Senator Brown E-Newsletter

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Now Open: Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program

A new opportunity is now available for Pennsylvania students pursuing careers in high-demand fields. The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program offers up to $5,000 per year to help cover the cost of tuition for in-state students enrolled in degree or certification programs tied to critical workforce needs.

The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. To receive the grant, applicants must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania after graduation in the field they studied. For each year a student receives the grant, they are required to remain in Pennsylvania for 12 months. If this requirement is not met, the grant will convert into a loan that must be repaid.

Eligible areas of study include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice, and other programs approved by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

To learn more or apply, visit www.pheaa.org/growpa.

Scenes from the 40th District

This week’s photo winner comes courtesy of Bill of Tobyhanna, who took this gorgeous photo of the deer crossing the Tobyhanna Creek. Bill’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.

PA Recovers $11.3 Million in Medicaid Fraud

Attorney General Dave Sunday’s Medicaid Fraud Team recovered more than $11.3 million in misused Medicaid funding in fiscal year 2024.

In fact, a federal annual report ranked Pennsylvania first in the nation for number of Medicaid fraud charges filed against individuals and third in convictions secured. The report also states that Medicaid Fraud units across the country recover $3.46 for every $1 spent by the units. Retrieving this funding gave limited-income and vulnerable populations access to health care as intended.

The Medicaid Fraud Team prosecutes those who defraud the program through unlawful billing or failure to provide services. It also prosecutes those who neglect or abuse Pennsylvanians dependent on their care and those who financially exploit older adults or care-dependent persons.

Online Unclaimed Property Auction – March 26 and 27

Pennsylvania’s next auction of unclaimed property – including jewelry, collectible coins, currency and more – will take place on March 26 and 27. Treasurer Stacy Garrity said more than 5,500 items will hit the auction block, and anyone interested in bidding can register on the website of the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s auctioneer partner, Pook & Pook.

Unclaimed tangible property, like the items being auctioned, comes to Treasury most often from forgotten safe deposit boxes. Treasury works to find the rightful owner for at least three years before auctioning an item but holds auctions twice a year to make room for incoming property in Treasury’s vault – the largest working vault in the country. All items sold at auction are carefully documented, and net proceeds remain with Treasury until a rightful owner comes forward to claim the property – no matter how much time passes.

Treasury is working to return more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property that is owed to more than one in 10 Pennsylvanians. The average value of a claim is about $1,600. This money can belong to individuals, businesses, nonprofits, local government entities and other organizations. Anyone can search for unclaimed property online. My office is also always glad to help you file a claim or to answer any of your questions.

Returning to East Stroudsburg High School for Women’s History Month

Last week, I had the privilege of returning to my alma mater, East Stroudsburg High School, to participate as a panelist for a Women’s History Month event.

It’s always incredibly meaningful to engage with students. We had thoughtful conversations about civic engagement and the importance of having accessible and responsive government officials.

I’m so grateful to Mr. Healey for his dedication and for organizing such a valuable event. It was an honor to be part of the conversation and to hopefully inspire the next generation of leaders.

Celebrating Irish Heritage with The Society of Irish Women

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the St. Patrick’s Day Dinner hosted by The Society of Irish Women in Lackawanna County. It was a vibrant and heartfelt celebration of Irish heritage and community spirit, with more than 300 people in attendance.

The Society’s continued commitment to serving others is a true testament to the impact we can have when we come together with a shared purpose. It was an honor to be surrounded by such an amazing group of dedicated and inspiring women.

Celebrating Community Leadership at the Stroud Greenway Soirée

At this year’s Stroud Greenway Soirée, we celebrated the incredible efforts of local leaders working to improve and preserve our parks, trails, and open spaces.

Stephen Gandley was honored with the Rec Connect Award, and Chuck Reid received the Stroud Greenway Stewardship Award—both recognized for their outstanding commitment to enhancing outdoor spaces and fostering meaningful community connections through recreation.

A special thank you to Autumn Hawthorne, Executive Director, for leading a wonderful evening that highlighted the impact of local stewardship and community spirit.

Supporting Meals on Wheels During Community Champions Week

This week, my office was proud to take part in Community Champions Week by supporting the incredible work of Meals on Wheels. Mackenzie from my team had the privilege of joining Kathleen Field, a dedicated volunteer who has served the program for 16 years, to help deliver meals and connect with members of our community.

Meals on Wheels provides more than just food—it offers companionship, daily wellness checks, and critical support that help seniors and individuals in need maintain their independence at home.

A heartfelt thank you to Kathleen and all the volunteers and staff who make this program possible. Your compassion and service are making a real difference every day.

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