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In this Update:
Fighting Bureaucratic Delays at White Birch Golf Course
Sometimes, it’s the “simple things” that make this job so challenging—like fighting unnecessary bureaucratic delays at the White Birch Golf Course in Schuylkill County. For more than 60 years, 2.5 acres located on the edge of Tuscarora State Park have been leased to White Birch Golf Course for use as a parking lot, with the only condition of the lease being that the owners needed to maintain the area. The land has never been used for anything relating to the operations of the park. What should have been a simple issue with a speedy resolution blossomed into a full-blown bureaucratic nightmare. In response, the Senate recently voted 28-21 to advance legislation I introduced to ensure that this dirt lot can continue to be used in the same manner it has been for dozens of years. The parking lot in question—which was closed by the State Park earlier this year but is now again open to the public—provides a significant benefit to the many people who visit White Birch. Our small businesses should NEVER be crippled by our state government like this. Improving Early Literacy
The Senate and House unanimously passed and sent to the governor legislation to give students the best chance at lifelong success through a strong, evidence-based reading program. Senate Bill 801, sponsored by Sen. Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) and Sen. Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia) would provide schools with resources to dramatically improve early literacy in Pennsylvania. First, it would bolster reading instruction by giving schools a comprehensive list of evidence-based reading curricula. Second, it would help schools identify struggling readers early via universal screening by providing a list of high-quality screeners. Third, it would ensure educators are properly trained to use the structured literacy curriculum and screeners by creating a list of high-quality professional development programs. Low literacy scores are a problem that spans the geographic and demographic spectrum, with urban cities and rural communities struggling to help their students read proficiently at their age level. Studies show that childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and dramatically impact someone’s chances of success. Honoring a Fallen Pottsville Hero
On Monday, a graveside service was held at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Pottsville on the 100th anniversary of the End of Watch of Trooper Francis L. Haley, who lost his life attempting to arrest a bank robber on October 14, 1924. Pennsylvania Concerns of Police Survivors hosted this event to honor Trooper Haley’s selfless bravery. Seth Hubler from my staff presented Trooper Haley’s family with an official Senate citation in honor of his service and sacrifice on behalf of the people of Schuylkill County. How Can We Better Support Senior Citizens in Pennsylvania?
I was invited to join the Aging in Pennsylvania Summit hosted by City and State Pennsylvania in Harrisburg to review the needs of our aging population. Joining me on the panel were Nicole Stallings, President & CEO, The Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania; Dr. Nicole Osevala, Chief, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Penn State Health; Sharlene Waller, Executive Director, Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on Aging; and Rep. Maureen Madden, chair of the House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee. Many families, including mine, have faced the tough decision of helping a parent or grandparent move into a long-term care center. I have seen first-hand the love and care that the workers at these facilities have for the residents they care for, yet they are increasingly struggling because they cannot find enough qualified, well-suited employees. I introduced a package of legislation to encourage more people to pursue this career path. Two of the bills won bipartisan support in the Senate and are now under consideration by the House. I look forward to continuing this important work next year. Mary D Houses New Fire Engine
On Saturday, I was invited to attend the housing of a new fire engine in Mary D. This brand-new vehicle will assist the Mary D Fire Company in Schuylkill Township in responding as quickly as possible to local emergencies. Thank you to all our first responders in Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties for everything you do to keep our communities safe. Celebrating the Rich History of Tamaqua
I joined hundreds of people in downtown Tamaqua last weekend for the 40th annual Tamaqua Heritage Festival. Congratulations 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. Expanding the Heights Terrace Playground
Rep. Dane Watro and I joined Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat at a ribbon cutting for the newly improved and expanded playground at Heights-Terrace Elementary/Middle School. The playground has been closed for years due to safety hazards, including outdated equipment and a deteriorating safety surface. We secured a state grant to support these upgrades. Now, the playground can again be enjoyed by the community! Screening Rare Film Footage of 1920s New Philadelphia
Retired grocer Bill McMullen and historian Helen Smeltz presented rare 1920s film footage of New Philadelphia last night at the Schuylkill County Historical Society. I was pleased to see so many people in attendance for this glimpse into what our area was like a century ago.
I am excited to be a part of this free event, due to my family’s history in Middleport and Blythe Township. My great grandfather and grandmother Argall lived on the corner of Coal and Kaska Streets. My grandfather was a local teacher—at the amazing rate of $990 per year, as noted in the photo of his contract. 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. Prepare Now for the Nov. 5 Election
Election Day on Nov. 5 is approaching. Make sure you’re able to participate by registering to vote no later than Oct. 21. If you’ve moved, this is also a great time to double check that you’re registered to vote at your current address. Anyone who wishes to vote by mail must apply by Oct. 29. You must be a registered voter to submit an application to vote by mail. If you are looking for a way to help your community, learn more about becoming a poll worker here. Thousands of Pennsylvanians are needed to run elections, and poll workers are needed in all 67 counties. Know Your Breast Cancer Risk
Understanding your breast cancer risk is vital for protecting your health. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can lower your risk. Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking are also important preventive steps. Regular screenings and self-exams are essential for early detection, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Discussing your personal risk with a doctor can help you explore further preventive options, such as genetic testing or medications. By implementing these strategies and staying informed, you can take significant steps toward lowering your risk. Learn more about breast cancer risk here. October 25: Senior Scam Seminar at the Fairlane Village Mall
Rep. Tim Twardzik and I will be hosting a free scam seminar at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 25 at the Fairlane Village Mall (former Schuylkill Valley Sports store front). With scammers becoming increasingly brazen and creative, we all need to be aware of how to protect ourselves from falling prey to these criminals. A representative from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Senior Protection Unit will present information and answer questions. To RSVP, please call 570-773-0891. Helping Constituents in the 29th DistrictThank you to everyone who joined me at events across the 29th district this week.
Rep. Twardzik and I were excited to see more than 70 people learning more about how to exercise our Second Amendment rights safely and lawfully at our concealed carry seminar in Mount Carbon. Special thanks to Schuylkill County Sheriff Joe Groody, District Attorney Mike O’Pake, and Attorney Joshua Prince for their very informative presentation.
Rep. Twardzik and I joined many of our constituents at the Diakon Living and Learning after 50 Senior Expo at the Fairlane Village Mall. Melanie Weikel and Colleen Barrett from my Pottsville office shared information about assistance with PennDOT documents, property tax/rent rebate forms, securing unclaimed property, and so much more. Sherri Hammer from Rep. Twardzik’s office provided additional information about how we can help you navigate problems with our state government. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any state-related questions!
Rep. Jamie Barton and I hosted an event to replace damaged and illegible license plates for free in West Penn Township. Thank you to the West Penn Township Police Department for conducting the plate inspections. Seth Hubler and Brenda Swank, who work in my Mahanoy City office, were there to assist drivers with their paperwork.
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