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In this Update:
Penn State Schuylkill Roundtable Calls for Expanded Future Opportunities
Penn State Schuylkill has a bright future ahead! I joined Reps. Tim Twardzik, Jamie Barton, JoAnne Stehr, and Dane Watro for a legislative roundtable with students, faculty, and business and community leaders, focused on expanding opportunities at the campus — including more dual enrollment options for local high school students, new degree programs, and an even stronger cooperative education program that connects students directly with local employers. A similar roundtable at Penn State Hazleton produced similar ideas. Just a few months ago, our community came together to save this campus AND Penn State Hazleton. Today, we’re building a roadmap to help both campuses thrive — preparing students for good jobs, supporting our local economy, and keeping talent right here. Special thanks to Penn State’s students, educators, and local business leaders who shared their ideas for continuing to grow these important regional hubs for education and opportunity. Watch the full discussion here. Senate Passes Legislation to Eliminate Inactive Boards and Commissions
During ongoing budget discussions, the Senate passed legislation to streamline state government operations by eliminating outdated, unnecessary and inactive boards, commissions and advisory committees was passed by the Senate with a vote of 27-23. Senate Bill 755 would eliminate 13 government entities that are expired, dormant, no longer have any members or are unnecessary. Many of the commonwealth’s nearly 400 boards, commissions and advisory committees do not publicly share information about their duties, meetings or other activities, raising concerns about transparency. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Remembering Rep. EJ Lucyk in Harrisburg
Between votes at the Capitol last week, I attended a very special ceremony in the House of Representatives to honor the late Representative Edward “EJ” Lucyk (D-123). A proud Mahanoy City Democrat, EJ graduated from Mahanoy City High School and the United States Military Academy at West Point. He served our nation for eight years in the U.S. Army, including two tours in Vietnam, before 22 years of service to the people of the 123rd Legislative District from 1980 to 2002.
I was joined by EJ’s son, Matt; daughter, Tara, and her husband, Todd; and his beloved granddaughters, Lucy and Margo—as well as several colleagues, including Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123), former Rep. Neal Goodman (D-123), former Speaker Keith McCall (D-122), former Congressman Tim Holden (D-17), and Sherri Hammer, who served as EJ’s longtime assistant. Argall Report: Supporting PA’s Veterans & Fighting Blight
The November edition of the Argall Report focuses on two important priorities: supporting Pennsylvania’s veterans and fighting blight in our communities. Earlier this year, I chaired a Senate hearing highlighting programs that help connect veterans with health care and meaningful employment. As Brig. Gen. Mark Goodwill of the Pennsylvania National Guard shared, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs continues to do incredible work helping service members transition home. Helping our veterans find stability is the least we can do after their sacrifice. This episode also highlights ongoing efforts to tackle blighted, abandoned buildings that drag down our neighborhoods. My Senate Bill 345, which recently passed the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee with bipartisan support, will provide additional funding to demolish dangerous, decaying properties—helping breathe new life into our communities. Watch this month’s edition of the Argall Report on your local channel or online here. Discussing State Government with Students at Penn State Harrisburg
Between votes at the Capitol, I recently joined the School of Public Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg’s Career Day Bipartisan Legislative Panel at the request of the university. I answered questions from more than 75 students about my top priorities as a senator and advice for those pursuing careers in public policy—from the new Temple University’s Dental School in Tamaqua to our successful bipartisan efforts to save Penn State’s Schuylkill and Hazleton Campuses to the Senate’s efforts to resolve this long-delayed state budget to new state investments in Pottsville, Hazleton, Shenandoah, and Jim Thorpe, and more. If you or someone you know is interested in an internship in state government, please reach out to any of my offices! Celebrating Five New Eagle Scouts in Pine Grove
I was invited to attend the Eagle Scout Court of honor of not one, but five new Eagle Scouts from Troop 611 in Pine Grove. In all my years in Scouting, I ‘ve never seen five friends awarded their Eagle rank at the same time — this was truly a unique event! Congratulations to Tyler Wilde, Blake Ludwig, James Barra, Jackson Ludwig, and John Moyer III on earning this special distinction. Schuylkill County Commissioners Larry Padora, Gary Hess, and Boots Hetherington, Rep. JoAnne Stehr, and I congratulated these young men and all the parents, grandparents, friends and volunteer leaders who guided them down the long trail to Eagle. Honoring Veterans in Carbon County
