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In this Update:
Monthly Veterans Assistance
Attention Veterans! There are still available slots for this month’s Veteran Assistance program. On the third Friday of each month, I partner with the American Legion Department of Pennsylvania to bring in a service officer to assist veterans and their families with specific issues in my Mount Carmel Office. There are still appointments available for this month (March 22nd, 2024)! To schedule an appointment, please contact my Mount Carmel Office at 570-339-5937. Coffee & Conversation
Thank you to everyone who was able to join PA State Rep. Mike Cabell and me at the Butler Township Community Center for Coffee and Conversation. It is a pleasure to meet with constituents to discuss local and statewide issues and learn what matters most in your community. If you were unable to attend this Coffee and Conversation, I will be co-hosting another event with Rep. Cabell on April 11th at the Salem Township Building (38 Bomboy Lane, Berwick). Space is limited and RSVPs are required. Please contact Terri in my Shamokin Dam Office by calling 570-743-1918 or emailing tcampbell@pasen.gov by Monday, April 8th. I hope to see you there! Read Across America Week
It was an honor to be a part of Read Across America Week last Friday. I was able to speak to a class at Five Star in Sunbury about what it means to be their state senator and read “What Pet Should I Get?” by Dr. Seuss. We had a fun time taking guesses as to what pet the children in the story choose at the end! Black Creek Township Reopens Recycling Center
Congratulations to Black Creek Township for reopening their recycling center! After being closed for several years, the center is accepting aluminum cans, metal cans, and cardboard. PA State Rep. Mike Cabell and I were able to join the township supervisors and township secretary for a visit and tour of the facility. Wilkes University Visit
This week, I had the opportunity to tour Wilkes University and learn about some projects they are undertaking to update and expand their nursing program. These expansions will help to meet the growing demand for medical professionals across the Commonwealth. International Paper Tour
Yesterday, I had the privilege to tour International Paper’s Mount Carmel Facility. International Paper is one of the world’s leading producers of corrugated packaging with a worldwide footprint. They employ over 700 employees in eight plants across the Commonwealth. I was joined by PA State Rep. Joanne Stehr. Senate Finishes Review of Governor’s Budget Proposal
The Senate Appropriations Committee finished the last of its review of the governor’s budget proposal, which totals more than $48.3 billion and would increase state spending by 7.1% above the current year’s budget. The governor’s proposal would completely drain the state’s savings and relies on income and spending estimates that are unrealistic. The Department of Revenue and Governor’s Budget Office hearing focused on the report issued by the non-partisan Independent Fiscal Office that indicates a $24 billion gap between the governor’s spending plans and the revenue the state expects to collect in the next five years. These projections show it will be all but impossible to balance budgets in the next five years without significant spending cuts and tax increases. At the Department of Health hearing, the committee questioned why – as with other departments – the budget shows level funding over five years, which denies legislators the information to accurately assess the ultimate impact on taxpayers. The governor proposed spending $4 million to pay the medical debt of certain Pennsylvanians, and members asked for details about how the money will be distributed and if the program will necessitate additional staffing. Having completed the official review of the governor’s budget proposal, the Senate will use its findings from the hearings to craft its own spending plan, with the goal of enacting a final 2024-25 state budget. Find video and recaps of every budget hearing at PASenateGOP.com. PennDOT Shares Roadwork Info with Motorists
As the weather improves, there will be more roadwork. To inform motorists about construction projects that are underway, beginning this year or being bid, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation offers an informational portal. It has a mapping application for highway and bridge projects that allows users to obtain information about roadwork projects. For travel information, visit www.511pa.com or call 5-1-1. 511PA is Pennsylvania’s official travel information service, which provides travelers with reliable, current traffic and weather information, as well as links to other transportation services. Protect Your Family from Dangerous Radon
Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas that can enter your home from the ground through cracks in the foundation. It increases cancer risks and is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Pennsylvania has one of the most serious radon problems in the country. Approximately 40% of Pennsylvania homes have radon levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s action guideline. Find information how to test your home’s radon level and find certified radon mitigation contractors here. Help is Available for Problem Gambling
Problem Gambling Awareness Month, observed in March, promotes prevention, treatment and recovery services. Sadly, hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians experience gambling-related problems, including family, financial, legal and emotional issues. Gambling problems can be mild or very serious, and can worsen with time. Individuals seeking treatment for compulsive or problem gambling can call Pennsylvania’s helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) to connect with local help. People can also text 1-800-522-4700 or live chat. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Saint Patrick, who lived in the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to the country. Even though the Irish have observed St. Patrick’s Day as a religious holiday for more than 1,000 years, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade actually took place in America. Records show the first parade was held on March 17, 1601, in a Spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, Florida. “May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.” – Irish blessing
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