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In this update:
New Law Assists Law Enforcement with Punishing Thieves
Retailers across the nation are under siege, with some struggling to stay afloat amidst a rising tide of organized crime. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the total loss of stolen goods in 2021 was $5.5 billion. I introduced legislation to strengthen the ability of law enforcement to hold these criminals accountable. This bill was signed into law last year as Act 42 of 2023, after receiving strong bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House – something you don’t see often in Harrisburg. Because of this new law, it is now easier for these thieves to be charged with a felony. We’re not talking about punishing a mom who steals baby formula to feed her children – these new penalties target organized criminal opportunists who are looking to pad their pockets with stolen goods. During a hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee this week, I asked John Holub, Executive Director of the PA Retail Association and Patrick Schulte, Chief Deputy of Organized/Financial Crime for the Office of the Attorney General, about how this law will help fight back against these criminals. Meeting with 6,600 Constituents at Once
Thank you to everyone who joined me for my telephone town hall on Wednesday night. We had over 6,600 people tune in, with questions about how we fund our public schools, roads and bridges that need repairs, and other local issues in Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties. If you missed the call, please don’t hesitate to contact any of my offices – we’re always available to help answer your questions about state government-related issues. Replace Damaged License Plates in Pine Grove
Is your license plate worn out? You can get it replaced for free at an event I’m hosting with Rep. JoAnne Stehr on June 21 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Pine Grove Borough 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 570-773-0891. I will be hosting more of these events in Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counites soon – stay tuned! How Can We Repair Old Schools?My bill to gather information about the conditions of schools to determine how much funding is needed for repairs was passed with bipartisan support by the Senate Education Committee. I introduced this bill, as the chair of the committee, after visiting schools like Panther Valley Elementary School and seeing how serious the need is for major repairs and upgrades. Too many of our older schools are delaying needed repairs and use dark, hot, windowless, uncomfortable classrooms. Antique Fire Truck Collection Gets International Recognition
Over 120 visitors from across the United State and Canada gathered in Mahanoy City and Shenandoah to see the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society’s extensive collection of antique fire trucks. The Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America (SPAAMFAA) was holding their convention in York and traveled to Schuylkill County to see the 100 antique trucks stored in Mahanoy City. Rep. Tim Twardzik’s mini-fire truck, which makes frequent appearances in Schuylkill County parades, was especially a hit! He explained in the Republican Herald that it was built for use on narrow Tokyo streets. Also joining me were Rep. Dane Watro, and Schuylkill County Commissioners Larry Padora and Gary Hess. “Grow PA” Bills to Support Affordable Pathways to Higher Ed, Career Prep Pass Senate
Students will have more affordable higher education and career opportunities under bills approved by the Senate this week. The “Grow PA” bills connect students to high-demand careers in Pennsylvania. Rather than pursuing big-government solutions with unclear outcomes like the Governor’s now-withdrawn PASSHE-Community College merger plan, these bills provide strong incentives for students to stay and work in Pennsylvania after completing their degrees. As the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, I authored one of the bills to require ALL of our colleges and university to plan for a challenging future and better prepare our students for in-demand careers here in Pennsylvania. Due to demographic and economic challenges, many of our institutions of higher education are grappling with falling enrollment, leaving behind empty dorms and reduced degree offerings. We need to chart a new course. These bills are a solid place to start. Scouting Breakfast Honors Bob Allen
Hawk Mountain Council, BSA hosted their 10th annual Service to Youth and Community Breakfast, honoring volunteers who go above and beyond in their work to support scouting and build a stronger community. This year’s Distinguished Citizen Honoree was my friend, Bob Allen. He served as the Mayor of Pottsville from 1975-83 and as a state representative from 1989-2006. He accomplished a great many things in his years of public service, but his very successful work to bring new jobs to Schuylkill County stands out. He truly helped breathe new life into our area. This year’s Service to Youth & Community Honorees were Pryce Parker and Greg Sklar, who have both served as volunteer leaders for decades, mentoring hundreds of scouts. Eagle Scout Stephen Behun from Troop 755, Clamtown, was today’s scout speaker. He described how the lessons he learned from Scouting helped him while applying to Harvard College, where he will be attending in the fall. After the breakfast, I spent a quiet hour at a shaded campsite on my own, returning phone calls and answering emails…. a bit different than my first trip to that camp as an eight-year-old Cub with my Dad!! Congrats to all! Schuylkill Hope Center Celebrates 40 Years
The Schuylkill Hope Center for Victims of Domestic Violence celebrated its 40th anniversary this week. I presented Richard Wojciechowsky, the current Executive Director, and Sally Casey, who started as the President and CEO of the center in 1985, with an official Senate citation commemorating the occasion. The center has grown over the years – from a small task force run by volunteers in 1983 to an organization that operates a 24/7 hotline, runs an emergency shelter, and offers counseling, legal services, information on available resources, and much more to victims of abusive relationships. Rep. Tim Twardzik’s office, the Schuylkill County Commissioners and I celebrated a state grant of almost $700,000 to support this work to protect victims of domestic abuse. Welcoming State Champion Wrestlers, Job Shadows, and Local Employers to the Capitol
I welcomed local girls’ wrestling legend Brenda Banks to the State Capitol to celebrate her second state championship in a row. She will be a Junior at Panther Valley High School next year and has certainly made the community VERY proud. Brenda has earned her spot in Pennsylvania’s girls’ wrestling history, with a combined record of over 50 wins and just 1 loss. This year was the first year of PIAA recognition for the sport. Watch me introduce her on the floor of the Senate here.
I welcomed Pierce Lithgow to Harrisburg to show him what a day of Senate session is like. Pierce is starting at Blue Mountain High School in the fall. He has a very strong interest in politics and government and plans to study political science when he attends college. Watch me introduce Pierce on the floor of the Senate here.
For visitors, legislators, and staff with a sweet tooth, Hershey’s annual visit to the State Capitol is highly anticipated. For the first time, I now represent a Hershey’s factory. Located in Hazle Township, it produces Kit-Kat, Cadbury, and Caramello products, employing more than 100 people. Happy Father’s Day
Father’s Day is a time to reflect on the amazing men in our lives and let them know how much their dedication means to us. They show their love and guidance in so many ways, big and small, that make our lives better. Wishing all of the dads a wonderful day with their families!
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