I’m writing in response to misleading text messages recently sent to residents across Monroe and Pike counties about recent education tax credit legislation, and to clarify what it actually does.

House Bill 2632 does not cut funding from Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax or Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs. The legislation maintains the full $680 million allocation for the 2026–27 fiscal year, and students currently receiving scholarships will continue to do so without interruption.

The bill focuses on strengthening support for students while improving transparency and accountability. It also expands access to early childhood education programs for children from birth to age 2 and broadens opportunities for some of Pennsylvania’s lowest-income students.

Importantly, it adds stronger reporting and oversight, including additional review by the Auditor General’s Office, so taxpayers can better understand how these funds are distributed and who benefits.

The misleading messages circulating about this bill raise the question of why anyone would oppose greater transparency and accountability. This legislation does not cut funding or eliminate scholarships; it strengthens oversight and provides the public with clearer information about a $680 million tax credit program that allows corporations to reduce their tax burden, ultimately supported by Pennsylvania’s working families.

This legislation is about transparency—not cuts.

As always, my office is available if you have questions.

I’m fighting to keep our best and brightest here to learn AND to earn by helping students afford college. I was proud to vote for the PA Promise – a new program to deliver grants to deserving students at our state colleges and universities. HB 2084 passed the House – please contact Sen. Rosemary Brown and urge her to keep the promise!

The weather was beautiful, and we had a great crowd at my annual Women's Expo! I'm happy to once again partner with Rep. Maureen Madden to continue providing information on the many programs and services available for all ages in Monroe and Pike counties.

I am challenging recent environmental permits issued for the Interstate 80 Reconstruction Project for construction in Stroud Township following approvals by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and PennDOT, along with coordinated branches of the federal government. An appeal has been filed with the state’s Environmental Hearing Board seeking a formal review to ensure all required rules and environmental protections were properly followed before the work proceeds.

My responsibility is to protect our community’s environment, including streams, wetlands, and water resources. Major construction projects must follow strict regulations to prevent flooding, erosion, and pollution. This appeal ensures those standards were met and that natural resources are not put at risk.

The permits at issue are required to protect water quality and prevent flooding. I am concerned the current I-80 expansion plans might not adequately safeguard local waterways and ecosystems.

This action reflects my role in ensuring development is responsible and that watershed health remains a priority. Growth must be safe, sustainable, and transparent.

A prior permit I appealed, now under review by the Environmental Hearing Board, involves the Sunny Brook Mitigation Bank in Damascus Township. According to i80project.com, PennDOT has also proposed to “move” or mitigate Stroudsburg wetlands as part of the broader project.

My staff and I will continue monitoring this issue and keeping the community informed.

You can add your voice by signing our petition to support efforts to scale back PennDOT’s I-80 Expansion Project, if you have not done so already.

I attended the question-and-answer session at the Delaware Township Municipal Building about the proposed FirstEnergy Shawnee-Walker 69-kV Transmission Line project in Pike County. The room was filled with concerned citizens who were incredibly knowledgeable and well-informed about the project. They asked important questions that couldn't be answered, and they rightfully demanded answers. I do too.

If you share these concerns, make your voice heard.

?? Email your comments and questions to FirstEnergy's project team at transmissionprojects@firstenergycorp.com

?? Call the project representative line at 888-311-4737 to provide your feedback.

?? When permits are filed, formal comments and protests can be submitted through the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

??? To learn more about the proposed route and view project maps spanning Monroe and Pike Counties, visit the FirstEnergy Shawnee-Walker Project Page:
https://fecorp.co/ShawneeWalkerProject

Every comment matters. Stay informed, ask questions, and demand the answers our communities deserve.

I joined my House colleagues in voting to pass a package of bills that hold big tech accountable in Pennsylvania and give counties and municipalities stronger tools to respond to the rapid growth of data centers.

House Bill 2198 would end a tax break created in 2021 to attract data centers to Pennsylvania. Since many of these facilities have already been built, the exemption has cost the state more than $80 million so far and could cost significantly more going forward. Supporters argue the incentive is no longer necessary given the industry’s profitability, and raise concerns about the growing strain data centers place on electricity demand, water use, and surrounding communities.

