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In this Update:
Celebrating Major Expansion at the Schuylkill YMCA
On Saturday, I was invited to join local leaders at the Schuylkill YMCA in Pottsville. Mayor Tom Smith, the YMCA Board President, celebrated the recent opening of their new gymnastics center at Alvernia University’s Pottsville campus. Rep. Tim Twardzik and I were pleased to secure a state grant for this project, which will serve hundreds of children across our region. During the event, Jason Bower and Amie Tobash were awarded the Matthew “Bo” Bates Volunteer of the Year Award. Congratulations to Jason and Amie for your dedication to our community! Read more here. Mahanoy Township Authority Awarded Over $183,000 to Upgrade Local Infrastructure
Rep. Dane Watro and I were pleased to learn that the Mahanoy Township Authority has been awarded two state grants totaling more than $183,000 to support critical infrastructure upgrades that will benefit residents for years to come. The authority received an $89,250 state grant to replace aging controllers for the water filtration system at its existing water treatment plant—an important investment to ensure reliable, high quality water service. A second $94,000 state grant will allow the authority to purchase a new mini excavator and trailer, providing staff with the equipment they need to complete maintenance and improvement projects more efficiently. These investments strengthen essential services and help our local communities keep pace with the infrastructure improvements needed. Argall Report: Policy Committee Reviews PA’s Housing Shortage
This month’s Argall Report focuses on Pennsylvania’s statewide housing crisis and what the General Assembly can do to combat it. This is an issue that I frequently hear about from residents across this district. Local officials, housing advocates, builders, and developers all shared a similar message—we need to promote homeownership, expand access to quality rentals, and remove unnecessary regulations. Here in our district, we’ve seen some recent successes when local leaders, private developers, and community partners are creating new housing in Pottsville, Hazleton, Weatherly, Orwigsburg, Shenandoah, and Frackville. Watch the full Argall Report here. Around the District
Last Friday, I was invited to the Carbon & Schuylkill County Farm Bureau Annual Legislative Farmers Luncheon at Leiby’s Restaurant in South Tamaqua. We discussed a variety of issues affecting our farmers. Thank you for having me!
Thank you to the nearly three hundred people that attended our first-ever Sportsman Expo on Saturday in Shenandoah. Special thanks to the Columbia Hose & Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1, the 25 vendors who joined us, and Dave Eckert and his group of volunteers for facilitating the Hunter-Trapper Safety Course. Focusing on Our Local Communities: Meet Palmerton Mayor Bo Rodrigues
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 Carbon, Schuylkill, and Luzerne counties to better understand their goals for their community. This week, we focus on Palmerton Mayor, Bo Rodrigues. Rodrigues, a Republican, was elected in November of 2025. Rodrigues is a lifelong Palmerton resident graduating from Palmerton in 1999 and then from Muhlenberg College. Rodrigues was a standout football player for the Bombers and then went on to play for the Mules, where he played all four years helping them to win two conference championships. Rodrigues has been employed by BerkOne in Bethlehem for the past 15 years as a design/print engineer. “State Rep. Doyle Heffley was the person that approached me and suggested that I should look into running for mayor. I’ve known Doyle for a long time, so I took his advice and I looked into it, and the more I thought about it, the more I got interested in stepping up to the plate and running for the position,” said Rodrigues. “I was born and raised here, I grew up here and I always like new challenges. It’s been a great experience, and I look forward to April 7: Concealed Carry Seminar in Ashland
Rep. Tim Twardzik and I will host a concealed carry seminar on Tuesday, April 7th at the Ashland Gun & Country Club to educate gun owners about state laws regarding firearms. This event will be led by Schuylkill County Sheriff Shawn Butler and Jim Stoker from Firearms Owners Against Crime. Registration will begin at 5:00 p.m., and the program will start at 5:30 p.m. Seating for this event is limited. Those interested in attending should RSVP by calling 570-773-0891. For a full calendar of upcoming events, please click here. April 11: Tulip Takeover in Downtown Hazleton
Join the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress on Saturday, April 11th at CAN DO Community Park for the Annual Tulip Takeover! Bring your friends and family for live music, bites from local food trucks, and free tulips! Adults can take home 10 FREE tulips! Children under 12 can take home 5 FREE tulips! Learn more here. Next Commonwealth Vehicle Auction is April 14
Used commonwealth fleet vehicle auctions featuring more than 200 vehicles are open to the public, including dealers. The next auction is April 14. The auctions are conducted at the Manheim Keystone Pennsylvania Auto Auction, 488 Firehouse Road in Grantville, Dauphin County. Auctions begin at 10 a.m. and prospective buyers should register on the Saturday, Sunday or Monday before the sale. There is no registration on sale day. You can see what was sold at prior auctions and the most updated offerings, along with registration information and more here. Additional information, including payment options, can be found in the auction policies or by calling 717-469-7900 Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Interested in Law Enforcement? Check Out This State Police Program
If you are thinking about a future in law enforcement, consider participating in the Pennsylvania State Police Law and Leadership Academy, which offers a 15-week program to experience the process of becoming a cadet. Applicants aged 18 and over with a high school diploma or GED can apply. The program covers:
The program runs from early May to early August at six locations statewide. Cadets meet twice a week, with occasional Saturday sessions. You can learn more here. Reminder: Apply for GROW PA Scholarship
Reminder: Applications are being accepted for the second year of Grow PA Scholarship Grants, which help young Pennsylvanians study and work here in PA. If you received a grant for the current school year, you need to apply again for 2026-27. Read more here. Happy Easter!
To all who are celebrating this Sunday – Happy Easter to you and your family! Quote of the Week
“The government that is large enough to give you everything you want is large enough to take everything you have.” – Gerald Ford
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