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In this Update:
Senate Public Hearing: Housing Development Takes Too Damn Long!
PA’s housing crisis is holding our communities back, and if we don’t act, we will continue losing out to other states like Maryland and West Virginia, which are moving faster and building smarter. I chaired another Senate Majority Policy Committee public hearing in southwestern Pennsylvania this week at the invitation of Sen. Pat Stefano to confront a hard truth: housing development in Pennsylvania is too long, too expensive, and too uncertain! Across this district in Carbon, Schuylkill, and southern Luzerne counties, I’ve heard it again and again — from employers, from workers, and from families. There simply is not enough quality, attainable housing. At this hearing, local leaders didn’t just identify the problem — they offered solutions:
As one testifier puts it, “housing isn’t failing because there’s no interest in building it — it’s failing because the process makes it nearly impossible.” Employers aren’t asking for handouts. They’re asking for housing so their workforce can live near their jobs. If we want to grow our economy, compete for new businesses, and reverse population loss, Pennsylvania must become more competitive. That starts with increasing supply, lowering costs, and creating a development process that is transparent, timely, and reliable. This challenge will take collaboration across state and local officials, along with private partners in our communities. Working with Sen. Stefano, I look forward to advancing innovative, practical solutions at the state level that increase supply, lower costs, and support responsible housing development across Pennsylvania. Senate Majority Policy Committee Examines Childhood Food Allergies
On Tuesday, I made the long drive to Canonsburg, Washington County at the invitation of Senator Camera Bartolotta to examine a growing public health challenge: the rapid rise of childhood food allergies. Nearly 1.3 million Pennsylvanians live with food allergies. Over the past 20 years, rates have climbed 50%, with peanut and tree nut allergies up 300%. Every 10 seconds, a reaction sends someone to the ER, and families managing a peanut allergy face costs of more than $7,200 per year. We heard compelling testimony that the early introduction of peanut and egg products can reduce the risk of developing these allergies by more than 80%. Sen. Bartolotta’s bill, Senate Bill 978, which I have cosponsored, will require no-cost insurance coverage for these preventative supplements — a practical step to improve children’s health, reduce long-term costs, and ease the burden on families, especially in rural areas where access to specialists is limited. I made this point clear at the hearing: after witnessing many nasty food allergy experiences with my own family and friends, I get it— prevention is the best policy! Discussing My Bipartisan Long-Term Care Reforms
On Wednesday, I traveled to State College to visit Centre Care Rehabilitation Center. We met with Administrator Andrew Naugle and his team to discuss their support for reforms in long-term care, including my bipartisan legislative package designed to address the workforce shortage facing facilities across Pennsylvania. These bills all passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support and now await a vote in the House of Representatives. During our visit, we also toured the facility — including their highly successful nurse aide training program, which is helping build the next generation of caregivers. Argall Report: Improving PA Student’s Reading Scores
This month’s Argall Report highlights how Pennsylvania can strengthen student reading skills by modeling Mississippi’s successful approach to reading instruction. A recent Senate Majority Policy Committee hearing examined new bipartisan strategies to help Pennsylvania students learn to read more effectively. Mississippi adopted similar evidence-based methods and saw its reading scores rise from among the lowest in the nation to above the national average — a low-cost turnaround often referred to as the “Mississippi Miracle.” Pennsylvania and several other states have now enacted literacy legislation inspired by this success. The bipartisan 2025–26 state budget includes new structured literacy requirements and supports, including professional development for educators, universal screenings to ensure no child is overlooked, and targeted intervention plans for struggling readers. Watch the full Argall Report here. Saint Clair Awarded State Funding to Repair Ann Street
Recently, Saint Clair was awarded $241,611 to resurface Ann Street, one of the busiest local roadways in central Schuylkill County, connecting the Fairlane Village Mall and Route 61. Rep. Tim Twardzik and I were pleased to secure this highly competitive funding. Borough Manager Roland Price put it best: “We are pleased to receive this funding for Ann Street improvements. This project represents a major win for our borough and an important investment in our community’s infrastructure and the quality of life and safety of those who live along this busy stretch of road.” Read more here. Celebrating Milestones Around the District
Recently, Rep. Tim Twardzik and I were invited to celebrate Evelyn Glessner’s 100th birthday at Providence Place Senior Living in Pottsville. A longtime resident of Ashland, Ms. Glessner is a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In addition to her family and many friends, we were joined by former Rep. Bob Allen, Pottsville Mayor Tom Smith, Evelyn Datte from Congressman Dan Meuser’s office, and Schuylkill County Register of Wills, Theresa Gaffney.
