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In this Update:
More Than $4.2 Million in State Grants Awarded to Schuylkill County Communities
State grants totaling more than $4.2 million were awarded to communities in Schuylkill County. Rep. Tim Twardzik, Rep. Jamie Barton, Rep. Dane Watro, Rep. Joanne Stehr, and I worked with local leaders to secure this highly competitive funding. This funding was awarded through the Statewide Local Share Account (LSA) program, which distributes gaming revenue to economic development projects. Here is the list of funded projects:
Additionally, a $114,889 grant was approved for equipment purchased by Banks Township, Carbon County that will improve the operation and maintenance of the local wastewater treatment plant operated by the Kline-Banks-McAdoo Regional Authority. More Than $600,000 in State Grants Awarded to Southern Luzerne County Communities
State grants totaling more than $600,000 were awarded to communities in southern Luzerne County. Rep. Dane Watro, Rep. Jamie Walsh, Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, and I worked with local leaders to secure this highly competitive funding. This funding was also awarded through the Statewide Local Share Account (LSA) program. Here is the list of funded projects:
Communities in southern Luzerne County should expect to see more grant funding in the coming weeks through the Local Share Account (LSA) – Luzerne program. More Than $1.6 Million in State Grants Awarded to Carbon County Communities
State grants totaling more than $1.6 million were awarded to communities in Carbon County. Rep. Doyle Heffley and I worked with local leaders to secure this highly competitive funding. This funding was also awarded through the Statewide Local Share Account (LSA) program. Here is the list of funded projects:
Real Progress at Center for Education, Business & the Arts in Downtown Shenandoah
Real progress has been made at the Downtown Shenanodah Center for Education, Business & the Arts (CEBA), which is slated to be complete in January. I’ve been proud to work closely with Congressman Dan Meuser, Rep. Tim Twardzik, and Rep. Dane Watro to secure over $6.1 million in state and federal funding to make CEBA a reality, helping breathe some much-needed new life into downtown Shenandoah and expand opportunities for our entire region. Schuylkill Historical Society Receives Grant
The Schuylkill County Historical Society, Museum, and Gift Shop has been awarded a $9,000 Cultural and Historical Support Grant by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). Preserving our past for future generations is critically important, and the society does a wonderful job of doing that at its museum. Located in downtown Pottsville, the society is an educational resource for the public offering priceless artifacts and collections, interactive tours, seminars, genealogical resources, special exhibits, events, and educational programs for young people. Chatting with Constituents at Rep. Watro’s Telephone Town Hall
Recently, I joined PA State Rep. Dane Watro and more than 1,300 of our Luzerne and Schuylkill County constituents for his Telephone Town Hall to review key issues including education, dental care, property taxes, rising electric rates, data centers, environmental concerns, and the taxpayer-funded security upgrades at the Governor’s private residence in Montgomery County. We also celebrated the more than 5,000 constituents who helped us save Penn State Hazleton and Penn State Schuylkill. Thank you to everyone who joined us! How Can We Protect Our Environment and Our Pocketbooks?
Here’s a key challenge for 2026, and beyond: How can Pennsylvania protect our environment AND provide affordable, reliable energy at the same time? That will be the focus of a Senate Majority Policy Committee public hearing, which I will chair, here in our district next year. A recent article by Andrew Lewis of the Commonwealth Foundation highlights how PA has significantly reduced carbon emissions without costly regional “cap-and-trade” energy tax schemes like RGGI, which several Governors tried to force on us without a vote of the House and Senate, a clear violation of our state’s constitution. Andrew’s research notes that, rather than relying on heavy-handed mandates, Pennsylvania’s growth in cleaner natural gas and energy production has helped cut emissions. This proves we can champion environmental protection while promoting economic growth and energy independence. Our local efforts across Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill Counties to reclaim abandoned mines, restore watersheds, preserve farmland AND produce electricity is part of that broader effort. We must protect our environment AND our pocketbooks. Major Reduction in PA Emissions Over Last 20 Years
During a recent meeting with Senator Gene Yaw, Chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, we reviewed the greatly reduced emissions from power plants across PA. This progress reflects a multi-year trend driven by the integration of newer, cleaner energy resources. It’s encouraging to see these long-term efforts producing real results. 2025 Review: Improving Pennsylvania Health Care
Healthy and safe communities are one of my top priorities. The Senate passed several measures in 2025 aimed at improving health care across Pennsylvania. Legislation of note included bills expanding no-cost breast cancer screening, saving lives from overdoses and preserving prescription drug coverage for seniors. The Senate also acted to alleviate staffing shortages in long-term care facilities, expand access to high-quality maternity services, and more. As we enter the second year of the 2025-26 legislative session, I’ll continue working to improve access to affordable, quality health care. Read more about health care legislation and other important bills here. Finnegan Foundation Provides Opportunities for Pennsylvania’s Future Leaders
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. My Offices Are Here to Serve You!
Need assistance with a state-related issue? Visit my district offices! This year alone, we’ve helped address almost 8,000 problems for the people of Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties. Our more common requests include providing help with property tax/rent rebate forms, driver’s license applications, and filing unemployment. Last year, we also worked to recover more than $400,000 in unclaimed property. If you ever have a state government related question or problem, we’re here to help! The locations and contact information for my district offices in Hazleton and Mahanoy City with PA State Rep. Dane Watro, Pottsville with PA State Rep. Tim Twardzik, and Weissport with PA State Rep. Doyle Heffley can be found here. Happy New Year!
As we conclude another eventful year filled with challenges and accomplishments, we look ahead to 2025 with renewed hope and excitement. My staff, Beth, and I wish you and your loved ones the best in the new year. My offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 31st and Friday, January 2nd. |
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