On Wednesday, I attended the 4th Annual Veterans Day Dinner hosted by Together with Veterans of Northeastern PA at Penn’s Peak in Penn Forrest Township. It was an honor to be among so many of our area’s finest men and women. The keynote speaker at this event was Brigadier General (retired) Keith Graham. Brigadier Gen. Graham currently served as the Executive Director of Veterans Programs and Services for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. In his role, he oversees various programs and outreach efforts benefitting over 640,000 veterans and their dependents. At the event, the Carbon County Office of Veterans Affairs and America250PA awarded the Freedom Medal to Paul W. Bray, William E. Hines, Edward Moyer, Joseph Pachorkowsky, and Scott Reinhart. Congratulations to these outstanding men and thank you for your service! Discussing the 9/11 Memorial Trail in Carbon & Schuylkill Counties
Christine Verdier, my Chief of Staff, recently attended the 9/11 Memorial Trail meeting at Alvernia University Pottsville CollegeTowne, where more than 50 community members gathered to discuss the exciting possibilities this trail could bring to small towns across our region including Palo Alto, Port Carbon, Cumbola, New Philadelphia, Middleport, Tamaqua, Coaldale, Lansford, Nesquehoning, and Summit Hill. Also in attendance was the sister of Michael Ferugio, a Palo Alto native who was tragically killed in the World Trade Center on 9/11, showing her strong support for this meaningful project that honors his memory and so many others. Tamaqua CRIZ Secures Over $2 Million in New Funding
Congratulations to the Tamaqua CRIZ Authority and Borough of Tamaqua officials on securing an additional $2 million in new funding for 2025-26 through Pennsylvania’s City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) program—the only small community in PA now included in this program, and one of the few communities of its size which was willing to complete the very challenging application process back in 2014. The CRIZ program allows tax dollars from Tamaqua to remain in Tamaqua and helps communities revitalize vacant or underused spaces, attract new businesses, and create local jobs. This latest investment will provide a major boost to Tamaqua’s ongoing downtown improvement and redevelopment efforts—continuing the progress that’s already transforming this community. This funding has already helped to attract an expanded grocery/beer store/wine and spirits store downtown, as well as the community’s first micro-hotel, a new restaurant, an expanded pre-school, Temple University’s new dental college, and several other new businesses, and replace the roof on the community’s historic 1874 train station. Soon, I will be meeting with local entrepreneurs to encourage them to breathe even more new life into this community. The best news: By law, the CRIZ benefits should keep growing each year in Tamaqua. Congratulations, Bill Metzinger!
Congratulations to Bill Metzinger of Orwigsburg on his unanimous (50-0) confirmation to the State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers, and Salespersons. As the owner of Red White and Blue Autos and Metz Properties, Bill has been a driving force in revitalizing so many of our local communities — leading projects in Frackville, Gordon, and Orwigsburg providing high-quality housing, including the Arcadian House and 900 Market Street in the former Saint Francis Orphanage, and most recently, the new Rosalia Hotel now under construction in downtown Pottsville. I was proud to suggest he seek this important role, and I know he’ll bring the same energy and commitment to public service that he’s shown right here in Schuylkill County. A Special Thank You to All Veterans
On Veterans Day, we honor the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform with pride and courage. Their service and sacrifice safeguard the freedoms we cherish and uphold the values that define our country. To all veterans—thank you for your dedication, bravery, and commitment to protecting our great nation. Your service will never be forgotten. Upcoming Veterans Events in Carbon, Luzerne and Schuylkill Counties
This Sunday, the Lutheran Church of St. John in-the-Heights is hosting their “Let Freedom Ring” concert in honor of all veterans past and present. Admission is free for veterans and children under 10. Non-veterans pay $20/person. A reception will follow the concert with light refreshments. All proceeds benefit Carbon County Veterans’ Mental Health Programming. Call Irene at (570) 325-4534 for advance tickets.
The American Legion Post 76 of Hazleton will host a free All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast on Sun, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Veterans eat for free. All other adults are $10/person, and children are $5/person.
Schuylkill Community Action is hosting their 2nd Annual Veterans Awareness Day on Fri, Nov. 21, at 10:00AM, at Alvernia University – Pottsville CollegeTowne. This special event is dedicated to honoring local veterans and connecting them with expert resources, community support, and helpful services. Enjoy free refreshments, raffle prizes, and the chance to meet local organizations and businesses. My office will be on hand to help connect veterans with state resources. For more information, please call 570-622-1995. Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce is hosting his Annual Veterans Day Brunch on Sun, Nov. 23rd, at 10:00 a.m. This event is free for all veterans. Veteran admission is free, and all guests are $20.00 each. Proceeds from the brunch will benefit local veteran organizations. For tickets, please call 570-825-1690.
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