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In this Update:
A Spending Plan to Fund Critical Needs
Counties, school districts, hospitals and others would receive critical funding from the commonwealth immediately under a bill approved by the Senate. As negotiations continue on a final 2025-26 state budget, Senate Bill 160 would provide funding at the levels included in the final 2024-25 budget, allowing the state to immediately begin disbursing nearly $47.6 billion without the need for any new taxes. Passage of this measure marks an important step forward in this year’s budget process, putting people above politics as budget discussions continue. Many of the line items in the budget are not in dispute, so this is a responsible way to ensure that counties, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, social service providers and other entities receive immediate funding to meet their fiscal needs. Transportation Bill Addressing Funding, Safety, Accountability Approved by Senate
A bill to help address roadway needs across Pennsylvania and improve the safety, accountability and stability of our mass transit systems was approved by the Senate. As amended, House Bill 237 recognizes the need for mass transit funding, but not at the expense of the rest of the commonwealth. The plan turns a necessary corner in the right direction by prioritizing equity in funding, ensuring small communities and rural areas also receive resources. Poor roads, vehicle damage, weight-limited routes and long detours are issues in every corner of my district. Few subjects generate more interest than road conditions and funding. Flat tires, bent rims, worn shocks and struts, wheel misalignments: the list of constituent complaints is lengthy, as are the repair bills. People ask why they pay high gasoline taxes, increased vehicle registrations and escalating turnpike tolls, yet their road maintenance always seems insufficient. And emergency responders tell me how deficient transportation robs them of crucial moments in responding to desperate, life or death situations. The legislation matches and exceeds what the governor proposed by providing $292.5 million to mass transit this year and another $300 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year and allocates an equal amount of money to fund road projects statewide. Importantly, this plan does not impact the General Fund. It also directs most of the new funds to come from the Public Transportation Trust Fund, which has grown from $370 million in 2019 to more than $2.4 billion today. #SusquehannaStrong
Recently, a small, rural community in Susquehanna County was rocked by a senseless tragedy. A woman’s life was taken in the driveway of her home on her way to work. Lori Wasko died when a neighbor gunned her down shortly before ambushing and seriously wounding two state police officers, Trooper William Jenkins and Trooper Joseph Perechinsky. Paramedic Jason Larsen was also shot at upon responding to the scene. He sustained injuries after crashing his quick response vehicle while under fire and trying to flee. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Lori Wasko. She was by all accounts a wonderful person dedicated to her job and the people she cared for at Barnes Kasson Hospital. Lori is remembered as a kind, loving and caring person who will be dearly missed. She is survived by her companion Rex Kelsey and many family members. Thankfully, some quick thinking helped Paramedic Larsen avoid a direct hit, and he is recuperating. Both troopers survived and are also on the road to recovery. Larsen, Jenkins and Perechinsky are heroes, along with the bystander, David Carr, who risked his life to aid the troopers. This has been a traumatic event for families, friends and neighbors in the small community of Thompson, for law enforcement and for fire and EMS. We recognize the members of the numerous departments that put their lives on the line during this and every serious incident. This situation is a stark reminder that we should pray for the safety of our uniformed protectors every day and make them aware of our gratitude for their service. Recognizing Heroism in Pike County
I was honored to join the Pike County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police Troop R Blooming Grove, Rep. Joe Olsommer and the Pike County Commissioners in recognizing 38 members of local law enforcement and fire service for their extraordinary efforts during a critical incident in Milford Township on April 26, 2024. Responders from the Milford and Westfall Township fire departments, Pike County Sheriff’s Office and Milford Borough Police Department acted with remarkable courage and professionalism in the face of a dangerous and volatile situation involving both a structure fire and a violent suspect. Their swift, coordinated actions helped ensure the suspect was taken into custody, safeguarded the public and preserved the scene for investigators. While the day brought tragedy with the loss of victim Margie Susie Finlay, these men and women demonstrated the highest standards of public service and a steadfast commitment to protecting our community. Their bravery will not be forgotten. New Senior Affordable Housing Coming to Wyoming County
Trehab Community Housing Development has announced the construction of Henry Meadows Apartments, a 34-unit senior housing complex in Tunkhannock. This much-needed development will help address the urgent need for affordable housing for residents aged 62 and older in Wyoming County. Henry Meadows Apartments will include 31 one-bedroom units, 3 two-bedroom units and 6 handicap-accessible units. Each apartment will feature a living room, eat-in kitchen, bathroom with walk-in shower and grab bars, and spacious bedrooms with ample storage. Construction begins immediately with completion expected in Fall 2026. I commend Trehab for its ongoing commitment to providing quality, affordable housing across our region, and I look forward to seeing this project come to life for our seniors. NEPA Students Lead Innovative Food Hub
High school students at the Wilkes-Barre Career and Technology Center (WBCTC) are gaining hands-on workforce experience while helping their community through The Food Dignity Movement’s student-run food hub. I recently took a tour to learn more about how the program connects local farms directly with neighbors in need, teaching students valuable career skills and the importance of community service. These students are proving that innovation, service and career readiness can thrive right here in northeastern Pennsylvania. STEM-Related Activities Available from PennDOT
Summertime or anytime, you can find STEM-related activities for children of all levels with resources from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The material includes a PennDOT-themed coloring book, traffic safety activity book, word searches and crossword puzzles (with answer keys), hands-on activities to help children to think like an engineer and fun games teaching bicycle safety. Help PA Celebrate Your Barn
The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office invites you to contribute to the effort of documenting and celebrating the barns that define our state’s rural traditions. Barns represent the agricultural heritage, craftsmanship and local pride found throughout the commonwealth. You can go here to find out how to submit your photos and background information and have your barn added to the Pennsylvania Inventory of Historic Places.
Please do not reply to this email. If you would like to contact Senator Baker, submit a web contact form here: https://www.senatorbaker.com/contact-me-2/ |
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