

We brought together leaders of gun violence prevention from across Pennsylvania to improve collaboration and share the community-based strategies that are working to stop gun violence and support victims.
 
Every life lost to gun violence in one too many – and that’s why we won’t event gun violence.

For the first time, Pennsylvania is investing a joint $3.5 million with Arnold Ventures to help police departments solve cold cases and modernize crime reporting in order to drive down rates of violent crime.
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Investing in child care is a net good for parents, early childhood educators, and our children as well. We must work together to create better, affordable child care here in Pennsylvania.