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In this update:
Ending the RGGI Electricity Tax, Protecting Jobs
Since Gov. Tom Wolf forced Pennsylvania to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) unilaterally via executive order, I have said many times that no Governor, Republican or Democrat, can be allowed to create any new taxes without the support of the General Assembly. This week, the Senate voted to end Pennsylvania’s involvement in RGGI. By taking this action, we’re preventing massive electric bill increases and protecting family-sustaining jobs in our local power plants in Tremont, Mahanoy City, Shenandoah, and Nesquehoning which have literally converted mountains of waste coal into much-needed electricity for decades. We need them to finish the job! 150 Years of the Tamaqua Train Station: From Landmark to Blighted Shell to Landmark Once Again
The Tamaqua Train Station celebrated its 150th anniversary over the weekend. This station was once a symbol of blight in Tamaqua. For decades, the walls were caving in, the windows and doors were boarded up, and the roof leaked. But many local people came together to transform an abandoned wreck into the pride of the community. The fully restored station now houses the Tamaqua Station Restaurant and serves as a stop on the Reading and Northern Railroad’s passenger train rides. Instead of a symbol of blight, it is now the most visible symbol of the revitalization of Tamaqua which recently received major recognition again – this time by Business View Magazine. The article spotlighted not just the many positive developments, but how they were achieved. Tamaqua’s City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ), which keeps state tax dollars in the borough to support economic development, and a pilot program to renovate the upper floors of downtown buildings into apartments were both described as driving new growth. Among the positive developments highlighted by the article are small businesses like the Bischoff Inn, Hope & Coffee, Stoker’s Brewing Company, and Revere Brewery and the new police station and community center that is now under design on property formerly occupied by blighted and decaying buildings. LCCC’s Morgan Center has also expanded higher education opportunities for 20 years. None of this would be possible without strong, enduring public private partnerships and people who worked together for many years to breathe new life into my hometown. Congratulations to all! Meeting with Miners in Western Schuylkill County
The Anthracite Chapter of the Holmes Safety Association – which works to improve miner safety and health – invited me to speak at their meeting in Joliett in western Schuylkill County about our work to keep the local cogens in Tremont, Mahanoy City, Shenandoah, and Nesquehoning open. These power plants do not just provide electricity to thousands of homes – they have cleaned up many of the mountains of waste coal that littered our area as well as streams and rivers that once ran orange and black. Despite misguided attempts by Governors Wolf and Shapiro to establish a new tax on electricity and kill these plants, I’ve been able to work with our local state representatives to make sure they can continue their important work. I also shared the story of my great-grandfather’s uncle Thomas Argall – a perfect example of why this association is so important. He lost his leg in an accident in a mine near Pottsville when he was just 15 years old. Because of the work of organizations like the Holmes Safety Association, these stories are MUCH rarer in today’s world. Educating Nurses in Pottsville
The Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing cut the ribbon for their new location in Pottsville. Nurses are much needed in Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties. I’m pleased to see this productive partnership between the Lehigh Valley Health Network and Alvernia University will continue to train healthcare professionals for many years to come. Congratulations to all! I was joined by Rep. Doyle Heffley, Rep. Tim Twardzik, and staff from Rep. Dane Watro’s office. Helping the People of Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne CountiesOn Thursday, we were out and about throughout the 29th district hosting events.
Rep. Dane Watro and I hosted a Senior Expo in Hazle Township. We had hundreds of local seniors join us to learn more about the services available to them from local organizations and government agencies. Brad Hurley, who works in my Hazleton office, hosted a table with information about state resources.
Rep. Jamie Barton also hosted a senior expo in Landingville. Melanie Weikel and Colleen Barrett, who work in my Pottsville office, hosted a table with information about state resources.
Rep. Doyle Heffley and I hosted an event to replace damaged and illegible license plates for free in Kidder Township. Thank you to Chief Matthew Kuzma, Patrolman Jacob Dinkelacker, and Patrolman Christopher Ritterfor for conducting the plate inspections. Brenda Swank, who works in my Mahanoy City office, was there to assist drivers with their paperwork.
In the evening, Rep. Jamie Barton and I met with constituents at Leiby’s Ice Cream House & Restaurant in Tamaqua and discussed state and local issues over ice cream.
I also visited the Luzerne County Association of Township Officials Convention and spoke about how we can work together to breathe new life into older towns. Diligent Fire Company No. 3 Celebrates 150 Years
The Diligent Fire Company No. 3 celebrated their 150th anniversary of serving and protecting the Jim Thorpe area last weekend. I presented Senate citations to the fire company and nine firefighters who have volunteered for more than 50 years. Thank you all for everything you do to keep our community safe. September 28: Schuylkill Haven Borough Day
The 36th annual Schuylkill Haven Borough Day is next Saturday. The downtown area of the borough will be filled with food trucks, vendors, and entertainers. Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad will be running three, one-hour round trip passenger train excursions to Port Clinton and back at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
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