State senators from Butler County helped to guide and craft a COVID-19 relief bill that passed a Senate vote Tuesday and awaits state House approval.

“This legislation now serves to drive out nearly $1 billion of assistance to our communities to address the ongoing impacts of COVID-19,” said Sen. Joe Pittman, R-41st, on the Senate floor Tuesday.

Pittman said he originally introduced Senate Bill 109 to repeal a Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency program that since has ended.

He then worked with his colleagues to transform the bill into its current state, a comprehensive $912 million relief package to help restaurants, schools, employers and tenants.

The bill amends the state Fiscal Code to allocate $569.8 million for Rental and Utility Assistance; $197 million for education programs; and $145 million to support Pennsylvania's hospitality industry.

Read more in Thursday's Butler Eagle.