Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

Headline: Scott, Warner, Kaine Press Pentagon on Vacant Resilience Coordinator Positions

WASHINGTON – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and 14 other Members of Congress sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding answers about delays in implementing the Interagency Regional Coordinator for Resilience (IRCR) Pilot Project.

Congressman Scott, Senator Warner, and Senator Kaine secured language in the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), enacted with bipartisan support, directing the Department of Defense to establish four resilience coordinator positions at flood-prone military installations. These coordinators are intended to strengthen collaboration between military installations and surrounding civilian communities to improve preparedness for flooding and other natural disasters.

Naval Station Norfolk was designated as one of the pilot locations and was assigned a coordinator. However, all four IRCR coordinator positions are currently vacant.

“Disaster prevention and response requires adequate planning and coordination between installations and their surrounding civilian communities,” the letter states. “Congress addressed this issue when it established the IRCR Pilot Project in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This pilot project directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish four IRCRs with at least one serving a defense community on each of the East, West, and Gulf Coasts.”

The letter also addresses the delay in appointing IRCRs and re-assigning the IRCR at Naval Station Norfolk.

“However, without these coordinators in place, DOD has not satisfied the statutory requirements of the IRCR Pilot Project,” the letter states. “To our knowledge, DOD previously appointed just one of the four coordinators required by law at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia to carry out IRCR responsibilities, but the position is currently vacant. That appointment is the only IRCR role that DOD has assigned since the FY2023 NDAA was enacted, and now, all four positions required for the pilot project are currently vacant.”

The letter asks Secretary Hegseth to answer a list of questions on the status of the IRCR Pilot Project by June 30, 2026. 

Full text of the letter can be found by CLICKING HERE and below. 

Dear Secretary Hegseth,

As members of Congress representing defense communities, we write to request information on the status of the Interagency Regional Coordinator for Resilience (IRCR) Pilot Project established by P.L. 117-263.  

Military installations across the country are highly susceptible to extreme weather, including flooding, fire, and severe storms. When these events occur, they jeopardize military readiness and national security. Disaster prevention and response requires adequate planning and coordination between installations and their surrounding civilian communities. Congress addressed this issue when it established the IRCR Pilot Project in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This pilot project directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish four IRCRs with at least one serving a defense community on each of the East, West, and Gulf Coasts. These communities must experience significant flooding and collaborate on multi-jurisdictional adaptation planning efforts. The intent of this law is to develop a framework that better facilitates collaboration between military installations and their neighboring communities to reduce disaster-related risk to national security. 

However, without these coordinators in place, DOD has not satisfied the statutory requirements of the IRCR Pilot Project. To our knowledge, DOD previously appointed just one of the four coordinators required by law at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia to carry out IRCR responsibilities, but the position is currently vacant. That appointment is the only IRCR role that DOD has assigned since the FY2023 NDAA was enacted, and now, all four positions required for the pilot project are currently vacant. 

We request answers to the following questions on the status and future of the IRCR Pilot Project by June 30, 2026.

1. What is DOD’s current plan to fill all four vacancies required for the IRCR Pilot Project? Please include a timeline for when DOD expects to establish IRCRs.
2. Why is the IRCR position at Naval Station Norfolk currently vacant following the departure of the initial IRCR? When do you expect to fill this position?
3. What steps, if any, has DOD taken to establish the other three IRCRs?

4. Has DOD identified any of the other three military installations that DOD will assign IRCRs to? If so, please provide the name(s) of the base(s) and provide the justification as to why they were chosen.

   Ensuring that our military installations and their surrounding communities are prepared for natural disasters is a priority for our communities and national security. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

   Sincerely,

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

Walnut Creek, CA – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) announced he will host a virtual town hall ahead of the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence with special guest Jeffrey Rosen, New York Times bestselling author, professor of law at George Washington University, and contributing editor at The Atlantic on Thursday, June 18^th at 2:30 p.m. PT. 

Congressman DeSaulnier and Mr. Rosen will discuss America’s founding, the progress we have made since then to fulfill its promises, and where the country stands now at its sesquicentennial anniversary amid attacks by the Trump Administration on the Constitution and civil liberties. They will also take audience questions live. 

Virtual America 250 Town Hall 
Thursday, June 18^th
2:30 – 3:30 p.m. PT
Hosted on Zoom 
Streamed to YouTube

To reserve your spot and receive a Zoom link or to request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660. 

