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In this Update:
How Can We Address Rural Dental, Healthcare Shortages? Will Part of the Solution be Found in Tamaqua?
At the invitation of Sen. Camera Bartolotta, I chaired a Senate Majority Policy Committee public hearing this week in western Pennsylvania on the challenges facing rural healthcare providers and how new technology can improve care and save lives. There’s no question that many rural areas of Pennsylvania are facing serious difficulties. According to data presented by The Center for Rural Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health, seven rural counties are considered “maternity care deserts” because of the lack of nearby services. We heard about new technologies that could improve rural healthcare. Philips and The Guthrie Clinic shared how their organizations are supporting mothers and nurses with remote technology. The Pittsburgh Life Sciences Alliance showcased innovative companies that are developing new uses for artificial intelligence, including diagnosing respiratory diseases and assisting doctors and nurses.
During the hearing, I asked how we can alleviate the shortages of dental care in rural areas of Pennsylvania. At least 50% of the state is underserved when it comes to dental care. A lack of dental care affects more than just your teeth – it contributes to heart disease and increased rates of opioid abuse. Attracting dentists to practice in rural areas is one of the biggest challenges in fixing this problem. We’re now working on a potential solution – creating Pennsylvania’s first-ever rural dental school in Tamaqua. According to the hearing, the top predictor of whether someone would practice in a rural area is if they lived or trained in a rural area. Bringing this new institution of higher education to life could improve our health and continue the resurgence of downtown Tamaqua. Strong Local Support for Saving Penn State Schuylkill and Penn State Hazleton
This week, the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce hosted a forum with David Kleppinger, the chair of the Board of Trustees of Penn State University. The conversation largely focused on Penn State’s plan to potentially close 12 of their 19 Commonwealth campuses, including Penn State Schuylkill and Penn State Hazleton. Bob Carl, the president and CEO of the Schuylkill Chamber, questioned him about the process Penn State used to select the campuses on the potential closure list. Since Hazleton is one of the fastest growing areas in Pennsylvania and Penn State Schuylkill has the highest enrollment growth of any campus in the past five years, many of us have struggled to understand why these campuses would be closed. I’m hosting two public roundtables with our local state legislators in the beginning of April to hear from students, educators, employers, alumni, and other stakeholders about the impact of these potential closures. Joining me today – Rep. Jamie Barton, Rep. Tim Twardzik, and County Commissioners Larry Padora, Boots Hetherington, and Gary Hess. My office created a survey asking a simple question: do you support closing Penn State Schuylkill and Penn State Hazleton? We’ve received more than 5,500 responses, with more than 96% in favor of keeping these campuses open. Take the survey here. How Can We Better Support Veterans When They Return Home?
At the invitation of Senator Devlin Robinson, I chaired a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee in Glenfield this week about ways we can better support veterans in Pennsylvania. We heard from Brig. Gen. Mark Goodwill, the Director of the Joint Staff of the Pennsylvania National Guard, about the many programs offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Organizations including UPMC, the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Pittsburgh Hires Veterans, and Per Scholas shared their work to connect veterans with healthcare and train them for productive, fulfilling careers. Helping our veterans find meaningful employment and connecting them with available services is the least we can do when they return home to their families. We should never leave behind any of our friends and neighbors who dedicated their lives to defending our nation and our freedoms. Happy 95th Birthday to Joe Barna of Freeland!
Join me in wishing a very happy 95th birthday to Joe Barna of Freeland! Joe is a Marine Corps combat veteran who served in the Koran War and participated in some of the most terrible fighting endured by American forces during the conflict. He received two purple hearts during his service. Since returning home, Joe has frequently promoted veterans causes by writing and speaking about his experiences. In 2021, he published his book of memoirs, “God Makes Angels and Navy Corpsmen, A Korean War Veteran’s Memories of the War and Life.” He and his late wife Eleanore were blessed with 3 children, 6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandsons. Joining me at his birthday party in Freeland on Sunday was Rep. Jamie Walsh. Panther Valley Irish American Association Honors Patrick Crampsie
The Panther Valley Irish American Association honored Patrick Crampsie with their 2025 Shamrock Award at their annual banquet. Mr. Crampsie has taught science to seventh graders at Panther Valley Junior Senior High School for 23 years, mentored new teachers in our area through the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21 Mentor Program since 2003, and is the winningest boys’ basketball coach in Panther Valley history. Rep. Doyle Heffley, Rochelle Pasquariello from U.S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie office, and I attended to offer our congratulations – this award is MUCH deserved. Visiting Gillingham Charter and Wishing Shirley Ginther a Happy 90th Birthday!I visited two public schools in Pottsville on Monday.
First, I visited Pottsville Area School District’s John S. Clarke Elementary School to wish Shirley Ginther a very happy 90th birthday. Shirley has worked with PASD’s cafeteria for 20 years and is retiring at the end of this school year to spend more time with her son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Joining me was Sherri Hammer from Rep. Tim Twardzik’s office.
Then, I visited Gillingham Charter School to meet their students and teachers and tour their classrooms. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the education they offer. Thank you for inviting me! Passenger Trains Rides Begin Again in Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne Counties
Reading and Northern Railroad’s passenger train excursions to Jim Thorpe from the Reading Outer Station and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Regional Railroad Station in Pittston are now underway! These very popular rides have proven to breathe new life into the communities they visit because the passengers explore the areas they stop in and support local employers. Trains will operate Saturdays and Sundays, plus holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day throughout the spring and summer. Rides from Reading stop in Port Clinton and Tamaqua, while rides from Pittston stop in Mountain Top and White Haven. New this year is a “flag stop” at The Village at Houser’s Crossing, overnight accommodations in the Tamaqua area at the site of a small 100-year-old “patch town” community. Guests can now take a round-trip ride directly from the village to Jim Thorpe. Meeting Black Bear Cubs Thanks to the Pennsylvania Game Commission
My daughter Elise and I met three VERY young black bear cubs recently as part of the Senate’s update from the Pennsylvania Game Commission about their work with black bears and other wildlife. The Game Commission works to prevent conflicts between humans and bears by partnering with BearWise, a national organization that studies how best to coexist with bears. If you’ve ever wondered how to react if you’re confronted by a bear much larger than the cubs we met, check out their website. Raising Money for Carbon County Charities
On Saturday, I visited Bright Path Brewing for the 6th annual East Side Jim Thorpe Bar O’ Crawl, a St. Patrick’s Day themed event that raises money for local charities in Carbon County, including the 70th annual Special Needs Fishing Derby. A great event for great causes! 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.
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