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Brown’s Strong Advocacy for the Three-Year Data Center Moratorium

Land-use decisions in Pennsylvania are generally made at the local level. However, concerns surrounding the lack of preparedness, information and understanding of the significant impacts associated with data center development have led me to strongly support a three-year statewide moratorium until adequate protections are in place.

I am one of only three legislators who sponsor Senate Bill 1359, legislation proposing a three-year statewide moratorium on hyperscale data center development.

Before legislation can reach the full Senate for consideration, it must first be reported from committee. Senate Bill 1359 was referred to the Senate Local Government Committee but the committee chair has not scheduled it for a vote. However, when Senate Bill 1345, a separate data center proposal, came before the committee, I offered an amendment that would have replaced its language with the three-year statewide moratorium proposed in Senate Bill 1359.

My amendment provided committee members with an opportunity to vote directly on the statewide moratorium proposal. It failed by a vote of 2-9, with only one Democratic member joining me in voting in support.

In addition to co-sponsoring Senate Bill 1359, I have introduced my Residents First legislative package addressing local review, impact studies, transparency and other issues associated with data center development.

Click here to watch my comments prior to the committee vote.

Public Comments Due Monday on Overreaching Dept. of Health Regulations

Gov. Shapiro and the Department of Health recently proposed sweeping new regulations that would vastly expand state government’s power over the lives of Pennsylvanians. This includes expanding the government’s authority to enter private residences and schools without a warrant, access private citizens’ health information, speak with children without parental consent, enforce mask mandates and much more.

Many of these regulations mirror the concerning health policies we experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like the Executive Branch’s heavy-handed response during the pandemic, this Administration is now attempting to push through these Department of Health changes through the regulatory process – completely bypassing the General Assembly.

More details about what these regulations could mean for Pennsylvanians are available here.

I encourage all citizens to submit public comments on the regulations to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission before the public comment period ends this coming Monday, Sept. 21. Full instructions for submitting comments are available at the commission’s online comment page.

Throwback Thursday: Helping Identify Vision Issues Earlier

This week for Throwback Thursday, we went back to 2020, when I enacted Act 122 of 2020 to help identify vision problems earlier in childhood development.

The law established vision screenings for pre-kindergarten students, helping identify potential vision issues at an earlier age so families can seek appropriate follow-up care when necessary.

Good vision plays an important role in a child’s ability to learn and develop, and early screenings can help identify concerns before they become greater challenges.

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

Breaking Ground on a New Chapter for the Pocono Family YMCA

I was pleased to join the Pocono Family YMCA, community leaders and partners for the groundbreaking of the Pocono Family YMCA’s $21 million renovation and expansion project in Stroudsburg.

This project is a major investment in a facility that has served generations of families throughout Monroe County. Once completed, the expanded YMCA will provide additional services for residents of all ages, with a particular focus on children, families and seniors. Through partnerships with Lehigh Valley Health Network and Valley Health Partners, the facility will also offer primary care, behavioral health, social services, physical therapy and rehabilitation services alongside the YMCA’s existing wellness and community programs.

Bringing a project of this size together requires years of planning and collaboration, along with federal and state funding and significant investment and support from our local community.

I was proud to be part of this important day and to see so many partners come together around a shared investment in the health and well-being of our region. The renovation and expansion is expected to take approximately 16 months to complete, and I look forward to seeing the new facility serve our community for many years to come.

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.

Scenes from the 40^th Senate District

This week’s photo is courtesy of Raymond from East Stroudsburg, featuring some stunning bucks! 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.