Since my last update, we continue to see false and misleading claims circulating online, in text messages, and in emails about the legislation that increases transparency and accountability for Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs. Unfortunately, misinformation continues to spread despite the fact that the legislation itself is straightforward.

The amount of money being spent by billionaire-funded interests to attack me and some of my colleagues over this bill says a lot. Think about that: powerful interests are spending significant resources to fight efforts to bring greater transparency and accountability to how taxpayer dollars are used. If they are willing to go to those lengths to oppose basic oversight, then I must be doing something right.

To recap, House Bill 2632 does not cut funding from Pennsylvania's EITC or OSTC programs. It maintains the full $680 million allocation for the 2026–27 fiscal year, and students currently receiving scholarships will continue to receive them without interruption. Instead, the bill strengthens these programs by increasing transparency and accountability. It expands access to early childhood education programs for children from birth to age 2, broadens opportunities for some of Pennsylvania's lowest-income students, and adds stronger reporting requirements and oversight, including additional review by the Auditor General's Office. These measures will help taxpayers better understand how these public tax credits are distributed and who benefits from them.

Simply put, this legislation is about transparency—not cuts.

The legislation has passed the House and now awaits action in the Pennsylvania Senate. If you believe taxpayers deserve greater transparency and accountability for a $680 million tax credit program, I encourage you to contact Senator Rosemary Brown and ask her to support House Bill 2632.

You can find Senator Brown's contact information here.

Thank you for staying informed and engaged. As always, my office is available if you have any questions.

We are currently seeking exhibitors for our free Senior Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, September 25, at the Bushkill Outreach Center.

If your organization provides programs, services, or resources that benefit seniors, caregivers, or their families, we invite you to participate. This is a great opportunity to connect directly with community members and share information about the valuable services you offer.

Organizations interested in exhibiting can complete the exhibitor registration form here. Space is limited and fills quickly, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible to reserve your spot.

Please note: This registration form is only for organizations interested in exhibiting. Seniors, caregivers, families, and other attendees are welcome to attend the event, and no RSVP is required.

I'm proud to host this event alongside Pike County Commissioner Christa L. Caceres to connect seniors, caregivers, and families with valuable resources and services available throughout our community.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from state, county, and local agencies, as well as community organizations offering information on:
? Health care and health screenings
? Prescription drug plans
? Volunteer opportunities
? Identity theft prevention
? Programs and services for seniors and caregivers
? And much more

My staff and I will also be there to answer questions and help connect residents with state government programs and services.

?? Light refreshments will be available throughout the event.

?? Bushkill Outreach Center
216 Lehman Park Rd.
Bushkill, PA 18324

??? Friday, September 25
? 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Whether you're interested in exhibiting or attending, we hope you'll join us for this valuable community event.

Healthy Steps for Older Adults is an award-winning fall-prevention program that helps older adults stay safe, active, and out of the hospital. The workshop addresses many common causes of falls and is offered at no cost to adults aged 50 and older.

The Healthy Steps Workshop will be held from 12:30-4 p.m. Thursday, July 23 at the Bushkill Center, 216 Lehman Park Rd., Bushkill, PA 18324.

Registration is required. To reserve your spot, please contact the Pike County Aging Office at (570) 775-5550.

Following the several thunderstorms that swept across  Monroe and Pike counties during the Independence Day weekend, homeowners may be starting repairs or working with their insurance companies on storm-related damage. As cleanup continues, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department is reminding residents to stay alert for contractor fraud and other deceptive business practices that often emerge after severe weather.

Scammers frequently target storm-damaged communities, using high-pressure sales tactics, promises to maximize insurance payouts, or urging homeowners to sign contracts immediately. In some cases, they perform poor-quality work—or disappear after collecting payment.

Before hiring a contractor, homeowners should:

• Verify the contractor is properly registered and insured.
• Ask for references and confirm how long the business has been operating.
• Inquire about the contractor's experience with storm damage repairs.
• Never pay in full upfront or sign paperwork indicating work is complete until the job is actually finished.

Homeowners should also be cautious of individuals claiming to be public adjusters. Pennsylvanians can verify a licensed public adjuster by visiting PID's website.

Residents with insurance questions, concerns about unlicensed public adjusters, or who wish to file a complaint can contact the Pennsylvania Insurance Department or visit the state's consumer assistance website for additional resources, including guidance on managing storm-related property damage.

First-time students planning to attend a community college or trade school must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid  by August 1 to be considered for the 2026-27 PA State Grant Program. This August 1 deadline applies specifically to two-year and technical programs.

Missing this deadline means you could leave state aid—money you do not have to pay back—on the table.

My House colleagues and I passed important bills that will help our neighbors and improve communities:

We continued our efforts to hold Big Tech accountable and protect our communities by banning state and local government agencies from entering into non-disclosure agreements for data center development (HB 2359).

We’re supporting our first responders by increasing opportunities for minors in emergency service organizations (HB 2014).

We’re protecting consumers and ensuring fair pricing by prohibiting rideshare companies from setting prices based on your device’s condition (HB 2512).

All three of these bills now head to the Senate for further consideration.

It takes a village! Sgt. Major Claudette Williams is moving her museum, the Women Veterans Museum, to 7th St. Stroudsburg Borough between Monroe and Sarah St.! It is the only women’s veteran museum with guided tours and storytelling in the country. I am so proud of her and her dedication day in, and day out to veterans! This will be a major tourist attraction according to the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau and we are so excited for it to open! More details to come on the opening of this fabulous space!

We recently celebrated The PA Capitol Friendship Dinner.  It was truly a special event, where all faiths spoke and celebrated our diversity. The world should take notice and stop dividing based on religion. It was a beautiful night with wonderful people. I was lucky to sit with Christine from Jinyin Temple of Sino Esoteric Buddhism, Tom Campbell, Pastor Beth from the Presbyterian Church in Stroudsburg Borough, Reyhan and Semi from Chestnut Retreat Center, Fatima from PSU, and PA State Rep. Milou Mackenzie. Thank you Rep. Steve Malagari and Sen. James Malone, Peace Islands Institute, Red Rose, and Turkish Cultural Center Pennsylvania. The Turkish food, dessert, and coffee was excellent! The conversations and camaraderie were priceless.

What a heartwarming, emotional, and so beautiful event to witness. Thank you to President Judge Mark for presiding over the naturalization ceremony, along with all of the Monroe County Judges and Elected Officials, and State and Federal officials. Congratulations to all 25 Monroe County citizens, who are now AMERICANS! The diversity in the room was electric, and I was honored to be there in support of them and their families!  This ceremony has not been in Monroe County for over 30 years, which made today even more special!

It was rainy, but that didn’t stop Founder’s Day in Delaware Water Gap. Congratulations to Jessica Delfino with the guidance of Jill Swersie, for creating the MC250PA Keystone! It looks terrific! After that, I was happy to attend the grand opening of Crafting Creations, LLC located at 1993 Milford Rd.! Artisans alike share space and showcase their creativity, thanks to Tom and Mary! Then, it rained even harder in the afternoon, but it didn’t stop The Pocono Family YMCA from their kickoff event to the countdown of their new renovation project! Thank you Valley Health Partners for sponsoring the event and of course the staff and board members of the YMCA!

Congratulations to Bean & Barrel Brewing Co. on their beautiful and exciting new venture! The venue at located at 564 Main St. in Stroudsburg looks fantastic and I wish them much success!

District Office

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

Pennsylvania State Capitol

5-A East Wing  Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-1421