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In this Update:
PA’s First Rural Dental School Coming to Tamaqua
Rep. Jamie Barton and I hosted a public hearing in Tamaqua to review the severe dental care shortages in rural Pennsylvania. During the hearing, the Temple University School of Dentistry announced its plans to bring Pennsylvania’s first rural dental school to Tamaqua. Dr. Amid Ismail, the dean of the Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University, discussed the model for the school, which is planned to open in September of 2026. Twenty students each year would complete their final two years of dental school at the Tamaqua clinic and provide much-needed dental care to patients from Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties. Student apartments would be provided within walking distance of the school. This will not only expand local access to quality dental care – it will continue the revitalization of downtown Tamaqua and bring more people to the borough to support local employers. Rep. Barton, Congressman Dan Meuser and I look forward to working with Temple University and our other local partners to finalize the details of this first-of-its-kind educational and medical facility in Tamaqua. Also joining us were Senators Lisa Baker and Cris Dush, Reps. Tim Twardzik, JoAnne Stehr, and Doyle Heffley, Evelyn Datte from Congressman Meuser’s office, and Heather Burke from Senator Elder Vogel Jr.’s office. New Trail Connecting Hazleton to Weatherly?
Developers of a new trail connecting Weatherly to Hazleton are hosting a public meeting on June 27 at 11 a.m. at Weatherly Borough Hall. Weatherly has made significant progress towards its 5.5-mile trail to Lehigh Gorge State Park and the Delaware and Lehigh Trail. The plans now under consideration would connect this new trail to the Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails. We’ve seen in communities like White Haven and Jim Thorpe how access to outdoor recreation can breathe new life into an area by attracting more visitors. Connecting Hazleton and Weatherly with the wider trail network of the D+L would support local employers and local revitalization efforts. Partnerships Create New Education Opportunities in HazletonYesterday, I learned about several new programs that aim to train local students for in-demand jobs in our region.
I began my morning at the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast, which featured remarks from John Yudichak, the president of Luzerne County Community College. He discussed how LCCC is addressing the local teacher shortage by creating the Teach in NEPA Program with Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania and the Hazleton Area School District. This program allows students to earn an associate degree and bachelor’s degree in education without leaving Hazleton. Following graduation, students will have the opportunity to work at Hazleton area. He also discussed LCCC’s new career and technology academy, which expands opportunities for students from local high school CTE programs to acquire the credentialing they need to begin their career.
I was then invited to the ribbon cutting for two new STEM initiatives spearheaded by Vytal Plant Science Research, a Hazleton-based nonprofit biotechnology company. They operate the STEM bus, which travels to Hazleton area middle schools, and a new lab at Lackawanna College which prepares students for modern jobs in biotech. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs are more important than ever in today’s economy. They encourage our students to explore their interests in these important fields, making them more likely to pursue these in-demand careers. Thank you all for your work to expand opportunities for local students! New Port Carbon Borough Hall Coming Soon
I visited Port Carbon to tour what will soon be the new borough hall: the former First Methodist Church. Plans are now under development to transform the currently vacant property. The first phase will create a community center and new home for the Port Carbon Police Department. Rep. Tim Twardzik and I are working to secure highly competitive state funding to support this important work, which will improve municipal services for the borough’s 1,800 residents. Thank you to Borough Council President Scott Krater and Vice President James McBreen for inviting me to tour the church. It’s been MANY decades since I walked down some of those hallways – I attended this church with my parents as a young boy when we lived a block away and went to kindergarten and first grade in the old Port Carbon elementary school on the next street. Argall Report: Fighting Blight Revitalizes Neighborhoods
The June edition of my monthly TV show reviews strategies to repair or demolish blighted and decaying buildings in our communities. The program features a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee in Sunbury, where successful efforts and challenges to addressing these properties were discussed by local elected officials, business leaders, housing authorities, and local city and borough managers. In several of my recent town hall meetings in Sheppton, Lansford, Frackville, and Pine Grove, local people have often commented that blighted buildings can spread through a community like the plague, but community revitalization efforts are also contagious. I’ve seen it in Jim Thorpe, Tamaqua, Shenandoah, Orwigsburg, Hazleton, Pottsville, and beyond. The repair or demolition of vacant eyesores provides much-needed new housing and encourages new and existing employers to expand in surrounding buildings. Shenandoah Upgrades Police Headquarters
Rep. Dane Watro, Rep. Tim Twardzik, and I were invited to tour the newly remodeled headquarters of the Shenandoah Police Department. This new space in borough hall is a big improvement over their previous space and will support their important work to keep Shenandoah safe. Thank you for showing us around! Pictured here: Diane Korenda, Council Member; Mike Cadau, Borough Manager; Joe Gawrylik, Council Member; Joe Boris, Council President; Mike “Zekie” Uholick, Council Member. Congrats Jax Ruddy, Schuylkill County’s Newest Eagle Scout!