This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 269^th town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Julia Brownley (D-CA)

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) joined 37 members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) led by DWC Caregiving Task Force Co-Chairs Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), and Lateefah Simon (CA-12), DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), and DWC member Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) in sending a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in opposition to HHS’s proposed rule (RIN 0970-AD21) (“the proposed rule”), which would repeal higher wages and expanded benefits for Head Start workers established in 2024. The letter urges HHS to withdraw the proposed rule and instead prioritize funding to strengthen Head Start and support childcare workers, families, and children.

Head Start is a critical program that allows parents to go to school or work while their child is in a high-quality learning environment. The letter emphasizes that the proposed rule, which would weaken Head Start, would worsen the nation’s childcare crisis, push more women out of the workforce, and harm economic growth. It would also disproportionately impact women, who make up nearly the entire Head Start teaching workforce. 

In their letter, the Members explain that Head Start is a critical program that is essential to helping families access childcare amidst a national shortage:

“Childcare is an essential, high-demand service that is increasingly inaccessible for many families. Childcare programs are experiencing widespread closures across the country, hindering families’ ability to achieve financial security and fully participate in the economy. Nationwide 14.8 million children under age 5 may need childcare. Yet, only 10.8 million formal spots exist. Since its founding, Head Start has tried to fill that gap, serving around 40 million children and  their families. However, Head Start remains underfunded and unable to fully meet the growing need. These factors made the lack of access to affordable childcare the leading reason women  left the workforce in 2025. When women and caregivers leave the workforce, it costs the economy $172 billion in lost earnings annually. Proposed rule (RIN 0980-AD21) will further  limit the number of formal childcare spots and add to economic losses as women continue to be pushed out of the workforce.”

The Members also underscore that the proposed rule is just the latest in an onslaught of attacks on America’s childcare system:

“This proposed rule is the latest in a series of attacks by this administration on our nation’s childcare infrastructure. Under the Trump administration, the U.S. childcare infrastructure has  suffered from billions of dollars in funding delays under the Trump administration in 2025. In  May, your Department finalized the proposed rule Restoring Flexibility in the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) (RIN 0970-AD20), which overturned critical protections to keep  childcare costs affordable for families. In January, Trump ordered the freeze—currently being disputed in the courts—of $10 billion in federal child care and family assistance funding for California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York as the administration sends officials to investigate unsubstantiated claims of fraud. We refuse to stand by while your Department rips childcare and early childhood education away from women and families.”

The Members close by urging HHS to strike the proposed rule, and instead work to strengthen Head Start:

“Proposed rule (RIN 0970-AD21) does nothing to support working women, families, childcare workers, or early childhood education teachers. Rather, it will worsen our country’s failing  childcare infrastructure, push women out of the workforce, and cost our economy billions. We remain committed to building an affordable future for all women and families, where childcare is  not financially detrimental. That is why we strongly oppose proposed rule (RIN) 0970-AD20 and demand your Department prioritize funding for Head Start.”

Read the full letter here.

In addition to letter leads DWC Caregiving Task Force Co-Chairs Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), and Lateefah Simon (CA-12), DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), and DWC member Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), the letter was signed by Joyce Beatty, Julia Brownley, Judy Chu, Jasmine Crockett, Sarah Elfreth, Laura Friedman, Sylvia Garcia, Adelita Grijalva, Jahana Hayes, Pramila Jayapal, Julie Johnson, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Robin Kelly, Summer Lee, Doris Matsui, Lucy McBath, Sarah McBride, LaMonica McIver, Gwen Moore, Eleanor Norton, Nancy Pelosi, Chellie Pingree, Delia Ramirez, Deborah Ross, Andrea Salinas, Linda Sánchez, Hillary Scholten, Haley Stevens, Rashida Tlaib, Jill Tokuda, Lauren Underwood, Nydia Velázquez, and Frederica Wilson.

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Issues: 119th Congress, Education, Healthcare

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn)

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Congresswoman Betty McCollum, the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement on Monday evening: 

“Today, eight of our fellow Americans tragically lost their lives in service to our country following a B‑52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base in California. As our nation mourns this profound loss, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to their families, to their fellow service members stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, and to the entire U.S. military community.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) recently introduced her Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act, which would require private insurance plans to cover three annual primary care visits and three annual outpatient mental health or outpatient substance use disorder treatment visits without charging a copayment, coinsurance, or a deductible-related fee. The legislation would improve overall access to mental, behavioral, and primary healthcare. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14). Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senator Angus King (ME). 

