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In this Update:
BIG Wins for PA Libraries!
As the son of a librarian, I was proud to support the advances made for public libraries in the recently passed bipartisan state budget, which earned strong support in both chambers — 40-9 in the Senate and 156-47 in the House. Michele Kutsmeder, Executive Director of the Hazleton Area Public Library, put it best: “Senator Argall – I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for helping to get the budget done. Even better, there is a $5 million increase in the public library subsidy… every bit matters. Libraries offer some of the best returns on investment among service providers, and this increase will help us do even more for your constituents. And there is even an increase of $433,000 for services for the visually impaired and disabled (LAMP). That’s awesome! Libraries truly are for everyone. On the statewide level it feels like we are seen and recognized for the valuable contributions we make to our communities and the ways that we truly move PA Forward.”
Pictured above is my granddaughter Amelia on her first visit to a public library, along with her great-grandfather Argall, reading to students in the 1950s as a student-teacher at Kutztown State Teachers College. My father spent most of his career in school libraries in Schuylkill Haven and Tamaqua and I know he would have been proud to see Amelia discovering the joy of reading… even if he might question her unique reading posture! Discussing Revitalization Strategies in Pottsville
As part of ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown Pottsville, Mary Beth Dougherty from my office recently met with residents and business leaders to discuss strategies to combat blight. Thank you to the Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO) for organizing this meeting. Protecting Seniors from Scams in Palmerton and Summit Hill
Thank you to everyone who attended our well-attended scam seminars with Rep. Doyle Heffley in Palmerton and Summit Hill. Special thanks to David Shallcross from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for the thorough presentation about how to avoid falling prey to the latest scams targeting seniors. Celebrating Local Businesses at Carbon Chamber Awards Gala
Beth and I recently attended the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation’s 2025 Awards Gala. Congratulations to the following awardees, and thank you for choosing to invest your time, talent, and passion here!
New Hotel Open for Business in Schuylkill County
Seth Hubler, my Communications Director, recently joined many community partners for the grand opening of TownePlace Suites by Marriott in the Highridge Business Park in Cass Township. This brand new, 111-room, extended stay hotel brings new jobs and modern lodging to Schuylkill County. This project follows the success of the Onvo Travel Plaza and reflects continued investment and growth in the Highridge Industrial Park area. Thank you for your continued commitment to our local economy! Stopping by the Veterans Awareness Fair in Pottsville
I recently stopped by the Second Annual Veterans Awareness Fair, hosted by Schuylkill Community Action, at Alvernia University Pottsville CollegeTowne to thank our local veterans for their service and sacrifice.
Seth Hubler of my office was on hand with information for veterans and their families. Thank you to Lisa Grigalonis and her team for putting on this important event. Port Clinton Celebrates 175 Years
I recently stopped in Port Clinton to congratulate borough leaders on their 175th anniversary. Port Clinton is one of the smallest municipalities I represent, with approximately 300 residents. It’s known as a popular stop for Appalachian Trail hikers and as an historic old canal and railroad community. The borough is home to several unique small businesses and serves as the headquarters of the Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad. I’m pictured with Council Members Herman Baver and John Blackwell. Galen Glen Winery Celebrates 30 Years
Christine Verdier, my Chief of Staff, recently joined Rep. Jamie Barton and Schuylkill County Commissioner Larry Padora at the 30th Anniversary celebration at Galen Glen Winery in Andreas. Owned and operated by sixth-generation farmer Galen Troxell and his wife, Sarah, Galen Glen has become a true staple of the Andreas community. The Troxell family has been farming this land since the 1820s, and their continued commitment to agriculture and winemaking is a tremendous asset to Schuylkill County. Congratulations on 30 years—and thank you for your ongoing investment in our region! Congratulations Panther Valley & White Haven Blueprint Community Teams!
Congratulations to the Panther Valley & White Haven Blueprint Community teams! Leaders of these two local organizations, which are dedicated to revitalizing communities across our region, recently completed the final session of an 18-month Blueprint training program, sponsored by FHL Bank of Pittsburgh. It takes strong public-private partnerships to breathe new life into older communities. Thank you for giving your time and talents to make your communities a better place to live, work, and play. 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. Learn more here. Expanding No-Cost Breast Cancer Screenings
Pennsylvania has made a big step forward in cancer care. Patients who receive abnormal breast cancer screening results will soon have access to no-cost follow-up diagnostic imaging. Early detection saves lives, and this change will help ensure no one skips important tests due to cost. Read more here. PA Tradition: Statewide Firearms Deer Season Begins November 29
Pennsylvania’s statewide firearms deer season runs from Nov. 29 through Dec. 13 and includes two Sundays, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7. More than half a million hunters are expected to take part. If you’re taking to the field, please consider participating in the Hunters Sharing the Harvest program, which lets hunters donate deer – at no cost – at any one of more than 100 licensed butcher shops across 56 counties. Venison is then processed for distribution statewide through regional food banks in partnership with Feeding Pennsylvania and Hunger-Free Pennsylvania. Shop Local on Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday will be held Saturday, Nov. 29, spotlighting the role that small businesses play in our communities. The holiday season is a wonderful time to shop small. More than 1.1 million small businesses in Pennsylvania benefit their local economies and employ 2.5 million people. Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? The state offers helpful information for people who are considering starting or expanding their business. Learn more about writing a business plan, registering your business and choosing a business structure. Happy Thanksgiving!
On Oct. 3, 1863, months after the Battle of Gettysburg and with victory in mind, as well as its cost, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation encouraging Americans “in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea, and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and prayer.” Thanksgiving has been celebrated officially in the United States ever since. I hope you have a happy and relaxing day! This time of year is always extra busy for my wife Beth’s family’s fourth-generation turkey farm at Koch’s Turkey Farm near Tamaqua. Christmas Steam Train Rides at Pioneer Tunnel in Ashland
The Pioneer Tunnel will host their annual Coal Region Christmas Steam Train Ride every weekend now until December 21. This is a great way to celebrate the season and our heritage. For more information, please call (570) 875-3850. |
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