Op-Ed: The Value of Outreach
March 07, 2019
While the citizens of the 36th Senatorial District elected me to represent their views in Harrisburg, that is only part of my job.
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Budget Hearing Q&A: Agriculture
March 06, 2019
Senator Aument asked Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding about the long-term viability of the Farm Show Complex and efforts to protect livestock and poultry from disease outbreaks.
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Budget Hearing Q&A: Education, Part 2
March 05, 2019
Senator Aument questions Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera about how we could improve the teacher evaluation system, particularly in relation to schools in high-poverty areas.
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Budget Hearing Q&A: Education, Part 1
March 05, 2019
Senate Education Committee Chairman Ryan Aument discussed the state’s ongoing efforts to recruit and retain high-quality educators and the Governor’s plan to raise the minimum teacher salary from $18.5k to $45k during Part 1 of the Department of Education budget hearing.
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Budget Hearing Q&A: Drug & Alcohol Programs
March 04, 2019
Senator Aument asked Secretary of Drug and Alcohol Programs Jen Smith to explain how the department monitors and targets prescription drug abuse and coordinates with other agencies.
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Budget Hearing Q&A: DEP
February 28, 2019
Senator Aument asked DEP Secretary Patrick McConnell about the impact of the closure of nuclear facilities on reaching carbon emission goals.
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Budget Hearing Q&A: Corrections / Probation & Parole
February 28, 2019
During the budget hearing for the Department of Corrections/Office of Probation and Parole, Senator Aument asked Secretary John Wetzel to provide his thoughts on Senate Bill 14, which would reform the way probation and parole violations are handled in PA.
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Budget Hearing Q&A: Department of Health
February 27, 2019
At today’s PA Senate Budget hearing, Senator Aument asked Department of Health Secretary Rachel Levine about the use of drug treatment plans and drug testing when providing prescriptions for opioid use. I also raised concerns about the health risks posed to adolescents who smoke recreational marijuana and the need to get that message out to young people.
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Budget Hearing Q&A: Thaddeus Stevens College
February 26, 2019
During today’s #PASenate #PABudget hearing with @thaddeusstevens, Senator Aument discussed ways the school works to meet the educational needs of low-income students and the metrics that should be considered in funding higher education
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Budget Hearing Q&A: PA College of Technology
February 26, 2019
Senator Aument asked Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour, President of Pennsylvania College of Technology about the need for a higher education funding commission and efforts to prepare students to meet employers’ needs during today’s budget hearing.
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Budget Hearing Q&A: State-Related Universities
February 26, 2019
Senator Aument asked Temple University, the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State, and Lincoln University to outline their missions & offer feedback on a possible Higher Ed Funding Commission.
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Budget Hearing Q&A: Transportation
February 25, 2019
During the PennDOT budget hearing, Senator Aument reminded Secretary Leslie Richards of the economic impact of storm travel restrictions on farmers, and sought an update on replacement of structurally deficient bridges.
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