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In this Update:
How Can We Improve Access to Mental Health Services?
At the invitation of Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver, I chaired a public roundtable of the Senate Majority Policy Committee at the newly opened Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Danville about how we can strengthen the delivery of mental health services and prevent homelessness across Pennsylvania. State and local leaders, mental health providers, and community organizations shared insight on service gaps, workforce shortages, and successful strategies to improve access to care. In the past few years, in part due to the work of this committee, our state government has invested hundreds of millions in new funding for mental health services. The testimony we received made it abundantly clear that we must all work together to help individuals suffering from serious mental illness and the mental health providers who care for them. Carbon County Fair Concludes Saturday, August 9
I visited the Carbon County Fair near Palmerton twice this week, first to congratulate Dean Arner of Andreas, the 2025 Friend of the Fair. Later in the week, Beth and I took our granddaughter Amelia for her first-ever visit to a county fair. Her favorite – the cows!! Joining me to recognize Dean during the fair’s opening ceremony were Carbon County Commissioner Michael Sofranko, Reps. Jamie Barton and Doyle Heffley, and Schuylkill County Commissioner Boots Hetherington. I enjoyed seeing the unique agricultural culture of Carbon County on display! The fair runs until Saturday. Plan your visit here. Addressing the Teacher Shortage in Hazleton and Beyond
When I visited Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) last week for a roundtable with the PA Chamber of Business and Industry and Luzerne County’s state legislators, one of the key focuses was workforce development. LCCC President John Yudichak shared an update on the new innovative partnership that aims to address the teacher shortage in the Hazleton area – Teach in NEPA. Teach in NEPA creates a new pathway to earn an associate and bachelor’s degree in education entirely in Hazleton. LCCC, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, and Hazleton Area School District (HASD) are working together on this effort. Participants will earn their degrees at the LCCC Hazleton Center and serve as student teachers at HASD. Following graduation, students will have the opportunity to work at HASD. This program will begin in Fall 2025. National Night Out Celebrates First Responders in Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne Counties
Communities across Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties hosted National Night Out gatherings with local first responders this week. Year after year, National Night Out builds stronger community bonds between police, firefighters, EMS, and all who work to keep our neighborhoods safe. Brad Hurley from our Hazleton office and Brenda Swank from our Mahanoy City office were in Jim Thorpe and Shenandoah with books and information for children about safety and more. New Upgrades at Camp Wood Haven Near Pine Grove
The Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania invited Rep. JoAnne Stehr and me to Camp Wood Haven for a tour. Last year, we secured a state grant to assist them with replacing their pool. We also learned more about the horseback riding sessions offered to their campers. Thank you for showing us around! Upcoming Scam Seminars in Jim Thorpe, Beaver Meadows, Schuylkill HavenMy office is hosting many outreach events in the coming weeks. Visit my website to see the complete list of all my upcoming events. Rep. Doyle Heffley and I are hosting two senior scam seminars in Carbon County on August 13. To register, please call 610-377-6363. 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 discussions.
The first session is at the Jim Thorpe/Penn Kidder Senior Center at 10:30 a.m.
The second session is at the Beaver Meadows Recreation Center at 1:30 p.m.
Rep. Tim Twardzik and I are hosting a similar event on Thursday, August 21 at 11 a.m. at Saint John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Schuylkill Haven. Register by calling 570-773-0891. 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. New Law Extends PA Guard Family Education Benefit
The Military Family Education Program (MFEP) covers the cost of a state college education for dependents of Pennsylvania National Guard members in return for a six-year service obligation. We passed a new law ensuring additional dependents are covered each time the member commits to an additional service obligation. The benefit is an incentive to encourage talented Guard members to continue their service to the commonwealth and nation. Many Guard members who benefited from the MFEP are deciding whether to commit to another six years. Act 32 of 2025 clarifies that a Guard member can receive a new MFEP assistance grant – helping an additional dependent – with each new service obligation. I was proud to support this family benefit for our men and women in uniform. How to Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses
Summer is the time for outdoor fun, but heat can cause serious and potentially fatal health problems such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. When it’s sweltering out, avoid heat-related illnesses by limiting activity to mornings and evenings when possible, drinking plenty of fluids and getting out of the sun when necessary. You can learn about spotting symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion here. Planning a PA Capitol Visit
Your Pennsylvania Capitol is not only the seat of state government – it’s also an architectural and artistic treasure to be experienced by citizens from across the commonwealth. Visitors are welcome to explore the building at their leisure on regular weekdays. You can also schedule a tour with a guide. Tours take about 30 to 45 minutes. You can plan a visit and book a tour of this 119-year-old National Historic Landmark here. Farmers Markets: A Great Source of Fresh, Healthy Food
This is National Farmers Market Week. Now’s a great time to visit a farmers market for fresh fruits, vegetables and specialty products. These markets support farmers and provide access to healthy food and flavors you may have never before experienced. Find the best farmers markets near and far at VisitPA or the U.S. Department of Agriculture. |
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