Researchers in Pennsylvania say they didn’t have to dig to find a huge source of a critical mineral. In a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, the University of Pittsburgh researchers say wastewater from fracking in the state could provide up to 40% of the national demand for lithium, a key element in rechargeable batteries. Much of America’s lithium currently comes from countries including China and Chile, but the government is seeking to make the supply 100% domestic by 2030, CBS Pittsburgh reports.

• A beneficial use of waste: “This is a waste stream, and we’re looking at a beneficial use of that waste,” says lead researcher Justin Mackey, a National Energy Technology Laboratory scientist. He says researchers knew that wastewater from Marcellus Shale gas wells picked up some minerals from the shale, but until now, they “just didn’t know how much was in there,” the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. He says the wastewater “has as high lithium concentrations as both brine mining operations in Arkansas and in Chile.”

PENNSYLVANIA — Even with recent pay increases, teacher salaries in Pennsylvania and elsewhere around the country haven’t kept pace with inflation over the past decade, according to a new report from the National Education Association.

When adjusted for inflation, the nation’s K-12 public school teachers made 5 percent less than they did 10 years ago, according to the report. The report is based on 2022-23 school year data and projected 2023–24 data.

Pennsylvania’s average starting teacher salary of $49,083 in 2022-23 ranked No. 12 in the country, while the average teacher salary of $74,945 ranked No. 11, the report showed.

The average minimum living wage is $57,664 in Pennsylvania, for a pay gap of 84 cents in 2022-23.

Educational support personnel in Pennsylvania earned an average of $35,500 during the same period, ranking No. 14.

Per-pupil spending in Pennsylvania for the 2022-23 school year was $20,264, which ranked No. 12 in the nation.

Noting that low pay limits the ability of schools to attract and retain high quality teachers, the NEA warned a widespread educator shortage is looming amid sagging morale across the profession.

Nationwide, the recent teacher pay hikes represent the largest year-over-year increase in more than a decade. But educators overall are inadequately paid and greater investments in public education are needed to maintain the momentum, the national teacher’s union said.

Overall, the report showed:

by Senator Judy Schwank

On Tuesday, May 21, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved SB 721, which establishes a permanent advisory board for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

WIC offers federal funding to states to provide supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as to infants and children under the age of five who are identified as being at nutritional risk.

In response to declining enrollment and input from providers, state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and state Sen. Michele Brooks (R-Mercer) introduced the bill to create the Women, Infants, and Children State Advisory Board (WICSAB). The board will review the impact of the WIC program and recommend improvements to ensure as many Pennsylvanians as possible have access to the health services provided by WIC.

A companion to SB 721 was introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by Rep. Donna Bullock (D-Philadelphia) and Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (D-Berks). The lawmakers applauded the passage of the bill and highlighted the impact it will have on the health and well-being of countless Pennsylvanians.

Schwank highlighted the importance of this bi-partisan legislation and thanked Brooks for partnering with her on the bill.

“Ensuring that infants and children get a healthy start in life is one of the most impactful things we can do as state legislators,” said Schwank. “I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact WIC makes in the lives of my constituents. The advisory board will make sure we are evolving to meet the needs of Pennsylvanians and prevent further participation declines in the commonwealth.”

“This legislation will help to ensure that we’re taking full advantage of the federal funding we receive for WIC in the commonwealth,” said Bullock. “As things stand, we are failing to maximize the benefits that WIC can provide for our single parents and struggling families. By establishing this board and modernizing and updating the process from top to bottom, we can get families who need assistance the support they need.” 

“We must work together to improve the WIC program in Pennsylvania to better support our most vulnerable families,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “Enrollment has steadily decreased over the past four years because our system is outdated and fails to serve those in need. Families struggle with a cumbersome process that requires up to seven forms of documentation for eligibility. The passing of SB 721 will start to address these issues by establishing a WIC Advisory Board and streamlining the application process to better support women and children.”