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In this Update:
License Plate Event Serves 78 Residents
Last weekend, I partnered with the Pennsylvania State Police to host a license plate event that provided practical help to residents who needed to replace damaged or hard-to-read license plates. In total, 78 people attended and received assistance with the replacement process. This event addressed a real need in our area. In the last week alone, three drivers who attended the event were pulled over locally because their license plates were difficult to read, and one of those individuals was able to be directed to this event for help. It was encouraging to see so many people take advantage of the opportunity to get the needed authorization from law enforcement to receive a free replacement plate. I appreciate the partnership of the Pennsylvania State Police and thank Susquehanna Valley Mall for allowing the event to be held in its parking lot. Events like this are a good example of how helpful local outreach can connect people with services they need. Shamokin area residents, mark your calendar for July 21st, when Rep. Joanne Stehr and I will be hosting another license plate replacement event. In the meantime, if you think you may need a new plate, you can fill out an MV-46 PennDOT form and have it signed by a police officer or certified vehicle safety inspector. While you can mail it to PennDOT directly, my office will gladly assist in submitting the form to ensure it is received and processed by PennDOT. Milton Students Learn About State Government, Student-Athletes Recognized
I had the opportunity to visit Milton High School on Tuesday to speak with approximately 50 students, most of them juniors, about my role as a state senator, how legislation moves through the General Assembly, and the importance of civic engagement and public service. It was a valuable chance to talk with students about how state government works and why it is so important for young people to stay informed and involved. While at the school, I was also pleased to present citations recognizing several outstanding student-athletes for their recent accomplishments.
It was a nice opportunity to celebrate these students both for their success and for the pride they have brought to their school community. Celebrating 20 Years of The HandUP Store in Milton
After visiting Milton High School on Tuesday, I stopped by The HandUP Store to present a Senate citation recognizing their 20 years of service to the Milton community. It was a pleasure to join Douglas Devlin, the owner, for the presentation and help celebrate this important milestone. Since opening in 2005, The HandUP Store has supported the community in many ways, from helping fund HandUP programs to providing affordable, good-quality items for families and individuals in need. Its work has made a meaningful difference in the Milton area for two decades. Learning More About Data Centers in Our Region
I hosted a virtual community event this week, “Data Centers: Why Here, Why Now?” to help residents of the 27th District learn more about a topic that is receiving growing attention across Pennsylvania and many local communities. I appreciated everyone who took the time to join the conversation, and I am especially thankful to Penn State Extension and our presenters, Thomas Beresnyak and Jim Ladlee, for sharing their time and expertise. Their presentation helped provide clear, fact-based information about what data centers are, why companies are choosing Pennsylvania, and the opportunities and challenges communities may see as this industry continues to grow. These are important conversations, and they are best approached with good information and thoughtful discussion. I was pleased to offer this program as a way to help residents better understand the issue and hear from knowledgeable experts. If you were unable to join the virtual event, you can visit my website to watch the presentation. Changes to Satellite Office Hours
I want to make residents aware of updates to my satellite office hours, which are available to help constituents receive assistance from my staff at locations that may be more convenient than my offices. While some locations will continue on their regular schedules, others will be by appointment only. Additionally, Luzerne County mobile office locations and hours are temporarily paused, and a future update on hours will be shared soon. Monthly satellite office hours are available at the following locations: Beaver Springs Danville The following satellite locations are currently available by appointment only: Elysburg Herndon Turbotville April is Donate Life Month, Press Conference to be held Monday
