I’m proud to report I voted to fund transit in every county, improve accountability, and invest hundreds of millions of new funding into fixing roads and bridges all over the commonwealth. The House voted 108-95 on August 11 to fully fund transit - for the fifth time - and sent the legislation to the state Senate.  

Transit keeps our economy moving – it’s how workers get to their job, students get to class, and seniors to the store and the doctor. Beyond that, transit keeps hundreds of thousands of cars off the road and supports jobs across the commonwealth. Transit and road construction jobs pay family-sustaining wages and can’t be outsourced, and those jobs end up creating more jobs as companies move and expand based on strong, reliable infrastructure.

Now, the state Senate must do its job and vote for sustainable transit funding to put LANTA, and other transit organizations across the commonwealth back on solid footing and with the funding they need. There are 32 transit organizations across PA receiving funding.

DID YOU KNOW?

• PA transit generates $5.4 billion in economic activity each year.
• More than 1 million Pennsylvanians ride transit every day.
• PA's mass transit systems directly employs nearly 40,000 workers.

You may get a letter from the Pennsylvania Treasury, informing you that the state owes you money. Why would that be? Well, the PA Treasury is the repository for uncashed paychecks, closed bank accounts, insurance payments and refunds, rebates...and more! If you got a letter, you can sit tight - you won't have to do a thing.

Once you receive it, you can start counting, because you will next get a check - within about 45 days. One in 10 Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property - if you didn't get a letter, you can still check to see if there's something for you! Call my office at 610-867-3890 for more information.  

Three out of every four weeks a month my staff and I offer the office’s services to you in a location beyond the district office in downtown Bethlehem. If you need our help and getting downtown is an issue, perhaps one of these locations might be more convenient -- mark your calendars, and we'll see you there.

The Southside stride

I always look forward to August and the opportunity to visit some of my youngest constituents as they embark on a new journey in education. The future of Bethlehem is bright with students like these joining the ranks, and I'm grateful to accompany the amazing faculty and staff of our great schools in the Bethlehem Area School District as they go the extra mile in summer to greet their incoming students at their homes. This month I joined teachers at William Penn Elementary School and Broughal Middle School in welcoming new students.   

The Wildcat Walk

"Let Freedom Ring" is the new theme for the signs when you enter PA, and the message on the new license plates that are now available! The new plates are optional, and you can order them through PennDOT. And, when it comes time to renew your registration, did you know there's a discount for older Pennsylvanians based on income? If you are retired and make less than $29,906/year, your registration will only cost $12. 

Pennsylvania State Capitol

209 Irvis Office Building

PO Box 202135

Harrisburg, PA 17120-2135
(717) 705-1881

District Office

104 East Broad Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018

(610) 867-3890