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As Pennsylvania recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October, the state\u2019s Department of Labor and Industry said it is celebrating significant progress in helping Pennsylvanians secure meaningful employment through its Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR).<\/p>\n
From program year 2022 to program year 2024, the number of OVR customers who secured employment increased by 13%, while their average hourly wages grew by 11% \u2014 reflecting continued progress in expanding career opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the commonwealth.<\/p>\n
\u201cIndividuals with disabilities bring valuable skills to the workforce,\u201d said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. \u201cEmployment is about more than a paycheck \u2014 it provides independence, purpose and opportunity. We are making meaningful progress in connecting Pennsylvanians with disabilities to good-paying jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Between program years 2022 and 2024, OVR saw significant improvements in employment rates for the Pennsylvanians with disabilities the office assists.<\/p>\n
The number of customers who secured employment increased from 5,654 to 6,409, representing a 13% increase.<\/p>\n
During the same period, the average hourly wage for employed OVR customers rose from $17.24 to $19.05, an 11% increase.<\/p>\n
OVR collaborates with providers, employers, families and agency partners to help Pennsylvanians achieve successful employment outcomes.<\/p>\n
Each year, OVR works with more than 76,000 students and adults with disabilities across Pennsylvania. Last year, nearly 18,000 students received pre-employment transition services, including paid work-based learning experiences like MY Work, and OVR helped more than 6,400 individuals secure competitive integrated employment.<\/p>\n
In 2026, the OVR Statewide Internship Program placed 27 interns across nine participating agencies in Harrisburg, Erie, Pittsburgh and Scranton\/Wilkes-Barre. This program was established in 2018, in partnership with the Governor\u2019s Office of Administration, to create internship opportunities and potential pathways to state employment for college students with disabilities.<\/p>\n
The program is specifically designed to help students build the professional and workplace skills needed to transition into the workforce after graduation. The program continues to expand each year with the goal of increased student and agency participation.<\/p>\n
Legislation approved to provide economic relief<\/p>\n
Sen. Rosemary Brown, R-Monroe County, chair of the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee, recently advanced two bipartisan bills out of the committee to provide economic relief to veterans organizations, volunteer fire companies, civic clubs and other nonprofit organizations that rely on small games of chance to support their communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur veterans organizations, volunteer fire companies and civic clubs play an important role in our communities,\u201d Brown said. \u201cThese organizations support veterans, fund youth programs and scholarships, assist emergency services and provide many other valuable resources. Updating these rules would help them manage rising costs and continue their important work.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2022 Senate Bill 995, sponsored by Sen. Chris Gebhard, would increase the weekly aggregate prize limit for small games of chance from $35,000 to $60,000. The current limit has remained unchanged since 2013.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Senate Bill 465, sponsored by Sen. Dan Laughlin, would allow licensed clubs to use up to 50% of small games of chance proceeds for operating expenses, an increase from the current 40%, while maintaining the requirement that at least half of the proceeds support public interest purposes.<\/p>\n
The Senate unanimously approved both bills on Oct. 5. They are currently before the House Gaming Oversight Committee for consideration.<\/p>\n
Walsh issues statement regarding recent threats<\/p>\n
Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, this week issued the following statement regarding a recent threatening email sent to his district office:<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to extend my deepest gratitude to law enforcement for their swift response and continued efforts to ensure the safety of me, my family and my legislative staff.<\/p>\n
\u201cThreats and intimidation have no place in our democracy. No public servant, family member or staff member should have to fear for their safety for serving their community. Political disagreements are to be expected but must never escalate into threats of violence or attempts to intimidate those who serve the public.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am grateful to the law enforcement professionals who take these threats seriously and work diligently to protect those at risk. I will continue to stand firmly against political violence and intimidation and remain committed to carrying out my duties as a state representative.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pa. one of the top states using tech<\/p>\n
The Office of Administration this week announced that the commonwealth is an Overall State Government Experience winner in the 2026 Government Experience Awards for creating a unified PA.gov experience that puts residents first.<\/p>\n
In January 2025, the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience led the relaunch of PA.gov with state agencies. This effort consolidated over 60 separate websites with more than 30,000 pages into a single, unified online experience.<\/p>\n
The new PA.gov prioritizes accessibility, plain language and human-centered design to help Pennsylvanians to find what they need, even if they do not know which agencies to contact or the programs available to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe improvements to PA.gov over the past two years demonstrate the Shapiro administration\u2019s ongoing commitment to meet Pennsylvanians where they are with online services built around their needs,\u201d said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver. \u201cWe will continue to optimize PA.gov, so it remains a trusted and useful resource for residents. We appreciate the Center for Digital Government for recognizing the progress we have made.\u201d<\/p>\n
The office then received NASCIO\u2019s 2026 Enterprise Technology Management award for modernizing the commonwealth\u2019s contact center platform, which millions of Pennsylvanians use to communicate with state agencies about vital programs.<\/p>\n
The Center for Digital Government\u2019s GovX Awards honor states, cities, counties and agencies for delivering digital services that blend people-first service design with next-generation tools.<\/p>\n
Social media spotlighted at Senate hearing<\/p>\n
Teens, parents, law enforcement officials and advocates shared their perspectives this week on how social media negatively affects student learning, socialization and mental health during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee hosted by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, R-24.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs chair of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee, I have firsthand insight into the growing concerns surrounding young people\u2019s overexposure to social media and the potential harms of excessive online engagement,\u201d said Pennycuick. \u201cWe must do more to raise awareness and educate parents and educators about these risks and how to help protect our children in an increasingly digital world.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKids and teens are spending more time on social media than ever before, and it\u2019s becoming a major health and safety concern,\u201d said Sen. Dave Argall, R-Pottsville, chair of the policy committee. \u201cHearing about the good, the bad and the ugly of social media directly from those affected is invaluable as we continue working to keep young people safe online.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday led the first panel, providing an update on his office\u2019s efforts to protect children online and hold technology companies accountable.<\/p>\n
His office recently reached a significant agreement with Facebook parent company Meta, which secured $516 million to $729 million for youth mental health support and sets time restrictions, age verification requirements and limits on inappropriate content for minors.<\/p>\n
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