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In this Update:
This Sunday: Veterans Expo in Jim Thorpe
Congressman Ryan Mackenzie is partnering with Rep. Doyle Heffley and me to host a Veterans Expo this Sunday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe. We’re bringing together more than 30 local vendors to connect Lehigh Valley veterans with federal, state and local resources. We hope to see you there! State Budget Provides Significant Increase for Childcare in Hazleton, and Beyond!
As part of the bipartisan 2025-26 state budget, we have made significant advances in childcare funding for the recruitment and retention of much-needed childcare professionals. Our goal: to help more families access high-quality care and early education—and support the dedicated professionals who make it possible. I appreciate the thoughtful thank you messages I received, including from the Hazleton Head Start center. Solving Our Local Dental Care Shortage
Quality dental care is a serious problem here — and a new article by Dr. Amid Ismail, Dean of Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry, highlights why. That’s why the new Temple University Rural Dental Education Center and Clinic in Tamaqua — opening in 2026 — is such a game-changer.
This project is exactly the kind of innovative solution rural Pennsylvania needs — and I’m proud that Tamaqua was chosen as the home for Temple’s first rural dental education center and clinic. Our local people deserve quality, affordable dental care close to home, and that’s why I worked with Dean Ismail, Rep. Jamie Barton, Congressman Dan Meuser, the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership, the Tamaqua CRIZ Authority, and other local partners to make this project a reality. Tuscarora & Locust Lake Project Updates
Here’s the latest on several ongoing projects and conditions at Tuscarora and Locust Lake: Tuscarora Lake Dam Project: Unfortunately, drought conditions continue, making it difficult to refill the lake. Water levels remain about 8 feet below normal. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has also informed us that fall stocking at Tuscarora Lake is canceled. However, winter stocking at Locust Lake is still scheduled for December 15. Locust Lake Multi-Use Trail Paving Project: Phase 1 is now complete, and the trail officially reopened on November 25. Phase 2, which includes installing a new Locust Creek culvert/bridge and final paving, is expected to begin in early 2026. This phase will require another full closure for public safety. Locust Lake Campground Shower House Project: Construction is nearing completion. Establishing October 14th as Charlie Kirk Day
In the near future, Senator Joe Picozzi (R-Philadelphia) and I will introduce legislation to establish “Charlie Kirk Day.” Charlie encouraged young Americans to think critically, debate respectfully, and take a more active role in our nation’s democratic process. His passion for free speech and honest conversation inspired countless students to engage in the American experiment—often for the very first time. Though his life was cut short, his impact continues to be felt across Pennsylvania and beyond. This proposal would designate October 14th as “Charlie Kirk Day,” encouraging schools and institutions to celebrate civil discourse and open dialogue—values that lie at the heart of our democracy. Read more here. A Secret Schuylkill County Nittany Lion!
Mason Reber was recently introduced as Penn State’s Nittany Lion mascot at Beaver Stadium in State College. Mason, the 54th person to hold this iconic role, has proudly served as the Nittany Lion for the past three years. Thank you for making Schuylkill County proud! Read more here. Stabin Magazine Highlighting Local Businesses Across Carbon County
More good news from Jim Thorpe is generating well-deserved attention! The Stabin Magazine is highlighting local businesses across Carbon County. Distributed locally and in the Lehigh Valley, Greater Philadelphia, and New York City, it’s building upon Jim Thorpe’s reputation as a growing hub for arts and culture—while boosting regional tourism and small business growth. As Rep. Doyle Heffley and I work to improve the Jim Thorpe model and expand its positive impact to other nearby communities, more people are learning about this national success story. Learn more here. Avoiding Utility Scams
Scammers impersonate utility companies and threaten service termination to pressure you into quick payments. The best response is to confirm any claims with your provider directly and report them. Find out more here. Valley Forge Military College Provides Opportunities for PA Students
Many opportunities are available for young Pennsylvanians interested in education, leadership, and military service through Valley Forge Military College (VFMC) — The Military College of Pennsylvania. VFMC partners with state legislators to help students in our districts through several programs. Legislators can nominate qualified students for these programs.
These programs provide incredible opportunities for students to pursue higher education, develop leadership skills, and serve their communities—all while strengthening Pennsylvania’s future workforce. To learn more or apply, visit vfmac.edu. Resources for Applying for College
The application period for most colleges is now open. If the process is new to you, you can find plenty of resources for the college planning and application process here. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency can help you access student financial aid services, including grants, loans and other funding opportunities, including the new Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program. Crystal Springs Tree Farm of Lehighton Supplies State Capitol Christmas Tree
A 25-foot Douglas fir arrived at the Capitol last Wednesday morning in celebration of the upcoming Christmas holiday. Workers lifted the tree into place in the Main Rotunda, where it is being decorated before the annual lighting ceremony on Monday, December 8th at 1 p.m. A second 22-foot tree will stand on the Capitol steps, with all trees supplied by Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Carbon County. Hunters Sharing the Harvest
If you’re one of the half-million+ hunters taking to the field this deer season, please consider participating in Hunters Sharing the Harvest, which allows hunters to donate deer to be processed into more than 1 million servings of nutritious meat for families in need. Learn more here. Pearl Harbor: Remembering a Day of Infamy
Each year on Dec. 7, we remember the 2,403 service members and civilians killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in 1941. A further 1,178 people were injured in the attack, which permanently sank two U.S. Navy battleships and destroyed 188 aircraft. We remember not just the surprise attack, but the steely resolve of Americans to do whatever it took to defeat the Axis forces of World War II. 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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