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In this Update:
Senate Passes Tax Cut for Working FamiliesThe Senate passed the largest tax cut for working families in Pennsylvania history with strong bipartisan support this week, saving taxpayers more than $13 billion over the next five years. This will give real relief to families struggling under the weight of inflation and unconstitutional school property taxes. The next step: a vote in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Supporting Childcare ProvidersGracias por invitarme a reunirme con ustedes – thank you for inviting me to meet with you! Rep. Dane Watro and I spoke at a press conference sponsored by the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus and First Up: Champions for Early Education about the serious issues facing childcare providers throughout Pennsylvania. Also speaking was Ivelisse Eufracio, the owner of Little All Stars Care Center in West Hazleton. In the three counties I represent, childcare providers worry every day about keeping their doors open. Families are struggling to find childcare. Waiting lists are the norm, not the exception. And many providers are hanging on by a thread to stay open and maintain the number of children they can serve. This doesn’t just hurt our kids; it hurts their parents and their employers. There is only one solution: We must work together – the providers, the business community, the House, the Senate, Republicans and Democrats – to solve this problem. Upgrades to Frackville Downtown Win State GrantRep. Tim Twardzik and I visited Frackville to see sidewalks on North Lehigh Avenue that are set to be replaced thanks to a state grant of $420,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund. The sidewalks, curbing, and handicap ramps are in extremely poor condition, creating concerns for pedestrians. The project will replace all of them, as well as installing “bump outs” at crosswalk intersections to increase safety for pedestrians. Once completed, the appearance of the Central Business District will be enhanced, encouraging more people to visit the small employers located at the area. The downtown is the heart of the community. These repairs were the top priority of local officials and volunteers working to breathe new life into Frackville. Joining us were Engineer Don Cuff, Frackville Borough Council members Steve Tertel and Steve Kuzio, and Patty Domalakes, the President of Frackville Downtown. Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train Open Now!The Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train in Ashland is open for the season! They are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. They offer tours of the mine, rides on one of the “lokies” that used to haul coal cars, and exhibits featuring coal mining artifacts. Come and see how our ancestors toiled here to begin the Industrial Revolution! Rep. Tim Twardzik and I visited last week for an update on their plans for the future. Visit their website to plan your visit. Ten Inducted into Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame – Including Rep. Twardzik!Ten Schuylkill County athletes were inducted into the Jerry Wolman Northern Anthracite Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame last weekend. Congrats to Becky Costa Bracey, Larry Chesla, Bill Cuff, Andrew J. Kalista, Jim McCabe, the late Frank Omlor, Rep. Twardzik, Robert L. Wehry, Jr., Jessica Crea Wolak, and Adrienne Wydra! The most surprising part of the evening was learning that Rep. Twardzik was the anchor for the 110 high hurdles shuttle relay team that holds the Notre Dame school record of 58.48 seconds…. after more than 40 years!! Legislation to Curb Distracted Driving Set for EnactmentLegislation passed by the Senate to prohibit the handheld use of cellular and other devices while driving is set for enactment into law. Senate Bill 37 would enhance driver responsibility by prohibiting the use of handheld cellphones or other communication devices while operating a motor vehicle on a Pennsylvania highway or trafficway. While hands-free use of devices when driving would remain legal, handheld use of devices would only be permitted when the vehicle is parked on the side or shoulder of a roadway and the vehicle can safely remain stationary. To inform drivers about the new law, law enforcement must issue warnings for violations during the initial 12 months following the bill’s enactment. Replace Damaged License Plates for FREE in PalmertonIs your license plate worn out? You can get it replaced for free at an event I’m hosting with Rep. Doyle Heffley on May 28th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Palmerton Public Works Building. A local police officer will be on hand to inspect your plate to determine if it’s illegible. For more information or to RSVP, call 1-877-327-4255. I will be hosting more of these events in Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counites soon – stay tuned!
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