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In this Update:
New Year Begins in the Senate
One year ago this week, I was sworn in for another four-year term in the Pennsylvania Senate, after winning every precinct in this Senate district across Carbon, Schuylkill, and southern Luzerne counties, with the support of 71% of voters — Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike. In college, I learned that a 10 percent win is considered a ‘landslide’ — apparently, there is no term for a 40+ point win! My goal remains the same: to continue to work with my local partners to breathe new life into all our communities, small and large, across this extensive Senate district, and to improve our local schools, from pre-school to grad school! From fighting to save our local Penn State campuses, to building a new dental school here, to partnering with public and private leaders to support new housing, a new hotel in Pottsville, and other economic development efforts — I’m working to deliver real results for the people of this district. Read more here. Congratulations to New Mayor Smith and Councilmen Marsh & Price!
In November, the new Mayor of Pottsville, Tom Smith, was elected by one of the largest margins in decades. This week, he invited me to attend his swearing-in ceremony, along with his key partners, newly elected Councilmembers Jon Marsh and Scott Price. I was joined by Rep. Tim Twardzik and Schuylkill County Commissioner Larry Padora. And look, here’s a city hall portrait of my friend and long-time colleague from the State House, Pottsville’s former “Boy Mayor,” Bob Allen, from 50 years ago!
I look forward to working with the mayor and new city council to breathe new life into Pottsville, fighting blight and crime, bringing new and renewed housing, expanded small businesses, and a renewed vitality to downtown and all its neighborhoods. Congrats to Tom, Scott, and Jon, and all our local elected officials, new and re-elected, in the 102 communities I represent in Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties, from Pine Grove to Palmerton to Bear Creek, and all the cities, boroughs, and townships in between! New Revitalization Efforts in Pottsville
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary Rick Vilello joined new Mayor Tom Smith, City Council, the Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO), Evelyn Datte from Congressman Dan Meuser’s office, Rep. Tim Twardzik , me, and other local leaders to showcase the downtown’s success stories, including the Yuengling Museum, the new Rosalia Hotel, Alvernia University Pottsville CollegeTowne, and many of the new local businesses in the downtown, including Drasdis & Son Clothier, The Farm Store, and The Chopping Block , and to discuss future plans.
From the moment we began walking Pottsville’s historic streets, it was clear that the community’s bipartisan vision for revitalization is not only ambitious, but as Secretary Viello said, it is “exceeding expectations.” The Deputy Secretary shared that the concepts and progress presented during the visit impressed DCED leadership, and that’s a testament to the hard work of local leaders, business owners, and volunteers who refuse to let old challenges define Pottsville’s future.
For far too long, many of our coal region downtowns have struggled with disinvestment, vacant buildings, and the economic headwinds facing small cities across Pennsylvania. That’s why I’ve made revitalizing downtowns and older industrial neighborhoods a top priority in the State Senate — championing anti-blight laws and supporting targeted economic development because places like Pottsville deserve to thrive again. I’m working with local partners, Republicans and Democrats alike, to ramp up this important work — and bringing more state resources and attention to Pottsville as your partner in revitalization. Read more here. White Haven’s Rebirth
On Sunday evening, Beth and I joined the Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce to celebrate its ongoing downtown revitalization efforts. With its detailed Blueprint Community revitalization plans, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway bringing new visitors into the borough from Jim Thorpe, Pittston, and beyond, the continued development of the D&L Trail’s outdoor recreation connections, and new community development, library, and infrastructure grants, White Haven is taking some major steps forward for residents, businesses, and visitors. Congratulations to Schuylkill County’s Newest Officials!
I was recently invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony for several of our elected county officials at the Schuylkill County Courthouse. Congratulations to:
Congrats to all! Check out the PA Farm Show in Harrisburg!
Hundreds of exhibits and delicious foods will be featured at the 2026 PA Farm Show, Jan. 10-17 in Harrisburg. You can check out the schedule, plan your visit, find out what’s new and more here. Tamaqua’s own Carly Green will sing the National Anthem at the Pennsylvania Farm Show’s Opening Ceremony this Saturday, January 10th at 10 a.m. Her performance can be heard throughout the complex and will be featured live on the PA Farm Show’s Facebook page. Congratulations to Weatherly’s Harold Pudliner!
I recently recognized Harold Pudliner as he retires after more than 28 years of service to the Borough of Weatherly, joining Rep. Doyle Heffley and the Carbon County Commissioners. Harold has served as Borough Manager, Treasurer, Zoning Officer, and Code Enforcement Officer—helping secure grants that improved Weatherly’s parks and infrastructure. He has been deeply involved in numerous regional boards and organizations, and I’m especially grateful for Harold’s leadership on the Schwab School project to restore this historic 1903 landmark into much-needed new housing and bring new life to Weatherly through strong public-private partnerships. Congratulations on a remarkable career, and best wishes for a well-earned retirement! Thank you for your service to our community and for your service in the United States Air Force. Read more here. Congratulations to Eagle Scout Christian Craig!
Christian Craig, our region’s newest Eagle Scout, is an active member of Troop 63. For his service project, he documented, beautified, and replaced the veterans’ grave markers for the Hazleton Cemetery Association. Rep. Dane Watro joined me and Beth as we congratulated Christian and all those who guided him down the long trail to Eagle at his court of honor on Sunday in downtown Hazleton. In 2025, I attended 15 different Eagle ceremonies across Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties. Christian’s event was a great beginning for my “official” calendar in 2026. Thank you for inviting me! Take the Schuylkill Haven Active Transportation Survey
The Borough of Schuylkill Haven, in cooperation with Schuylkill Connects, and the WalkWorks Program of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, is preparing an Active Transportation Plan (ATP). Schuylkill Haven has secured funding for preparation of the plan from the PA Department of Health and DCNR. The Active Transportation Plan will provide a framework for improving conditions for walking and bicycling across the Borough, with a focus on connecting existing recreation resources and schools to the economic center of the Borough. The plan will analyze existing pedestrian & bicycle infrastructure, and propose improvements designed to increase accessibility to these facilities while enhancing overall safety for all modes of transportation. This survey will inform the development of the plan by capturing public opinion about general transportation habits and preferences as well as ascertain resident aspirations about pedestrian and bicycle mobility in our communities. As a thank you for completing the survey, one respondent will be randomly selected to receive a $25 gift card to Boyer’s Food Market. Please enter your email at the end of the survey to be included in the drawing. Take the survey here. PA Treasury Mails Nearly 100,000 Money Match Checks
Check your mailboxes, because the Pennsylvania Treasury Department recently mailed nearly 100,000 Pennsylvania Money Match checks totaling more than $22 million. Treasurer Stacy Garrity urges those who receive a check to cash or deposit it immediately – this is a real program, and this money belongs to Pennsylvanians. Money Match, a law that went into effect in 2025, allows the Pennsylvania Treasury to return single-owner unclaimed property valued at $500 or less automatically without the need to search or file a claim. Money Match successfully returned $50 million in its first year and will continue issuing checks quarterly. More than one in 10 Pennsylvanians is owed some of the over $5 billion of unclaimed property in Treasury’s care. The average value of a claim is $1,000. Visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property to start searching.
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