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In this Update:
Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
Eligible Pennsylvanians can now apply for a Grow PA Scholarship Grant for the 2026-27 academic year. Applications are available at pheaa.org/growpa. This program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs as approved by PHEAA. The full list is available here. To qualify, applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation for 12 months for each year they received the grant. Please note: Applicants who received this grant last year MUST reapply to receive the grant again for the upcoming academic year. Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Legislative Breakfast
I was happy to join the Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Association for its Annual Legislative Breakfast to hear directly from employers and community leaders about the issues facing our region. We discussed the governor’s proposed $53.3 billion budget and the importance of keeping spending responsible and sustainable. Workforce readiness was also a major focus, including continued support for career and technical education so students are prepared for in-demand careers here in Pennsylvania. Other priorities raised during the discussion included the need for more housing in Carbon, Schuylkill, and Luzerne Counties, efforts to tackle blight and strengthen downtowns, and the importance of securing long-term transportation funding to support growth and keep communities connected. I appreciate the invitation and the opportunity to be part of thoughtful conversation about jobs, economic development, and the future of Northeast Pennsylvania. Municipal Leaders Meet and Greet
It was great to meet with municipal officials from across our region at our Municipal Leaders Meet and Greet events held on Tuesday in Sunbury and Bloomsburg. Thank you to everyone who took time to attend and for stepping up to serve your communities. We talked about the practical issues local governments face every day, including ways to make state government more efficient and responsive, as well as funding sources available to address community needs such as road and bridge repairs. I also shared an update on several bipartisan local government bills the Senate passed to modernize municipal codes and improve processes, along with what my office can do to help municipalities navigate state programs and agency questions. We also discussed emerging issues communities are hearing more about, including data center development and the importance of protecting local control while ensuring transparency and clear information for local decision-makers. I appreciate the work municipal leaders do to keep communities running, and for those unable to attend, know that my office is a resource for you and residents throughout the 27th District. Hometown Foods Tour Highlights Local Jobs in Milton
I recently toured the Hometown Food Company facility in Milton with Rep. Mike Stender to learn more about the plant’s operations and to thank the team for their commitment to our region. This facility has long been an important part of the local economy, and I appreciate Hometown Foods for stepping in to take over the former Chef Boyardee plant and continue its next chapter in Milton. Investments like this matter because they support local jobs, strengthen our manufacturing base, and keep economic activity rooted in our communities. During the visit, we met with plant leadership and discussed day-to-day operations, workforce needs, and the importance of maintaining a strong business environment in Pennsylvania. I am grateful to the employees who keep the plant running and to Hometown Foods for their willingness to invest here. My office will continue working with local employers, community partners, and state agencies to support job growth and keep our region a strong place to live and work. Teletown Hall Set for Feb. 24 at 6 p.m.
I am inviting residents of the 27th Senatorial District to join me for a Teletown Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. This is a live, interactive event where I will share updates on what is happening in Harrisburg and what I am working on for our region, and I will take questions from constituents. During the call, you will be able to ask questions directly and share what you would like to see addressed in state government. While we will call out to phone numbers we have on record, to ensure you receive a call when the event begins, you can sign up ahead of time on my website. Veterans’ Assistance Available in Shamokin Dam Office
Each month, a Veterans Service Officer is available in my Shamokin Dam office to help veterans navigate benefits and resources including:
This is a free service available to all veterans and their families to ensure they receive the benefits they have earned through their service. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call my district office at 570-743-1918. Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Economy and Creating More Jobs
As we begin reviewing the governor’s 2026-27 state budget proposal, one of my top priorities will be strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy and creating conditions for businesses to grow and add more family-sustaining jobs. Over the past several years, steady progress has been made to improve our tax climate, including reducing the corporate net income tax, which was once the second-highest in the nation. We have also worked to protect seasonal workers from unemployment compensation benefit cuts (UC), improve training systems for barbers and cosmetologists, and take other practical steps that support job creation and workforce growth. Moving forward, one of the most important things we can do is adopt a state budget built on responsible, sustainable spending. At the same time, we should continue improving the business climate for entrepreneurs and employers so they can start, expand, and invest here, creating more opportunity for workers and strengthening our communities across the Commonwealth. Concerned About Winter Energy Bills? Call Utilities Now
January and February are usually the months when home energy bills tend to peak, due largely to increased heating demand. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission encourages consumers who are concerned about their utility bills to call their utility company to discuss available options. Utilities can help customers explore payment arrangements, budget billing and assistance programs that may help manage winter energy costs before a bill becomes unmanageable. Utility representatives can also help direct consumers to additional state and local resources. Read more about reducing energy use and how to find help with bills here. The Dangers of Walking on Frozen Bodies of Water
Cold weather means more frozen bodies of water and the risk that comes with walking on them, especially rivers and streams. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers this safety advice:
Look for new ice, which is clear or has a blue tint, and remember that ice thickness is not consistent across the surface of a lake or pond. Learn more about ice fishing and ice safety, including an ice thickness and safety chart, here. Celebrating Presidents’ Day
Monday is Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday that began as a celebration of George Washington’s Feb. 22 birthday and was expanded to cover Abraham Lincoln’s on Feb. 12. My offices will be closed on Monday, February 16th and resume normal hours Tuesday, February 17th.
For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my e-newsletters, you can get on the mailing list here. |
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