May 11—WILKES-BARRE — The Shapiro Administration this week is highlighted its efforts to recruit and retain more nurses in Pennsylvania as part of National Student Nurse Day.
Departments of Health, Labor & Industry, and Human Services leaders visited HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, to promote Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget that includes funding to strengthen the nursing workforce through tuition assistance, loan repayment and apprenticeship opportunities.
“Nurses are the backbone of our health care system,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “It is important that we celebrate the significant role Pennsylvania’s institutions of higher learning play in preparing the next generation of nurses for this rewarding career.”
Pennsylvania is facing a nursing shortage. According to a Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) survey, Pennsylvania hospitals reported 14% of nursing positions are unfilled, leaving existing nurses stretched thin and working longer hours.
The situation is projected to worsen, with the state expected to face a shortage of 20,000 nurses by 2026.
Offering incentives to nurses has proven a successful strategy for recruiting and retaining high-quality practitioners. The Department of Health’s Primary Care Loan Repayment Program has accomplished this by financially assisting 219 health care professionals — physicians, nurses, dentists, nurse practitioners, and other health care providers throughout the Commonwealth — in the past two fiscal years. Seventy-eight of those health care professionals are currently working as nurses.
L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker said, “With this proposed investment and the work underway at L&I to expand nursing and health care apprenticeship opportunities, we are taking the necessary steps to build strong nursing pipelines, so that Pennsylvanians in every community across our Commonwealth can have access to the quality health care they deserve.”
Meuser co-sponsors billto bring back ‘Made in America’ manufacturing
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, this week co-sponsored H.R. 3174 — the Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act of 2025 — to help unleash the full potential of American industry and rebuild the nation’s industrial base.
Rep. Meuser said the bipartisan bill expands access to capital for small manufacturers by doubling the loan limits available through two major Small Business Administration (SBA) programs — from $5 million to $10 million under the 7(a) Loan Program and the 504/CDC Loan Program.
Rep. Meuser said these higher loan caps will give manufacturers greater financial flexibility to modernize equipment, expand facilities, scale production, and hire more workers.
Importantly, Rep. Meuser said the bill defines “small manufacturers” as businesses whose primary operations fall within U.S. manufacturing sectors and whose production facilities are entirely located in the United States. This ensures that increased lending authority is reserved for domestic manufacturers committed to “Made in America” production.
The bill also increases allowable export loan amounts from $5 million to $10 million specifically for small manufacturers, and allows up to $8 million of SBA-backed loans to be used for working capital, inventory, and supplies — flexibility that can make or break a growing business.
“We’re advancing smart legislation to help small manufacturers grow, compete, and create good jobs,” Rep. Meuser said. “By expanding access to capital, we’re giving them the tools to modernize equipment, meet larger contracts, and invest in long-term growth. As someone who helped grow a small business into a larger business, I understand how critical this financing is to overcoming real-world challenges and bringing American manufacturing back.”
H.R. 3174 has been referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
Rep. Pugh to hold concealed carry event May 15 in Luzerne
Rep. Brenda Pugh, R-Dallas Township, this week announced she will host a Concealed Carry Seminar on Thursday, May 15.
The event will be held at the Luzerne Volunteer Fire Department, 66 Tener St., Luzerne, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
“Many people have questions about Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws and the Castle Doctrine,” Rep. Pugh said. “I’m hopeful this event will help provide answers and clarity about firearm owner rights.”
The seminar, led by Sam Sanguedolce, district attorney of Luzerne County, will provide information on state laws and a time to ask questions. No concealed carry permits will be offered.
RSVP is required by calling 570-283-1001 or visiting www.RepPugh.com/events.
Rep. Watro’s cursive bill wins committee approval
Legislation that would require cursive handwriting instruction in Pennsylvania schools was unanimously approved this week by the House Education Committee, according to the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton.
“In our digital world, cursive has fallen by the wayside, but there are many reasons for students to get a basic grasp on cursive writing,” Rep. Watro said during the committee meeting to consider House Bill 17.
He explained studies have shown writing in cursive stimulates areas of the brain linked to memory, language and thinking, and it has been found to support fine motor development, strengthening hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Additionally, many historical documents — such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution — are written in cursive, so having the skills to write and read cursive preserves the ability to access and comprehend important historical sources, which is vital for an informed, engaged citizenry.
Cursive also plays a role in everyday life, such as signing a check or a legal document. It’s a skill that remains relevant in both professional and personal settings.
“At least 24 states have laws requiring cursive instruction because those states understand cursive provides students another way to learn, express themselves and be better prepared for their future academic, professional and personal lives,” said Watro.
The legislation now heads to the full House of Representatives for consideration.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.