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In this Update:
Save Penn State Schuylkill and Penn State Hazleton!
Since Penn State first announced they may close 12 of their 19 branch campuses, including Penn State Schuylkill and Penn State Hazleton, the loud public outcry has demonstrated how important these campuses are to our region. One of the reasons Penn State cites for the potential closures is declining enrollment in some of its locations. Penn State Schuylkill’s enrollment has increased by 11.7% over the past five years, the highest of any campus. Penn State leadership also cites population declines as a potential reason for closure. Greater Hazleton is one of the fastest growing areas in Pennsylvania, in terms of both population and economic development. Both campuses also operate unique programs that benefit our local economy. Penn State Schuylkill launched a co-op program consisting of three work immersion experiences coupled with career development coursework to help students gain relevant experience. Penn State Hazleton operates the Hazleton LaunchBox, which assists local entrepreneurs with turning their ideas into viable businesses. My office has heard from literally thousands of people who do not want these campuses closed. The theme I’ve heard time and time again is this: these campuses provided life-changing opportunities to many of our friends and neighbors who otherwise may not have attended college at all. I’ll be holding two public roundtables with our local state legislators in the beginning of April about why these campuses should remain open, featuring students, alumni, educators, employers, and other stakeholders. Please consider filling out our one-question survey here. How Can We Prevent Devastating Floods?
At the invitation of Sen. Gene Yaw, the Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing in Williamsport this week about how maintaining and repairing streams prevents flooding and protects our homes and employers from ruin. Thank you to the local officials, first responders, and conservation professionals who shared their experiences with us. Any community that has experienced severe floods knows to plan ahead before the next storm hits. We’ve seen how effective stream management can make a BIG difference in communities like Pine Grove and Tremont, who experienced devastating floods from the Swatara Creek for years until a team of conservationists, municipal officials, local employers, and state legislators and agencies executed a comprehensive plan to repair the local watershed. Collaboration was a key focus of the discussion – as well as the needs of people vs. the needs of fish and insects. I was pleased to hear how the Growing Greener law which I sponsored years ago has made a significant impact, but it’s clear that we need to consider updates. Also joining us were Rep. Jamie Flick, Rep. Joe Hamm, Sen. Lisa Baker, and Sen. Pat Stefano. Improving Bridges and Emergency Services in Carbon County
I met with Carbon County Commissioners Wayne Nothstein, Rocky Ahner, and Michael Sofranko to discuss how we can work together to improve bridges and emergency services in Carbon County. We recently had good news to celebrate – a project to refurbish the deteriorating County Bridge #19 on Pohopoco Drive in Towamensing Township was awarded $600,000. Bridge #19 crosses Beltzville Lake and Pine Run and provides key access to Beltzville State Park and the largest public boat launch in Carbon County. Repairing it and extending its life has been a key priority. Grow PA Grants Available Now
The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation. The application period for grants is available now, with funding awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. I strongly supported the creation of Grow PA because it focuses on what should be our top priority: preparing more college students to work in the job fields that Pennsylvania needs today. To qualify for the grant, applicants must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation. Grant recipients will be required to live and work in Pennsylvania for 12 months for each year they receive the grant. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the grant converting to a loan that must be repaid. Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs as approved by PHEAA. Visit here to learn more or apply today. Developing Our Local Economy Through Public Private Partnerships
I joined Secretary Rick Siger of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and many local employers at a luncheon hosted by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday. DCED has been a key partner with me in many successful local efforts to create new jobs and breathe new life into our older neighborhoods, including the site of our luncheon, the Orwigsburg Veterans Community Memorial Hall. In Shenandoah, the Center for Business, Education, and the Arts (CEBA), a business incubator and innovation center, will open in October and is the centerpiece of efforts to revitalize its downtown. It would not be possible without the work of private citizens, employers, local and state officials, and state agencies like DCED. Joining us: State Reps. Jamie Barton, JoAnne Stehr, and Tim Twardzik, Commissioners Larry Padora and Boots Hetherington, and staff members representing Congressman Dan Meuser and State Rep. Dane Watro. Celebrating Read Across America in Hazleton
I was invited to read to two classrooms in Hazleton as part of Read Across America. My first stop was at the Heights Terrace Elementary/Middle School with Congressman Rob Bresnahan, State Rep. Dane Watro, Mayor Jeff Cusat and many other special guests, where I read to a fourth-grade class. Then, I visited Luzerne County Head Start nearby where I read Oh, the Places You’ll Go, by Dr. Seuss, to a class of pre-school students ages 3-5. Read Across America is an annual celebration of the importance of literacy, reminding us that strong reading skills strengthen our minds and teach us more about the world. Thank you to both schools for inviting me! Palo Alto “Demolition Party” Kickstarts Construction of New Municipal Building
Members of the Palo Alto community hosted a “demolition party” this week at a former fire company building that will be repurposed into the borough’s new municipal office, space for community events, and emergency shelter space. Rep. Tim Twardzik and Mary Beth Dougherty from my office joined borough employees, volunteer firefighters, and other Palo Alto residents at the “party” – ripping paneling off walls is quite a way to kick off Sunday morning! Rep. Twardzik and I worked with the borough to secure a state grant of $600,000 to support this important project, which will make residents safer and improve municipal operations. Transforming Vacant Buildings into Apartments in Orwigsburg
“Jobs, Jobs, Jobs” was the key issue here for many years. Now that many new jobs have come here, the question is often where can the employees live, without long, expensive, daily commutes from outside our area? I met with Metz Properties Rentals President Bill Metzinger, who has an answer to that question—modern apartments with historic touches. First, we visited the five newly restored apartments at 122 East Market Street on Orwigsburg’s historic square. If you’re interested in seeing the building for yourself, Metz Properties Rentals is hosting an open house on Saturday and Sunday from 12-2 p.m. We also visited a former warehouse on Warren Street, the next restoration project for Bill and his team. Reconstruction on the building will begin later this spring and is expected to be completed by the fall. The goal is six new apartments. With these apartments and the 900 West Market units at the former St. Francis Orphanage, the Metz Properties Rentals team is bringing new housing options here – which are MUCH needed. Thank you for showing me around! April 9: Concealed Carry Seminar in West Hazleton
Rep. Dane Watro and I are hosting a concealed carry seminar on Wednesday, April 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the West Hazleton Borough Building. Join us to learn more about how to exercise our Second Amendment rights safely and lawfully from Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce and Luzerne County Sheriff Brian Szumski. Reserve your spot today by calling 570-453-1344 or by visiting repwatro.com/events. April 3: Senior Scam Seminar at the Fairlane Village Mall
Rep. Tim Twardzik and I will host a scam seminar on Thursday, April 3 at 11 a.m., at the Fairlane Village Mall. With scammers becoming increasingly brazen and creative, we all need to be aware of how to protect ourselves from falling prey to these criminals. Joining us will be the Schuylkill Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance (SEAPA) and David Shallcross, the Director of the Senior Protection Unit of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. RSVPs are required for this event. Please call 570-773-0891 to reserve your spot today. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
As we honor St. Patrick and all things Irish, Beth and I fondly remember our three Kerry Blue Terriers—the National Dog of Ireland! For 29 years, Buster, then Maggie and Wolfgang, kept our entire family entertained in their constant vigil against the various varmints in our Lake Hauto back yard. The deep scratches on our doors prove that from the smallest mouse, chipmunk, squirrel and raccoon to the largest black bear, they firmly believed that they were our first line of defense against chaos. To all of my Celtic cousins, in the New World and the Old, human and furry, Dia duit!
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