Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Pausing I-80, saving tax dollars and delivering for you!

Pausing I-80, saving tax dollars and delivering for you!

 

PennDOT needs to pause I-80 project

As currently proposed, the I-80 expansion project threatens a critical vernal pool ecosystem, precontact cultural sites, and dozens of homes. It is time for this project to be reassessed and scaled back. To that end, I recently joined local residents, Stroudsburg officials and the I-80 Task Force in officially calling on PennDOT to pause the expansion of I-80. You can read more about it here.

 

 

Cyber charter reform would $ave million$

Last week, I was proud to host the PA House Education Committee at the Stroudsburg High School Auditorium for a hearing about potentially reforming the way cyber charter schools are funded in PA. This change, sought by Gov. Josh Shapiro, could save property taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, while continuing to allow parents to choose which school best suits their children. You can watch a video playback of the hearing here and read the testimony in its entirety here.

 

 

Helping veterans save money

The PA House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee held a hearing this week on my bill that would expand eligibility for the disabled veterans’ real estate tax exemption to more soldiers who become disabled during their time serving our country. An unmarried surviving spouse also would qualify. You can read more about the measure here.

 

 

My office can assist you

My staff is here to help you with a wide range of state services, from filing for a Property Tax/Rent Rebate to obtaining a disability placard – to name just a few. We also have weekly satellite hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Lehman Township and Delaware Township. Don’t hesitate to contact us at (570) 420-2850 or stop by the office at 18 S. 9th St. in Stroudsburg.

 

 

Keeping our communities safe

Please join me and The Community Partnership for Gun Safety at 6:30 p.m. May 29 for a Town Hall to talk about the ways that we can make our communities safer. Monroe County established the CPGS program to help address some of the concerns regarding firearm violence and mental health. Its mission is to save lives and reduce the harm caused by firearms and gun violence in our community through advocacy and partnerships that provide education, support and resources.

 

 

Women’s Expo June 21

Another reminder about the June 21 Women’s Expo, which I am excited to host again with state Rep. Maureen Madden. We will have information on a variety of programs and services available throughout the district. If you are interested in being an exhibitor, registration is open at this link.

 

 

Delivering for you in Harrisburg

My House Democratic colleagues and I are busy passing important bills that will help our neighbors and improve our communities:

 

We cut costs for working people by creating the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, a 30% refundable state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that could save you more than $2,000. (H.B. 820)

 

We ensured all workers have access to a reliable retirement plan. (H.B. 1263)

 

We protected consumers by prohibiting fees for consumers who choose to pay by mail or receive a paper bill. (H.B. 81)

 

We protected tenants by requiring landlords to pay displaced tenants a relocation payment equal to six months’ rent if the rental property has code violations that require the condemnation of the property, or the property is deemed unfit for human habitation. (H.B. 734)

 

We provided safeguards for residents of manufactured home communities. (H.B. 1250)

 

We updated the state’s Equal Pay Law to prohibit employers from paying workers less because of their gender, race or ethnicity and protect employees from retaliation in any wage discrimination matters. (H.B. 630)

 

We protected our health care workers by creating the Health Care Workplace Violence Prevention Act, which requires a health facility to establish protocols and guidance on programs to prevent workplace violence. (H.B. 926)

 

We helped patients who find themselves overwhelmed with medical debt. (H.B. 79)

 

Now you can do your part by encouraging your state senator to vote for these bills in the Senate and get them over to the governor’s desk to become law.

 

Jessica and Cheryl from my office attended the Unifying the Community event in Milford last weekend. The event focuses on organizations coming together to provide resources for community members. What an incredible event it was with attractions for the whole family!

 

District Office

18 South 9th Street, Suite 105
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(570) 420-2850

Pennsylvania State Capitol

5-A East Wing  Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-1421