House Bill 2650 recognizes that today’s data centers are far larger and often backed by major corporate entities. It would require companies seeking state support to demonstrate responsible practices—showing they will not increase electricity costs for residents, clearly disclosing projected energy and water usage, providing meaningful local benefits, and complying with environmental safeguards—or risk losing eligibility for state assistance.

House Bill 2496 would give local governments the option to implement a 180-day temporary pause on new data center applications. This pause would allow municipalities time to evaluate potential impacts, engage the public, and adopt appropriate local protections before moving forward with major development decisions.

All three bills were debated this week and passed the House with strong bipartisan support. They now move to the Senate for further consideration.

Pennsylvania’s 2026–27 general hunting licenses are now on sale, along with antlerless license sales for residents.

Residents are guaranteed an antlerless license for any Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) if purchased before July 13, when the first round of sales opens to nonresidents. One antlerless license may be purchased per round during the first three rounds.

Licenses can be purchased online at huntfish.pa.gov or in person through an issuing agent.

In addition to this license information, we also want to hear from hunters and outdoor enthusiasts about the upcoming season structure.

We are still collecting comments on when the deer season should start. You can share your feedback here.

The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities has launched My Money, a new online resource that brings together financial education materials, fraud prevention information, and consumer assistance resources in one place. The site offers guidance on topics ranging from higher education and homeownership to retirement and unexpected financial challenges, while helping Pennsylvanians recognize, avoid, and report scams and fraud. Users can access the resource at pa.gov/MyMoney, where they can find educational tools, publications, state and federal resources, and information about contacting the department’s Consumer Help Center for assistance.

Greater Shiloh in Stroudsburg and Sun Meals have partnered together to offer weekly meal boxes for children ages 1-18. The distribution of meals from 5-7 p.m. every Monday in the Greater Shiloh parking lot. Families must sign up through Sun Meals using this link.

In celebration of America250PA, there are four active Passport Programs available in Monroe County.

Our region is rich in history, heritage, and culture. From historical markers and museums to cultural centers and other local treasures, these programs offer a great opportunity to learn more about the people, places, and events that have shaped our community.

Simply scan the QR codes and check in at participating locations as you explore. Whether you're a lifelong resident or visiting for the first time, there's always something new to discover right here in Monroe County.

The Monroe County Bar Association will be hosting a Name Change Clinic 10 a.m.- 1p.m, Saturday at the Sherman Showcase. The event is to help individuals who want a name change but do not wish to have the petition published. Scan the QR code below for more information and to register!

It was wonderful to welcome our staff and interns to the Capitol during recent session days.

I was especially happy to have my staff, Jessica Smith and Madisyn Holmes, recognized on the House floor this week. We are excited to have Madisyn interning with our office this summer. She is a senior at Syracuse University pursuing a double major in Political Science and Television, Radio, and Film on the pre-law track. Madisyn also serves as a Team Leader for HeadCount in the Philadelphia region, where she leads civic engagement efforts focused on voter registration and participation among young people. With a strong interest in entertainment, media, and legal advocacy, she aspires to a career in entertainment law, with a long-term goal of representing artists and creatives from underrepresented communities while advancing equity and inclusion in the industry.

We also enjoyed a visit from our summer intern Julian Gajewski in Harrisburg. Julian is an upcoming junior at the University of Southern California, where he is pursuing a dual degree in Legal Studies and Political Economy. An alum of Stroudsburg High School, he plans to work in an economics-related field before attending law school, with a focus on constitutional law.

Grateful for the energy and dedication both Madisyn and Julian bring to our office during this busy session season.

Juneteenth in Stroudsburg Borough was filled with entertainment, love, and friendships.

I was the Mayor when concerts in the park started in 2016, next to the courthouse… look what it has become! So fun! Thank you Stroudsburg Borough for putting on such great events! That decade flew by!

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