John “Jax’ Ruddy was honored for earning the rank of Eagle Scout last weekend. Jax is a very active member of Troop 600, Llewellyn. For his service project, he completed various rehabilitation projects at the Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA. Rep. Tim Twardzik and I congratulated Jax and all those who guided him down the long trail to Eagle at his court of honor. Supporting Students in Need in Luzerne County
I visited Charis Academy to celebrate a generous donation of $33,500 to support scholarships for students attending non-public schools in Luzerne County. These donations from Raymond James and Waste Management were possible thanks to the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and the Bridge Educational Foundation. Rep. Dane Watro, Rep. Brenda Pugh and I are pleased that this funding will support local students seeking educational options that best support their needs. Hayden Power Celebrates 50 Years
Hayden Power Group is celebrating 50 years of operating in the Hazleton area. They’ve provided electrical contracting for many homes and employers and much-needed jobs! Congratulations to George Hayden, his family, and the entire Hayden Power team. I joined Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat and his daughter, Khaleesi, at their celebration. Senate Votes to Combat Overregulation
To address overregulation that stifles business growth and drives jobs to other states, the Senate passed two regulatory reform bills. The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, Senate Bill 333, would establish an enhanced legislative review process for costly new regulations. It is designed to address concerns about unchecked regulatory burdens on businesses, communities and taxpayers. Senate Bill 444 would establish a one-time automatic review process for regulations that impose a fiscal impact exceeding $1 million annually on taxpayers or employers. The review would ensure regulations remain effective, efficient and in the public interest. Both bills now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bill Targeting Rise of Deepfake Scams Approved by Senate
The Senate unanimously voted to stem the rise of “deepfakes” and other forms of digital impersonation by treating them as forgeries punishable by law. Technology enables individuals to create convincing images, audio and video of others – often without consent – that are nearly indistinguishable from reality. These digital forgeries have been used to commit financial scams and injure personal reputations. Senate Bill 649 would enact penalties for anyone who creates a digital representation of a real person without their consent and distributes it as genuine to defraud or injure. The measure would protect First Amendment rights and preserve valid expressions of parody, satire and other forms of free speech. Senate Bill 649 is now before the House of Representatives for consideration. PA Now Has Concealed Carry Reciprocity with Virginia
A new reciprocity agreement allows holders of Pennsylvania Licenses to Carry Firearms to do so in Virginia, making it the 30th state that has a concealed carry reciprocity agreement with Pennsylvania. The agreement resulted from efforts of Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday to maximize reciprocity agreements while protecting standing law and constitutional rights. The agreement is only applicable to handguns and requires permit holders to:
Funding Available for Community Groups Providing Veteran Suicide Prevention Services
Community-based organizations that provide suicide prevention or emergency clinical services to veterans can apply now for grants to support their vital mission. Organizations can apply for grants worth up to $750,000 and may apply to renew awards from year to year. Grant applications must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by July 18 at 5 p.m. Learn more about eligibility and apply here. Veterans in crisis are encouraged to call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing one to speak with responders trained in crisis intervention and military culture. All calls are free and confidential. Additionally, Pennsylvania provides many programs and services to support veterans. Celebrating National Dairy Month in June
Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers work hard to provide families with common dairy staples, including cheese and yogurt, that are part of healthy diets. Consuming dairy products contributes to strong bones, muscle function and immune support. Senate Republicans highlighted the role dairy plays in making agriculture the state’s top industry. It generates more than $11 billion in revenue and supports 47,000 jobs. Checking out PA’s Ice Cream Trail is a fun way to celebrate and support dairy farmers. At more than 50 spots across the state, you can enjoy homemade ice cream and other delicious treats. |
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