April is Donate Life Month, and it is an important reminder of the lifesaving difference organ, eye, and tissue donation can make. One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation, restore sight to two people through cornea donation, and heal more than 75 people through tissue donation. This issue is especially meaningful to me, as organ donation has touched my own life in a very personal way. On Monday, I will be hosting a press conference in support of Donate Life Month, together with Senator Lindsey Williams. We have partnered to sponsor Senate Resolution 266, designating April 2026 as “Pennsylvania Donate Life Month”. Additionally, we will be highlighting Senate Bill 124, bipartisan legislation we are sponsoring to allow a living organ donor to deduct up to $10,000 in unreimbursed expenses related to donation, including travel, lodging, lost wages, and medical expenses. Advocates will also join us for the event, which will be held at 12pm in the East Wing Rotunda of the Capitol. The press conference will be streamed live on my Facebook page and will be available on my website homepage afterward. While most Americans support donation, many never take the important next step of registering to become an organ donor. During Donate Life Month, I encourage everyone to learn more about organ donation and consider registering. Find out how to add the Organ Donor designation to your driver’s license or ID card here. Non-Profit Grant Seminar Set for May 14
I will be hosting a Non-Profit Grant Seminar on Thursday, May 14, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at The Barn at Frosty Valley in Danville, and I invite local organizations to attend. This seminar is designed to help non-profits better understand how to find and apply for grant funding. Attendees will learn how to research grant opportunities, hear tips and best practices for successful applications, and gain insight into funding resources available through government, foundation, corporate, and institutional sources. The event will also include a question-and-answer session with the Pennsylvania Senate’s Funding and Resource Specialist. The seminar is open to non-profit organizations and constituents across the 27th Senatorial District, including Columbia, Luzerne, Montour, Northumberland, and Snyder counties. While all are welcome to attend, the information will be most applicable to registered 501(c)(3) organizations, as many grant opportunities require that designation. Registration is required by Friday, May 1. You can sign up online or by calling my Shamokin Dam district office at 570-743-1918. Recognizing 45 Years of Service at Ronald McDonald House of Danville
On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to attend the 45th anniversary celebration of the Ronald McDonald House of Danville and present a Senate citation recognizing this important milestone. It was a privilege to help honor an organization that has served families in our region with compassion and care for decades. Established in 1981, the Ronald McDonald House of Danville has helped ease the financial and emotional strain on families of children facing serious medical challenges. Over the years, it has expanded that support through meaningful services, including Camp Dost and the Ronald McDonald Family Room near Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. This anniversary was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the leadership, staff, and volunteers who have helped fulfill that mission for 45 years. Their dedication has made a lasting difference for families in the Danville area and far beyond. DEP to Host PFAS Public Meeting on May 11
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on the PFAS groundwater investigation in Columbia County on Monday, May 11, at Central Columbia High School Auditorium in Bloomsburg. An open house will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a presentation at approximately 6 or 6:15 p.m. The formal public hearing will begin at 7 p.m. Residents who wish to speak must register in advance by emailing RA-EPNCECCOMMENTS@pa.gov. DEP is also accepting written public comments from April 11 through July 10, 2026. Additional information is available on DEP’s North Centre Township HSCA Investigation webpage. Student Teachers Can Apply for Assistance Through PA Support Program
Planning to be a student teacher in 2026-27? The Student Teacher Support Program provides financial assistance in return for help alleviating Pennsylvania’s pressing teacher shortage. It provides $10,000 to eligible student teachers and up to $2,500 to teachers who mentor them. Recipients must commit to teaching in Pennsylvania for three years following the completion of their teaching certification. Selection will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis based on when the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency receives a completed student application. Learn more and apply here. New Specialty Plate Helps Preserve Pennsylvania’s Heritage
Pennsylvania drivers have another special fund license plate to put on the back of their vehicles: the Preserve Our Heritage plate featuring the Liberty Bell and Pennsylvania Bank Barn. Built from about 1790 to 1900, these barns were banked and set into a hillside and became symbols of Pennsylvania’s agricultural roots. The plates are available for cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of 14,000 pounds or less. Each plate costs $64, with $23 going directly to support the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s education and exhibit programs. You can find the plate and order it here. You Can Help Deliver Senior Services in Our Area
Delivering meals, being a senior companion and other roles are open to volunteers of all ages and abilities with the state Aging Services Network. You can learn new skills, make friends and help others through these programs:
Find out more and apply online here or contact the local Area Agency on Aging to see where help is needed in our area.
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