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Lawmakers look to reduce disability support turnover

Low reimbursement rates are contributing to high turnover and staffing shortages at agencies employing direct support professionals, forcing families of those with intellectual disabilities and autism to scramble for service or deal with the strain of providing care by themselves. An estimated 58,000 Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism need some assistance every day to reach their highest level of independence and opportunity, according to the state Department of Human Services (DHS). In Pennsylvania, the average direct support professional (DSP) wage is $18.53 per ...

Altoona Metro Transit Authority Board recognizes 2 drivers

The Altoona Metro Transit Authority Board commended two drivers, Joe Beach and Jose Silva, who recently competed in the Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association Bus Roadeo during its meeting Wednesday. The annual competition took place Aug. 9 in Williamsport, bringing together top fixed route and shared ride operators from transit agencies across the commonwealth to showcase their skills, professionalism and commitment to safety. Beach took first place in the fixed route division and will advance to a national competition in Seattle later this year, an honor he’s had about ...

Penn Cambria School District seeks grant for campus improvements

CRESSON — The Penn Cambria School District is seeking a $588,104 multimodal transportation fund grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development for the district’s campus improvements project. Superintendent Jaime Hartline said the purpose of the grant, if awarded, would be to pave an existing gravel road from the student overflow parking lot up to McGarrity Lane. The project would include installing a sidewalk beside the road, so there’s a safe pedestrian pathway leading to the district’s athletic fields, Hartline said, adding lighting would be included ...

State launches Innovate tax credit

The newest addition to Pennsylvania’s array of state tax credits is designed to spur business startups in certain economic sectors. The Innovate in PA 2.0 Tax Credit is part of the new state budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27. The tax credits will support grants for startups in life sciences, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing, workforce development partnerships, regional venture studios and programs that leverage federal research and technology funding. The Innovate tax credit is authorized at $125 million over the rest of the decade. The tax credit will be funded through a ...

Members of the Claysburg-Kimmel School Board mapped out further steps with their transportation search during Wednesday’s meeting. According to business manager Dena Burket, the board recently submitted an advertisement for a transportation request for proposal. All submissions are now due to their business office by noon Sept. 21. Board President Jeremy Knott said the board will weigh the proposals once all requests are submitted to the business office. The board is considering a transportation company switch after noticing that transportation is one of the most expensive line ...

State police seek info in fatal Bedford County crash

State police are seeking information related to a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred in Bedford County on Wednesday morning. According to a news release, police were dispatched about 8:51 a.m. to Hyndman Road, Harrison Township, where Joseph Williams, 65, was killed when an unknown vehicle ...