“As a doctor, I saw patients delay care because of high deductibles and the high initial out-of-pocket cost of an office visit,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “This meant that sometimes simple conditions turned into serious ones before they’d see the doctor.  That is why I introduced this commonsense legislation that will require insurance companies to cover three primary care visits a year, in addition to outpatient mental health or substance use disorder treatment with no out-of-pocket cost. We need to ensure patients can access the care they need, when they need it.” 

In 2024, about 1 in 6 adults (17%) in the U.S. reported delaying or not getting healthcare due to cost. Out-of-pocket costs, which can be over $200 per visit, are a key barrier to seeking care. By reducing financial barriers for these visits, the Primary and Behavioral Health Care Access Act would help patients access the care they need to improve their health and well-being.

“Health care costs are out of control and stopping too many Americans from getting the care they need. Here in Illinois, families are being asked to pay hundreds of dollars out of their pockets just to see their primary care doctor for a cold, or to get treatment for a mental health condition like anxiety, depression, or addiction,” said Congresswoman Underwood. “Our legislation will make sure financial barriers aren’t coming between Illinoisans and the primary and mental health care they need.”

“Affordable and accessible healthcare is essential to keeping Maine people healthy – it is also a prevention measure that saves taxpayer dollars in the long-run,” said Senator King. “The cheapest medical procedure is the one that doesn’t have to happen because the problem was caught early. This commonsense approach, making routine healthcare visits to primary care physicians, mental health professionals, and substance use counselors more accessible and cheaper for all Americans, is the first step in supporting the longevity and success of our communities, our family and our friends.”

This legislation is supported by the Clinical Social Work Association, National Behavioral Health Association of Providers, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Mom Congress, American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work, Psychotherapy Action Network (PsiAN), PA Education Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), American Association on Health and Disability, National Association of Social Workers, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice, National Association for Rural Mental Health (NARMH), Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, American Academy of Physician Associates, American Psychological Association Services, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National League for Nursing, International OCD Foundation, National Association for Behavioral Healthcare, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Faces & Voices of Recovery, and the American Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA), and U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), and Dave McCormick (R-PA), announced $1.5 million in federal funding for Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania.

The funding was secured following a bipartisan and joint Federal-State government letter led by Rep. Kelly in February.

To date, Kelly has helped to secure more than $19 million in federal funding for Presque Isle State Park.

“In February, I led a bipartisan letter with Senators Fetterman and McCormick, and our state partners, to make it clear: funding for Presque Isle sand replenishment is imperative for the park and for Erie’s economy. Today, I’m proud to join my Senate colleagues to announce this year’s funding has been secured. Supporting Presque Isle has been, and will continue to be, a top priority for me and my team,” said Rep. Kelly.

“I’m grateful Assistant Secretary Telle answered my call last week and worked to get this funding secured for Presque Isle, and for Senator McCormick, Congressman Mike Kelly, and the local and state legislators for their advocacy,” said Senator Fetterman. “Presque Isle is an iconic Pennsylvania destination that my family and I have the pleasure of visiting often. It’s one of our favorite spots and everyone should be able to enjoy it. We should be doing everything we can to ensure places like Presque Isle continue to thrive environmentally and economically.”

“This investment will help protect the shoreline, preserve public access, and ensure Presque Isle — a Pennsylvania treasure — continues to drive economic growth and attract visitors to Northwest PA,” said Senator McCormick. “I’m grateful to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for recognizing the importance of this project, and proud to have worked alongside Senator Fetterman, Congressman Kelly, and our state and local partners to deliver this result for Erie.”

In addition to Rep. Kelly and Senators Fetterman and McCormick, the letter was also signed by several state legislators including Dan Laughlin, Patrick Harkins, Robert Merski, Ryan Bizzarro, and Jake Banta. They collectively highlighted the importance of this funding with ASA (CW) Telle, urging the federal government to cover its portion of the $3 million in funding.

“Sand replenishment at Presque Isle is a proven, cost-effective approach that protects federal, state, and local investments, enhances shoreline resilience, and preserves public access to critical Great Lakes resources. This funding would directly adhere to the Corps’ objectives of reducing flood and storm damage risk, supporting environmental stewardship, and promoting sustained economic growth in coastal and Great Lakes communities,” wrote the members in their February letter.

