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Dear Neighbor,
I was on site Wednesday night at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Dickson City following the fire and witnessed firsthand the extraordinary professionalism and coordination of our emergency response teams. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the hospital staff, our local EMS providers and firefighters, Dickson City municipal officials and public works teams, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and the Governor’s Office for their swift action and collaboration. Because of this collective effort, patients were safely evacuated and lives were protected, reflecting the very best of our community coming together when it mattered most. |
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In this e-newsletter, I share with you my take on Gov. Shapiro’s 2026-2027 budget proposal, as well as information about government programs, and grant and scholarship opportunities:
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100th Anniversary of Black History Month |
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This month, we mark 100 years of celebrating Black history. We remember the contributions of Black Americans’ whose lived experiences and contributions made America great. Black History Month uniquely reminds us how our lived reality often falls short of the ideals on which our nation was founded. We honor the sacrifices of Black individuals—some whose names are well-known, and many others lost to history—whose struggles have pushed us to strive toward those ideals. The work is yet unfinished. This month, let us recommit ourselves to fully realizing the dream of equality and liberty declared that day on July 4, 1776. |
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The 2026-2027 Shapiro Budget Proposal |
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This Tuesday, Gov. Shapiro gave his proposed budget for 2026-2027 before the General Assembly. Highlights: There are no tax increases. This budget protects taxpayers while making smart investments in the services and programs that Pennsylvanians rely on every day.
I am very glad that this year’s budget will continue to make historic investments in our schools, with $8.31 billion (a $50 million increase) for Basic Education Funding, $1.58 billion (a $50 million increase) for Special Education Funding and $1.95 billion (a $565 million increase) to fulfill the court-mandated third installment to close the funding gap between wealthy and underfunded districts. It also increases support for career and technical education, apprenticeships and STEM programs so our students are well-prepared for family-supporting jobs in Pennsylvania:
The governor has an aggressive plan to deal with the housing shortage in Pennsylvania, which is driving the high cost of rent. He supports introducing legislation to limit rent increases on manufactured homes; statewide caps on rental application fees; and $1 billion, supported by the issuing of bonds, to pay for large, transformative infrastructure projects across the commonwealth, including building and preserving housing, upgrading school and municipal facilities, and bringing new energy generation onto the grid. As you know, I’ve been disturbed by utilities’ rate hikes. Standard & Poor’s has ranked our state as one of the most lucrative places to earn a profit. Governor Shapiro is doing the right thing to call on the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to scrutinize utility spending and create a new watchdog in his office for energy affordability, which will push utility companies to:
We can build more housing and lower utility rates, but that won’t be enough for millions of Pennsylvanians if we don’t raise the minimum wage. People shouldn’t be working 3 to 4 jobs to pay for a roof over their heads due to the high cost of living. The money that the state is “saving” in low wages, it is paying for $300 million per year in entitlement funding for programs like Medicaid. My fellow Democrats and I strongly support the Governor’s call to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour (tied to inflation for regular increases). The House has already passed legislation to raise the minimum wage twice, only to watch the bills die in the Senate (Just like the bill limiting manufactured homes rent increases – HB 1250). We’re losing businesses and talent and straining social services due to the fact we haven’t raised the minimum wage since 2009. It’s long past time to do right by Pennsylvania’s workers. |
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At the Capitol |
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Girl Scout Troop PA is proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of women in government and leadership. From breaking barriers to leading with courage and compassion, these women inspire the next generation to dream big and lead boldly. |
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I want to thank the Pennsylvania College of Emergency Physicians for the invitation to last week’s Coffee Talk. I appreciated the thoughtful discussion of: My HB 928 that would ensure day care facilities can obtain prescriptions for and maintain a constant supply of epinephrine auto-injectors My HB 409 that would balance a patient’s right to access their health information with the important role that medical professionals provide in helping patients understand their test results. We also discussed the broader challenges facing our healthcare system. I regularly engage with healthcare professionals in order to shape sound policy impacting our healthcare system. |
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PTRR for 2025 Is Now Open |
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2025 PTRR application filing period is now open. You may be eligible for a rebate of up to $1,000. Please contact my office if you require assistance applying for this program. |
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Applications for home heating help |
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Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program are available. Through the program, you can apply for a cash grant to help pay your heating bill—from $200 to $1,000 based on your household size, income, and fuel type. For more information, click here. You can also contact my office if you need help applying for LIHEAP or need help with any utility-related issues. |
