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In this Update:
YMCA Gymnastics Center Open in Downtown Pottsville
I was recently invited to attend the grand opening of the Schuylkill YMCA Gymnastics Center at the Alvernia University Pottsville campus. Thanks to this partnership, families across our region will see a major expansion of youth programming and recreational opportunities. Rep. Tim Twardzik and I were proud to support this project, as well as Alvernia’s Pottsville campus, with a state grant. What was once a blighted, abandoned grocery store has been transformed into a hub for education, community events, and now, expanded athletic opportunities for local children and families. I look forward to working with Mayor Tom Smith, City Council, and the many volunteers throughout the community as we continue bringing new life to Downtown Pottsville. Big News for Lansford!
The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is supporting a new future for Lansford’s former Lehigh & New England railroad station, recognizing it as an historic asset with major potential to complement the No.9 Coal Mine & Museum and expand tourism beyond Jim Thorpe. PMVB supports attractions in communities like Lansford which encourage visitors to stay longer, explore more towns, and support more local businesses. Rep. Doyle Heffley and I assisted this effort by helping secure over $170,000 in state funding to breathe new life into this landmark and into the surrounding community. Around the District
Last Thursday, the new Tamaqua Financial Opportunity Center, created by the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership, opened. The center provides one-on-one financial coaching, employment support, and access to tools that help people improve credit, increase income, reduce debt, and work toward long-term financial stability. If you are interested in learning more about the center, call (484) 795-1257.
On Saturday, the Mahanoy City Elks Lodge congratulated its Citizen of the Year — my former intern, Tony Merchlinsky — and Elk of the Year, Lori Feldish. Tony and Lori both demonstrate the hardworking attitude that so many in Mahanoy City bring to efforts to breathe new life into the community. Thank you for all you do for our area!
Mason Derr was honored for earning the rank of Eagle Scout last weekend. Mason is an active member of Troop 777 of Tamaqua. For his service project, he painted a garage and built two benches as part of the courtyard restoration project at the Saint John XXIII Church in Tamaqua. Argall Report: Discussing Local Economic Development at NEPA Manufacturers Roundtable
This month’s Argall Report highlights local economic development efforts across this large Senate district. From new jobs created through the work of SEDCO and CAN DO in local industrial parks, to ongoing downtown revitalization in communities like Pottsville, Hazleton, Jim Thorpe, Schuylkill Haven and Tamaqua, and expanded housing opportunities in towns such as Minersville, Weatherly, Shenandoah, Frackville, Orwigsburg, and others, we are seeing some much-needed, real progress! Watch the full Argall Report here. Senate Budget Hearings Examine Spending Details
The Senate Appropriations Committee recently wrapped up two weeks of public hearings on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $53.3 billion proposed state budget, which would increase spending by $2.7 billion, or 5.4%. At the hearings with the Budget Office and Department of Revenue, committee members raised concerns about the level of spending, inefficiencies in state government and the potential consequences of irresponsible budgeting. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s management of public transit and infrastructure projects was the focus of its hearing with the committee. Lawmakers pressed the agency not only on project oversight but also on the growth of funding held in certain accounts and the level of transparency surrounding how those dollars are being spent. The Public Utility Commission oversees more than 8,000 entities which provide utility services across the state. Committee members raised concerns that Gov. Shapiro’s approach to energy is leading to higher costs for Pennsylvania consumers, while subsidizing lower energy prices in other states in the region. Committee members focused on how State System of Higher Education universities are working to improve enrollment and efficiency. The panel took testimony from the presidents of Millersville, East Stroudsburg and West Chester universities and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. You can find complete recaps and videos of each hearing here. Discussing My Bills to Strengthen the Long-Term Care Workforce
I recently joined Doug Saltzman from WMBS Radio, Uniontown for his PM Drive Show to discuss my bipartisan package of legislation aimed at alleviating the long-term care workforce shortage. Too many of our families, including mine, have faced the difficult decision of moving a parent or grandparent into a long-term care center. The professionals who provide their care are facing increasing challenges because of workforce shortages. All three of my bills have passed the Senate with strong bipartisan support and await a vote in the House of Representatives. You can listen to the interview here. Need Help? Call My Offices
