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In this Update:
Fighting Antisemitism in 2024
I cosponsored bipartisan legislation to combat rising antisemitism this week. Since the terrible loss of life in Israel on October 7th, it’s been deeply troubling to witness the antisemitic protests at many colleges and universities across the country. Senate Bill 1260 would defund colleges and universities that boycott or divest from Israel and prevent our State Treasury or pension funds from boycotting or divesting from Israel and companies doing business with Israel. In addition, I will chair public hearings of the Senate Education Committee on this issue this summer. Honoring Colonial History in Weissport
I was invited to Weissport over the weekend to join Rep. Doyle Heffley and County Commissioner Mike Sofranko for the planting of a new Liberty Tree in Carbon County. The original Liberty Tree was located in Boston and was a frequent meeting place for patriots discussing their opposition for British rule. Now, new Liberty Trees are being planted at locations of note across our nation. Weissport was selected because it is the former location of Fort Allen, which Benjamin Franklin constructed during the French and Indian War. Bill to Improve Reading in our Schools Approved by Senate
To give students the best chance of success, the Senate passed a bill that would improve early literacy using a three-pronged approach. Senate Bill 801 would:
Half of Pennsylvania’s fourth grade students read below their grade level. Studies show that childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and dramatically impact someone’s ability to succeed. As the chair of the Senate Education Committee, I called a public hearing to examine this issue. Thousands Visit Downtown Tamaqua for Summerfest
I joined thousands of people at Tamaqua’s Summerfest on Sunday. Congrats to the Tamaqua Historical Society on another great event! While I was there, I met Grant Johns, a Life Scout from Troop 777, Tamaqua. Grant is completing his Eagle Scout service project –a nonpartisan voter registration drive, offering forms and information to assist people with participating in our elections. Downtown Tamaqua, from its restored 1874 Railroad Station to the many recently renovated buildings, has made some significant progress since I was growing up in our “half a double” on Arlington Street. I look forward to working with Tamaqua’s many local volunteers and elected leaders on many future improvements! Celebrating the Rebirth of the Schuylkill River
About the time of this photo from 25 years ago, I purchased my first kayak. On Saturday, I traveled to Schuylkill Haven to greet the kayakers and others participating in this year’s Schuylkill River Sojourn. Every year, hundreds of people paddle from Schuylkill County to Philadelphia – a 7-day, 112-mile trip. I don’t think my old pal Buster would have made it that far – he barely made it to the middle of Lake Hauto before …. well, let’s just say he became a bit seasick. This event would not have been possible when I was growing up in Tamaqua. I wasn’t allowed to retrieve a ball from the Little Schuylkill River because the water was often more black and orange than clear. Now, people are fishing, swimming, and kayaking in the river again, thanks to the work of many dedicated community volunteers. New Recognition for the Appalachian Trail in Schuylkill and Carbon Counties
Every year, thousands of hikers pass through Schuylkill and Carbon counties on the Appalachian Trail, which stretches almost 2,200 miles from Maine to Georgia. A recent article from the Philadelphia Inquirer highlighted two Schuylkill County restaurants – the Port Clinton Hotel and the Thunderhead Lodge in Andreas – as two of the best spots to stop and eat on the A.T. in Pennsylvania. A few years ago, my son AJ and I hiked one of the most rocky and difficult parts of the A.T., the section between Lehigh Furnace and Route 309 in West Penn Township. For me, it was the first time I’d strapped on a 30-pound backpack and walked that particular section of the trail since 1984 when I guided a group of scouts through those rocks and crevices. It was an excellent reminder of how scenic and beautiful this area can be! Patchtown Days at Eckley Miners’ Village
I visited Eckley Miners’ Village for Patchtown Days with my family this past weekend. It’s one of my favorite annual celebrations of the coal region, featuring folk arts, music, and food at the site of the only remaining authentic 19th-century company mining village. Seeing the prices of food and supplies, as well as the hourly wages of miners 100 years ago, demonstrates how truly different life was for the people who lived in the village. Visit their website to plan your visit. Orwigsburg Church Celebrates 200 Years
Rep. Jamie Barton and I visited Salem United Methodist Church in Orwigsburg to celebrate their 200th anniversary on Tuesday. Congratulations to Reverend Dr. ShinAe Kim and all who have kept this congregation going through thick and thin over the past two centuries. Jumpstart Your Child’s Education Savings
Saving for your child’s education can be daunting, but Keystone Scholars can jumpstart education savings for Pennsylvania children. The first program of its kind in the country, Keystone Scholars provides a $100 investment for post-high school education for every child born in Pennsylvania since Jan. 1, 2019. It can be used to pay for collegiate studies, technical school training and apprenticeship programs. Claim your child’s money, which is funded by surplus investment earnings from the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan. Opening a companion PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account can also help to save for education-related expenses. PA 529 accounts have tax advantages and do not impact eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid. Antlerless Deer Licenses for Sale Starting June 24
For wildlife management units (WMUs) 1B, 2G and 3A, antlerless deer licenses go on sale for residents Monday, June 24, at 8 a.m. Licenses for residents of all other WMUs go on sale Thursday, June 27, at 8 a.m. They will be guaranteed until July 7. Unsold licenses will be available for nonresidents on July 8 at 8 a.m. One tag will be available per hunter in the first round of sales. The second round of sales begins July 22 at 8 a.m. for residents and nonresidents alike on a first come, first served basis. Read more about all four rounds of license purchase. Resident antlerless deer licenses cost $6.97, and nonresident antlerless deer licenses cost $26.97. Purchase a license online or in-store at a license issuing agent. Free Webinars Provide Helpful College Financial Aid Info
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is holding free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process. On Tuesday, June 25, at noon, speakers will discuss how to cover the gap between awarded loans and the actual amount due. On Thursday, June 27, at 6:30 p.m., speakers will focus on how to compare financial aid offers to choose the right loan for the borrower. Register to attend the one-hour webinars. |
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