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In this Update:
Grant Funding Awarded for Watershed Restoration, Parks and Community Projects
Funding for environmental, recreational and community improvement projects across Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties was recently awarded through multiple Commonwealth Financing Agency (CFA) programs, including the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program, the Sewage Facilities Program, the Watershed Restoration Protection Program and statewide Local Share Account (LSA) funding. These grants represent important investments in our environment, public spaces and local infrastructure. Whether it’s restoring waterways, expanding recreational opportunities or supporting essential municipal projects, this funding will help communities strengthen quality of life while planning responsibly for the future. The following projects were approved: Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program Exeter Township – Exeter Township Park Development (Luzerne County) – $52,500 Funding will support park improvements in Exeter Township, enhancing recreational opportunities for residents and families. Gibson Township – Ervin Kaminski Park Improvements (Susquehanna County) – $192,500 This project will fund upgrades to Ervin Kaminski Park, improving safety, accessibility and usability for community recreation. Hawley Borough – Skate Park Improvement (Wayne County) – $60,000 Hawley Borough will make improvements to its skate park, supporting youth recreation and safer facilities. Nicholson Borough – Historical Nature Trail (Wyoming County) – $75,000 The project will develop a historical nature trail in Nicholson Borough, promoting outdoor recreation and local heritage education. Overfield Township – Teener Field Improvements, Phase II (Wyoming County) – $75,000 Funding will support continued improvements to Teener Field, enhancing recreational amenities for residents and youth sports programs. Paupack Township – Township Park Development (Wayne County) – $85,000 Paupack Township will advance development of its township park, expanding outdoor and recreational access for the community. Sewage Facilities Program Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority – Sans Souci Force Main Replacement (Luzerne County) – $25,000 Funding will be used to perform phase 2 of an official sewage facilities plan upgrade at the Sans Souci location by replacing aging pipes. Watershed Restoration Protection Program Misericordia University – Toby Creek Stream Restoration (Luzerne County) – $140,000 Misericordia University will complete a stream restoration project along Toby Creek to improve water quality, stabilize streambanks and enhance environmental and community benefits. The project will support long-term watershed health while providing educational and ecological value to the region. Statewide LSA Funding In addition to program-specific grants, statewide LSA funding was approved in support of critical community projects across the region. Luzerne County – $6,468,070 Total Projects include public safety vehicles purchases, road paving, sewer and stormwater upgrades, park improvements, playground development and municipal facility enhancements across multiple municipalities. Pike County – $681,500 Total Funding will support fire tower improvements, park enhancements and municipal building upgrades. Susquehanna County – $1,139,058 Total Funding will support ball field improvements, rescue equipment purchases, municipal equipment and park upgrades. Wayne County – $2,137,783 Total Projects include municipal vehicle purchases, ADA-compliant park restroom upgrades and township equipment improvements. Wyoming County – $903,042 Total Projects include the purchase of fire company vehicles, fire training facilities, recreational field improvements and shared municipal equipment. The GTRP, SFP and WRPP programs are part of Act 13 of 2012, which established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates money to the CFA to plan, acquire, develop, rehabilitate, and repair greenways, recreational trails, open spaces, parks and beautification projects. The CFA was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to administer the commonwealth’s economic stimulus packages. The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act of 2004 provides for the distribution of gaming revenue through the CFA. Honoring Our Veterans This Holiday Season at Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center
As we enter the holiday season, I am grateful for the opportunity to honor the men and women who have served our commonwealth and our nation. I joined Maj. Gen. John Pippy, the adjutant general, and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russ Redding on a visit to Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center in Scranton, as part of the DMVA’s annual effort to meet with veteran residents and thank the dedicated staff who care for them. Members of Harveys Lake American Legion Post 967 were also there to help celebrate the season. Our state veterans’ homes play a vital role in providing skilled nursing, personal care and memory support in an environment that respects and honors service. I encourage anyone who can to join in helping spread holiday cheer and appreciation to the residents and staff who give so much every day. Dec. 31 Deadline for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program The deadline to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is Dec. 31. Eligible residents could qualify for up to $1,000 (plus supplemental rebates for qualifying applicants). The program provides financial relief to older adults and people with disabilities who paid property taxes or rent in 2024. To qualify, applicants must be age 65+, widows/widowers 50+ or individuals with disabilities 18+, and their household income must be $46,520 or less (excluding half of Social Security income). Applications can be submitted online, by mail or in person, or by calling 1-888-222-9190 for assistance. My office is also available to help you apply for this rebate. Committee Examines CDLs and REAL IDs Being Issued to Illegal Immigrants
