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Supporting Pennsylvania’s Working Families

As a working mom, I understand how important it is for families to have access to affordable, reliable childcare and the flexibility to care for their loved ones.

I advocated for expanding Pennsylvania’s Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit. The expansion increased the maximum benefit from $630 to $2,100 per family. In 2024 alone, this provided $136.5 million in tax relief to nearly 219,000 working families across Pennsylvania.

I also supported Senate Bill 906, legislation to establish a statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave Program, allowing eligible workers to take paid time off during some of life’s most important moments, including welcoming a new child, managing a serious health condition, or caring for a loved one.

Additionally, I have worked to expand tax relief through the bipartisan Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit. This program helps eligible working Pennsylvanians receive money back that can go toward essential expenses, including childcare. Nearly 1 million Pennsylvanians are eligible. If you qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you automatically qualify for Pennsylvania’s credit. I encourage eligible residents to learn more through the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. 

I will continue advocating for bipartisan policies that provide financial relief, support working parents and make Pennsylvania a better place to raise a family.

Continuing My Fight for a Statewide Data Center Moratorium

I continue to be one of the most vocal advocates for a statewide moratorium on data center development in our commonwealth. I am a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1359, which would establish a three-year statewide moratorium on hyperscale data center development. I am also the only legislator in Harrisburg to have initiated a vote on this moratorium language.

I encourage you to watch my latest video above for an overview of the extensive work I have done in Harrisburg to protect our communities and ensure residents have a voice in decisions that could significantly impact their neighborhoods.

Unfortunately, Governor Shapiro has stated he does not support a moratorium, making it difficult to move this critical effort forward. I encourage residents who share these concerns to contact the Governor’s Office and express their support for a pause on development while Pennsylvania establishes appropriate safeguards to protect our communities.

Brown’s Leadership Supports Veterans’ Organizations and Local Clubs 

Our veterans’ organizations, volunteer fire companies, civic clubs and other nonprofits provide valuable services to our communities, from supporting veterans and funding scholarships to assisting emergency services. As chairwoman of the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee, I proudly advanced two bipartisan bills to help these organizations manage rising costs and continue their important work. 

Senate Bill 995 would increase the weekly prize limit for small games of chance from $35,000 to $60,000. Senate Bill 465 would allow licensed clubs to use up to 50% of proceeds for operating expenses, up from the current 40%, while maintaining the requirement that at least half support public interest purposes. 

Both bills passed the Senate unanimously on October 5^th and are now before the House Gaming Oversight Committee for consideration. 

Legislation to Improve Rape Kit Testing Heads to be Signed into Law

Survivors of sexual assault deserve to know their cases are being taken seriously and that every effort is being made to pursue justice. I have worked alongside my Senate colleagues to strengthen accountability and ensure sexual assault evidence is handled consistently across Pennsylvania. 

Senate Bill 1212 would address delays in rape kit testing by establishing a more consistent statewide standard. The legislation removes discretionary language that can lead to inconsistent testing practices among local law enforcement agencies. 

The bill passed the Senate unanimously in June and was approved by the House on October 21^st. It now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature. 

I believe every survivor deserves dignity, transparency and the opportunity to seek justice. This legislation is an important step toward improving the handling of sexual assault evidence and strengthening public safety across Pennsylvania. 

The Beagle Bill Heads Toward Becoming Law 

I am pleased to see the “Beagle Bill,” Senate Bill 381, be enacted into law. As co-chair of the Senate Animal Protection Caucus, protecting animals and promoting their humane treatment is a priority of mine, and I was proud to co-sponsor this legislation. 

The bill prohibits the sale of cosmetics tested on animals, expands adoption opportunities for dogs and cats used in certain testing, and places restrictions on certain types of animal experimentation across Pennsylvania. 

After passing the Senate last year and receiving House approval, the bill has now been signed into law. This is an important step toward strengthening animal protections across our Commonwealth, and I am proud to be a part of it. 

Annual Veterans Day Parade

I hope you’ll join us for this year’s parade on Sunday, November 1, at 1 p.m.! The parade will begin at Stroudsburg High School and make its way through Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg Boroughs, ending at Dansbury Park in East Stroudsburg.

Opening ceremonies at the Grandstand begin at 1 p.m., and shuttle service from Dansbury Park will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. I hope to see you there!

Honoring Our Newest Eagle Scouts

Congratulations to Brian Correia of Troop 99 in Gilbert and Ryan Donovan of Troop 87 on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout! This is an impressive accomplishment that reflects their hard work, leadership and dedication to serving their communities. 

For his Eagle Scout project, Brian constructed a cancer awareness survivor tree at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, creating a meaningful tribute to those affected by cancer. Ryan built a new gaga pit for Lehman Township, providing a fun recreational space for local youth. 

Members of my staff attended their Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremonies and presented a Citation from the Pennsylvania Senate in recognition of this achievement. 

Scenes from the 40^th Senate District 

This week’s photo is courtesy of Nadia of East Stroudsburg, featuring the beautiful welcome center at Bushkill Falls 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.