The 15-ton weight restriction on the Winona Falls Road Bridge has created challenges for Pike County residents and businesses, and I’m pleased to announce that a $3 million state grant will help us end that restriction.

Pike County received the funding through PennDOT’s Multimodal Transportation Fund to replace the failing superstructure of the county-owned bridge on Winona Falls Road in Lehman Township. The bridge was recently classified as being in very poor condition, resulting in the current weight limit.

This project will allow the county to replace the bridge superstructure and, once complete, restore a safe, reliable connection for the community and eliminate the current weight restriction. The detour crossing that will be used during construction also will receive needed repairs.

I know how much these weight restrictions can affect a community. A 15-ton limit can create challenges for local businesses, complicate travel, and force people to take longer routes. Residents deserve a bridge they can count on, and I’m committed to making sure we have the resources to fix this problem.

Securing state funding for local priorities is one of my top commitments as a state representative. I will continue fighting for state investment in Monroe and Pike counties for projects that improve our infrastructure, strengthen our communities, and help protect local taxpayers from having to shoulder the full cost of major improvements.

The funding is part of $54 million in Multimodal Transportation Fund grants announced by Gov. Josh Shapiro for 50 transportation projects across 27 Pennsylvania counties.

The state investment in Pike County’s bridge is one of several projects bringing resources to our region. In Monroe County, I’m also pleased to announce that Better Plants Farm in Stroudsburg has been awarded a $113,800 Agricultural Innovation Grant to support the installation of a hydroponics system. This funding will help owner Brian Candler put innovative technology to work on the farm, improving efficiency and production while exploring new approaches to agriculture here in our community.

Pennsylvania farmers and agricultural businesses are continually looking for ways to operate more efficiently, protect our natural resources, and build stronger, more sustainable operations. I’m glad to see Better Plants Farm receive this investment and put innovative technology into practice right here in Monroe County. The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program helps agricultural businesses across Pennsylvania adopt technologies and practices that improve efficiency and production, protect soil and water resources, and support clean, renewable energy.

Investments like this recognize the important role agriculture plays in Pennsylvania’s economy while giving farmers and agricultural businesses the tools they need to adapt and succeed. The next round of Agricultural Innovation Grant applications are scheduled to open September 1, 2026. More information about the program and how to apply is available here. Farmers and agricultural businesses with questions also can contact my office for assistance.

Rock legend Lenny Kaye has lent his voice to countless classic songs over the decades. Now, the Patti Smith Group guitarist, is lending his voice to a concern we all share: the rapid and uncontrolled spread of data centers.

Once again, an informative Smithfield Township meeting brought together smart, informed, and concerned citizens. The Supervisors are listening, and the power of an engaged community is exceptional. It is impressive to witness the township’s responsiveness and the respect shown to residents who are standing up for their community.

Data centers are bringing people together and galvanizing communities to stand up for their future. Lenny Kaye was right there in the room with his neighbors, lending his voice and experience to the effort to protect their local community.

That concern is being echoed across the region and in Harrisburg. I’m also committed to protecting the character of Monroe and Pike counties by working with the municipalities and my constituents regarding the large-scale data center developments that threaten our natural resources, infrastructure, and quality of life.

Meanwhile, statewide, Pennsylvania is taking steps to put stronger guardrails in place for data center development. Governor Shapiro has signed an executive order establishing some of the nation’s strictest protections:

• Local Control First: The state will require formal local municipal approval before reviewing permits, giving communities a greater say over projects in their own backyards.
• Energy Protections: Developers must provide binding commitments to source or fund their own power, helping prevent utility costs from being shifted onto everyday residents.
• No More Fast-Tracking: Data center proposals have been removed from the state’s permit fast-track program.

Fruit growers in Monroe and Pike counties are among those eligible for federal disaster assistance following the devastating late-April freeze that caused an estimated $150 million to $200 million in agricultural losses across Pennsylvania.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has expanded disaster designations to 48 additional Pennsylvania counties, bringing the total number of counties eligible for low-interest federal disaster recovery loans to 58. The designation also streamlines certain paperwork requirements for eligible apple growers with USDA crop insurance.

The freeze severely damaged apples, peaches, grapes, cherries, strawberries, and other fruit crops across the state, with some crops lost entirely.

Pennsylvania also has $10 million available through the Pennsylvania Fruit Grower Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants program to help growers recover from the losses.

Growers are encouraged to continue documenting and reporting freeze damage to their local USDA Farm Service Agency and to explore both federal and state assistance programs.

