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Brown Honored by State Farm with Good Neighbor Auto Safety Champion Award
I am truly honored to share that State Farm has selected me as one of only four nationwide recipients with the 2025 State Farm Good Neighbor Auto Safety Champion Award. This recognition highlights my work with the passage of Paul Miller’s Law, which prohibits drivers from holding or supporting a phone or electronic device while driving, allowing only hands-free use. It’s a commonsense, life-saving measure that will help reduce distracted driving and protect lives on Pennsylvania roads. Distracted driving continues to be a major public safety challenge. According to PennDOT, more than 11,400 distracted driving crashes occurred in 2023, resulting in 62 fatalities and over 2,800 injuries. Nearly 5% of all traffic accidents statewide last year were linked to driver distraction. To help address this, State Farm launched a new initiative promoting a more mindful approach behind the wheel. This includes encouraging drivers to put distractions aside and reconnect with the fundamentals of safe driving: two hands on the wheel, two eyes on the road, and mind at task. Nationwide, distracted driving contributes to 29% of all motor vehicle crashes, underscoring the urgent need for strong, effective policies. Thank you to State Farm for this recognition and for your commitment to helping reduce distracted driving across the nation. Interstate 80 Construction Project Overview
As many of you know, the I-80 Expansion Project has been an ongoing topic of discussion in our region for several years. With final design plans now approved and construction moving closer, I want to provide a clear update on what this project entails, why it is necessary, and what residents can expect as we move forward. The project will reconstruct and widen Interstate 80 from Exit 303 to Exit 308, expanding the highway to three lanes in each direction and including redesigned interchanges, improved ramps and access points, and modernized safety features. I-80 was originally built in the 1960s to carry about 10,000 vehicles per day. Now, it carries more than 80,000 vehicles daily with 22% of them trucks. By 2030–2040, projections show traffic increasing to 90,000–100,000 vehicles per day. This stretch of highway no longer meets modern safety and design standards and consistently experiences crash rates above the statewide average. This section has even been designated a Safety Corridor due to the high number of accidents. Between 2008 and 2012, the 3.45-mile segment now slated for reconstruction saw 239 reported crashes; 43% involved fixed objects and 31% were rear-end crashes. These patterns are typical of congested roadways with outdated designs. As this major investment moves forward, I will continue to keep our community informed. If you want more information on this project, you can watch an episode of my legislative report with Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll. Scenes from the 40th District
This week’s photo is courtesy of Kenneth of Mount Pocono, with some amazing scenic views at Ice Lake in Barrett Township! These photos have 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 Tradition: Statewide Firearms Deer Season Begins Saturday Nov. 29th
Pennsylvania’s statewide firearms deer season runs from November 29th through December 13th and includes two Sundays, November 30th and December 7th. More than half a million hunters are expected to take part in this traditional outdoor recreation and essential wildlife management. If you’re taking to the field, please consider participating in the Hunters Sharing the Harvest program, which lets hunters donate deer – at no cost – at any one of more than 100 licensed butcher shops across 56 counties. Venison is then processed for distribution statewide through regional food banks in partnership with Feeding Pennsylvania and Hunger-Free Pennsylvania. Last year’s donations led to a record 283,789 pounds of venison, which equated to about 1.1 million servings of lean, nutritious meat for food-insecure individuals and families. Happy Thanksgiving!
I wish everyone a joyful and peaceful Thanksgiving surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones. The holiday is a time to reflect on all that we’re grateful for – our families, our communities, and the many blessings we share here in Pennsylvania. From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program
Our new state budget supports students committed to building their careers in Pennsylvania with Grow PA, an innovative and successful grant program for students pursing post-secondary education. The budget includes $7.5 million more for the Grow PA Scholarship Grant program that provides up to $5,000 a year for students to pursue post-secondary education in Pennsylvania and agree to work in in-demand jobs in the state after they graduate. Congratulations to Newest Eagle Scout Jacob Franzo
I had the privilege of honoring and congratulating Jacob Franzo on achieving the impressive rank of Eagle Scout! Earning the rank of Eagle is no small feat. It represents years of hard work, leadership, service, and dedication to the values of the Boy Scouts of America. Jacob’s accomplishments speak to his character and the strong foundation he’s built for his future. Grimm Construction’s 50th Celebration
I attended a beautiful 50th celebration this weekend for Grimm Construction in Carbondale at Hotel Anthracite. As a multi-generational contractor business, they have an exceptional reputation for professionalism, quality service and integrity. Led by Rob Grimm, not only do they have a wonderful business, but they consistently and humbly give back to our community in any way possible. Thank you and Happy 50th to Grimm Construction!
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