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In this update:
How Can We Support Those Living with Alzheimer’s Disease?Too many of our families have suffered through the pain of watching a loved one stricken by Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. I wrote a column for the Republican Herald about current efforts by our state government to better support those affected by the disease and their caregivers. I will always have happy memories of my mom, who suffered from this terrible disease during the last four years of her life. The picture here from forty ago is one such happy memory from when my brother Doug and I hired a “gorillagram” for our parent’s 25th anniversary. To provide more smiles, and less tragedy, we all need to work together to advance legislation and support additional resources for those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. PASSHE Universities Freeze TuitionI voted for a tuition freeze for the ten PASSHE universities, including Kutztown University, Bloomsburg University (part of Commonwealth University), Shippensburg University, and more this week. In the Senate, I was proud to vote for the bipartisan state funding agreement that made this possible. This action will help tens of thousands of Pennsylvania students, making it easier for them to get the education needed to start their careers and build their lives here. Little Leaf Farms Expansion Awarded State GrantRep. Doyle Heffley and I announced that Little Leaf Farms was awarded a state grant to support their plans to expand their greenhouse space. Once their expansion plans are complete, they will be operating the largest indoor lettuce farm in the WORLD right here in Banks Township, just outside of McAdoo. We joined them at a ribbon cutting for their second 10-acre greenhouse just a few weeks ago – thanks in part to this grant, they will eventually operate six, creating at least 300 new jobs for the area. Pioneer Day AND Schuylkill County Brew Fest on SaturdayIf you’re looking for a way to enjoy the beautiful summer weather this weekend, there are great options in Ashland and Pottsville. The Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train will be hosting their annual Pioneer Day, with this year’s theme being Christmas in July. Visit from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday in Ashland. This special event features local food vendors, music, and other activities in addition to the coal mine and steam locomotive tours which run every weekend. The 9th annual Schuylkill County Brew Fest will be taking place on Saturday from 2-5:30 p.m. in downtown Pottsville, featuring over 30 brewers from Pennsylvania. The day will also mark the second anniversary since Pilger Ruh Brewing opened their doors in downtown Pottsville. Carbon County Creates Fund to Demolish Blighted BuildingsThe Carbon County Commissioners approved a county demolition funding program to tear down blighted buildings. While everyone can agree that we should tear down vacant, decaying, rat-infested (or tree infested as can be seen in this picture from Shenandoah) buildings in our communities, finding the dollars necessary can be difficult. I wrote the bipartisan bill that created this program in 2015. Now, 26 counties have joined, demolishing hundreds of dangerous eyesores across Pennsylvania. State Grants Awarded for Sewer Repairs in Schuylkill and Luzerne CountiesI announced Hazleton, Frackville, and Freeland were awarded highly competitive state funding to make much-needed repairs and upgrades to their sewer systems with Rep. Dane Watro, Rep. Tim Twardzik, and Rep. Mike Cabell. No community can function without clean water and effective sewer systems. I’m thankful these important projects won state support. Free Webinars to Help Students and Families Navigate the Financial Aid ProcessThe Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is holding two free statewide webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process. Speakers will discuss how students and families can take advantage of PA Forward, which is Pennsylvania’s state-based private student loan option offered by PHEAA. The first webinar, Deep Dive into Covering the Gap, will be held Tuesday, July 25, at noon. The second, Borrowing for Education – Which Loan is Right for Me?, will be held Thursday, July 27, at 6:30 p.m. Register to attend the one-hour webinars here. July Argall Report: History and Recreation in Carbon CountyThe July edition of my monthly tv program features sites in Carbon County that were recently awarded highly competitive state grants, including the Asa Packer Mansion and the Lehighton waterfront. While visiting the Lehighton Outdoor Center, I spoke with employee Cindy Sterling about neighboring communities. We talked about the importance of working together to breathe new life into our towns – watch our conversation above. This and all previous editions are available on my website. |
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