Need assistance with a state-related issue? Call my district offices! Our common requests include providing help with property tax/rent rebate forms, driver’s license applications, obtaining birth certificates, filing unemployment, and retrieving unclaimed property. In 2025 alone, we helped address more than 9,000 problems for the people of Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties. If you ever have a state government related question or problem, we’re here to help! The locations and contact information for my district offices in Hazleton and Mahanoy City with Rep. Dane Watro, Pottsville with Rep. Tim Twardzik, and Weissport with Rep. Doyle Heffley can be found here. Focusing On Our Local Communities: Meet Jim Thorpe Mayor Eric Cinicola
Welcome to another edition of Focusing on Our Local Communities. Each week, we interview, on a bipartisan basis, a key local leader in one of the 102 municipalities that I represent in the 29th District. This week, we focus on Jim Thorpe Mayor, Eric Cinicola. A Republican, he is a lifelong Jim Thorpe resident and was appointed mayor in 2024 and was elected mayor in 2025. Cinicola is a 1994 Jim Thorpe graduate and spent 20 years in the Pennsylvania State Police, retiring in 2020. His last post with PSP was as a supervisor in the Auto Theft Division in the Bureau of Special Investigations unit. “I saw the town in need. Chief Schatz reached out to me about the opening, and I started to do some research into what a mayor does in Pennsylvania. When I found out it had a lot to do with our local police department, I realized that was right up my alley,” said Cinicola. “So, I decided to pursue it. It was an opportunity to help and assist people in the community like I’ve been doing throughout my life, both with PSP and as a volunteer firefighter.” The Jim Thorpe community has always meant a lot to Cinicola and in retirement, he’s had even more time to try and make the town a better place. His ventures include running a hot dog cart in Josiah White Park, which has been a town staple for over 40 years, and he owns and operates the former Harry Carroll Barber Shop on Center Street. Cinicola has been a volunteer firefighter since 1992 and is the Captain for Onoko Fire and Rescue. “We have had two mayors in Jim Thorpe that were actual barbers here in town. So, I thought it was a good thing to join that club. But in all seriousness, I was happy to keep the shop open and to take over the hot dog cart. I remember going to Harry’s as a kid, so that was important to me,” said Cinicola. “I needed something to supplement my time after retirement and those were great opportunities along with being our town’s mayor. My goal as mayor is to help make the town better in any way I can, especially when it comes to public safety and emergency services and to always look for ways to improve our residents’ quality of life.” Upcoming Events in Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties
Rep. Doyle Heffley and I are hosting two Senior Scam Seminars on Monday, March 16. The first event will be held at the Panther Valley Senior Center in Nesquehoning at 11 a.m. The second event will be held at the Forest Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Weatherly at 2 p.m. To register for either event, please call (610) 377-6363.
Rep. Dane Watro and I are hosting an electronics recycling event at the Laurel Mall parking lot (lower parking lot of Regal Cinema) on Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We can accept a variety of items—please see the flyer above for details. Please note that a fee will apply for larger items due to recycling costs. If you have any questions, please scan the QR code on the flyer or call (570) 453-1344.
Rep. Doyle Heffley and I will host our annual Sportsmen & Outdoor Expo on Saturday, March 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Penn Forest Township Volunteer Fire Company. The expo will bring together a wide range of vendors and organizations connected to hunting, fishing, conservation, and outdoor recreation. Whether you are an experienced sportsman or simply enjoy the outdoors, there will be something for everyone. If you have any questions, please call (610) 377-6363.
Reps. Dane Watro, Tim Twardzik, Jamie Barton JoAnne Stehr, and I will also host a Sportsmen and Outdoor Expo on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Columbia Hose Fire Company, Shenandoah. In addition to outdoor vendors and organizations, a Hunter Trapper Education Course will also be offered beginning at 7:30 a.m. Those interested in participating must register in advance by clicking here. For questions or additional information, please call 570-773-0891. For a full calendar of upcoming events, please click 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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