by In honor of National Student Nurse Day, officials from Pennsylvania’s Departments of Health, Labor & Industry (L&I), and Human Services joined L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker and leaders from HACC (Central Pennsylvania’s Community College) to highlight a major initiative in Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 state budget.
This proposed budget includes targeted funding to address Pennsylvania’s ongoing nursing shortage, investing in nurse recruitment, retention, loan repayment, and apprenticeship programs.
“Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “We must recognize the critical role our educational institutions play in preparing the next generation.”
A Growing Crisis in Nurse Staffing
According to the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP), 14% of nursing roles remain unfilled across the state. The crisis is expected to worsen, with projections forecasting a shortage of 20,000 nurses by 2026.
To combat this, Pennsylvania is ramping up its support systems. The Department of Health’s Primary Care Loan Repayment Program has already supported 219 health care professionals, including 78 nurses, in just the last two years.
Building a Stronger Healthcare Workforce
L&I Secretary Walker emphasized the importance of nursing apprenticeships in strengthening local health systems.
“These investments help build strong nursing pipelines and ensure every Pennsylvania community has access to high-quality care,” Walker stated.
Rep. Dan Meuser Champions ‘Made in America’ Manufacturing Bill
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, has co-sponsored the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act of 2025 (H.R. 3174). The bipartisan bill aims to expand access to capital for small manufacturers by doubling SBA loan limits from $5 million to $10 million.
These higher loan caps will support manufacturers in modernizing equipment, scaling production, and creating jobs — all while keeping production within the U.S.
“We’re giving American businesses the tools they need to grow, compete, and lead the world,” Meuser said.
The bill prioritizes manufacturers operating exclusively in the U.S., and increases export loan allowances and working capital access — a significant boost for small business owners.
Rep. Brenda Pugh to Host Concealed Carry Seminar on May 15
State Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-Dallas Township, will hold a Concealed Carry Seminar on Thursday, May 15, at the Luzerne Volunteer Fire Department from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce will lead the seminar, covering Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws and the Castle Doctrine. Attendees must RSVP at www.RepPugh.com/events or by calling 570-283-1001.
No permits will be issued during the event.
Cursive Writing Bill Advances in Pennsylvania Legislature
Legislation to mandate cursive handwriting instruction in schools has passed the House Education Committee, according to Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton.
“Writing in cursive stimulates brain areas related to memory and language and helps develop fine motor skills,” Watro noted.
Watro emphasized that understanding cursive allows students to read historical documents and engage more deeply with American history. The bill, House Bill 17, now moves to the full House of Representatives.
At least 24 other states have enacted similar laws to preserve cursive education in the digital age.