To ensure the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is on track with projects for this construction season, the $1.5 million in federal funds are expected to be released in the next few weeks to keep the award on schedule for July.

BACKGROUND

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District has placed over 1.4 million cubic yards of sand along the harbor since 1993. Each year, Presque Isle needs an additional 560,000 tons of sand to prevent erosion that is harmful to navigation of the harbor, regional infrastructure, and the park’s vibrant ecosystem. Annual funding, split between the state and federal governments, allows the park to increase sand replenishment to necessary levels for preservation.

In February, Rep. Kelly led a bipartisan letter with Senators Fetterman and McCormick, and state lawmakers representing Erie County, to request in $1.3 million federal funding for Presque Isle State Park.

Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, Presque Isle State Park is one of the Commonwealth’s most important natural, recreational, and economic assets. The park serves as a critical protective barrier for the Erie shoreline, safeguarding nearby infrastructure, neighborhoods, and public facilities from erosion and storm damage. Presque Isle is also a major driver of regional tourism, welcoming more than 4 million visitors annually and supporting thousands of jobs across Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) secured $35 million for Alabama hospitals as a part of the FY27 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

As Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, Congressman Aderholt directed Community Project Funding to be returned to the Labor-HHS bill this year. 

“I am proud of the effort to bring back this source of support for hospitals, health centers, and other safety net providers. This bill funds nearly 500 projects for over two hundred members. These designated funds will be deeply impactful for communities across the country.”

Out of the $32 million secured for Alabama hospitals and health centers, $22.1 million will be directed to rural hospitals in Alabama’s Fourth District. 

“I have long believed that rural communities should have the same access to top-notch healthcare centers and hospitals as larger cities, and these investments are a real step toward that goal. Community-based care is a first step in having better long-term health outcomes.”

The FY27 Labor-HHS bill also includes $100 million for the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program to support rural hospitals at the low end of the wage index and ensure sustainable access to quality health care providers for these rural communities. 

“This initiative reflects a deliberate commitment to ensuring our rural hospitals have the resources they need to survive and serve their communities. Through this program, eligible hospitals will receive direct financial assistance to help maintain and strengthen essential healthcare services.”

The FY27 Labor-HHS Appropriations Act now moves to the House Floor for consideration. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Pete Aguilar (31 CD Ca)

Rep. Aguilar helped prevent a dangerous rule that would put U.S. citizen children who live in mixed immigration status households at risk of being evicted and becoming homeless

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) recently helped pass a bipartisan amendment to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) bill to stop the Trump administration’s unlawful and dangerous mixed-status housing rule that would take away housing from U.S. citizen children who live in mixed immigration status households. 
Last month, Rep. Pete Aguilar questioned Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Scott Turner in a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing about this unfair and unprecedented housing rule. During the questioning, Secretary Turner admitted that HUD’s rulemaking authority does not supersede U.S. law. This line of questioning helped lead to the bipartisan passage of the amendment preventing the rule in the final version of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 THUD bill. The bill will now go to the full U.S. House of Representatives for a vote. You can watch the full clip of Rep. Aguilar’s questioning of Secretary Turner here and read an excerpt below:
Rep. Pete Aguilar: I’m extremely concerned about HUD’s new proposed mixed-status rule and that it will result in the displacement of families and children from their homes. We know of 61 such American citizen children at risk in my district, California’s 33rd….Your rulemaking leaves them out. It takes away funding that is eligible for U.S. citizens…I will submit to you that people on both sides of the aisle feel if people fraudulently fill out their information, they should not be eligible. You’re conflating these issues. What I’m talking about is that U.S. citizen children are not being allowed support through your programs if they have a mixed-status family. Let me describe how this works. So, [if there’s] a U.S. citizen parent with maybe a lawful permanent resident other parent or an undocumented other parent and two U.S. citizen children, how it has been interpreted and the law of our country has said that you do not penalize those kids. That you provide that support…Do you believe rulemaking supersedes U.S. law? 
Housing Secretary Turner: Well, what I believe I mean, we have to uphold the law and enforce the law, yes. 
Rep. Pete Aguilar: Ok. Well, U.S. law says if the eligibility for financial assistance of at least one member of a family has been affirmatively established under the program, then it moves forward. Any financial assistance made available to that family by the applicable Secretary shall be prorated based on the number of individuals for whom there is eligibility. Why are you not doing what happened in Trump 1.0? What happened in the Bush administration? What happened in the George H.W. Bush administration? Since 1984, this has been the law of the land. Prorate the money. Help the kids. Help the U.S. citizens. Give them resources and support. I’m not asking you to do anything that hasn’t been done in other administrations. What I’m asking you to do is follow the law, which supersedes your rulemaking, and do not hold U.S. citizen children to a different standard. Do not displace 61 kids in my district because you have a separate interpretation and because you think we just don’t have enough resources. The Chairman of the full Committee said you’re going to get the resources. I would encourage you to revisit this rule.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

