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Brown to Co-Chair Caucus to Protect Pennsylvania’s Pets and Wildlife
This week, I had the honor of joining my colleagues in the House and Senate to kick off the Animal Protection Caucus, a bipartisan effort dedicated to strengthening laws that protect Pennsylvania’s animals—both domestic and wild. As legislators, our responsibility extends beyond serving the people of our districts. We also have a duty to safeguard our most vulnerable populations, including our furry companions, small critters, and the diverse wildlife that make our Commonwealth so special. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in the Pennsylvania Legislature to enhance animal protection laws, but there is always more work to be done. In the last legislative session, we took several important steps, including:
Beyond legislative efforts, I want to recognize the incredible work of our state’s wildlife rehabilitation centers, which serve as a lifeline for injured and orphaned wildlife. These organizations play a critical role in preserving our local ecosystems through rescue, rehabilitation, and release. A special thank you to Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center—a vital resource in my district that serves not only our community but upwards of 10 counties. Their dedication does not go unnoticed, and I will continue to advocate for the support they need to carry out their mission in Northeast Pennsylvania. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Animal Protection Caucus to build on these efforts and ensure Pennsylvania remains a leader in animal welfare. Our animals cannot speak for themselves, so it’s up to us to be their voice. Thank you for your continued support in this important work! Congratulations, Judge Powell!
I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Lackawanna County District Attorney, Mark Powell, on his appointment as Lackawanna County’s Court of Common Pleas judge! As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I was proud to support his appointment. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fairness, integrity, and the rule of law. His extensive legal experience and deep dedication to serving the people of Lackawanna County make him exceptionally well-suited for this important role on the bench. I have no doubt that he will serve with the same diligence and professionalism that have defined his career. Bill Repealing RGGI Passes the Senate
To prevent a new electricity tax, the Senate passed legislation this week repealing Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI, a multi-state compact, would increase electricity rates for consumers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs and lead to the closure of Pennsylvania power plants. Senate Bill 186 would formally repeal Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI, ensuring that any decision to impose electricity taxes or emissions programs must go through the legislative process rather than being enacted unilaterally by the executive branch. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Despite bipartisan opposition from the General Assembly, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Quality Board pressed ahead with regulations to establish a CO₂ Budget Trading Program – effectively imposing a tax on electricity generation – making energy more expensive for consumers. In 2023, the Commonwealth Court ruled that RGGI is a tax and cannot be implemented without legislative approval. However, the Governor’s Administration appealed this ruling to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, prolonging uncertainty for workers and businesses across the commonwealth. Scenes of the 40th District
This week’s photo winner comes courtesy of John of East Stroudsburg, who took this gorgeous photo of Ann Street Park in Stroudsburg. John’s 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. Trout Stocking Schedule Announced
Local anglers can find out when their favorite fishing hole will be stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission using the annual Trout Stocking Guides available online now. The commission stocks approximately 3.2 million adult trout in nearly 700 streams and 130 lakes open to public angling each year. These figures include approximately 2.4 million rainbow trout; 693,000 brown trout; and 125,000 brook trout. The average size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length. Additionally, 72,000 trophy trout, sized from 14-20 inches, are 70% stocked before opening day. The statewide opening day for trout season is Saturday, April 13. Additionally, the Fish and Boat Commission will host Mentored Youth Trout Day on Saturday, March 29. Youth under the age of 16 can join a mentor (adult) angler who has a current fishing license and trout permit to fish for trout the Saturday before the regular opening days. Learn more about the program. Senate Supports Bill to Combat High Egg Prices, HPAI
In response to recent outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and skyrocketing egg prices, the Senate passed legislation to expand the number of certified poultry technicians in Pennsylvania. It now advances to the governor to be signed into law. At the request of the state’s egg farmers, House Bill 324 would offer flexibility to farmers and their employees to test poultry for dangerous transmittable diseases that have the potential to decimate poultry flocks. This measure would equip trained technicians to more quickly detect HPAI and contain any further spread. It would also update the outdated blood testing provision to modernize and expand testing to more accurately reflect the various types of dangerous transmittable diseases of poultry. House Bill 324 would safeguard the health of poultry flocks and protect the state’s $7 billion poultry industry. Welcoming the Girl Scouts to the Capitol!
This week in Harrisburg I had the pleasure of welcoming Girl Scouts from our district to the Capitol! Their visit was a wonderful reminder of the incredible work the Girl Scouts of America do in shaping future leaders through service, STEM, advocacy, and more. The Girl Scouts’ commitment to courage, confidence, and character is truly inspiring. Their dedication to making a difference in their communities—and beyond—proves that the next generation of leaders is already hard at work. Thank you to the Girl Scouts and their leaders for your passion and commitment. Keep up the amazing work! Honoring Monroe County’s Toys for Tots Volunteers
Last weekend, Monroe County Toys for Tots held their annual Thank You Banquet, recognizing the incredible volunteers who made the 2024 toy drive a success. These dedicated individuals helped bring holiday joy to more than 5,000 children across our community. A special congratulations to this year’s Volunteers of the Year: Christine Fernandez Of course, no Toys for Tots celebration would be complete without honoring the legendary John the Toy Man, whose tireless efforts continue to brighten the lives of so many children. Kristine from my office had the privilege of presenting certificates on my behalf, expressing gratitude for these volunteers’ dedication and generosity. Their kindness embodies the true spirit of the season, and our community is stronger because of them. A heartfelt thank you to all who make Toys for Tots a success each year. Your efforts ensure that every child experiences the magic of the holidays!
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