Chairman Chris Sainato participates in a refueling flight with that Air National Guard and attends a public hearing on College Tuition Credits and Loan Forgiveness for Emergency Responders as part of events hosted by the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

Rep. Chris Sainato attends House Democratic Policy Committee public hearings in western PA to gather information regarding possible legislation on state police fees for municipalities currently without police, statewide towing regulations, and a repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

On January 31st, I participated in a legislative hearing in Lancaster on Blended Learning. Blended Learning allows high school students to take internet-based courses on a full-time or part-time basis. The program offered by Intermediate Unit 13 offers members schools an average 55% savings over cyber-schools, and included face-to-face help and tutoring available. In 2016, 23% of graduating students from one school took at least one internet-based course.

On February 1st I participated in a legislative hearing on Suicide Prevention in Allentown. We learned that 90% of those who commit suicide have a treatable mental illness. Yet, the stigma of mental illness is a barrier for some in seeking treatment and a shortage of psychiatrists is a barrier for those seeking treatment. These are issues that we must confront in order to save lives.

Rep. Chris Sainato, the Democratic Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, speaks at a news conference outlining issues facing the state's first responders, fire departments, and EMS squads.

Rep. Chris Sainato attends a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing in Uniontown to gather information on effective ways to treat opioid abuse in the state.

Rep. Chris Sainato participates in a discussion at Sharpsville High School on the STEM program and the BOTS IQ competition.