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Delivering Results: Senator Brown Publishes Complete List of Passed Laws
Since being elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2010 and later to the Pennsylvania State Senate in 2022, I have worked diligently to remain accessible, dedicated, and a common-sense problem-solver for our community. I am proud to have successfully passed several bipartisan laws during my time in the legislature, always prioritizing our district’s needs. To showcase the work we’ve accomplished together, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the legislation I have personally authored. I invite you to review this list and see how we are making progress on issues critical to our community. View the list here. I-80 Expansion Project
No one enjoys surgery. It’s painful, disruptive, and requires time to heal—but when it’s necessary, you go through with it because you know it will ultimately make you healthier and stronger. Infrastructure projects, like the I-80 expansion, are much the same. They’re inconvenient, often frustrating, and never come at the perfect time. But just like a critical surgery, they are essential for long-term safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Many of you have heard about the I-80 expansion project over the last few years. As the project moves forward, I want to provide a factual overview to ensure everyone understands its scope and necessity. Interstate 80 was designated in 1956 as one of the original routes of the Interstate Highway System. Stretching from New Jersey to California, it is the second-longest interstate in the country, serving as a vital corridor for national freight, commuter traffic, and tourism. Here in our community, I-80 is more than just a highway—it’s a road we rely on daily for basic needs, whether visiting friends, running errands, or taking our kids to school. While a project of this magnitude is never easy—and many of us would rather avoid the disruption—its necessity cannot be ignored. There will never be a perfect time for a project of this scale, nor will it be perfect in every aspect, but maintaining and improving our infrastructure is essential. Since its construction in the 1960s, I-80 has deteriorated significantly and no longer meets modern design standards. Originally built to carry 10,000 vehicles per day, the highway now handles 80,000 vehicles daily, with 22% of that being truck traffic. By 2030-2040, daily traffic is projected to reach 90,000 to 100,000 vehicles. Safety concerns also make this project critical. Crash studies between Exit 303 and Exit 307 show accident rates exceeding the statewide average, with the most hazardous section being Exit 304 in Stroudsburg Borough. This stretch has been designated a Safety Corridor, requiring reduced speed limits. Many of us are familiar with the frequent and devastating crashes near the Main Street and Park Avenue exits in recent years. Studies link these high crash rates to congestion and outdated highway design. The first public meeting on the expansion was held in February 2014, with several additional meetings leading up to the final public session in November 2019. The final design was approved in January 2023, and construction will proceed in three phases, starting west to east at Exit 303, with bidding anticipated in June 2025. The project will expand I-80 to three lanes in each direction between Exit 303 and Exit 308, while also reconstructing interchanges, improving ramp access, and adding retention basins. The design includes raising bridges, removing and adding ramps, creating flyover lanes, and extending existing ramps to enhance safety and traffic flow. You can view the detailed design plans here. While many of us may have personal opinions on this expansion, and in an ideal world, we wouldn’t need such extensive upgrades, federal and state governments have an obligation to maintain infrastructure that meets modern safety and efficiency standards. The increase in traffic volume—both current and projected—demands action. Fortunately, the federal government has allocated over half a billion dollars to ensure this corridor meets necessary criteria and provides a safer, more effective roadway for residents and travelers alike. Supporting Our Veterans: Roundtable at Gino J. Merli Veterans Center & Visit to Camp Freedom
I was honored to join Senator Doug Mastriano, Chairman of the PA Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, Senator Lisa Baker, PA Adjutant General John Pippy, Brigadier General Maureen Weigle, and key advocates for a roundtable discussion at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center—where I proudly serve on the Advisory Council. This incredible facility provides compassionate nursing and personal care to veterans and their spouses, ensuring they receive the dignity and support they deserve. Following the discussion, we visited Camp Freedom in Carbondale, a nonprofit that offers healing experiences through outdoor adventures for veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families. Their mission to support those who have served through community, support, and nature-based therapy is truly inspiring. It was a privilege to spend time with these dedicated leaders and organizations, all working to ensure our heroes receive the care and respect they have earned. Scenes from the 40th District
This week’s photo winner comes courtesy of Jeff of Stroudsburg, who took this gorgeous photo of the Duck Pond at Stroud Township’s Municipal Building. Jeff’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. Our First Episode of “Rosemary Responds”!
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