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In this Update:
Key State Budget Debate: How Can We Prevent Massive Tax Increases?
The key issue in our ongoing state budget stalemate in Harrisburg: we must rein in out-of-control state spending to prevent tax increases or deep cuts to key programs. Our state government is spending more than it is taking in. Gov. Shapiro’s proposed $51.5 billion state budget could create a structural deficit of $5.5-6 billion, depleting our reserves in a few short years. At that point, we would be stuck between a rock and a hard place: huge tax increases or cuts to major programs. Too many Pennsylvania families are struggling with the rising cost of living. The last thing we need is a massive tax increase. As negotiations on the 2025-26 state budget continue in Harrisburg, just as in our household budgets, we can’t keep spending more than we can afford. Learn more here. Sign Up for My Veterans E-Newsletter!
In an effort to keep veterans in Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties informed about local events, legislative updates from Harrisburg, and state resources, I will begin distributing a veterans e-newsletter every month. If you or someone you know is a veteran, sign up here. Monday: Update on Revitalization of South Schuylkill County
The South Schuylkill Unified Committee for Community Revitalization will present additional information about their 5-year plan to revitalize the region on Monday, July 14 at 7 p.m. at Penn State Schuylkill. During a meeting last month, the committee shared their initial plans for breathing new life into Schuylkill Haven by reconfiguring the Parkway as an arts district, improving Dock Street, and linking the downtown to Island Park. Future phases will focus on the surrounding townships. We’ve often seen how dedicated volunteers working together can make transformative changes. Earlier this year, we witnessed the strength of local partnerships in southern Schuylkill County when Penn State Schuylkill was under consideration for closure. After months of advocacy by thousands of residents, we successfully saved this campus for future generations. I will continue to support local revitalization efforts in Schuylkill Haven and beyond – it’s one of the most important parts of my job as the senator for Carbon, Schuylkill, and southern Luzerne counties! No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum’s Newest Exhibit – 35 Ft. Mine Fans
The No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford is making significant progress on their latest effort to showcase our anthracite coal mining heritage. Construction of a new structure to house the last two remaining giant mine fans in our region is expected to be completed later this year. These fans were used to circulate fresh air through the Dorrance Colliery Mine near Wilkes Barre and are massive – the largest, which dates back to 1883, has a diameter of 35 feet! Located between Coaldale and Lansford, the museum features a 1,600-foot ride into the heart of the mine and a huge collection of artifacts. It’s a great place to learn what the lives of our ancestors who worked in the mines were really like! Saturday: Visit Eckley Miners’ Village in Luzerne County for Hooch Wagon Brew Fest
Eckley Miners’ Village is hosting their first-ever Hooch Wagon Brew Fest on Saturday, July 12 from 4 to 8 p.m. The event celebrates the coal region’s beer, wine, and cider-making traditions and features local brewers, live music, and food trucks – in addition to the living history of the village. Just like neighboring White Haven, Jim Thorpe, Pottsville, and Tamaqua, Eckley showcases the history of our region. It’s one of the many attractions that continues to bring visitors to the area to appreciate the unique culture that helped drive the Industrial Revolution. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Application Deadline Extended to Dec. 31
The deadline to file for the state Property Tax Rent/Rebate Program has been extended to Dec. 31, 2025, allowing eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older more time to apply for rebates on property taxes and rent paid. The maximum eligible income is $46,520 and the maximum rebates range from $380 to $1,000 depending on the income level of the homeowner or renter. Check income, age and other eligibility details here. Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that 423,092 Property Tax/Rent Rebate payments totaling $256 million were sent to eligible Pennsylvanians on July 1. Please contact any of my offices if you need help filling out your application. Summer Boating in PA
If you’re putting your boat in the water this summer, it’s a good idea to reacquaint yourself with Pennsylvania boating regulations, safety courses and other information from the state Fish and Boat Commission to help you build outdoor memories. Boating Basics explores knowledge, equipment and understanding of the requirements necessary for boat use in Pennsylvania. Boating Regulations covers rules all boaters should know (including those governing life jackets.) There’s also information on general Boating Safety and applying for a Boating Safety Education Certificate and Course. July 31: Senior Scam Seminar in Tamaqua
Rep. Jamie Barton and I are hosting a scam seminar on Thursday, July 31 at 11 a.m. at the Lehigh Carbon Community College Morgan Center in Tamaqua. With scammers becoming increasingly brazen and creative, we all need to be aware of how to protect ourselves from falling prey to these criminals. David Shallcross, the director of the Senior Protection Unit of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, will lead the discussion. RSVPs are required for this event. Please call 570-773-0891 to reserve your spot today.
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