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.

Schmitt Announces Park Improvement Funding

Nov. 14, 2019 /

ALTOONA – Logan Township will receive a nearly $200,000 grant through the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCNR) Bureau of Recreation and Conservation to revitalize and further develop a park, Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) announced today.

Committee Approves Schmitt Bill to Better Track State Pensions

Oct. 23, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – Legislation introduced by Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) that would require the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) to produce an additional report each year to provide policymakers with more information for budget planning was approved by the House State Government Committee on Tuesday.

Blair County Business Leaders Bring Concerns to House Policy Committee

Oct. 02, 2019 /

CLAYSBURG – Business owners, nonprofit organizations and community leaders from around Blair County brought their concerns, questions and challenges to members of the House Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest), at the Sheetz Claysburg campus on Tuesday.

House Policy Committee to Convene Business Roundtable Discussion in Blair County

Sep. 25, 2019 /

WHAT: The House Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest), will travel to Blair County to host a roundtable discussion with local businesses, elected officials and economic development organizations. Topics to be discussed will include workforce development, unfunded mandates, health care, higher education, regulatory reform and criminal justice reform. This is part of the House Republican Caucus’ #GoodJobs4PA legislative package.

Residents Invited to Schmitt’s Concealed Carry Seminar

Aug. 22, 2019 /

ALTONNA – In order to keep residents abreast of Pennsylvania’s gun laws, Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) will host a free Concealed Carry Seminar at the Altoona Grand Hotel, located at 1 Sheraton Drive in Altoona, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 6 p.m.

Schmitt Offers Free ‘Shredding with Schmitt’ Paper Shredding Event

Aug. 07, 2019 /

ALTOONA – Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) invites residents to his Shredding with Schmitt event to have their important documents shredded for free by Burgmeier’s Hauling. The event will be held at People’s Natural Gas Field (Curve Stadium), located at 1000 Park Ave., Altoona, on Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 4-7 p.m.