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In this Update:
Senate Approves Bipartisan State Budget
As my mother’s PA Dutch parents would have said—ENDLICH! (FINALLY!) After months of public hearings and endless debate at the state capitol in Harrisburg and across the state, the PA General Assembly has passed a bipartisan state budget that limits government spending AND makes key investments in education and jobs — without raising all the new taxes proposed by Governor Shapiro. This bipartisan budget, approved by a vote of 40-9 in the State Senate and 156-47 in the State House, does the following:
RGGI Electricity Taxes Eliminated from State Budget
As part of the budget agreement, the illegal regulation mandating Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) – a multi-state pact that would have added more than a billion dollars in new electricity taxes on Pennsylvania families and job creators – was eliminated. Preventing Pennsylvania from entering RGGI and stopping this tax protects consumers from dealing with even more severe consequences, including the closure of Pennsylvania power plants, job losses and the threat of rolling blackouts in the years ahead. At a time when families continue to feel the strain of inflationary pressure, we must look for ways to decrease, not increase, the cost of electricity. Temple Rural Dental Education Center Coming to Tamaqua
At this week’s Pennsylvania Coalition for Oral Health conference and at a meeting today with the Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce, Temple University’s Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry has released its plans for its first-of-its-kind Rural Education Center and Clinic in downtown Tamaqua.
The new 24-chair education center and clinic — to be located in the former Rite Aid — will train 20 dental students who will live in student apartments downtown, during their final two years of study and provide affordable care for residents across Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties. Temple is also in discussions with Lehigh Carbon Community College to launch a new dental hygiene program at the same site. Once approved by the Temple Board of Trustees, this historic investment — made possible through investment from Temple University, Tamaqua’s City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ), state and federal grants, and private donors— will mark a major victory for rural healthcare, education, and economic revitalization.
Thank you to PA State Rep. Jamie Barton, Congressman Dan Meuser, Temple Dean Dr. Amid Ismail, and the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership for working with me to turn this dream into a reality. Renovations will begin soon, with the center expected to open in September 2026 — a major win for local healthcare, education, and downtown revitalization! Honoring Veterans in Carbon, Luzerne and Schuylkill Counties
It’s been a busy week honoring our nation’s veterans in Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill counties. Last Thursday, I joined the 10th Annual Veterans Day Program at Hazleton Area High School, where PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity — a proud veteran herself — gave a moving keynote. Rep. Dane Watro shared a powerful reflection on his US Army service in Iraq.
On Friday, I accepted an invitation from the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce to speak at their Veterans Breakfast in Orwigsburg, where my former Senate colleague, Ryan Aument, spoke about the meaning of service and sacrifice.
Monday, Rep. Doyle Heffley and I joined the Carbon County Veterans Day Observance in Jim Thorpe, where District Attorney Michael Greek delivered an inspiring keynote address. To all who have served — thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to defending our freedoms. Visiting Child Development in Hazleton
I recently accepted an invitation to visit the Child Development Center in Hazleton to review the impact of the state and federal budgets on our local Head Start preschool centers. I enjoyed meeting the dedicated staff who make this program possible and to read to a curious group of students. 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 support of the recently passed state budget. Meeting with Constituents Across Our District
In addition to finalizing the state budget, it has been a busy week meeting with constituents. I was invited to attend the ribbon cutting for Carver’s Reserve, welcoming this new business to Hazleton. This modern Italian steakhouse features Chef Jourdan Azevedo and his team.
On Monday, Rep. Doyle Heffley and I congratulated Robert Mallick, General Manager of Burger King in Lehighton on being named the North American General Manager of the Year by Burger King.
I also met with Mr. Ellison’s Government & European History classes at Jim Thorpe High School. I spoke with students about how a bill becomes law, as well as the services my offices provide across our district. Thank you for inviting me! Recognizing November 7th as Victims of Communism Memorial Day
Senator Cris Dush, Senator Dawn Keefer, Senator Scott E. Hutchinson and I will soon introduce a resolution recognizing November 7th, as “Victims of Communism Memorial Day” in Pennsylvania — honoring the more than 100 million lives lost under communist regimes. Communism has led to unimaginable suffering, repression, and loss of life. I have seen this horrifying destruction first-hand in East Berlin and Havana. By setting aside this day of remembrance, we ensure future generations understand the dangers of totalitarian systems and the importance of protecting freedom and human dignity. Read more here. Finnegan Foundation Provides Valuable Experiences
College students interested in possible careers in public policy can apply for summer internships in Harrisburg through the James A. Finnegan Fellowship Foundation. The deadline is January 23, 2026. This is a great opportunity for Pennsylvania’s future leaders. The Finnegan Foundation helps college students from across Pennsylvania who are interested in politics and government to take their experience to the next level. I was a Finnegan intern with Rep. Bill Klingaman as a Lycoming College student and it was a very valuable experience. Last year’s statewide interns included Stephen Behun of Tamaqua and Katherine Rubinkam of New Ringgold. Internships are awarded through an essay contest. Applicants must write between 1,500 and 2,500 words about the pros and cons of data centers, and what the state’s role should be. Do You Care About Pottsville? Take the Pottsville Community Perception Survey!
With a new mayor and two new members of city council due to take office in Pottsville early next year, NOW is the time to help Schuylkill County’s largest community plan for its future! The Pottsville Area Development Corporation is inviting residents, business owners, and visitors of Pottsville to offer their opinion on a series of questions about the community by taking the following survey. The purpose of this survey is to learn how people feel about the business and residential district and to guide the organization of their revitalization strategies. This survey should take approximately 7-8 minutes. Respondents who share their email at the end of the survey will be entered to win $100 in gift cards from local stores downtown! DCNR Seeks 2026 River of the Year Nominations
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is calling on Pennsylvanians to nominate their favorite waterway for the 2026 River of the Year. The winner is featured in a year-long series of events and activities to celebrate the river, including the popular River of the Year Sojourn. All Pennsylvania waterways are eligible for nomination, except for the past five years of winners: Delaware River (2025), Allegheny River (2024), Susquehanna North Branch (2023), French Creek (2022) and Shenango River (2021). The nomination period is open through Friday, Nov. 21, at 5 p.m. Selected nominations will be voted on by the public beginning in late November. For more information about the River of the Year program, visit the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers’ (POWR) website. To nominate a river or waterway, visit the Grants and Awards webpage and scroll down to “Apply.” Watch Out for Increased Deer Activity on Roads
The number of deer-related crashes in Pennsylvania has been on the rise since 2020, with last year’s total of 6,426 setting a five-year high, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Autumn means increased deer activity on roads. Deer become more active at dawn and dusk, and if you see one, there are usually more. PennDOT advises motorists involved in a deer-related crash to assess the situation to determine whether they need to contact local authorities. Pennsylvanians can report a dead deer for removal from state-maintained roads by calling 1-800-FIX-ROAD or submitting feedback through the PennDOT Customer Care Center.
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