WASHINGTON D.C. — Monday, June 15, Congressmen Ted W. Lieu (D – Los Angeles County)  introduced The Keeping Pets and Families Together Act that would establish a program within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to encourage the microchipping of dogs and cats in shelters with the goal of quickly returning missing pets to their families.

“When my family adopted our rescue dog, Abbot, our lives changed for the better. The thought of losing our furry family member is unthinkable, which is why I’m so glad we were able to microchip Abbot. Now if he ever got lost or stolen, his microchip would help us find him again. I want other families to feel that same sense of security,” said Congressman Lieu. “I’m pleased to introduce The Keeping Pets and Families Together Act to fund microchipping services in animal shelters. With this legislation, we can help lost pets find their ways back home.”

According to the American Humane Association, roughly one-third of all pets will become lost at some point in their lifetime, and many of those animals end up in shelters. However, a study by the American Veterinarian Medication Association found that almost three-fourths of all lost or stolen animals with microchips are located and many eventually reunited with their families.

Support for this legislation:

“The AVMA-endorsed Keeping Pets and Families Together Act would enhance the capability of animal shelters to microchip cats and dogs,” said Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “As veterinarians, we highly recommend microchip identification to all pet owners and animal shelters. A microchip can be lifesaving if a pet is ever lost, and it greatly increases the chances of a lost pet being reunited with its owner. We thank Rep. Ted Lieu for his leadership on this issue and for introducing the Keeping Pets and Families Together Act.” 

“When a lost pet enters a shelter, a microchip can mean the difference between a joyful reunion and a permanent loss. The Keeping Pets and Families Together Act will help more pets return to their loving homes, spare families the heartbreak of separation, and provide shelters with the resources they need to reconnect animals with the people who love them,” said Judie Mancuso, Founder and President, Social Compassion in Legislation 

“There’s nothing more heartbreaking than people desperately trying to find lost pets. Microchipping is a simple solution to help the millions of cats, dogs and other pets that end up missing each year,” said Sara Amudson, president of Humane World Action Fund. “The Keeping Pets and Families Together Act is a pivotal step in ensuring that more pets have a safe and speedy return home.”

This legislation is endorsed by: Humane World for Animals, Humane World Action Fund, Animal Legal Defense Fund, American Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Social Compassion in Legislation, and American Veterinary Medical Association.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

ERIE, Pa. — On Monday, June 15, U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-16) joined leaders of the Erie County Community College (EC3) and other local officials to announce the college’s approval to participate in the Department of Education’s Title IV student aid program, allowing the college to award Pell Grants and offer Federal Work-Study opportunities to qualifying students.

The Title IV program, authorized under the Higher Education Act (HEA), helps students pay for their education through need-based financial assistance and work-study opportunities. Participation in the program will provide EC3 students with additional resources to enroll, persist, and complete their education while reducing financial barriers.

“This news is a win for Erie County Community College, its students, and local employers,” said Rep. Kelly. “They have eagerly awaited this day and have worked very hard to get here. Over the years, we have heard from local businesses about the importance of training workers for in-demand fields here in the Erie area. Students will be able to learn critical skills while saving money for their future at the same time.”

“EC3 was built on the promise of access and affordability to all, and Title IV funding ensures that for so many residents of Erie County. Well over half of EC3 students will qualify for aid, allowing them to earn their degree at no cost,” said Chris Gray, Ph.D., President of Erie County Community College.

Pell Grants provide eligible students with financial assistance that does not require repayment, while Federal Work-Study opportunities allow students to earn income, develop professional skills, and gain valuable work experience while pursuing their education.

The approval marks a significant milestone for EC3 and expands access to affordable higher education opportunities for students throughout Erie County. It also strengthens the college’s ability to support workforce development efforts by preparing students for careers in high-demand industries across the region.

To learn more about EC3, visit their website www.ec3pa.org.