House Approves Schmitt Bill to Protect Police Officers

May. 20, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Police officers would be afforded further protection from assault under legislation approved by the House today. The bill, authored by Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair), would make it a criminal offense for an officer to be assaulted with bodily fluids, such as spit. It would also provide a stricter penalty for people who have an infectious disease and are convicted of assaulting an officer with bodily fluids.

Schmitt Delivers Letter to Wolf Advocating for Blair County Reopening

May. 06, 2020 /

ALTOONA – Blair County has continually had lower numbers of COVID-19 cases compared to other counties that have been allowed to begin the reopening process. However, Blair County was not included in the first round of counties that are permitted to reopen on Friday. In response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s choice to keep Blair County businesses closed and workers at home, Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) appealed to the governor urging him to reconsider his decision.

Schmitt Bill to Protect Police Officers Sent to House for a Vote

May. 04, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – The House Judiciary Committee today approved legislation by Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) to protect police officers from being assaulted with bodily fluids, such as spit. The bill also carries a heavier penalty for people who have an infectious disease and are convicted of assaulting an officer with bodily fluids.

Schmitt, Ward Cancel Stormwater Workshop

Mar. 17, 2020 /

ALTOONA – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) and Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) have canceled the informational meeting about stormwater management that was to be held on March 30.

Schmitt, Ward to Host Informational Stormwater Meeting

Mar. 11, 2020 /

ALTOONA – To ensure residents have up-to-date information on managing stormwater, Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) and Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) will host a program about stormwater management for property owners. The program is being held in conjunction with the Blair County Conservation District (BCCD) and the Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission (SAP&DC).

We Need a Budget that Goes Beyond Wishes and Dreams

Feb. 28, 2020 / Press Release

Gov. Tom Wolf recently presented his budget message to a joint session of the General Assembly. His budget proposal shows that his administration has already overspent the current budget by nearly $600 million. In spite of that profligate spending, the Governor is now seeking an additional $1.5 billion in new spending for next year’s budget. Over 80% of that new spending is for welfare benefits.

Schmitt, Ward Announce $700,000 in Safety Grants for Schools

Feb. 26, 2020 /

ALTOONA – Districts in the 79th Legislative District will receive a combined $697,069 in funding to improve safety for students, Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) and Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) announced today. The funding is through Pennsylvania’s School Safety and Security Grant Program created two years ago.

Schmitt: Same Old Tax-and-Spend Proposal from the Governor

Feb. 04, 2020 /

HARRISBURG – Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) joined fellow members of the House and Senators to listen to Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget proposal. In response to the governor’s $36.6 billion 2020-21 spending proposal, a $2.05 billion increase over the enacted current budget, Schmitt issued the following statement:

First Responders in the 79th District Awarded Grants, Schmitt, Ward Say

Jan. 17, 2020 /

ALTOONA – Several fire companies and emergency medical service providers in the 79th Legislative District will receive funding through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) and Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) announced.

Schmitt, Ward Announce Job-Training Grant Funding for Youth

Dec. 20, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – To assist with providing young adults who were once in the justice system with educational and skills-building opportunities to better prepare them for good jobs and successful careers, Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) and Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) announced the Southern Alleghenies Workforce Development Board is the recipient of a $492,509 Youth Reentry Demonstration Project grant through the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I).

Schmitt, Ward Announce Railroad Improvement Grant

Dec. 13, 2019 /

ALTOONA – The Altoona freight railcar repair facility Union Tank Car Company (UTLX) is the recipient of a $1 million grant through the state Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) and Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) announced.

Residents of the 79th District Invited to Lou’s Winter Review

Dec. 02, 2019 /

ALTOONA – Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) invites residents of the 79th Legislative District to Lou’s Winter Review, an open house during which he will update attendees on the happenings in Harrisburg and more. The festive open house, which is free to attend, will be held at his office, located at 1331 12th Ave., Suite 104, Altoona, on Thursday, Dec. 12, from 3-7 p.m.

Schmitt, Ward Announce Grant for Altoona-Area Watershed, Recreational Space

Nov. 20, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – The Altoona Water Authority (AWA) will receive $900,000 in funding through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ C2P2 Land Conservation grant program to assist with the purchase of 2,450 acres in Logan Township and Cambria County for a watershed, Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) and Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) announced today.