Rep. Tim Twardzik and I joined Michael Ropitsky at his business, Michael’s Photography, which is celebrating 40 years in business! Michael’s Photography stands as the longest operating photography studio in Schuylkill County. Rep. Twardzik and I send him our best wishes for many more successful years ahead!
Rep. Dane Watro and I joined Kline Township Police Chief John Petrilla to celebrate his retirement after more than three decades of dedicated service to the department. Thank you, Chief, for your commitment to keeping our communities safe — and best wishes for a long, enjoyable retirement!
Isabel Rhoads celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family in Schuylkill Haven. Isabel is a proud mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and a longtime volunteer at the Orwigsburg Free Public Library. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, and needlepointing.
Ken and Janet Hartranft celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with loved ones in Orwigsburg. Married in Tamaqua six decades ago, they have spent their lives in Schuylkill County raising their family and contributing to our community. Rep. Jamie Barton presented congratulatory citations to Isabel and to the Hartranfts on my behalf. I wish them all many more years of happiness and good health! The Future of Penn State Schuylkill Looks Bright!
Seth Hubler, my communications director, recently attended a Penn State Schuylkill Advisory Board meeting on my behalf. Despite the challenges the campus faced early last year, the message was clear: Penn State Schuylkill is gaining momentum. Some of the highlights:
Penn State Schuylkill is doing exactly what it has always does best — delivering for students, families, and the entire region. Focusing on Our Local Communities: Meet Councilwoman Lois Kuba
Welcome to another edition of “Focusing on Our Local Communities.” Each week, we will interview, on a bipartisan basis, a key local leader in one of the 102 municipalities that I represent in Carbon, Schuylkill, and Luzerne counties to better understand their goals for their community. This week, we focus on Nesquehoning Borough Councilwoman Lois Kuba, a dedicated resident of the “Narrow Valley” and a member of council for five years. Kuba served as a nurse for 40 years and after retirement, made the decision to run for council. On council, Kuba serves as chair of the police and public safety committee and is a member of the budget committee. “My father, Vernon Corby, was a member of the first Nesquehoning council in 1963 after the split from Mauch Chunk Township. So, it was always something that interested me and I always wanted to get involved,” said Kuba. “Then after I retired, I decided to do it. My friend, Mary Fox, who recently passed, and Frank Jacobs, who I served on the Nesquehoning Historical Society group with, were the people who encouraged me to get involved. And I’m proud of the work we’ve done on council, especially in building back up our police department to where it is today.” Lois is involved in many different organizations throughout the borough including the Nesquehoning Historical Society (president), Panther Valley Blueprint Communities team, the Nesquehoning America250 and 202 Committee. She is also an active member of the Coaldale UCC Church. Kuba’s primary passions in life are dogs and supporting rescue shelters, especially the local Carbon County Animal Shelter. Both of Lois’ dogs are rescued boxer breeds – Copper and Buster – with Kuba adopting Buster from the Carbon County Animal Shelter just a few days ago.  “Dogs have been my forever passion. I love them. And I am happy to provide a safe and loving home for both Copper and Buster,” said Kuba. “We’re working toward our goal of getting a dog park here in Nesquehoning. We have about 40 acres of land out in the Hauto Estates section of town and plans have been drawn up. Now, it’s time to look for funding to create this special place for our community residents and their furry friends.” Great Things Happening at No. 9 Coal Mine in Lansford
Zachary Petroski, Director of the No.9 Coal Mine & Museum, recently shared with me that the attraction hit a major milestone in 2025 with over 15,176 mine tour admissions—a win for our region! With the newly constructed Dorrance Fan Exhibit Building, the team expects even more visitors. The exhibit will showcase two of the largest steam-powered mine ventilation fans ever used in the Anthracite Region, along with larger mine equipment never before on display. Stop by and see all the exciting updates this year! Open April through November, Wednesday–Sunday. Hazleton Chamber Announces Upcoming Events
The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce has released its latest lineup of community and business events. Details and registration information, and a full calendar of events are available here. Quote of the Week
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” – Ronald Reagan
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