Senator Brown E-Newsletter

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Senator Brown Urges Caution with Winter Storm this Weekend

As we all brace for significant snowfall this weekend, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) is asking us all to get prepared for a snowstorm that could an impact on our region.

The PEMA Director recommends Pennsylvanians should be planning for the snowstorm now because they could potentially find themselves snowed in, depending on how much snow falls in their community and the conditions around where they live.

PEMA Recommends the Following:

  • Gather Supplies:
    • Bottled water
    • Nonperishable food
    • Snow supplies (shovels, ice melt, etc.)
    • Manual can opener
    • Baby items (diapers, formula, etc.)
    • Medications
    • Flashlight & batteries
    • Blankets
    • Pet food
  • Plan Ahead:
    • Keep devices charged.
    • Plan to stay indoors during the worst of the storm.
    • Postpone upcoming travel if you can.
  • Things to think about:
    • How you’ll stay warm if you lose power.
    • What you’ll eat if you lose power.
    • Checking in on older neighbors.

Brown to Hold Telephone Town Hall

I am hosting a Telephone Town Hall on February 11th at 6PM! You will have the opportunity to listen from the comfort of your own home and ask questions or share your concerns with me.

Sign up today!

PA 611 Corridor Study – Share Your Feedback Before February 9th

Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) is conducting the PA 611 Corridor Study to evaluate transportation needs and opportunities along this important route. PA 611 serves as a key north-south corridor connecting communities, businesses, and recreational destinations. The study aims to identify improvements that enhance safety, reduce congestion, and support economic growth while preserving the region’s character.  

The public comment period closes February 9, and this is your chance to help shape a safer, more efficient, and connected corridors for all users.

Submit feedback online today!

Scenes from the 40th District

This week’s photo is courtesy of Alex from East Stroudsburg, showing DeHaven’s Christmas Tree Farm in Brodheadsville from back before Christmas! This photo has been shared on my social media and posted to the 40th Senatorial District Photo Gallery.

Interested in showcasing your photography skills?

I am inviting residents of the 40th 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.

Returning Whole Milk to Schools

Last June, I joined my Pennsylvania Senate colleagues in voting to approve a resolution urging Congress to pass the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Whole milk provides 13 essential vitamins to help build strong bones and maintain a healthy immune system. The evidence is overwhelming that both 2% and whole milk should be offered to our students in schools.

The bill was in response to enactment of federal legislation in 2010 that permitted only low-fat and fat-free milk options in public schools. Within the first two years of the law taking effect, 1.2 million fewer students drank milk with their lunches.

Pennsylvania ranks second in the number of dairy farms and eighth in total milk production, making this change great for children while supporting our dairy farmers!

Thornhurst Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company Installation Dinner

It was a pleasure to attend the Thornhurst Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company Installation Dinner last night and meet all the kind community service members who work to keep us all safe!

A special shoutout to Joe Kasulaitis for serving as 50 years, as well as Katey Stout, President of the Women’s Auxiliary, who presented the department with a $10,000 check from throughout the year! Another thank you to Drew Wagner who serves as President of the company!

This year’s award winners:

  • Dave Fritz – Most Calls of 2025
  • Charles Stout – Outstanding Junior Member
  • Ken Smith – Most Active Fire Police

Happy 100th Birthday to Edna Crane!

Happy 100th Birthday to standout community member Edna Crane! I was able to stop by Edna’s birthday celebrations this weekend and help honor her with a citation from the Senate of Pennsylvania.

Edna is also noted in the book “Women Who Made History in Monroe County” as the first woman to serve on Stroudsburg Borough Council in 1980. She has lived a healthy, happy life with a beautiful marriage, faith, and her family.

Happy Birthday again Edna!

Learning About LIFE Geisinger

Earlier in the week, Brooks from my staff had the opportunity to tour the LIFE Geisinger facility in Wilkes-Barre and learn about all the amazing things they can do for their participants in Lackawanna County.

The LIFE program is a comprehensive, community-based care program for seniors (55+) needing nursing home-level care, allowing them to live at home by providing all medical, social, and long-term support services under one coordinated plan managed by an interdisciplinary team. LIFE centralizes all healthcare needs for seniors with complex conditions, providing holistic support through one organization to help them age safely and happily at home.

To be eligible for LIFE, you must:

  • Be age 55 or older
  • Meet the level of care needs for a skilled nursing facility or a special rehabilitation facility
  • Be able to be served safely in the community
  • Live in a zip code that is served by a LIFE program

Most LIFE participants are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, but the program can also serve individuals who pay privately for their LIFE services.

Older Pennsylvanians can apply through their local County Assistance Office at www.compass.dhs.pa.gov or 1-800-692-7462 and can enroll in the LIFE program by contacting the Commonwealth’s Independent Enrollment Broker at 1-877-550-4227.

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