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In this Update

• CareerLink® Representative Available for Job Search Assistance
• More than $7.2 Million Awarded to Community Improvement Projects
• Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action
• Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something
• “See Tracks? Think Train” Week Promotes Rail Safety
• Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15

CareerLink® Representative Available for Job Search Assistance

A representative from PA CareerLink® will be available to answer questions and provide guidance on Wednesday, September 23^rd from 9-11 am at my Dallas district office. PA CareerLink® offers job search assistance, resume and interview workshops, access to more than 7,000 online training courses through SkillUP™ PA, classroom and on-the-job training, and many other programs and resources. Whether you are looking for a new job or simply want to strengthen your skills, PA CareerLink® has resources available to help.

I encourage anyone who is searching for employment or looking to advance their career to take advantage of these free services and the expertise available right here in our community.

More than $7.2 Million Awarded to Community Improvement Projects

The 20th Senatorial District is receiving more than $7.2 million in Local Share Account (LSA) funds from the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) for community improvement projects. From improving roads and public infrastructure to strengthening emergency services and updating essential equipment, these projects will make our communities safer, more efficient and better equipped for the future. I’m proud to support these investments and grateful to the CFA for recognizing the importance of these local projects.

The following LSA projects were approved:

LUZERNE COUNTY
• Courtdale Borough — $54,122 — To construct a larger salt shed that prevents material loss and protects salt from the elements.
• Dallas Borough — $150,000 — To install pedestrian safety improvements including flashing beacons, coated crosswalks and sidewalk repairs.
• Dallas Township — $200,000 — To replace the deteriorating Troutbrook Road stream crossing critical for business access.
• Economic Development Council of NEPA (Luzerne County Historical Society) — $450,000 — To renovate St. Cecilia Church into a new museum and cultural center.
• Exeter Township — $200,000 — To reconstruct Della Lane and install a new stormwater drainage system.
• Harveys Lake Borough — $254,308 — To implement hydrilla treatment and monitoring to protect lake ecology and tourism.
• Jackson Township — $213,000 — To purchase a compact loader and attachments for wide‑ranging municipal maintenance.
• Kingston Municipality — $500,000 — To renovate public works facilities including the building, garage and salt dome.
• Kingston Township (Shavertown Fire Dept.) — $100,000 — To support relocation and renovation of the flood‑prone fire department facility.
• Lower South Valley Council of Governments — $115,016 — To purchase shared equipment for more efficient roadway and infrastructure maintenance.
• Luzerne Borough (EMS Training Institute) — $64,000 — To purchase cardiac monitor/defibrillator units for EMS training and certification.
• Luzerne Borough (Police Department) — $65,000 — To purchase a police cruiser, Kubota UTV and speed alert trailer for enhanced patrol and safety.
• Nanticoke City (Luzerne County Community College Culinary Institute) — $387,877 — To repair roof, façade and structural components of the culinary facility.
• Newport Township — $298,178 — To extend East Main Street creating an emergency access roadway.
• Ross Township — $76,330 — To purchase a mini excavator for road, ditch and maintenance work.
• West Side COG — $250,000 — To purchase a waste grinder, tar kettle, and bucket truck reducing disposal costs and contractor reliance.
• Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority — $122,290 — To purchase specialized wastewater equipment to clear and inspect sanitary laterals.

PIKE COUNTY
• Delaware Township (American Legion Post 851) — $26,785 — To replace the aging HVAC system and improve heating reliability.
• Lehman Township — $100,000 — To purchase three ambulances to replace failing, high‑maintenance units.
• Middle Smithfield Township (Bushkill Fire Co.) — $200,000 — To renovate the firehouse with ADA upgrades, HVAC, signage and new garage doors.
• Milford Township — $63,288 — To improve stormwater management and community garden access with roof, gutter, fencing and pavement upgrades.
• Pike County — $197,000 — To upgrade the Blooming Grove Complex water/sewer system with chlorination, UV disinfection and monitoring systems.
• Westfall Township — $207,489 — To purchase new portable and mobile police radios for improved communication.

SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY
• Choconut Township — $148,538 — To purchase a new backhoe loader to replace an aging unit with failing electrical and emissions systems.
• Forest Lake Township — $145,991 — To purchase a new excavator to replace aging equipment for shared road maintenance.
• Hallstead‑Great Bend Joint Sewer Authority — $89,965 — To purchase a larger‑capacity skid steer to support treatment plant operations.
• Montrose Borough — $394,890 — To pave and stripe three deteriorated downtown parking lots serving local businesses and government offices.
• Susquehanna Depot Borough — $87,664 — To purchase a new dump truck with plow and spreader for year‑round road and winter maintenance.

WAYNE COUNTY
• Damascus Township — $288,405 — To construct a permanent ADA‑compliant restroom at Damascus Township Park.
• Lebanon Township — $107,788 — To purchase and upfit a municipal vehicle for road maintenance and snowplowing.
• Oregon Township — $109,073 — To purchase and upfit a township truck with dump body, plow and spreader.
• Paupack Township — $91,368 — To purchase an excavator for maintaining 16 miles of municipal roads.

WYOMING COUNTY
• Factoryville/Clinton Township Joint Sewer Authority — $77,045 — To purchase and upfit a 2026 Dodge Ram for sewer maintenance operations.
• Falls Township — $238,447 — To purchase a tractor and mower attachments for improved road maintenance services.
• Noxen Township — $97,172 — To purchase modern rescue tools replacing obsolete equipment.
• Overfield Township — $102,722 — To purchase a skid steer and trailer replacing undersized equipment.
• Southeastern Wyoming County COG — $235,172 — To purchase an excavator and track loader reducing contracted roadway maintenance.
• Tunkhannock Township — $226,785 — To purchase a heavy‑duty dump truck with plow replacing a dilapidated 20‑year‑old vehicle.
• Windham Township — $98,832 — To purchase a skid steer to eliminate reliance on contractors.

Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action 

Property owners scored a key victory this legislative session when the Senate approved a measure to protect and financially compensate them if targeted by eminent domain abuse. However, the bill has languished in the House of Representatives for more than a year.  

Senate Bill 225 would ensure business owners and farmers whose properties are seized through eminent domain are compensated for loss of “goodwill,” which goes beyond the assessed value. For farms, the land may possess characteristics that make it particularly special, such as fertile soil. In the case of another business, goodwill may be the location, access to utilities and other factors. 

This bill received unanimous support in the Senate and there’s no reason for the House not to act. Read more about this bill and federal efforts to end eminent domain abuse here.

Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something

As students settle in for the new school year, they should know about a resource available if they’re concerned about the wellbeing of themselves or others.

Authorized by the General Assembly, Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” before it is too late.

Students can report concerns by phone at 844-723-2729, by emailing info@safe2saypa.org or on the Safe2Say website, where they can also download the Safe2Say Something app.

“See Tracks? Think Train” Week Promotes Rail Safety

Pennsylvania recorded 56 collisions at rail grade crossings last year, resulting in three fatalities and 24 injuries. There were also 34 deaths and 15 injuries involving people trespassing on rail property. Nationwide, a person or vehicle is struck by a train roughly every three hours.

Railroad tracks are private property and should never be used as a walking path, shortcut or setting for photographs. Drivers and pedestrians should always expect a train, cross only at designated crossings and obey warning lights and crossing gates.

“See Tracks? Think Train” Week Sept. 21-27 aims to raise awareness of the danger, reduce collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and discourage trespassing on or near railroad tracks. You can find more rail safety information here.

Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15

When a crisis strikes, faith-based communities are often among the first places people turn for help, hope and support.

Houses of worship, nonprofits, schools and community organizations can learn how to play a vital role before, during and after a crisis via a free Pennsylvania Department of Homeland Security webinar Oct. 15.

Participants will gain practical tools and resources to help their organization respond with compassion, coordination and confidence. Learn more at the webinar registration page.