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In this update:
A Visit to Tamaqua SHINE—in my Dad’s Library
Yesterday, Beth and I met with leaders of the Schools & Homes in Education (SHINE) Afterschool Program in the Tamaqua elementary school library my father first established four decades ago. Now, a new generation is at work: two of their instructors grew up with my son and daughter and have returned as teachers. SHINE gives students a chance to explore their interests through hands-on, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) based projects after school. The key to their success: The students learn every day, while enjoying the after-school experience with their friends. My dad would have felt very much at home in that room, where he spent so many years encouraging young minds to read! Tuesday: Telephone Town Hall to Feature Special Guests
I will be hosting a telephone town hall on Tuesday, February 20 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. I’ll be joined by several local State Representatives, including Jamie Barton, Doyle Heffley, JoAnne Stehr, Tim Twardzik and Dane Watro. You’ll have the chance to ask us any question you may have about our state government—education funding and taxes, roads and bridges that need repairs, bills to fight crime in our communities, or 101 other topics. The choice is up to you! If you’re interested in participating and don’t receive the automated call at 5:30, dial toll free at 877-229-8493 and use this pin number when prompted: 111786. Fresh Perogies in Frackville
It’s not unusual to see people in this Senate district standing in line for their fresh perogies…. it’s a fundamental part of any authentic local menu! I was able to join my long-time friend John Malinchok and his fellow workers, Father Jovicic and Midge Paulonis, at the Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Frackville earlier today. Budget Hearings Begin Next Week Examining Massive Shapiro Spending Plan
State spending would increase by more than $3.2 billion, or about 7.1%, under Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new budget plan. I want to do more to help our students and invest in Pennsylvania’s economy – the key question is what can our taxpayers afford? The process of reviewing this spending plan includes three weeks of budget hearings held by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Livestreams of the hearings and daily recaps will be available here. On Wednesday, I will lead off the questioning of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s higher education plan, as the Chair of the Senate Education Committee. Tune in! Grundsau Lodsch Nummer Elfe an der Feierlein in Karbon Kaundi
I joined Rep. Doyle Heffley and Carbon County Commissioner Michael Sofranko at Grundsau Lodsch Nummer Elfe an der Feierlein in Karbon Kaundi – Groundhog Lodge Number 11 on the Fireline in Carbon County – for their annual meeting. I enjoyed this longtime Pennsylvanian tradition, but I must admit, my schoolbook Deutsch and its Pennsylvania Dutch version kept me quite confused. Thank you for the English translations. Breathing New Life into Hazleton Area
The Hazleton Rotary invited me to speak at their luncheon this week. We talked a lot about the MANY ongoing efforts to improve the Hazleton area and how I can help. For the first time in history, three local legislators –Rep. Dane Watro, Rep. Mike Cabell, and I – all live within 15 minutes of Hazleton. Along with Senator Lynda Culver, we all share a simple goal: to work together as a team, breathing new life into this region. Fire Companies and EMS Agencies Awarded State Grants
Over one hundred fire companies and EMS agencies in Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne Counties were awarded state grants this week to assist with their important mission to protect public safety. I’m thankful so many received these highly competitive funds. They will help our brave first responders with their critically important and dangerous jobs. This funding will be used to upgrade facilities, purchase new equipment, reduce debt, train members, recruit and retain first responders, and more. See the full list of local recipients here. Argall Report: Supporting Long-Term Care Centers
The February edition of my local TV program highlights a recent press conference and tour held at Providence Place Senior Living in Pine Grove. At the press conference, I introduced three bipartisan pieces of legislation to update training procedures and break down employment barriers so more people can join the long-term care workforce. Too many of our families have faced the difficult decision of moving a beloved parent or grandparent into a long-term care center. Both of my parents required this kind of help toward the end of their lives, and I cannot be more grateful to the professionals who made sure that they were cared for and respected. PA Parks Offer Free Events for People of All Ages
As people start to feel a bit of cabin fever this time of year, it can be a great time to take advantage of recreational opportunities offered at Pennsylvania state parks. There are free or low-cost seminars to interest people of all ages. Some examples include a winter photography walk, an introduction to cross country skiing, make and take tree cookie crafts, a cast iron cooking lesson and even a full moon hike. Find a full calendar of events, including some that are virtual, and sign up here. Student Art Contest Raises Lyme Disease Awareness
Pennsylvania has one of the highest counts of Lyme disease cases in the nation. Symptoms often initially include fever, headache and extreme tiredness. If the disease is untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system. First- through sixth-graders can help spread the word about preventing this tick-borne illness by entering the Pennsylvania Department of Health Lyme Art Contest. They are encouraged to submit a poster or video showing how to avoid exposure to ticks, check for ticks and/or remove ticks safely by March 15 at 5 p.m. Find more information, including how to apply, here. Happy Presidents Day!
On Monday, Feb. 19, we recognize Presidents Day and reflect on the effort it takes to guide our country in the right direction. Originally, the holiday was to honor our first president – George Washington – but it has since been expanded. |
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