• Federal disaster assistance information: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/programs/disaster-assistance-programs
• Pennsylvania fruit grower freeze grant information: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/news-events/news/05-15-2026/usda-offers-disaster-assistance-agricultural-producers-pennsylvania
• USDA Farm Service Agency information:  https://www.fsa.usda.gov/
• Information on supporting Pennsylvania farms and buying locally grown fruit: https://www.papreferred.com/

?? Manufacturing Job Fair scheduled

If you're interested in manufacturing, there’s a great chance to meet local employers and learn about available positions at the Manufacturing Job Fair hosted by PA CareerLink® Monroe County.

?? Tuesday, September 1
? 10 AM–2 PM
?? PA CareerLink Monroe County

2937 Route 611 (Merchants Plaza), Tannersville, PA 18372

Employers will be on hand to discuss a variety of opportunities, from entry-level and part-time jobs to skilled trade positions and long-term career paths. Training and advancement opportunities may also be available.

?? Bring several copies of your resume, dress professionally, and be prepared to introduce yourself to potential employers.

?? For more information, contact (570) 620-2850.

Pennsylvania is taking another important step toward protecting its wildlife and natural resources. The Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission have released a draft Wildlife Action Plan for public review. The non-regulatory plan provides a long-term framework for conserving native fish and wildlife, protecting important habitats, and addressing threats to species that need the most attention. The draft identifies 858 Species of Greatest Conservation Need, including birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and hundreds of species of invertebrates.

Public input is an important part of the process, and Pennsylvanians are encouraged to review the draft plan and share their comments, concerns, and recommendations. The plan was developed by the two agencies and conservation partners using information about Pennsylvania’s wildlife, habitats, and conservation needs. Comments can be submitted through the public comment process here: https://www.pa.gov/wildlife-action-plan.

Public comments will be accepted through September 19. Whether you have expertise in conservation, or simply care about Pennsylvania’s wildlife, forests, waterways, and natural resources, this is an opportunity to make your voice heard and help shape the Commonwealth’s future conservation efforts.

Monroe County has two upcoming events designed to connect older adults, families, and community members with important information and resources.

?? Medicare 101: Introductory Presentation

The Monroe County PA Area Agency on Aging will host a free introductory presentation on Medicare for anyone who is new to the program or turning 65.

?? Thursday, September 10, 2026

?? 4:00–6:30 PM

?? Eastern Monroe Public Library

Registration is required. See flyer for more details.

?? Elder Justice Day

Monroe County is also sponsoring Elder Justice Day, an event focused on raising awareness, sharing resources, and helping protect older adults in our community.

The event will bring together community members for a day of helpful information and resources focused on issues affecting older adults.

?? Wednesday, September 16, 2026

?? Program: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

?? Doors open: 9:00 AM

?? Shawnee Inn

100 Shawnee Inn Drive

Shawnee-on-Delaware, PA 18356

Reservations are required. To reserve a spot, call (570) 420-3735 or email monroeaging@monroecountypa.gov.

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.

I had the pleasure of attending the AARP of the Poconos Chapter #633 Annual Barbecue.

I’ve been a proud member of this chapter for five years, and it truly is a wonderful group of people. Our gatherings are always filled with great conversation, plenty of laughter and a strong sense of community. The annual barbecue is always a special opportunity to come together and enjoy time with friends.

I’m always inspired by the energy, community spirit and genuine camaraderie among the members of this chapter.

Thank you to everyone at AARP Chapter #633 for another wonderful gathering. I’m grateful to be part of such a welcoming and engaged community.

I’m grateful for the work the Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS does to strengthen our communities and the housing market. Their legislative priorities focus on creating more opportunities for homeownership, helping make houses homes, and continually striving to learn, improve, and make dreams a reality.

They’ve navigated the ups and downs of the housing market with resilience, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to work alongside them here, and in Harrisburg.

Thank you for the invitation and for all you do!

Thank you to Action Together Northeastern PA and Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania for holding the press announcement at the EV station in Stroudsburg Borough.

We all deserve clean air, clean water, and access to our basic needs. Energy costs are rising, private equity is buying up essential resources, bad actors are putting our most precious resources at risk, and federal rollbacks are deeply concerning.

You can count on me to fight for a better future, fight for our region, and fight for smart growth while protecting our environment.

There is progress, and there is destruction. Once our natural resources are gone, they may never come back. Some things are simply worth fighting for.

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