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The KCA Scholarship Award |
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The Keystone Contractors Association is committed to providing quality educational programs designed to enhance the success of the construction industry. Its Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) Scholarship Program awards up to $10,000 yearly to a deserving student. The program’s goal is to provide the Pennsylvania construction industry with a diverse pool of highly qualified candidates to fulfill its employment needs in areas such as Project Managers, Project Engineers, Estimators and Field Supervisors. Assuming the recipient maintains career ambitions and excels in school, this scholarship is renewable up to three years. Qualifications:
The scholarship is an investment in Pennsylvania’s workforce, our construction industry, and the next generation of leaders who will design, build, and maintain our buildings and homes. The deadline for this year’s KCA Scholarship Program is March 1. . |
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Anti-Litter Photo Contest |
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The Pennsylvania Resources Council is holding the Gene Capaldi Lens on Litter Photo Contest to bring awareness to litter in PA. Contestants may enter up to five original images that highlight an anti-litter message. The contest is specifically open to amateur photographers, who can send their photos to the Pennsylvania Resources Council. Top prize is $500, second is $250, and third is $100. Submit your photos here. |
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Multimodal transportation grants available |
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PennDOT announced recently that they are accepting applications for a new round of Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) grants. Applications are due by February 13. The MTF provides grant funding to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transit agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit access. More information about applying for the MTF grants is available by clicking here. |
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State Grant Program Funding Available |
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The latest state grant opportunities are available on my website! My office is happy to help connect you with government funding like this, so please reach out if you have any questions or need a letter of support. |
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College Financial Aid Webinars |
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Interested in attending college? Check out these helpful webinars. |
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Scholarship Programs James R. Roebuck PLBC Scholarship 2026 |
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This prestigious scholarship was named after Mr. James R. Roebuck- former member of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) and champion for education. Mr. Roebuck served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1985- 2020 and served as chair of both the House Education Committee and the PLBC. Successful applicants will receive a $1,500 scholarship made possible by the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Foundation for educational purposes. Students are encouraged to use the scholarship award for tuition, fees, books, or school-related supplies and equipment. Eligibility: Applicants must be a:
Instructions: Applicants must complete three (3) sections: the Online Student Application (Section I), an essay (Section II), and email supporting documents (Section III). The Deadline for registration is 5pm on Friday, February 20, 2026. Applicants are responsible for submitting all material to the PLBC on time. Incomplete applications will not be evaluated. |
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Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program |
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Applications for the Summer 2026 Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program are now being accepted!
The Fellowship Program is based in our magnificent Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Fellows are assigned to work in House Standing Committees or House Leadership offices, receive compensation (which may include college credit), and have the opportunity to draft and present legislation, attend meet-and-greets with public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic sites, among other experiences. The Summer Semester runs from Thursday, June 4, through Thursday, August 6, 2026.
Qualified applicants will be:
If you know of any college students who would benefit from the Fellowship Program, please invite them to visit the website. Applications can be submitted via email to: pahousefellowship@pabmc.net
Applications for the Summer Semester are due on Monday, March 2. |
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The PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program |
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Applications are now being accepted for the PA House of Representatives Scholarship Program. Administered through The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, the program is open to graduating high school seniors who reside in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. TFEC awards two four-year scholarships to high school seniors each year. Each scholarship covers the cost of one semester of tuition at the State System of Higher Education for each of the four years. Students must continue to meet eligibility requirements throughout all four years to maintain the award. Applications are due April 15. Requirements and the application form can be found here. |
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District Office 277 Scranton Carbondale Highway (across from the Viewmont Mall) Scranton, PA 18508-1111 |
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Pennsylvania State Capitol PO Box 202114 Harrisburg, PA 17120 |
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