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In this Update:
Study: More College Graduates in Tamaqua Area Thanks to Morgan Success Scholarships
As this old photo indicates, it’s been more than 20 years since Governor Mark Schweiker and I first announced the creation of the Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) Morgan Center in Tamaqua. Many of us have fond memories of the building either as Tamaqua High or, for me, the junior high where both my parents once taught. Since LCCC opened its doors here, over 2200 students have earned associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas. Many of those students took advantage of a unique opportunity made possible by the generosity of the John E. Morgan Foundation – the Morgan Success Scholarship, which guarantees two years of free tuition for Tamaqua Area High School graduates who attend LCCC. The percentage of Tamaqua Area School District residents who have earned an associate degree has increased by 50% in the past decade. A new study published by the Annenberg Institute at Brown University shows a strong link between this increase and the Morgan Success Scholarship: “All evidence we presented suggests that Tamaqua, Pennsylvania’s Morgan Success Scholarship strongly refashions the educational trajectories of many eligible students. Specifically, it leads a sizable share of students to enroll in community college who otherwise would not have enrolled anywhere, initially diverts a very large share of students from four-year colleges to community college, and considerably increases the proportion of students who earn associate degrees. After four to six years, because of the program, Tamaqua has fewer high school graduates with no postsecondary education, many more who attended community college but earned no credentials, considerably more with a terminal associate degree, and slightly fewer with a bachelor’s degree.” This is the most successful effort to breathe new life into a community that I have ever witnessed. The solution was ultimately a product of collaboration – between state government grants, Lehigh Carbon Community College, the Morgan Foundation, the Tamaqua Area School District, and the many students who have chosen to pursue their higher education right here in the community we all call home. We Must Never Forget September 11, 2001
On Wednesday, we will remember and honor the innocent lives lost 23 years ago when terrorists attacked our nation. Nearly 3,000 Americans lost their lives in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA, where a passenger revolt led to the crash of Flight 93. Many of the brave first responders who answered the call on that tragic day perished as well – their sacrifice will never be forgotten. These violent and senseless attacks rocked our nation to its core. After the attacks, we were more unified than I have ever seen before or since. Today, honoring all those killed in these attacks continues to bring us together. Holding Looters and Thieves Accountable
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General announced that five people were charged under the new, stronger penalties for organized retail theft signed into law last year. According to the news release, these individuals operated a significant organized retail theft operation that targeted stores across nine counties, stealing more than $71,000 in over-the-counter medications and other health and beauty products. I wrote the law that strengthened the penalties these thieves were charged with and gave the AG’s office more resources to hold them accountable. This crime ring shows exactly why I advocated so strongly for this change. Theft at this scale doesn’t just hurt employers – it results in the loss of jobs and makes our communities less safe. I’m grateful to see stronger action is already being taken. Blueprint Communities Brings New Revitalization Strategies to White Haven
White Haven received very exciting news late last year when they were accepted into the statewide Blueprint Communities program – a proven strategy to breathe new life into older towns. I previously encouraged Tamaqua to apply. When you drive down the street there now, it’s impossible to miss the difference! Thanks in part to the new entrance to the D+L Trail from Lehigh Gorge State Park and passenger train excursions from Jim Thorpe and other communities, White Haven has made significant progress toward breathing new life into their small town. This program will help them take their plans to the next level. The White Haven Area Blueprint Team held an event recently with local organizations and other stakeholders about how this designation will benefit the community. I was there and spoke about my experience with past Blueprint teams – this is a VERY exciting next step for local revitalization efforts. Congrats to Williams Valley Girls Softball!
Congrats to the Williams Valley Girls Softball team – this year’s District XI Class AA champions! Led by head coach Ryan Underkoffler, the Lady Vikings finished with a record of 19-6. Rep. JoAnne Stehr, staff from Sen. Greg Rothman’s office, and I visited the team and presented them with official Senate and House citations this week. Meeting with Thousands of Constituents at Once
Thank you to everyone who joined our two telephone town halls this week. Between my call on Wednesday and the call Rep. Dane Watro invited me to join on Tuesday, over 5,000 local people listened in and asked us questions. I’ve organized more than 20 of these in the past few years and I always enjoy the chance to speak to people from across Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties. On Wednesday, I asked the audience to respond to four poll questions about issues currently facing our state government. Here are the results:
Another Successful Senior Expo in Carbon County
This year’s Senior Expo in Carbon County was a huge success! Thank you to the 1000+ who joined us AND the many volunteers who made today possible. When I became the state senator for Carbon County two years ago, I was excited to join Rep. Doyle Heffley in sponsoring this event that assists local seniors year after year. Upcoming Events
Rep. Watro and I will host a seminar for senior citizens about how to avoid the latest scams on Tuesday, September 10 at 10 a.m. at the Greater Shenandoah Area Senior Citizens Center. The seminar will be led by a representative from the Senior Protection Unit of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Information will be provided on how to look out for and avoid scammers posing as banks, caregivers, grandkids, government agencies, and more. RSVPs are required for this event. Call 570-773-0891 to reserve your spot today.
Rep. Stehr and I are hosting a Senior Expo at the Pine Grove Hose Hook and Ladder on Friday, September 13 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. If you need assistance from local, county, or state agencies, stop by!
Is your license plate worn out? You can get it replaced for free at an event I’m hosting with Rep. Heffley on Thursday, September 19 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Kidder Township Municipal Building. A local police officer will be on hand to inspect your plate to determine if it qualifies for free replacement. For more information or to RSVP, call 570-773-0891.
Rep. Watro and I are hosting a Senior Expo at the Laurel Mall in Hazle Township on Thursday, September 19 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. If you need assistance from local, county, or state agencies, stop by! If you have any questions, please call 570-453-1344. |
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