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In this Update:
BIG NEWS: After Months of Studies, Penn State Recommends Saving Schuylkill, Hazleton Campuses
This week, Penn State published preliminary recommendations which called for both Penn State Schuylkill and Penn State Hazleton to remain open. Seven campuses across Pennsylvania, including Penn State Wilkes Barre, would be closed under the plan. This plan must receive approval by the Penn State Board of Trustees and the PA Secretary of Education to take effect. The vote by the board is scheduled for Thursday, May 22 at 5 p.m. The meeting can be livestreamed here. I’m grateful that Penn State heard the strong support that more than 5,400 of my constituents in Schuylkill, Luzerne, and Carbon counties expressed about our Schuylkill and Hazleton campuses. With continued investment, these schools can now continue providing local students with a high-quality education close to home, connecting them with in-demand jobs. The May edition of my monthly tv show covers two roundtable discussion I hosted with our local state representatives about the importance of these campuses to our region. Watch it here. How Can We Solve the Literacy Crisis?
According to the Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition, reading performance has declined by 0.9 grade levels in Schuylkill County, 0.8 grade levels in Carbon County, and 0.6 grade levels in Luzerne County since 2019. Struggling students are more likely to drop out of high school, earn less, and are more likely to break the law. Here in Pennsylvania, I helped guide bipartisan legislation into law to bolster reading instruction, help schools identify struggling readers earlier, and ensure educators are better trained. One thing is clear – we need to do better, here in PA and across the nation. Learn more here. Saturday: Visit the Kielbasi Festival and Heritage Day in Shenandoah, Jim Thorpe Birthday Celebration
Visit Shenandoah on Saturday for the Kielbasi Festival and Heritage Day! Between the Parade of Nations, the live music, and the many food, beverage, and arts vendors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this celebration of the cultural heritage of our area. This year’s festival runs from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Also on Saturday is the community celebration of Jim Thorpe’s 138th birthday. The celebration includes a presentation of flowers by spell out AAU at the Jim Thorpe Mausoleum, welcome by Don Wild Eagle, singing of the national anthem, drum music by Medicine Horse Singers, hoop dance by Star Cloud, four winds morning smudge ceremony, and more. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Jim Thorpe Monument. Schuylkill County’s Rev. Zawatski Leads Senate in Prayer
Rev. Kirill Zawatski, the rector of Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Frackville and St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in Saint Clair, opened Senate session with a prayer this week. Rev. Zawatski is the first Schuylkill County native to be assigned to both his current parishes. He brought along a portrait of St. Nicholas, which I will now display in my Harrisburg office. Rep. Tim Twardzik, Rep. Dane Watro, and I were pleased to welcome him and his wife Olivia to our State Capitol. Watch his opening prayer and my introduction of him on the Senate floor here. Local Farmers Embrace Technological Innovation
This week, Sterman Masser Potato Farms celebrated a highly competitive grant to double the number of acres they plant and harvest in western Schuylkill County and beyond. When our farmers succeed, our communities grow stronger. As a member of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and from what I have observed for many years at my wife’s family’s farm, I know that agriculture remains a KEY piece of our local economy. Congratulations, Robert Collado!
Congratulations to Robert Collado of Hazleton, who was nominated to serve on the Pennsylvania Council on Aging! As the President of the Board of Directors of the Hazleton Community Resource Center, Mr. Collado plays a pivotal role in expanding programs that support local families, seniors, and underserved communities. He also has direct experience with the Luzerne County Aging Department. He’s been an excellent partner in the Hazleton area, and I look forward to supporting his nomination in the Senate. Supporting Local Area Agencies on Aging
Our local state representatives and I met with the executive directors of local area agencies on aging to discuss how we can support their important work to provide resources to older residents of our region. Pictured from left to right are Georgene Fedoriska, retired, Schuylkill County director; Rep. Jamie Barton; Deanna Orlowsky, Schuylkill County director; Mary Schell, deputy director, Luzerne County; me; Rep. Joanne Stehr; Rep. Tim Twardzik; and Rep. Dane Watro. Senate Votes to Help Fire and EMS Departments
The Senate passed legislation to address Pennsylvania’s volunteer firefighter shortage that, if left unaddressed, threatens to cause local tax hikes to fund paid services. The bill would also fix recent issues with emergency services grant funding. Senate Bill 466 would allow job training credits to count toward Firefighter I Certification, giving volunteer recruits a more flexible pathway to credentialing. It would also correct a recent administrative error that led to a number of Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services grants being rescinded. Many departments had already budgeted for those funds, and the bill would ensure they receive the support they were promised. To prevent similar issues, the bill would also establish a one-time, 15-day grace period – available once every three years – for fire and EMS companies to submit required reports without needing to demonstrate undue hardship. It moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bill Ensuring Sportsmen’s Rights are Protected Receives Senate Support
Legislation to protect sportsmen’s rights by aligning state law with the federal and state constitution passed the Senate and is headed to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Pennsylvania Game Code contains sections indicating it is unlawful to refuse to answer questions from representatives of the Game Commission. However, that violates the United States and Pennsylvania constitutions, which ensure no person may be “compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself” and “he cannot be compelled to give evidence against himself.” Senate Bill 518 would remove the offending sections, ensuring the protection of sportsmen’s constitutional rights. May 21: Concealed Carry Seminar in Orwigsburg
Rep. Jamie Barton and I will host a concealed carry seminar on Wednesday, May 21 at the Orwigsburg Veterans Community Memorial Hall to educate gun owners about state laws regarding firearms. This event will be led by Schuylkill County Sheriff Joe Groody. Following state laws and safety guidelines is extremely important when exercising our Second Amendment rights. Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the program will start at 6 p.m. Seating for this event is limited. Those interested in attending should RSVP by calling 570-773-0891. May 19: Replace Your Hard-to-Read License Plate in Hazle Township
Is your license plate worn out? You can get it replaced for free at an event Rep. Dane Watro and I are hosting on Monday, May 19 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Hazleton State Police Barracks. A local police officer will be on hand to inspect your plate to determine if it’s illegible. For more information or to RSVP, call 570-453-1344. |
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