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In this Update:
Waste of Taxpayer Dollars at the White Haven Center
Due to concerns about decades of bureaucratic inactivity and the waste of millions of taxpayer dollars at the White Haven Center and other closed, former state hospitals, the Senate State Government Committee advanced legislation I introduced to move the issue forward with a bipartisan vote of 10 to 1. The White Haven Center was shut down in 2023 by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services without community or legislative input. Since then, it has sat unused and empty, leaving taxpayers on the hook for millions every year to maintain its empty buildings. I have tried to work with the department in the past – it was just one delay after another. I finally lost my patience. That’s why I introduced this bill. The former Allentown State Hospital was the worst-case scenario of what can happen when these properties are not reused in a timely manner. Closed in 2010, the state spent approximately $2.2 million each year for 10 years for upkeep and security until ultimately razing it in 2020 for an additional $12.7 million – a total of about $34.7 million. Through inaction, the state nearly tripled the amount of taxpayer dollars wasted. We cannot repeat these mistakes EVER AGAIN. This governor, the last governor, and their appointed cabinet officers in the Departments of Human Services and General Services should all be embarrassed by their continuing delays. I have already met with several people who may be interested in purchasing this valuable property. Anyone interested should not hesitate to contact us if you would like to learn more. Breathing New Life into Pottsville, One Building at a Time
Downtown revitalization is not always accomplished through major developments like finding a new use for a historic building or a new employer bringing hundreds of jobs at once. Sometimes, incremental change – block by block, building by building – can have just as large an impact. That’s the idea behind a program to improve façades in downtown Pottsville the Pottsville Area Development Corporation has been leading since 2019. In total, 17 buildings have or will receive façade grants through this program. I secured two state grants totaling $200,000 to support this important work. Building owners are required to contribute a minimum of 50% of the cost of the repairs. Step by step by step! How Can We End Welfare Waste, Fraud, and Abuse?
Over 100 people were charged with stealing more than $680,000 from our public assistance programs during July and August, according to the Office of State Inspector General. To curb these instances in the future, the Senate passed three bills I introduced to protect the taxpayer dollars we provided our public assistance programs last year. These bills will ensure that taxpayer dollars are going to those in genuine need, not to bad actors trying to game the system. Unfortunately, the House leadership has refused to move this commonsense legislation forward. October 17: Screening of Rare Film Footage of 1920s New Philadelphia
Retired grocer Bill McMullen and historian Helen Smeltz will present rare 1920s film footage of New Philadelphia on Thursday, October 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Schuylkill County Historical Society.
I was excited to be a part of this free event, due to my family’s history in Middleport. My great grandfather and grandmother Argall lived on the corner of Coal and Kaska Streets. My grandfather was a local teacher – his 1930 contract, with a salary of $990 per YEAR, can be seen here. When school officials couldn’t pay their teachers due to the decline in the local coal industry, my grandmother’s job at a local sewing factory helped the Argall family survive through some very difficult times. Learn more information about the event here. Senate Votes to Strengthen PA’s Sexual Offender Registry
The Senate unanimously approved legislation to protect children from sexual predators by closing a loophole in existing state law. The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 1317 would add the crime of sexual assault by a sports official, volunteer or employee of a nonprofit association as a Tier II sexual offense, requiring individuals convicted of this offense to register as a sexual offender under the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act. Under current law, those convicted of this offense are not required to register as sex offenders. The bill supports the Senate Republican priority of cultivating healthy and safe communities. Providence Place Senior Living Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Providence Place Senior Living is celebrating their 25th anniversary of serving Pennsylvania seniors in Pottsville. I have seen first-hand the love and care that the workers at these facilities have for the residents they care for. I attended their open house event, which featured three very special guests – my good friend and former state representative Bob Allen, former Pottsville Mayor John Reiley, and David Leader, President and CEO of Providence Place Senior Living and the son of former Pennsylvania Governor George Leader. Rep. Jamie Barton, Sherri Hammer from Rep. Tim Twardzik’s office and I presented official Senate and House citations commemorating this milestone. Lehighton Fire Department: 150 Years of Keeping the Community Safe
Congratulations to the Lehighton Fire Department, which celebrated its 150th anniversary last week. During the program, three new vehicles were dedicated in honor of past firefighters who kept the department alive and thriving throughout the years. To all who have served in the department for the past century and a half – thank you for keeping your community safe. State Capitol Visitors
Thursday was German Unity Day – an annual commemoration of German reunification after the fall of the Berlin Wall. In that spirit, I met with a delegation of German leaders who were visiting to learn more about our system of government. There’s a lot we can learn from each other. I saw the tragic effects of communism first-hand when I toured Germany as an Eisenhower Fellow shortly after the Berlin Wall was toppled. My family and I are so grateful that my mother’s family emigrated from Silesia, along the German-Polish border, hundreds of years before the rise of communism. How fortunate we are to live in freedom, unlike our distant cousins who suffered under communism for generations.
Pastor Sharon Stokes of Tamaqua, who leads Stokes Ministry, gave the opening prayer at the start of Senate session on Monday. Thank you for joining us! Watch her opening prayer and my introduction of her on the floor of the Senate here.
Shyanna White, this year’s Schuylkill County Fair Queen, stopped by my Harrisburg office. Year after year, I enjoy seeing the rich culture and heritage of Schuylkill County on display at the fair. The 2025 fair will be from July 29–August 3 – don’t forget to mark your calendars!
Rep. Twardzik, Rep. Barton, and I welcomed a group of Schuylkill Haven area seniors to the State Capitol. Thank you all for visiting us! If you’re interested in traveling to our Capitol, we can help you plan your tour and provide information about the history of the building and grounds. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
As we kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania, we honor the brave survivors, fighters and advocates who inspire us all in the battle against breast cancer. Each year, we turn the Capitol fountain pink as a powerful reminder of our commitment to raising awareness, advancing research and supporting early detection efforts. This month serves as an important time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work that still lies ahead. One in eight women will get breast cancer in her lifetime, so early detection and access to life-saving treatments remain critical. We stand united in spreading awareness and fostering hope, reminding everyone that we can make a lasting impact in the fight against breast cancer. Stay up to date here. Upcoming Events
Rep. Twardzik and I will host a concealed carry seminar on Wednesday, October 16 at the Mount Carbon Fire Company, 122 Main Street, Pottsville to educate gun owners about state laws regarding firearms. It will be led by Schuylkill County Sheriff Joe Groody and Attorney Joshua Prince. Following state laws and safety guidelines is extremely important when exercising our Second Amendment rights. Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the program will start at 6 p.m. Seating for this event is limited. Those interested in attending should RSVP by calling 570-773-0891.
Is your license plate worn out? You can get it replaced for free at an event I’m hosting with Rep. Barton on Thursday, October 17, from 3-6 p.m. at the West Penn Township Municipal 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.
Rep. Twardzik and I will be hosting a free scam seminar at 11 a.m. on October 25 at the Fairlane Village Mall (former Schuylkill Valley Sports store front). A representative from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Senior Protection Unit will present information and answer questions. With scammers becoming increasingly brazen and creative, we all need to be aware of how to protect ourselves from falling prey to these criminals. To RSVP, please call 570-773-0891. |
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