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Good News: Hazleton Seeking to End Distressed StatusAfter six years in an Act 47 state program to aid distressed communities, this week Mayor Jeff Cusat and other city leaders told a panel of state officials that the city is now much improved. That’s REAL progress for the largest community which I represent in Luzerne, Carbon, and Schuylkill Counties. Read the details here. New Jobs and Sports Complex in Nesquehoning?
Rep. Doyle Heffley and I recently met with Ric Reaman and Kathy Kovatch Reaman at the former KME Corporate Offices and Manufacturing Facility to discuss a new redevelopment project for the facility, a proposed sports complex that could help breathe new life into Nesquehoning and surrounding communities. At the same site, Bulldog Fire and Emergency Apparatus, which now occupies plants 3 and 4 at the former KME site, has expanded to represent 40% of the company’s workforce and the company has several new projects proposed to create even more family-sustaining jobs. Commonwealth Court: Education Funding System UnconstitutionalThis week, the Commonwealth Court ruled that Pennsylvania’s current system for funding schools violates our state constitution. As the new Senate Education Committee chair, we are now reviewing the ruling to best determine the path forward for funding Pennsylvania’s schools—for our students and our taxpayers. Stay tuned! Boy Scouts Celebrate 113th Anniversary
This week marked the 113th anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts. One of the very best things my parents ever did for me was sign me up for the Scouts at the age of eight. I have literally travelled the world as a scout and as a volunteer leader. From camping in my own back yard with my son to exploring New Mexico, Canada, Bavaria, and beyond, Scouting has given me and so many others the opportunity to expand our horizons. Pictured here are some of my favorite Scouting “artifacts”: My grandfather Argall’s Scoutmaster card from his Middleport troop in the 1930s, my Eagle ceremony with my grandparents, my brother Doug’s Eagle with our parents and leaders, and my son AJ’s Eagle. Curbing Welfare Abuse a Waste of Time?
Speaking through a spokesperson, the Senate Democratic Leader stated how any effort to provide safeguards in place to prevent welfare fraud is “a waste of time”. Perhaps he didn’t get the MEMO from former Auditor General DePasquale (a Democrat) that more needs to be done, especially by providing oversight to the Department responsible for issuing these benefits. I can still remember a time when a Republican Congress and Democratic President Bill Clinton were able to work out a compromise to provide for meaningful welfare reform. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in both the Senate and the House to develop legislation for Governor Shapiro to sign which will ensure that the maximum amount of assistance is provided to those who truly need it – not fraudsters or the deceased. Fire and EMS Companies in Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties Awarded $2 Million in State Grants
Fire and EMS companies in the 29th district in Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties were awarded over $2 million in grants to improve their operations. Our first responders put their safety on the line to protect the rest of us every day. I’m thankful they were awarded these competitive grants to support their efforts. These grants were awarded through the state’s Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, as created by the General Assembly. Funds can be used to upgrade facilities, purchase new equipment, reduce debt, train members, recruit and retain first responders, and more. Survey Results: Overwhelming Support for Voter ID
The results are in – my informal survey shows an overwhelming majority of respondents from the 29th district support putting the question of voter ID on the ballot for approval by the voters of Pennsylvania. Of the 197 respondents from Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne Counties, 191 responded that Pennsylvania voters deserve to make the final decision on this critical election integrity measure. The survey was conducted through my weekly e-newsletter and social media pages – anyone had the opportunity to respond. 2023 Adult Trout Stocking Schedule Available
The 2023 adult trout stocking schedule is now available. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 697 streams and 126 lakes open to public angling. The trout stocking schedule is searchable by county, lists the waterways in alphabetical order, and indicates stocking dates, meeting locations for volunteers, and the species of trout that are planned to be stocked at each location. Pennsylvania’s statewide Opening Day of Trout Season is April 1. A single, statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day will take place March 25. Trout to be stocked will include approximately 2.3 million Rainbow Trout, 707,000 Brown Trout and 168,000 Brook Trout. As with past practice, the average size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length with an average weight of .58 pounds. Work Zone Safety Tips
It’s important to keep safety in mind when travelling through work zones on our roads and highways to prevent tragic accidents. PennDOT recommends the following tips when driving through an area under construction:
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