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In this Update:
DEP Hears Odor Complaints at Western Schuylkill County Public MeetingThe Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) hosted a public meeting in Tremont last night to hear directly from the people of western Schuylkill County about the ongoing odor issues affecting their communities. My staff and I attended the meeting to hear their concerns first-hand. Based on the complaints my office has received, it’s clear that more needs to be done to fix these issues as soon as possible. Every person deserves to live without endless, nasty odors plaguing their homes. That’s why state Rep. JoAnne Stehr, County Commissioners Padora, Hetherington, and Hess, and I encouraged DEP to host this public meeting. The meeting specifically focused on the operations of Natural Soil Projects in Frailey Township, Liberty Soils in Reilly Township, Summit Anthracite near Good Spring, Rausch Creek in Pine Grove, and CES Landfill in Hegins. Anyone affected by odors is encouraged to call DEP’s 24/7 hotline, 570-826-2511, to report the time and location of the problem. Improving Outdoor Recreation in Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne Counties
More than $2.3 million was awarded to improve outdoor recreation in Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties this week. I’m very grateful that these dollars—this highly competitive funding—will improve opportunities for us all to enjoy the natural beauty of our area. In addition to improvements to many local parks, this funding will help construct 4.6 miles of the Schuylkill River Trail in the Saint Clair area. By completing this section of trail, we’re bringing new visitors to the area not just to enjoy nature, but to visit nearby towns and employers. We’ve seen in Jim Thorpe how this can breathe new life into older towns. This funding was awarded through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which supports projects to improve parks, recreation, and conservation across Pennsylvania. I worked closely with Reps. Jamie Barton, Doyle Heffley, Eddie Day Pashinski, Tim Twardzik, JoAnne Stehr, and Dane Watro to secure these dollars. Senate Organizes for 2025-26 Session
Voters returned a 28-22 Republican majority to the state Senate for the 2025-26 legislative session – the same partisan divide as the previous 2 years. This week, leaders of both the Republican and Democratic caucuses were elected. We also said goodbye to four departing senators, including Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny), who was a strong partner in the fight against blight, and Sen. Mike Regan (R-York), who I worked closely with to make our schools safer. Congrats, Keystone Potato Products!
Congratulations to Keystone Potato Products, who was named Food Processing Magazine’s Green Plant of the Year after winning a nationwide competition. I joined Reps. Stehr and Twardzik at their plant in Frailey Township to congratulate them. Pictured here are me; David Masser and Glenn Weist, Keystone Potato Products; and Secretary Russell Redding of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Assisting Local Veterans in Pottsville
Schuylkill Community Action hosted a Veterans Resource Fair at Alvernia University’s Pottsville CollegeTowne Campus Thursday. The event offered information and educational presentations about veteran’s services in the Greater Schuylkill County region. My office hosted a table, along with Reps. Barton, Stehr, Twardzik, and Watro. Thank you to everyone who made today possible. When I worked with many local leaders to bring this college campus to Pottsville, we envisioned it to be more than a place where people could get the education necessary for a productive career. Today, a property that was vacant and blighted just a few years ago helped connect local heroes with valuable resources. Finnegan Foundation Offers State Government Internships
College students interested in state government can apply for summer internships in Harrisburg through the James A. Finnegan Fellowship Foundation. The deadline is January 24, 2025. This is a great opportunity for Pennsylvania’s future leaders. The Finnegan Foundation allows college students from across Pennsylvania who are interested in politics and government to take their experience to the next level. I was a Finnegan intern during my college career – it was a very valuable experience. Internships are awarded through an essay contest. Applicants must write between 1,500 and 2,500 words about whether school choice should be included in the next state budget. Giving First Responders More Support
Beginning in December, a law will give first responders greater access to workers’ compensation benefits for a post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI). Firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics will be entitled to benefits for psychological traumas resulting from their employment – even in the absence of physical injuries. To receive benefits, they need to be diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist. Previously, Pennsylvania law required a first responder to prove there were “objective abnormal working conditions” to establish a PTSI claim. This standard was often difficult to meet. Seasonal PennDOT Jobs Open Now
PennDOT is hiring individuals for its winter maintenance program that runs until April 2025. The jobs pay from $17.00 to $27.75 an hour and could become a career. Roles include equipment operators, dispatchers, mechanics, tradesman helpers, semi-skilled laborers and tunnel maintainers. Job requirements vary based on position. Learn more regarding required experience, training and eligibility. Submit an online application. Call 855-524-5627 if you have trouble accessing your account. Be Prepared for Fall Driving Hazards
Fall brings different driving hazards, including wet leaves, fog, sun glare and frost. Drivers can use fall driving tips from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to make their commutes safer. Extra caution is needed on roads covered with wet leaves, which can be as slippery as ice. When driving in fog, it’s best to use low-beam headlights to avoid the glare created by high beams. Morning frost and icy spots can cause issues as overnight temperatures drop toward freezing. Ice is more likely to form on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas. Pennsylvania drivers face the third-highest chance of being involved in an animal-related crash in the nation. To report a dead animal for removal from a state road, call the PennDOT at 1-800-FIX-ROAD. Call the Game Commission at 1-833-742-9453 for local roads. Recognizing National Diabetes Awareness Month
The men, women and children who live with prediabetes and diabetes face challenges not only with their health but also with the financial impact of the disease. However, there is support available, including health tips and food ideas. Healthy eating for prediabetes and diabetes can be delicious and satisfying using recipes like these. Tools and resources are available regarding health care affordability and driving with diabetes. There is also helpful information for caregivers. |
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