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State Budget Stalemate – We Must Act Responsibly
The delayed passage of Pennsylvania’s full state budget is already creating real-world consequences for our communities. Service providers, local governments, and school districts are facing disruptions because they don’t have access to the funding they rely on to serve our residents. That’s why the Senate recently passed a short-term budget identical to last year’s, allowing funding to begin flowing immediately while broader negotiations continue. I strongly supported this action. Critical services should not suffer because of gridlock in Harrisburg. Unfortunately, the House Democrat Leadership and members would not support this temporary solution. Why are we at a standstill? Passing the full budget requires agreement between the House, Senate, and the Governor—and one of the biggest sticking points is the overall spending number. Let’s break down the numbers:
Both proposals significantly exceed our available revenue and would require dipping into our reserves. That may work in the short term, but it sets Pennsylvanians up for future tax increases or cuts to essential programs. Relying on one-time funding for ongoing expenses is like buying a house with only enough money to cover the first year’s mortgage. Just like any household budget, you can’t sustainably spend more than you bring in. Fiscal responsibility now helps protect families and taxpayers. I encourage all residents to contact their House member and the Governor’s office. Ask them: What taxes are you willing to raise on your constituents to cover this level of spending? One thing I know for sure – taxpayers in our community are tapped out! I am not willing to set you up for a tax increase. Creating Responsibility and Transparency for Data Center Development
Local governments are on the front lines of decision-making that directly impacts data center development. They determine zoning, land use, and ultimately where large facilities like data centers can be located. Because of this responsibility, it is critical that they have the tools and information necessary to make sound, informed decisions on behalf of their residents. That’s why Senator David G. Argall and I circulated a co-sponsorship memo regarding legislation that would require a pre-application meeting between developers and local officials before data center projects are formally submitted for municipal review. The proposal would protect local infrastructure and ensure transparency in development planning while offering stronger factual education to local elected officials. Data centers represent potential economic opportunity for Pennsylvania. However, they are also incredibly resource-intensive facilities. This bill ensures municipalities have the information they need early in the process to assess whether local infrastructure can realistically support these projects and residents have factual information Under the proposed legislation, any entity seeking to develop a data center in Pennsylvania must:
To see my full press release and the co-sponsorship memo, click here. Lackawanna County Joint Senior Expo
A reminder that the Annual Joint Lackawanna County Senior Expo will take place on Friday, September 19 from 11AM to 2PM at The Marketplace at Steamtown! Lackawanna County legislators, Lackawanna County Commissioners, and the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging will be on site and available to provide information and more to constituents. We are also excited to welcome more than 70 vendors! Scenes from the 40th District
This week’s photo winner comes courtesy of was captured by Stephanie of Peckville, showcasing the wildlife you can see at Blakely Borough Recreation Complex! Marsha’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. Jobs Available with PennDOT’s Winter Maintenance Program
The coming end of summer means job opportunities for those with the skills to maintain and clear Pennsylvania’s roadways in the winter with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Positions and hourly pay include CDL equipment operator ($23), dispatcher ($17.38), diesel and automotive mechanic ($24.97 – $28.37 based on title), tradesman helper and semi-skilled laborer ($18.46), and more. These temporary positions could be a pathway to a permanent PennDOT career. You can find more background information and links to job openings here. PFBC Reminds Anglers, Boaters to “Keep Going” Beyond Labor Day
While the Labor Day holiday weekend marked the unofficial end to summer for many people, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds anglers and boaters to “Keep Going” when it comes to outdoor adventures on and around the water. “It’s been a great year for fishing and boating so far, and the fun doesn’t need to stop now,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “While Labor Day weekend may be the last hurrah for those who love soaking in the summer sun, in Pennsylvania, we’re fortunate to have year-round opportunities to enjoy our rivers, lakes, and streams. The upcoming fall season is among the best times of year to get outdoors thanks to cooler temperatures, lighter crowds, and the scenic beauty of the changing leaves reflecting off the water.” As part of the PFBC’s message to “Keep Going,” Schaeffer reminded all outdoor enthusiasts including hikers, cyclists, and campers to incorporate fishing and boating into their plans to enhance their experiences during the fall season. To see their full fall newsletter, click here. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Month
In the Senate, I am introducing a resolution to designate the month of September 2025 as Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Month in Pennsylvania. Raising awareness, encouraging research, and supporting affected families of PKD is a cause that hits close to home. Three members of my family have suffered with this disease and thankfully have received successful kidney transplants from fellow family members. These are only statistics from one family. I was joined today by my Sister-in-Law Kathy to recognize this co-sponsorship. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a chronic, genetic disorder that causes fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys, often leading to high blood pressure, painful complications, and kidney failure. There are two forms: Autosomal Dominant PKD (ADPKD), the more common type, and Autosomal Recessive PKD (ARPKD), a rarer but serious form affecting children. ADPKD impacts more than 600,000 Americans and 12 million people globally. It is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure, and more than half of those affected will require dialysis or a transplant by the age of 60. Despite its impact, PKD remains under-recognized. That is why the PKD Foundation—the only organization in the U.S. solely dedicated to fighting PKD—marks September as PKD Awareness Month each year. This resolution will align Pennsylvania with national efforts to shine a light on this painful and life-altering disease. Grand Re-Opening of the Ramsey Center
I was beyond thrilled to attend the Pocono Services for Families and Children, Inc. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony last week for the official opening of the Ramsey Center in Stroudsburg! This new amazing resource to our community will certainly go above and beyond in helping our children right here at home. For parents and families to learn more about PSFC and the new Ramsey Center, see here.
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