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In this Update:
State Grant Funding Awarded for Community Projects Across the 27th District
I am pleased to share that nearly $5.6 million in state grant funding has been awarded to support community projects across the 27th Senatorial District through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Local Share Account program. These funds will assist municipalities and organizations in Columbia, Luzerne, Montour, Northumberland, and Snyder counties with a wide range of priorities, including public safety equipment, wastewater and sewer improvements, roadway projects, community facilities, childcare expansion, historic preservation, and recreational enhancements. The projects supported through this funding reflect real needs identified by local leaders and organizations and help reduce the financial burden on local taxpayers while moving important improvements forward. Investments like these strengthen our communities and improve quality of life for residents across the district. I appreciate the collaboration with local officials and partners who worked to identify and advance these projects. A full list of funded projects is available on my website. Local government officials, fire and EMS companies, non-profits, and law enforcement, if you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for my Grant and Funding Newsletter, which provides monthly updates on funding opportunities. Applications Open for Pennsylvania Game Commission Districts 6 and 7
The Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation is seeking qualified candidates to serve on the Pennsylvania Game Commission for Districts 6 and 7. District 6 includes Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder, and York counties. District 7 includes Luzerne County, along with Lackawanna, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. Commissioners are appointed for four-year terms and must be residents of the district they represent. Applicants should be knowledgeable about conservation, hunting, and fishing. While the position is unpaid, travel expenses are reimbursed. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026. To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to Derek Eberly, Director of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation, at deeberly@pa.gov. Christmas Events Across the District
Throughout the holiday season, I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to take part in events that reflect the spirit of remembrance, service, and giving in our communities. Wreaths Across America Day I was honored to attend and speak at the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Elan Memorial Park in Bloomsburg. Community members came together to place remembrance wreaths on the graves of veterans and to say their names aloud, ensuring their service and sacrifice are never forgotten. It was a moving reminder of the importance of honoring those who gave so much for our freedom and teaching the next generation the value of service. Salvation Army Red Kettle Challenge I also joined The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Challenge during the holiday season, helping raise funds for families in need right here in our community. The Red Kettle Campaign supports critical local programs and services, and it was encouraging to see so many generous residents step up to support neighbors during this time of year. Wolfgang Family of Companies Celebrates Grand Opening in Herndon
I was happy to attend the grand opening of the Wolfgang Family of Companies and to help welcome their business to its new home in the former Herndon National Bank building. This project represents more than a business milestone. By investing in and restoring a historic building, the Wolfgang Family of Companies has preserved an important part of Herndon’s history while giving it new purpose for the future. It was encouraging to see the care and effort that went into maintaining the character of the building while transforming it into a modern workspace. During the event, I had the opportunity to present Andrew Wolfgang with a Senate certificate recognizing this milestone of expanding their corporate offices and the work his team has done to grow their business while remaining rooted in the community. The strong turnout at the grand opening was a testament to the support they have earned and the role local businesses play in keeping our communities vibrant. Projects like this show how honoring the past and investing in the future can go hand in hand. I wish the Wolfgang Family of Companies continued success as they begin this next chapter in Herndon. Dec. 31 Deadline for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
The deadline to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is Dec. 31. Eligible residents could qualify for up to $1,000 (plus supplemental rebates for qualifying applicants). The program provides financial relief to older adults and people with disabilities who paid property taxes or rent in 2024. To qualify, applicants must be age 65+, widows/widowers 50+ or individuals with disabilities 18+, and their household income must be $46,520 or less (excluding half of Social Security income). Applications can be submitted online, by mail or in person, or by calling 1-888-222-9190 for assistance. My office is also available to help you apply for this rebate. Assistance Available to Help Rural Communities Fight Wildfires
State grants are available to volunteer fire companies to help protect rural communities from wildfires. Eligible applicants include local firefighting forces in rural communities with fewer than 10,000 residents. Funding can be used for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires. Recipients are selected based on vulnerability and adequacy of existing fire protection, with a focus on improving volunteer readiness and protecting lives and property in under-protected areas. Administered by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the maximum grant award in 2026 is $15,000 per fire company. Applications must be submitted electronically through DCNR’s grant website by Dec. 31. Successful Start for New Program Connecting Young Pennsylvanians to High-Demand Careers
The first year of the Grow PA program to help connect young people to quality careers in Pennsylvania has been a tremendous success, according to statistics from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program was created by the legislature last year to help reverse the trend of young Pennsylvanians seeking education and job opportunities in other states. The program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who agree to attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in an in-demand occupation and work in that occupation in Pennsylvania after graduation. PHEAA reports more than 11,000 applications for Grow PA in the first year. More than 4,000 applicants have already received grants, and another 2,300 applications were approved through early December. The average award per student was $4,650. The top programs of study in the first year of Grow PA included registered nursing, early childhood education, business administration and management, biological sciences and accounting. Next year’s application period is expected to open in early February. Committee Examines CDLs and REAL IDs Being Issued to Illegal Immigrants
The Senate Transportation Committee held a public hearing to examine commercial vehicle safety and nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) following recent claims of CDLs and REAL IDs being issued to illegal immigrants. Pennsylvania law bans regular and commercial driver’s licenses for anyone unlawfully present in the commonwealth. Last month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested an illegal immigrant from Uzbekistan wanted for belonging to a terrorist organization. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) issued him a CDL with a REAL ID indication in July. The committee examined commercial vehicle safety and nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses with driving advocates, along with officials from PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police. You can view the hearing and read testimony here. It’s Annual Dog License Time
The deadline to purchase an annual license renewal for your dog is Jan. 1, 2026. Many counties allow you to purchase a lifetime license. Licensing fees help the millions of dogs in Pennsylvania by funding the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement. If your dog gets lost, a current license is the fastest way to get your dog back home. Dogs must be licensed at the point of adoption or purchase, or at three months if no transfer of ownership has taken place. Annual licenses can be purchased online from your county treasurer in one location here. Happy Hanukkah
This week, Jewish families across our district are celebrating Hanukkah, the festival of light dating back more than 2,000 years, when the Jewish people won a battle against the Greeks to practice their religion freely. I wish everyone celebrating Hanukkah a time of warmth and appreciation with family and friends.
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