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Budget Update: Rainy Day Funds Aren’t for Everyday Use
For the second time, the Senate has approved a state budget that respects taxpayers, protects our Commonwealth’s financial stability, and ensures counties, school districts, and other government partners receive the funding they need. I remain on 24-hour call to return to Harrisburg as final negotiations continue between the House, Senate, and the Governor. The amended budget bill, Senate Bill 160, totals $47.9 billion. This is a responsible spending level that keeps Pennsylvania on sound fiscal footing and helps preserve our strong credit rating. As part of leading by example, this plan includes a 5% spending reduction for the General Assembly. To put this in perspective, Pennsylvania currently has approximately $47 billion in revenue. However, the Governor has proposed spending $51 billion, and the House proposal stands at just over $50 billion. Both proposals exceed our available revenue and puts future budgets at risk of tax increases due to depleted reserves. Some have advocated for using the state’s Rainy Day Fund to cover this gap. It’s important to clarify what these funds are for and why using them for recurring, annual expenses is not fiscally responsible. The Rainy Day Fund is considered “one-time funding”, intended for emergencies or unexpected downturns in state revenue. Using reserves to fund the annual budget would drain them quickly, leaving us vulnerable in times of crisis. Additionally, maintaining a healthy reserve benefits taxpayers in two key ways:
In short, using reserves for everyday spending is like tapping into your family’s emergency savings to cover routine monthly bills. It might help in the short-term, but it leads to long-term instability. Brown to Host Two Grant Seminars for Non-Profit Organizations
Nonprofit organizations play an essential role in strengthening our communities; from supporting families and veterans, to improving education, public safety, and quality of life across northeastern Pennsylvania. To help these organizations continue making a difference, I’m pleased to announce that my office will be hosting two seminars designed to help non-profit organizations learn how to find foundation grants, through the Keystone Advantage! Learn valuable tips on grant writing, funding opportunities, and how your organization can access support to further your mission. Securing funds can often be one of the biggest challenges nonprofits face. By hosting these seminars, my goal is to empower our local organizations with the knowledge and resources they need to continue delivering critical services and expanding their impact across our region. Registration for these events is required, see the links and location information below before signing up. REGISTER: November 12th from 1-3pm at the Monroe County Public Safety Center REGISTER: November 13th from 10am-12pm at Carbondale City Hall Brown Starts 40th District Food Drive
I’m inviting residents across the 40th District to join me in supporting our local food pantries through a district-wide food drive. You can drop off non-perishable food items at my Scotrun District Office at 2398 Route 611, Scotrun and my Jefferson Township Office at 487 Cortez Road, Jefferson Township. These donations will go directly to food pantries serving families in Lackawanna, Monroe, and Wayne counties. Our local food pantries play a vital role in helping neighbors through difficult times, and this is one way we can come together to offer support. My office has also published a list of food pantries across the district, now available on my website. If you have any questions or would like more information, please call us at (570) 620-4326 or (570) 213-5705. Scenes from the 40th District
This week’s photo winner is courtesy of Christine from Cresco, showing some closeups of wildlife at the Paradise Trail Gazebo. 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. Keystone Grants for Public Libraries now Available
There are now Keystone Grants available for public libraries across the state through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office of Commonwealth Libraries! These are available to applicants to improve physical facilities of state-aided public libraries.
Small Games of Chance: Understanding the Law
Lackawanna County is hosting a brand new event, Small Games of Chance: Understanding the Law! Please join me and the other Lackawanna County elected officials as we provide information regarding small games of chance at Lackawanna College on Thursday November 13 from 5-8pm! See the flyer for more information and here to register! Barrett Township Citizen of the Year: Grover Cleveland
Congratulations to the 2025-26 Barrett Township Citizen of the Year Grover Cleveland! Grover also served as the Grand Marshal of the Barrett Township Halloween Parade last week, along with having a tree planted in his honor at Ice Lake! Grover is the perfect example of what a valued citizen should be, through serving as a member of the Barrett Township Volunteer Fire Company and other roles throughout Barrett Township and Monroe County! Thank you again and congratulations once more to Grover, your community appreciates you! Team Bonding at the Haunted Hotel of Horror
We had a great time at the Hotel of Horror last weekend – some team bonding with the brave staff! I wasn’t quite daring enough to go in myself, but I still had plenty of frights (and spooky company) just while waiting. If you love Halloween and some heart-pounding fun, this place is a must-visit! They are still open through this weekend!
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