View this email in a browser

Investing in Roads Across the 40^th District

In the recent state budget, I was pleased to support additional funding for Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) maintenance and road improvements, and we are slated to see the following investment take place throughout the 40^th Senate District.

In Monroe County, projects include the following:

• Paving SR 209 near SR 447 (Independence Rd.) to Twin Falls Road and from Oak Grove Drive to Mt. Nebo in Smithfield and Middle Smithfield Twp.
• Paving SR 447 from SR 191 (Paradise Tr.) to Pike County Line in Barrett, Price, and Stroud Township.
• Paving SR 390 from SR 940 (Pocono Bl.) to Pike County Line in Barrett Township.
• Paving SR 209 from Carbon County Line to near Fawn Valley Drive in Chestnuthill and Polk Township.
• Paving SR 2012 from SR 3017 (Old 115) to approximately SR 611 (N. Ninth Street) in Stroudsburg Borough, and Hamilton and Stroud Township

In Wayne County, PennDOT is also completing major resurfacing projects, including:

• SR 507 (Main Street/Mill Creek Road) — approximately 8 miles from the Wayne/Monroe County line to SR 196 in Lehigh and Dreher townships
• SR 196 (Sterling Road) — approximately 4.3 miles between Hazelton Road and SR 191 in Sterling Township

Maintaining our roads is critical to the safety and quality of life of our communities. I’m pleased to see this funding translating into tangible improvements to the roads our residents use every day, and I’ll continue working to make sure our region receives its fair share of infrastructure investment.

Protecting Public Safety

As Pennsylvania residents, you deserve laws that protect you and your families, protect victims and keep dangerous criminals off our streets. It’s common sense. While the Senate worked to do this, the PA House of Representatives chose inaction, politics and prioritized criminals over our everyday residents.

What does this mean to you? Pennsylvania now has no statewide sentencing standard for second-degree felony murder. These are serious crimes that should not be taken lightly and can play an important role to public safety.

As a brief background, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that our sentencing guidelines for second-degree felony murder were unconstitutional, therefore the General Assembly was given 120 days to establish a new sentencing framework. The Senate worked diligently on this issue and twice passed bipartisan legislation to ensure those convicted of these second-degree felonies, continue to face meaningful consequences while protecting public safety.

Despite bipartisan support and the backing of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police, and the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association, the PA House of Representatives sat on these proposals and at the eleventh hour, advanced amendments that prioritized criminals over the Senate’s balanced approach to protecting victims and overall public safety.

Keeping our communities safe should be a priority! I am deeply disappointed by the votes of some of our local state representatives, choosing political maneuvering over working collaboratively to enact meaningful legislation that protects all Pennsylvanians. Review your representative’s vote here.

Brown Pushes for Statewide Data Center Moratorium

During a Senate Local Government Committee meeting, I offered an amendment to establish a three-year statewide moratorium on data center development to give Pennsylvania the time needed to develop meaningful, enforceable protections for our communities. My amendment sought to replace Senate Bill 1345 with the language of Senate Bill 1359, which would establish this three-year statewide moratorium.

While I am disappointed my amendment was not adopted, I voted to support advancing Senate Bill 1345 and House Bill 2496  as they provide municipalities with additional tools to address data center proposals. However, I remain concerned that these measures simply do not go far enough to protect residents and our communities.

With more than 50 proposed data center projects across Pennsylvania – including more than a dozen in the 40th Senatorial District – I will continue fighting for stronger statewide protections that put residents first, safeguard our communities, and ensure any growth occurs responsibly.

Please take the time to read my full press release on this matter.

Brown, Olsommer Holding FREE Shredding Event

I am joining Representative Jeff Olsommer to host a FREE Paper Shredding & E-Recycling Event NEXT WEEK on Saturday August 22^nd at Evergreen Elementary School in Lake Ariel!

This event provides an opportunity for individuals to securely dispose of personal documents that may put them at risk for identity theft. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Ariel Volunteer Fire Company, and American Legion Post 807 will also all be there for further assistance!

Supporting the Olsen Christmas Wish

I stopped by the Olsen Christmas Wish annual fundraising event to support an incredible tradition in our community.

What began in 2006, when Detective Chris Shelly organized an effort to help the family of a fallen officer, has grown into a wonderful annual event filled with raffles, family fun, and, most importantly, a community coming together to help make children’s Christmas wishes come true.

Thank you to Chris Shelly, all the dedicated volunteers, Rudy’s Tavern, and everyone who continues to support this meaningful cause. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful example of what our community can accomplish when we come together

American Legion Post 903 Pancake Breakfast

I recently had the pleasure of attending the American Legion Post 903 Pancake Breakfast in Mount Pocono, where Vietnam veteran Al Compoly surprised me with a beautiful gift celebrating America’s 250^th Anniversary and thanked me for my work with our veterans.

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to spend time with these amazing veterans. Their sacrifices, service, and love for our country continue to inspire me every day. Thank you all!

Scenes from the 40^th Senate District

This week’s photo is courtesy of Alex of East Stroudsburg, with a summer shot of Ice Lake in Barrett Township! 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.