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In this Update:
Discussing Rural School Funding at Northwest Area Roundtable
This week, Senator Lisa Baker and I welcomed Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe to Northwest Area School District in Luzerne County for a roundtable discussion on a growing issue facing our region: fair and sustainable funding for rural public schools. We were joined by superintendents, school board members, and education stakeholders from across northeastern Pennsylvania who shared firsthand how funding disparities impact staffing, programming, and student opportunity. Conversations like these are essential in helping shape education policy that meets the diverse needs of all our students—regardless of zip code. I’m grateful to everyone who participated and to Acting Secretary Rowe for taking the time to hear directly from our school communities. As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I’ll continue working to ensure local voices guide our efforts in Harrisburg. Click here to read more and for a link to share your views on the issue. Celebrating 70 Years of Rohrbach’s Farm Market
I had the pleasure of joining the Rohrbach and Brecht families in celebrating a remarkable milestone: the 70th anniversary of Rohrbach’s Farm Market in Catawissa. More than 100 current and former employees gathered to honor the legacy of this beloved family farm. For generations, Rohrbach’s has been a cornerstone of our local economy, a gathering place for neighbors, and a model of what it means to build something lasting and meaningful in rural Pennsylvania. It was an honor to present a Senate citation recognizing the farm’s contributions and to stand alongside Columbia County officials, Commissioner David Kovach, Congressman Meuser’s office, and Rep. Robert Leadbeter in offering our thanks and congratulations. Special kudos as well to Grant Chapin, a 4th-generation youth farmer who represented the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurship by handing out samples from his small business, Poppers by Grant. His enthusiasm for farming is exactly what gives me hope for the future of agriculture in our Commonwealth. Congratulations again to the entire Rohrbach and Brecht families—and thank you for 70 years of hard work, community connection, and commitment to local agriculture. Career Fair in Sunbury Offers Jobseekers a Valuable Opportunity
On Thursday, June 5, PA CareerLink will host a Spring Career Fair at Cameron Park in Sunbury from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This event is a great opportunity for jobseekers in Northumberland, Snyder, Union, and surrounding counties to connect with employers offering positions in a variety of industries. More than 40 businesses are expected to attend, representing a range of career paths and skill levels. Whether you’re just entering the workforce or looking to take the next step in your career, this is a chance to meet directly with hiring representatives and learn more about what’s available right here in our region. I’m always encouraged to see events like this taking place in our communities. Strengthening local workforce connections helps both residents and employers and supports long-term growth for our region. No registration is required to attend. Just stop by Cameron Park, across the street from Career Link at 225 Market Street in Sunbury and take the first step toward your next opportunity. Bloomsburg Office Transition: Temporary Changes to Hours and Services
As part of our ongoing commitment to serve you better, we are in the process of moving our Bloomsburg district office to a new location and expanding our staff to meet the needs of constituents more effectively. During this transition, office hours at our existing Bloomsburg location may vary. We encourage anyone in need of assistance to contact our Shamokin Dam office for support or to schedule an appointment for the Bloomsburg office. Shamokin Dam Office: Our team can help with most requests over the phone, and we are happy to coordinate appointments as needed while we complete this relocation. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition and look forward to welcoming you to our new space very soon. Stay tuned for updates on our new Bloomsburg office address. Back in Session: Continuing the Work in Harrisburg
Next week, the Senate will return to session for the month of June. As we work towards passing a state budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, we will also continue to advance other legislation. You can watch session and committee meetings live here. As always if there’s an issue you care about or a state related matter my office can help with, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Eagle Scout Gabriel Grow Recognized with Senate Citation
Congratulations to Gabriel Grow of Ranshaw (second from the left in the photo above), who recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout—the highest honor in Scouting. Gabriel was recognized during his Eagle Scout Court of Honor on May 23 at the picnic grounds next to the Brady Fire Company. In recognition of his service, leadership, and commitment to community, a Pennsylvania Senate citation was presented on behalf of the 27th Senatorial District. We commend Gabriel for this outstanding accomplishment and wish him continued success in the years ahead. His dedication reflects the very best of our youth in Pennsylvania. Honoring Freedom with Liberty Tree Dedications in Columbia and Montour Counties
It was a privilege to take part in two very meaningful events this month as local communities marked our nation’s founding ideals with the dedication of Liberty Trees in Columbia and Montour Counties. At Memorial Park in Danville, Montour County, and McClure House in Bloomsburg, Columbia County, I joined veterans, community leaders, and students to dedicate new Liberty Trees as part of the America250PA initiative. The ceremonies were filled with patriotism and appreciation for the generations who have served and sacrificed for our freedoms, and the Liberty Trees now stand as a living symbol of our enduring commitment to liberty, unity, and community. Washingtonville’s 250th Anniversary Celebration
It was incredible to celebrate Washingtonville Borough’s 250th anniversary with those who call the borough home—a historic milestone for one of Montour County’s oldest communities. I was honored to join local leaders, historical groups, and residents as we reflected on Washingtonville’s rich history and its proud future. The dedication of Mill Park created a powerful reminder of the town’s roots and resilience. Bill to Increase Firefighters in PA Receives Senate Support
Pennsylvania relies on volunteer firefighters, but their numbers are dropping – from 300,000 in the 1970s to fewer than 38,000 today. To help ensure there are enough firefighters to respond to a crisis, the Senate passed a bill that would reform the process for people earning their firefighter certification. Senate Bill 90 would maintain the high standards to become a firefighter while making it less intimidating for men and women who are interested in serving their communities as volunteer firefighters. Currently, firefighter applicants must complete four training modules totaling 188 hours. They then must pass a cumulative test covering all four modules. The bill would allow them to be tested following each of the four modules. Senate Bill 90 heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Prevent Surprises on the Road with PennDOT’s Construction Plans
As the weather improves, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is spending more time maintaining the state’s approximately 40,000 roadway miles and 25,400 bridges. You can be aware of and plan for delays you experience driving by checking the status of construction projects in your area. Information about projects underway, beginning and being bid this year is listed here. Road work projects are chosen through an extended planning process in four-year and 12-year increments. Learn more about the State Transportation Improvement Plan and the Twelve-Year Program.
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