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Brown Works for Road Safety, Fairness to Drivers

The reauthorization of the automated speed zone enforcement program was signed into law last week, but not without significant changes based on your feedback.

In the 40^th Senatorial District, we have several speed zone enforcement cameras to encourage drivers to slow down, prevent serious crashes, and to protect our construction workers. This program is intended to save lives – not to excessively ticket drivers. When the pilot program was first implemented, it did not come without complaints.

You called to make your voices heard – and I listened.

It became clear that several parameters needed to be addressed. When the opportunity presented itself to make changes to House Bill 1284, I worked to bring fairness to the program before it was signed into law.

We were successful in addressing residents’ largest frustrations – adequate signage and addressing administrative shortfalls.

• The program now requires the first camera enforcement sign to be the largest sign permitted by federal regulations.
• After several calls from constituents who received their first warning and second violation on the same day, I worked to address those concerns as well. Under the amended program, a driver cannot be issued a second offense until 15 days have passed since the mailing of the initial written warning.
• Additionally, there is now a mechanism for vehicles owners who were ticketed, but not operating the vehicle.

We can work to calm our roadways while also being fair to the drivers.

Read my full release here and watch my comments during a Senate Transportation Committee meeting here.

Free Holiday Meals in the 40^th

Lackawanna County:

• Green Ridge Assembly of God (825 Green Ridge Street Scranton)

Sunday, December 24^th 12 PM – 3PM

• Annual Bob Bolus Christmas Day Dinner (1403 Jackson Street, Scranton)

Monday, December 25^th 12PM – 6PM

• Community Christmas Day Breakfast at the University of Scranton (900 Mulberry Street, Scranton)

Monday, December 25^th 8AM – 11AM

Monroe County:

• Five Loaf House (133 Firehouse Road, Pocono Pines)

Sunday, December 24^th 1PM-4PM

• Zion United Lutheran Church, 1919 RT 209, Brodheadsville)

December 25^th – reservation required, please call 570-992-6988

Wayne County:

• Salem Community Church (613 Hamil Hwy, Hamlin)

Monday, December 25^th 10:30 AM – 2PM

Cracking Down on Porch Pirating

The Senate passed legislation to combat porch pirating – the theft of packages delivered to people’s homes – and it was recently signed into law.

Senate Bill 527, now Act 41 of 2023, implements specific penalties for theft of mail, which includes a package, bag, or letter. In Pennsylvania, theft of mail is currently charged based solely on the value of the item taken.

According to Forbes, Americans spent $1.7 trillion shopping online since 2020 and nearly eight in 10 Americans have had a package stolen in 2022. Pennsylvania now joins eight other states ­that have already made porch pirating a felony.

Scranton Chamber of Commerce

Spent time with the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce this week alongside colleagues Senator Scott Martin and Senator Marty Flynn. Great conversation on policy and initiatives to promote economic development here in NEPA.

Out and About Listening to You

Top Left: Congratulations John Pomeroy on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Wishing you continued successful and personal fulfillment.

Top Right: Please join me in welcoming “Beautiful Nail & Spa” to Tannersville (2959 RT 611 Suite 101) across from Friendly’s. Pictured with me is Shirley, the spa owner. I stopped in for a manicure yesterday – fantastic service and a variety of spa treatments. Wishing them all the best in this new endeavor.

Bottom: This week, I attended the Pocono Rail Rally hosted by Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau’s. Together with the PMVB and federal, state, and local leaders, we joined for an information session residents of NEPA.

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