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Successful Start for Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program
The first year of the Grow PA program to help connect young people to in-demand careers in Pennsylvania have been a tremendous success, according to statistics from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program was created by the legislature last year to help reverse the trend of young Pennsylvanians seeking education and job opportunities in other states. The program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who agree to attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in an in-demand occupation and work in that occupation in Pennsylvania after graduation. PHEAA reports more than 11,000 applications for Grow PA in the first year. More than 4,000 applicants have already received grants, and another 2,300 applications were approved through early December. The average award per student was $4,650. The top programs of study in the first year of Grow PA included registered nursing, early childhood education, business administration and management, biological sciences and accounting. Next year’s application period is expected to open in early February. December 31 Deadline for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
The deadline for older Pennsylvanians and those with disabilities to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2024 is fast approaching on December 31st. The Pennsylvania Property Tax or Rent Rebate Program, also known as Form PA-1000, offers financial relief to eligible residents through rebates on property taxes or rent paid in the previous year. This PA tax rebate is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and is designed to support income-eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities. You may qualify for the property tax rebate PA or renters rebate PA if you meet the following criteria:
Spouses, personal representatives, or estates may also file on behalf of a deceased claimant who lived at least one day in the claim year and met all other eligibility requirements. My staff is happy to help you apply before the end of the year. You can come into either of my office locations to apply in person or apply online at mypath.pa.gov. Scenes from the 40th District
This week’s photo is courtesy of Nancy of Saylorsburg, with a beautiful shot from the Evergreen Nature Preserve in Stroudsburg! 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. Brown Partners with Pocono Mountain Regional Police for Annual Shop with a Cop Event
I had the privilege earlier this week of co-hosting the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department’s Shop with a Cop event at Walmart in Mount Pocono. Officers volunteered their time to pair up with local children, helping them shop for holiday gifts and necessities while building positive connections with law enforcement in a fun, supportive setting. This program creates lasting memories, strengthens trust, and reminds these children that their community is behind them. I was grateful to work alongside the Pocono Mountain Regional Police officers, Pocono Mountain School District, and Walmart staff to make this meaningful event possible. Thank you to all involved! Committee Examines CDLs and REAL IDs Being Issued to Illegal Immigrants
The Senate Transportation Committee held a public hearing to examine commercial vehicle safety and nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) following recent claims of CDLs and REAL IDs being issued to illegal immigrants. Pennsylvania law bans regular and commercial driver’s licenses for anyone unlawfully present in the commonwealth. Last month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested an illegal immigrant wanted for belonging to a terrorist organization. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) issued him a CDL with a REAL ID indication in July. The committee examined commercial vehicle safety and nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses with driving advocates, along with officials from PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police. You can view the hearing and read testimony here. Assistance Available to Help Rural Communities Fight Wildfires
State grants are available to volunteer fire companies to help protect rural communities from wildfires. Eligible applicants include local firefighting forces in rural communities with fewer than 10,000 residents. Funding can be used for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires. Recipients are selected based on vulnerability and adequacy of existing fire protection, with a focus on improving volunteer readiness and protecting lives and property in under-protected areas. Administered by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the maximum grant award in 2026 is $15,000 per fire company. Applications must be submitted electronically through DCNR’s grant website by December 31st. Ongoing Drought Watch for Monroe County
There is currently a Drought Watch ongoing in Monroe County (as of December 4th). Although residents of Lackawanna and Wayne are not currently in a Drought Watch, everyone in the 40th District please still be aware of the potential impacts. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) says residents should always pay attention to any information they receive from their local water supplier. Varying localized conditions may lead water suppliers or municipalities to ask residents to continue conservation measures. The Department always encourages residents to voluntarily conserve nonessential water use. To read more about the drought watch statewide, see DEP’s full press release here. Delaware Water Gap Wreaths Across America Ceremony
I had the distinct honor of joining in the Wreaths Across America in Delaware Water Gap last weekend. A poignant tribute as a wreath is placed on every veteran’s grave, honoring their legacy by speaking their name. Let us remember, honor, and teach future generations about our veterans’ selfless service, their families’ sacrifices, and the freedoms we cherish. We are forever grateful. Keynote speaker Captain Jeremy M. Komasz, also Superintendent of Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, inspired all of us to uphold their values. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Delaware Water Gap Cemetery team for organizing this national tribute annually.
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