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Leading on Affordability in the Pennsylvania Senate

I understand we are all facing higher costs for groceries, utilities, housing, and everyday needs. In my work as your Senator, I remain committed to advancing fiscally responsible policies that protect taxpayers, strengthen our economy, and help make living more affordable.

In the state Senate, I helped advance numerous bills aimed at lowering costs and putting affordability first for you.

I voted to:

• Cut the Gross Receipts Tax on electricity, establish a sales tax holiday on school supplies, expand educational opportunities for families, and eliminate a tax exemption for data centers (HB 1667).
• Expand access to affordable and attainable housing (SB 1236, SB 1279, and SB 1281).
• Reduce college costs by expanding Dual Enrollment opportunities (SB 974).
• Eliminate unnecessary vehicle emissions testing requirements (SB 1298).
• Promote energy development to help lower utility costs for consumers (SB 704).
• Streamline state government and reduce unnecessary costs to taxpayers (SB 755).
• Strengthen oversight of taxpayer-funded programs and protect public dollars from fraud and abuse (SB 362 and SB 1372).

It’s important that you know these initiatives have been passed by the Senate and are currently awaiting action in the House of Representatives. I encourage you to contact your state representative and ask for a vote.

Throwback Thursday: Communicating with your Elected School Board Members

This week for Throwback Thursday, I highlighted legislation going back to 2020 when I enacted Act 84 of 2020, which required school districts to publish an email address for each school board member to improve transparency and communication with parents and residents.

Recently, I provided a detailed review of education funding across our district and explained why increased state support for our schools should translate into meaningful property tax relief for local residents.

When I help deliver additional state dollars to our school districts, I believe it is incumbent upon our local school boards to use those increases responsibly and reduce millage rates whenever possible. The state does not set your local school property tax rate—those decisions are made by your locally elected school board. Among other reasons, this is why I find it so critical to ensure the public has the ability to communicate efficiently with their elected school board members.

For a detailed overview of how the school funding process works, and funding trends for each school district in the 40th Senatorial District, please click here.

Lastly, for a full list of bills that I have enacted throughout my service in the legislature, click here.

Brown Hosting Lackawanna County Senior Expo

In a couple weeks, I will once again be joining my fellow local legislators to host our Annual Lackawanna County Joint Senior Expo! My office, other elected officials, and the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging will be able to provide information and more, as well as all the vendors in attendance!

Join us Friday September 18^th at The Marketplace at Steamtown from 11-2, I hope to see you there!

Honoring the Workers of the 40^th District

Labor Day is an opportunity to recognize and thank the hardworking men and women who provide for their families, support local businesses and help our communities thrive.

Across the 40^th Senatorial District, working families are the backbone of our communities. I remain committed to making sure they can keep more of what they earn, have opportunities to succeed and build a strong future for their families.

I hope you and your family have a safe, relaxing and enjoyable Labor Day weekend!

Welcome, Brix Brewhouse!

It was great to visit Brix Brewhouse, a new brewery bringing new life to a beautifully restored 1953 firehouse in the West End!

With cornhole tournaments, live music, trivia nights, community events and even root beer floats, it has created a place where people can come together, have fun and enjoy one another.

Joe and Chris, co-owners, shared a phrase with me that I loved – “We used to be a community that ignores each other. Now we are a community that enjoys each other.”

That’s exactly what a great local business can do, bring people together and strengthen the community around it!

Day at Camp Freedom with Pattie’s Waggin’ Tails Senior Sanctuary

I had a great time on Saturday as Camp Freedom held their 7^th Annual Summer Salute Open House! This free event for Veterans is a time to honor all who have served and their families for a big day of fun!

Great seeing so many of you there and thank you always for your service!

I also had the great opportunity to meet a local resource that is new to me, Pattie’s Waggin’ Tails Senior Sanctuary! Serving a 60-mile radius around Tunkhannock, they have a plethora of services and programs available. To learn more, visit their website for more information!

Scenes from the 40^th Senate District

This week’s photos are once again courtesy of Susan of Stroudsburg, with a great variety of nature shots! These pictures have 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.