Don’t let FirstEnergy make a power play
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This past weekend, I attended a meeting in Delaware Township regarding FirstEnergy’s proposed Shawnee-Walker 69kV transmission line project. I continue to stand with residents who have raised serious, unresolved concerns about its impact on our community.
As I’ve stated before, my priority is protecting the health, safety, and economic well-being of the people I represent. Issues like potential declines in property values, environmental impacts, disruption of open space, and risks to our rural character and public health cannot be overlooked.
I remain firmly opposed to this project in its current form and will continue advocating for transparency and accountability.
Read more in the Pike County Courier’s article.
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On the record about data centers
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In a recent interview with the Harrisburg ABC affiliate WHTM/ABC27, I shared my concerns about the rapid expansion of data centers in the Pocono region.
I’ve seen data center proposals move far too quickly into the communities I represent in Monroe and Pike counties, without enough meaningful input from local residents. While I understand the economic arguments being made, I’m not convinced by the industry’s messaging. As I’ve said before, they care about one thing and one thing only. That’s the almighty dollar, and I believe we need stronger guardrails to protect local land use, water resources, and the character of our region.
Watch the interview here.
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Protecting our feathered friends
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This video shot last week shows one of three eagle nests that would be affected by the proposed I-80 expansion project. These nests are among several important reasons why I oppose the project.
Beyond the damage to our waterways and wetlands, all for the sake of more concrete, this expansion also threatens local bald eagle nesting sites and the wildlife that depends on them.
Please see the attached video for more details.
I’ve also started an online petition to help scale back the I-80 expansion proposal—please, if you haven’t done so already, consider signing it:
https://www.pahouse.com/Probst/Petition/?id=1539
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Helping those who help others
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The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is reminding residents that help is available for the Commonwealth’s 2.4 million unpaid caregivers through the PA CareKit — an easy-to-use collection of resources designed to reduce stress and support those caring for aging loved ones. The toolkit offers practical guidance to help caregivers plan ahead, stay organized, and take time to care for themselves.
April’s Stress Awareness Month highlights just how important that support can be. Many caregivers juggle daily responsibilities while quietly managing long-term stress. The PA CareKit includes tips for physical, mental, and emotional well-being, along with information on respite care, support groups, and other services that can make caregiving more manageable.
Since launching in May 2025 as part of Aging Our Way, PA — the state’s first long-term plan to improve services for older adults — the PA CareKit has already connected more than 315,000 people with helpful resources. Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026–27 budget includes a $3 million investment to keep building on that progress. Learn more at pa.gov/Aging.
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The 2026 Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, May 19. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
The last day to register to vote is May 4. Registration can be done here.
The deadline to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is May 12. To apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot, please click here.
Completed mail-in and civilian absentee ballots must be received by your county election office no later than 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19.
For more information about the Primary Election, including poll locations, please visit the Monroe County Board of Elections website or the Pike County Board of Elections website.
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Learn about financing your child’s education
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Starting in 2027, some federal student loan borrowing will be capped at $100,000 under the federal government’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” In light of ongoing concerns about college affordability, I have signed on in support of the PA Promise Act.
This legislation establishes PA Promise to help reduce the financial burden on students and families and make higher education more accessible across Pennsylvania’s community colleges, state system universities, and state-related institutions.
As part of broader efforts to help families navigate college costs, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is also offering free virtual webinars designed to help students and families better understand how to finance higher education.
These sessions include:
Borrowing for Higher Education
This webinar reviews federal and private loan options and helps families evaluate borrowing decisions after financial aid is applied. Attendees can ask questions directly to PHEAA experts.
?? Thursday, May 7 | 12:00–12:45 PM
?? Tuesday, June 23 | 6:30–7:15 PM
Deep Dive into Covering the Gap
This session breaks down how to understand college bills, identify remaining costs after financial aid, and explore options to cover those gaps.
?? Tuesday, May 19 | 6:30–7:15 PM
?? Thursday, June 11 | 12:00–12:45 PM
?? Learn more or register: http://pheaa.org/virtual
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My team and I stand ready to assist you on a range of state-related programs. For help, or to speak with me or a staff member about an issue, please don't hesitate to contact my office at (570) 420-2850, by email at RepProbst@pahouse.net or stop by at 18 S. 9th St. in Stroudsburg from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
We also have weekly satellite office hours at 193 Municipal Dr. in Lehman Township from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 116 Wilson Hill Road in Delaware Township from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
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Delivering for you at the Capitol
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This week, my House colleagues and I passed important bills that will help our neighbors and improve communities:
We're protecting kids by making social media literacy information available in schools (HB 2176), requiring schools to notify parents when their child is involved in or experiencing bullying (HB 830),and ensuring that students have better access to school counselors (HB 2218).
All three bills head to the Senate for further consideration.
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Opportunity for high school students
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PennDOT and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful are accepting applications for the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program for students in grades 10–12.
The program focuses on building leadership and environmental stewardship skills through training, community projects, and engagement with industry and government leaders. Participants will serve from September 2026 through May 2027 and complete activities such as virtual training sessions, a community assessment, and a local cleanup or educational event.
Applications are open through June 10 and will be selected through a competitive process.
More information is available here:
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Don’t water down this message
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Please be advised that Pennsylvania American Water will be completing test-pitting work over the next few months at properties within the community to identify the materials of currently unknown utility and customer service lines.
Properties planned for test pitting will receive a pre-work postcard, email and doorhanger notifying the residents of the upcoming work. Typical work hours will be between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. If you have any further questions, please contact CDM Smith at 717-581-8599.
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Welcome and congrats to Wellness City in East Stroudsburg! My staffer Jessica toured the new facility and was there for the ribbon-cutting. This new wellness center is a testament to how the Poconos is spending more time investing in self care. Thank you for investing in our community!
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Kicked off The Monroe County Bar Association 5K. I was a proud sponsor, and they do wonderful things. This year PVEN is the recipient of the 5K proceeds. This money goes a long way in helping feed our most vulnerable in Monroe County. Thank you for giving back Monroe County Bar Association, it makes me proud.
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A little rain didn’t slow us down—though I was completely soaked as the lead ??. We had a great turnout at the free vaccination clinic with AWSOM Wellness Center and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau for Pick Up The Poconos!
A special thank you to our Stroudsburg Area School District Jr. High students for stepping up and working both events—your energy, commitment, and willingness to help made a real difference.
We’re grateful for your support in making the day such a success!
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Thank you for inviting me to speak at the Youth Infusion event at Camelback! It was so inspiring to see these young adults thrive.??
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We recently paid recognition to the Monroe County Correctional Facility officers and staff for years of service, new cadets, and promotions. Their dedication to law enforcement and Monroe County is priceless.
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The Safe Monroe Gala Of Hope at Stroudsmoor event, highlighted the survivors of abuse and recognizes of all the hard work and dedication from their staff who help our community stay safe. They are all heroes! A special congratulations to my dear friend, Jane Gagliardo, who was honored with the Champion Of Hope award. She never stops caring and helping victims of abuse. My community is wonderful. ??
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I had a great time at the Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care USA Community Day Open House at Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care USA in Middle Smithfield Township. It was wonderful joining community members and partners for an afternoon of tours, meditation, yoga, sound bath experiences, and great food while exploring the beautifully renovated Pocono Palace.
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Did you know that various state and federal grant opportunities are updated regularly on my website? You can find them here. My office can help your organization with the application. Please contact us for assistance.
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District Office
18 South 9th Street
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(570) 420-2850
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
5-A East Wing Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-1421
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