View this email in a browser

Legislation that Matters for You

I’m excited to launch a new series, Throwback Thursdays, across all my social media channels!

Each Thursday, I’ll be taking a look back at some of my most significant legislation I’ve been proud to sponsor and help enact into law during my time representing you in the 40^th Senatorial District. From expanding access to AEDs and improving public safety to strengthening local government, advancing healthcare, and preparing students for success, these posts will highlight the lasting impact these laws continue to have on communities across the district.

I invite you to follow along each week as we revisit these accomplishments and the work that continues to make a difference for the people of our district.

You can also take an additional look at my full list of enacted legislation and legislative accomplishments.

SBA Disaster Loans Available for Businesses Impacted by July Storms

Many businesses across our area are still recovering from the severe storms that impacted Monroe County on July 4^th. To help with recovery, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to eligible small businesses and private nonprofit organizations.

Eligible applicants may qualify for loans of up to $2 million, with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for private nonprofits. Funds may be used for working capital, payroll, fixed debts, accounts payable, and other operating expenses. Businesses do not need to have suffered physical damage to qualify, and loan payments are deferred for the first 12 months following disbursement. The application deadline is April 30, 2027.

To assist applicants, the SBA has opened a Business Recovery Center at the Schoonover Municipal Building (Middle Smithfield Township), 147 Municipal Drive, East Stroudsburg. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through August 21. SBA representatives are available to answer questions and assist with applications.

If your business or nonprofit was impacted by the July storms, I encourage you to explore this opportunity and take advantage of the resources available to support your recovery.

Pennsylvania Has New Tools to Solve Violent Crimes

Law enforcement agencies will now be able to access new tools to boost clearance rates for homicide and other violent crime cases through a new state law that I helped pass.

The Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act was enacted with the new state budget. The law establishes a grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to help police hire and retain detectives and investigators, and upgrade technology used to analyze evidence.

Solving more violent crimes will help make communities safer by getting offenders off the streets while also serving as a deterrent to would-be criminals who know their crimes will not go unanswered.

August Legislative Report: Eileen Ruvane

My August Legislative Report is out now! I sat down with local author and business owner Eileen Ruvane at Cafe Duet to talk about her life story, as well as her new book.

Want to watch the whole story? You can see the Report on News 13, or watch it on my website.

Celebrating Blakely Borough’s National Night Out

Even though the weather didn’t cooperate last week, Blakely Borough Government always does an amazing job with their annual National Night Out!

Thank you to these amazing officers who help keep your community safe and to Mayor Mariani and the borough officials for supporting such a great community event!

Honoring 80 Years of American Legion Post 889

This year American Legion Post 889 of Waymart is celebrating their 80^th year Anniversary! My office and other local officials spoke at a beautiful ceremony at Ladore Retreat and Conference Center to recognize their vast years of accomplishment.

Brooks from my staff spoke on my behalf and presented a Citation from the Senate of Pennsylvania for their 80 years of service for our veterans!

Scenes from the 40^th Senate District

This week’s photo is courtesy of Samantha of East Stroudsburg, with a home camera picking up a mama bear and her cubs! This picture has been shared on my social media and posted to the 40^th Senatorial District Photo Gallery.

I am inviting residents of the 40^th Senatorial District to share their photography and help capture the beauty and character of our community. Whether it’s a stunning landscape, a lively community event, or a cherished historical landmark, I encourage you to submit photos that highlight the unique aspects of our district, which includes parts of Lackawanna and Wayne counties, and all of Monroe County.

Click here to submit your work and learn more.