The Senate Transportation Committee held a public hearing to examine commercial vehicle safety and nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) following recent claims of CDLs and REAL IDs being issued to illegal immigrants. Pennsylvania law bans regular and commercial driver’s licenses for anyone unlawfully present in the commonwealth. Last month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested an illegal immigrant from Uzbekistan wanted for belonging to a terrorist organization. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) issued him a CDL with a REAL ID indication in July. The committee examined commercial vehicle safety and nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses with driving advocates, along with officials from PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police. You can view the hearing and read testimony here. Expanding Access to Health Care in Pike County
I was pleased to be part of the opening of Northwell Health’s first primary and immediate care center in Pike County, a major step forward for access to quality health care in our region. This new facility brings much-needed services closer to home for Pike County families, offering both primary care and immediate care under one roof. That means shorter travel times, faster treatment and more convenient options for routine and urgent health needs. Expanding access to health care in rural and growing communities is critical, and investments like this help ensure residents can receive timely, high-quality care where they live. I appreciate Northwell Health’s commitment to serving our community and strengthening the local health care network. Visiting Ross Township and Seeing Local Investments at Work
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing how state funding translates into real improvements for our communities. I recently had the chance to speak with Ross Township Supervisors Marc Hummel and Miralie Cappucci who invited me to visit the township municipal office to see firsthand the projects made possible through funding I helped secure. These investments are making a meaningful difference for residents. I welcome the opportunity to discuss ongoing township issues and hear directly from local officials about their priorities and concerns. Working together with municipal leaders is essential to ensuring our communities continue to thrive. It’s Annual Dog License Time
The deadline to purchase an annual license renewal for your dog is Jan. 1, 2026. Many counties allow you to purchase a lifetime license. Licensing fees help the millions of dogs in Pennsylvania by funding the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement. If your dog gets lost, a current license is the fastest way to get your dog back home. Dogs must be licensed at the point of adoption or purchase, or at three months if no transfer of ownership has taken place. Annual licenses can be purchased online from your county treasurer in one location here. Successful Start for New Program Connecting Young Pennsylvanians to High Demand Careers
The first year of the Grow PA program to help connect young people to quality careers in Pennsylvania has been a tremendous success, according to statistics from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program was created by the legislature last year to help reverse the trend of young Pennsylvanians seeking education and job opportunities in other states. The program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who agree to attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in an in-demand occupation and work in that occupation in Pennsylvania after graduation. PHEAA reports more than 11,000 applications for Grow PA in the first year. More than 4,000 applicants have already received grants, and another 2,300 applications were approved through early December. The average award per student was $4,650. The top programs of study in the first year of Grow PA included registered nursing, early childhood education, business administration and management, biological sciences and accounting. Next year’s application period is expected to open in early February. Assistance Available to Help Rural Communities Fight Wildfires
State grants are available to volunteer fire companies to help protect rural communities from wildfires. Eligible applicants include local firefighting forces in rural communities with fewer than 10,000 residents. Funding can be used for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires. Recipients are selected based on vulnerability and adequacy of existing fire protection, with a focus on improving volunteer readiness and protecting lives and property in under-protected areas. Administered by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the maximum grant award in 2026 is $15,000 per fire company. Applications must be submitted electronically through DCNR’s grant website by Dec. 31. Happy Hanukkah
This week, Jewish families across our district are celebrating Hanukkah, the festival of light dating back more than 2,000 years, when the Jewish people won a battle against the Greeks to practice their religion freely. I wish everyone celebrating Hanukkah a time of warmth and appreciation with family and friends.
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