News Releases

The Pennsylvania Senate today (June 24) unanimously passed measures designed to strengthen and improve the state’s School Bus Stop Arm Camera Law, helping to further ensure the safety and protection of the Commonwealth’s children as they travel to and from school, according to Senators Pat Browne (R-16) and Camera Bartolotta (R-46).   [Read More]

Local schools can apply now for funding through two new grant programs created last month to protect the health and safety of students, teachers and school employees during COVID-19, according to Senate Appropriations Chairman Pat Browne.   [Read More]

An additional 16 counties will move to the green phase of reopening on June 5, according to Senate Appropriations Chairman Pat Browne.   [Read More]

Facing an uncertain economic future and working to address the devastating impact of COVID-19, the Senate today set a course for recovery by approving a $25.8 billion interim budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21, according to Senate Republicans leaders.     [Read More]

News Conference at 4:30 with Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Pat Browne on Passage of Interim State Budget and CARES Funding Distribution Plan     [Read More]

Thanks to the bi-partisan, bi-cameral efforts of Senators Pat Browne (R-16) and Lisa Boscola (D-18) and Representatives Peter Schweyer (D-22) and Mike Schlossberg (D-132), the Allentown Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Casa Guadalupe Center will receive a combined $254,000 in state grants.   [Read More]

KidsPeace Hospital has been awarded an $8 million Hospital Emergency Loan Program (HELP) to provide short-term financial relief due to a surge of COVID-19 cases, according to Senate Appropriations Chairman Pat Browne.   [Read More]

The Senate has approved a bill that would require the state to notify local first responders of COVID-19 cases in their communities, according to Senate Appropriations Chairman Pat Browne.   [Read More]

A new law will allow notaries to do business remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, clearing a major hurdle that prevented auto sales from being conducted online, according to Senate Appropriators Chairman Pat Browne, who supported the legislation.   [Read More]

A new system is available to provide unemployment assistance to individuals who are self-employed, contractors, gig workers and others who do not traditionally qualify for Unemployment Compensation, according to Senate Appropriations Chairman Pat Browne.   [Read More]

State Senator Pat Browne (R-16) will host a special COVID-19 Telephone Town Hall for constituents of the 16th Senatorial District on Wednesday, April 15 at 3:30 p.m.   [Read More]

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) today (April 10) approved a $450 million emergency loan program to assist financially distressed hospitals as they work to address the COVID-19 outbreak, according to Senate Appropriations Chairman Pat Browne.   [Read More]