|
|||||
|
In this Update:
How Can We STOP Rising Electric Costs?
The map above describes one root of the problem of rising electric costs—While PA continues to export a large amount of electricity, many other nearby states have greatly reduced their electric power plants. The people I represent in Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties are beyond frustrated by rising electric bills—especially when they learn it’s about to get even worse! I recently met with Senator Gene Yaw, the Chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee to learn more. Gene’s recent op-ed explains the details here. At Gene’s suggestion, we met directly with PJM officials at their Valley Forge headquarters to discuss these challenges with a group of Ohio state legislators. The primary issue is supply and demand economics: governments, special interest groups, and utilities have been shutting down reliable, 24/7 power sources faster than replacing them. When dependable generation disappears and is replaced with intermittent sources, prices go up. And they will continue to go up unless we rebuild adequate supply to meet the demand for electricity. Pennsylvania, unlike almost all our neighboring states, produces far more energy that it utilizes and sends that electricity to other states—in part, because of electricity created right here in this Senate district in power plants which have existed for decades. The lake I see out my back windows every day was built for power generation more than a century ago. For affordable, reliable power, Pennsylvania must focus on increasing supply and building new generation. Stay tuned for much more on this important issue, in the PA General Assembly, and beyond. We all face an important choice: Do we focus on partisan issues to score debate points, or do we seek a bipartisan solution, to protect our economy AND our environment. HINT: I favor the latter approach! Argall Report: The Future of Penn State Hazleton & Penn State Schuylkill
This month’s Argall Report highlights recent roundtables where student leaders, faculty, community partners, and local legislators discussed how to strengthen and grow our local Penn State campuses. Just months ago, many of us fought successfully to keep these campuses open. Now our focus is on the future:
The support from our region was overwhelming — when I asked constituents about closing the campuses, 96% said NO. This edition also highlights a celebration with the student government leaders from Penn State Hazleton at Jimmy’s Quick Lunch, where we discussed our efforts to save our local campuses, as well as the next steps to strengthen them. Watch the full Argall Report here. 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. Rep. Tim Twardzik and I have worked for several years to breathe new life into this important part of our coal region heritage. This is a great way to celebrate the season and our heritage. For more information, please call (570) 875-3850. Lighting the Menorah in Hazleton
Brad Hurley from my Hazleton office joined Rep. Dane Watro and Mayor Cusat’s Office at Hazleton City Hall for the annual menorah lighting. In light of the tragic incident in Australia, moments like this underscore the importance of standing together against hate in all forms. I extend my warmest wishes for a blessed Hanukkah to all who celebrate. Read more here. Expanding Opportunities for Local Students Pursuing Trades in Schuylkill County
Seth Hubler, my communications director, recently joined PA Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy Walker and other local leaders at the Schuylkill Technology Center South to discuss the bipartisan state budget’s $3.5 million allocation for the Schools-to-Work grant program. STC’s electrical pre-apprenticeship is the first of its kind in Schuylkill County, commencing in 2024. Through partnering with IBEW Local 743, local high school students can enroll in the program if they are interested in a career in electrical work and begin training and skill development at a young age. In its first year, five students earned spots in the IBEW743 registered apprenticeship program, and year two of the program is already gaining momentum with nearly 20 students enrolled. The program is accepting applications for the 2026-28 academic years until Dec. 22. Congratulations to Longtime Carbon County Employee, Jane Krebs!
Congratulations to Jane Krebs of Jim Thorpe on her retirement from the Carbon County Bureau of Elections & Voter Registration after 21 years of service! Jane has served under five election directors over the span of her career, assisting thousands of individuals as they registered to vote. Brad Hurley of my office recently presented Jane with a congratulatory citation on my behalf. Read more here. Tax Relief for Working Pennsylvanians
The new state budget we passed includes the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which provides meaningful relief for working families across the commonwealth. In a time when affordability is a top issue affecting Pennsylvanians, policies like this tax credit help relieve some of the financial burdens on families. If you claim the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you may also claim the state tax credit equal to 10% of the federal amount. You can use this online calculator to determine if you qualify for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit and estimate how much you could receive. State Budget Funds New State Police Troopers
Public safety is a critical component of healthy, stable communities, and I am committed to ensuring that law enforcement gets the support it needs to keep criminals at bay. The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) fills a vital public safety role in the commonwealth and the 2025-26 state budget includes funding for four state police cadet classes. After completing approximately 27 weeks of training, the most recent cadet class saw 49 graduates join the ranks as state troopers. The PSP’s latest hiring cycle is open until Jan. 23, 2026. Those interested in becoming a state trooper can find application requirements, job benefits and other details at PATrooper.com. Look Out for Scams, Fraud and Theft During the Holiday Season
The holiday shopping season is prime opportunity for scams, fraud and theft. Some of the most common scams to be on the lookout for include bait-and-switch scams, skimming devices and fraudulent “cybersquatting” websites. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday offered several tips to prevent scammers from taking advantage when shopping online:
The Attorney General’s Office has set up a Scams Complaint Form residents can fill out should they encounter any scams. The FBI also provides tips on how to avoid holiday scams and identify skimming devices, which are estimated to cost consumers and financial institutions more than $1 billion per year. |
|||||
|
|||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://www.senatorargall.com | Privacy Policy |
