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In this Update:
Senate Advances Fiscally Responsible Budget for Second Time
After considerable debate, the Senate has AGAIN passed a temporary budget in Harrisburg to ensure counties, school districts and others receive much needed funding while bipartisan negotiations continue. It’s past time for House leadership to bring this bill to a vote. If they do, I am convinced it will pass with a big majority in the House of Representatives and be sent immediately to the Governor for his signature. I was pleased to support this legislation, in committee and on the Senate floor, on behalf of my constituents in Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill counties. A state budget that fully funds essential services without massive tax hikes is possible if Harrisburg shows fiscal restraint — it is, by far, our most important vote of the year. We have once again sent the House of Representatives a budget bill to do that. House Leadership could end the budget impasse in one day with one vote. Senate Advances Legislation to Repeal RGGI Tax on Electricity & Reform Permitting
As part of our efforts to resolve the state budget impasse, the Senate again voted in a strong, bipartisan fashion, to repeal the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax, which has caused electricity prices to skyrocket for PA families and businesses. I agreed 100% with my neighbor in the Senate, Lisa Boscola, on the dire need to repeal RGGI. Boscola, a Democrat who represents Lehigh and Northampton counties, praised this effort on the floor of the Senate, stating “RGGI is a relic. It does not reflect the realities of today’s grid or today’s cost. It’s time to move on and put Pennsylvania back in control of our energy future.” This vote sends a clear message to Governor Shapiro: It’s time for PA to get out of RGGI!
The Senate also passed Senate Bill 6 with strong, bipartisan support. This legislation is a sweeping permitting reform measure aiming to bring greater accountability, transparency and efficiency to how state agencies handle permit applications. Senate Bill 6 sets clear timelines for state agencies to review permit applications, creates a permit tracking system and ensures applicants receive timely, consistent answers not endless delays. Needed NOW: Cell Phone Restrictions in Our Public Schools
While in Harrisburg this week to vote on the state budget, I attended a Senate Education Committee hearing on cell phone policies in our public schools. During the hearing, I shared concerns from my recent visit to the Panther Valley School District, where this same issue was discussed. I agreed with Aaron Chapin of Hazleton, president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, who represents more than 177,000 educators statewide. His organization supports restricting student cell phone use in public schools. He explained that cell phones have become a major factor in classroom distractions, cheating, bullying, and safety concerns — a growing issue students and educators across Pennsylvania are facing. Visiting Head Start Children and Teachers in Hazleton
On Thursday, I accepted an invitation to visit Luzerne County Head Start in Hazleton to review the impact of the state and federal budgets on our local Head Start preschool centers. I enjoyed meeting the dedicated bilingual staff who make this program possible and reading to a curious group of four- and five-year-olds. It turns out, the book is one of my granddaughter’s favorites, regarding a llama in pajamas. Head Start plays a vital role in supporting children and families in our communities – that’s why I was proud to support this program with my vote for the state budget on Tuesday. Coming Together for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Harrisburg
While working on the state budget this week, my colleagues and I took a moment to show our support for breast cancer survivors and raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Visiting Students and Educators at Panther Valley School District
To prepare for Senate session to review the state budget stalemate, Rep. Doyle Heffley and I were invited to visit all three schools in the Panther Valley School District last Friday. We started with a conversation with eleventh graders about how state government directly impacts education, followed by a meeting with some of the district’s most senior teachers and staff regarding mental health, public education funding, and work requirements for assistance programs. We wrapped up with the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley at Panther Valley Elementary School, where we learned about their partnership with the district. A big thank-you to Robert Palazzo, director of curriculum and student and community services, for organizing these informative visits! Celebrating the Newly Improved Memorial Park Building in Jim Thorpe
After debating and approving several more state budget-related bills at the state capitol, I traveled to Jim Thorpe on Wednesday at the invitation of borough officials to celebrate the renovation of the Memorial Park Building, which will now provide event space and a new home for the borough’s staff and police department. Rep. Doyle Heffley and I were pleased to congratulate the community on its latest success. Jim Thorpe is a national model of a revitalized community, which refused to fall into continued decay, despite the steep economic downturns of the last century. Now, many other local communities are working to learn from Jim Thorpe’s efforts. Connecting Seniors with State Resources in Pottsville
Thank you to the hundreds of residents who joined Tuesday’s Senior Expo hosted by Diakon at the Fairlane Village Mall! Melanie Weikel and Colleen Koppenhaver from my Pottsville office attended on my behalf while I was in Harrisburg debating the state budget. Discussing Safe Gun Ownership in Kline Township
After voting on the state budget in Harrisburg, I joined Rep. Dane Watro and our teams for a concealed carry seminar in Kline Township on Wednesday. Nearly 70 residents attended to learn how to safely and lawfully exercise their Second Amendment rights, with valuable insights shared by Luzerne County District Attorney Samuel Sanguedolce. Join Us to Discuss the Future of Penn State Schuylkill
Our community-wide efforts to save Penn State Schuylkill succeeded earlier this year – now, we’re looking to the future. On Monday, Nov. 3, Reps. Tim Twardzik, Jamie Barton, Joanne Stehr, Dane Watro, and I will host a public roundtable to review opportunities to expand the number of students and courses at Penn State Schuylkill. We believe this campus can thrive for decades to come, serving more and more students and further contributing to the economic growth of our region. Please join us at Penn State Schuylkill’s John E. Morgan Auditorium from 10 a.m. to noon. We want to hear your thoughts. Email shubler@pasen.gov or call (570) 773-0891 to reserve your seat. November 6: Financial Aid Webinar
I am teaming up with the PA Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to host a Financial Aid Night Webinar on Thursday, Nov. 6. This presentation provides an early understanding of the financial aid process. Participants will gain an understanding of the types and sources of aid available to help cover the cost of attendance at post-secondary schools. Participants will also learn how to apply for financial aid, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), which is required to determine eligibility for most student aid programs, such as the Pennsylvania State Grant, Federal Pell Grant, and more. To register, please click here. Key Dates for Upcoming General Election
The 2025 Municipal Election is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Municipal and school board positions will be on the ballot, along with statewide judicial elections. Voters will fill one open position each on the Commonwealth and Superior courts and consider the possible retention of three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices – Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht – and two appellate court judges – Alice Dubow and Michael Wojcik. If you cannot make it to the polls in-person, the last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 28. Completed ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4. For more information about voting in the Commonwealth, including how to check your registration and voting location, visit www.vote.pa.gov. Upcoming Seasonal Events
Schuylkill Connects is hosting its Annual Spooky Schuylkill 5K Run & Walk on Saturday, Oct. 25. The race kicks off at 10 a.m. To register, click here.
The Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train will host its Ashland in Autumn Festival on Sunday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to mine tours and steam train rides, there will be a variety of vendors to explore.
The City of Hazleton’s Department of Parks & Recreation will host their Trail of Treats event at City View Park on Sunday, Oct. 26th from 1 to 3 p.m. The trail will be lined with booths sponsored by businesses and community organizations. Make sure to bring a bag for all the candy!
Penn Forest Township’s Department of Parks & Recreation will host their Annual Trunk or Treat event at the Penn Forrest Recreational Park on Sunday, Oct. 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. The event will feature local businesses and community organizations, free pumpkins and hot cider. Make sure to bring a bag for all your candy! |
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