Rising utility costs are putting real pressure on Pennsylvania families. I spoke about my House Bill 1457, which would prohibit utility companies from adding weather normalization adjustments — charges or credits based on weather-related calculations — to customers’ utility bills.

HB 1457 is part of the broader Energy Affordability package, which aims to protect ratepayers, address rising energy costs, modernize our electric grid, and prepare for growing demand from data centers.

The package also includes:

• H.B. 2380 — Grid-Scale Battery Storage
• H.B. 2131 — Returning Customers to Default Energy Service
• H.B. 2264 — Virtual Power Plant Programs
• H.B. 2224 — Return on Equity

Learn more about the Energy Affordability package here.

I’m pleased to announce that $1,183,200 in state funding is coming to Monroe County through Pennsylvania’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program. These grants will help preserve open space, plan for future recreational needs and improve local parks.

The grants include:

• Pocono Heritage Land Trust: $948,600 to help preserve the Schmitt Cherry Valley property as critical habitat and open space.
• Stroud Region Open Space & Recreation Commission: $78,100 to develop a plan for the future of local parks, recreation and open space.
• Stroud Township: $156,500 to make improvements at Jay Albertson Park.

Our open spaces, natural areas and parks are part of what makes Monroe County such a special place to live, work and raise a family. I’m proud to fight for funding that protects our environment, preserves our natural resources and gives residents more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Throughout my time in the state House, I’ve made open space preservation and environmental protection priorities. Investments like these help our communities conserve important natural areas, plan responsibly for future growth and maintain high-quality recreational spaces for residents.

Protecting our open spaces, preserving our natural resources and investing in places where families can enjoy the outdoors will always be priorities for me. I’ll continue working alongside our local communities to secure funding and support projects that protect what makes Monroe and Pike counties such wonderful places to live, work and raise a family.

The Community Conservation Partnerships Program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. It provides grants to support recreation, conservation and community revitalization projects across Pennsylvania.

I have always been a NO on large-scale data center developments in Monroe and Pike counties, and I’m not changing my position. I support good-paying union jobs and responsible growth, but never at the expense of our water, environment, wildlife, or the quality of life of our communities. I’ve already taken action by providing municipalities with language to help protect themselves because our residents deserve a seat at the table—not to be left dealing with the consequences of developers putting profits first.

Unlike politicians who change their positions when it becomes politically convenient, I’ve been consistent in standing up for the people I represent. I will never be bought and sold for campaign contributions, unlike other politicians serving Monroe and Pike Counties. I am an open book and stand up for my constituents and their communities. I always have, and I always will.

Read more in the Pocono Record: Where does Tarah Probst stand on data centers? State rep shares view. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a critical time to prioritize early detection through regular mammograms. According to the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, finding breast cancer early pushes the five-year survival rate over 90%. To safeguard your health, the coalition recommends scheduling an annual mammogram starting at age 40 (or earlier if you are at an increased risk), alongside performing regular at-home breast self-checks and knowing your personal risk factors.

For residents in Monroe and Pike counties looking to schedule an appointment, the coalition maintains a centralized, accredited PBCC 3D Mammography Center Directory. Thanks to bipartisan Pennsylvania coverage laws, high-risk individuals with state-regulated insurance have no-cost access to advanced screenings, and the PBCC can help connect uninsured or underinsured residents with free mammogram resources.

The Pennsylvania Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement is accepting applications for people interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement and public safety.
 

Liquor Enforcement Officers conduct inspections and investigations at licensed establishments throughout the Commonwealth, working both in uniform and in plainclothes to help ensure compliance with Pennsylvania’s liquor laws.

Applicants must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Have a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Pass a background investigation
• Meet required training and physical standards

Selected candidates complete approximately 16 weeks of training, including physical conditioning and classroom instruction.

Applications for the current hiring cycle must be submitted through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s employment website by November 27.

The Monroe County Dementia Coalition invites individuals living with dementia, care partners, family members, friends, and professionals to attend “Understanding Anticipatory Grief in Dementia Care,” a community learning program at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 11 at the Eastern Monroe Public Library in Stroudsburg.

Reservations are required. Please scan the QR code on the flyer to register, or call or text Barbara Van Nortwick at 570-236-3380 to reserve your spot.

The Monroe County Community Action Agency, serving Monroe and Pike counties, is conducting a Community Needs Assessment Survey and invites residents to share their input. The survey will help identify community needs and priorities to guide programs, services, and resources for 2026 through 2029.

The survey covers topics such as health care, mental health, food access, housing, employment, transportation, childcare, and other community supports. Your feedback will help the agency better understand the needs and experiences of residents and inform future community planning.

The survey is open through October 23. Scan the QR code on the flyer or complete the survey online. The survey can be completed on a phone or computer, and no account or password is required.

For questions or assistance, call (570) 517-3130.

Pike County, in partnership with Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, offers landowners an opportunity to remove invasive plants and receive native plants in return.
 

?? Eligible participants must complete an application and provide photo evidence of invasive species removal. The program is first-come, first-served, and supplies are limited.
 

?? Application deadline: April 30

?? Apply at https://www.pikepa.org/living___working/community_planning/invasive_species/index.phpor scan the QR code on the flyer for details.

Help protect Pike County’s native habitats and pollinators. ??

The Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council wants to hear from Pennsylvanians with disabilities about what matters most to them and how to improve independent living services and support across the state.

Join the conversation and help shape policies and services that support independent living and expand opportunities for people with disabilities across Pennsylvania.

?? 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026

?? My CIL, 1142 Sanderson Ave., Scranton, PA 18509

Your participation matters, and your perspective can help guide meaningful change.

If you can't attend in person, you can still share your input by joining one of the following virtual sessions:

?? Tuesday, Oct. 20: Virtual Session 1

?? Tuesday, Nov. 3: Virtual Session 2

You can also share your thoughts in writing. Written comments are accepted through Dec. 31, 2026. Email spil@pasilc.org or call 717-364-1732.

As we approach the General Election on Tuesday, November 3, here are some key dates to remember:

• Monday, Oct. 19 – Last day to register to vote
• Tuesday, Oct. 27– Last day to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot
• Tuesday, Nov. 3 – Election Day: Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters must be in line by 8 p.m. to cast their ballot.
• 8 p.m. on Nov. 3 – Deadline for mail-in and absentee ballots to be received

To find your polling location, update your voter information or for more voter services, visit vote.pa.gov.

Congratulations to Charese Sanders, Metamorphosis Women’s Empowerment Initiative, and her amazing team on opening H.O.M.E. Re-Entry Services for men in Smithfield Township!

A big congratulations as well to Gillow’s Tax Service and Where The Needs Lead Us! We are so proud of these businesses and their dedication to caring for our community. East Stroudsburg Borough is fortunate to have you!

Last but certainly not least, congratulations to the Brodhead Watershed Association for honoring Joseph Memoli for his service to our community at its annual dinner! Middle Smithfield Township is incredibly fortunate to have you, and your dedication to protecting our beautiful Pocono waterways is truly remarkable. This recognition is well deserved!

I am so proud to represent this community and the phenomenal people who make it such a special place to live, work, and serve! ??

A special thank you to the Board of Directors — Yolanda Cruz, Michelle Fernandez, Giselli Perez, Mario Arostegui, and Carmen Delfi — for making this dream a reality and helping expand scholarship opportunities for our local students.

It was an excellent celebration of community, culture, and education. And I’m happy to report that I’m finally learning how to salsa dance! 

Greek Fest in South Stroudsburg! The food! The fun! The entertainment is always second to none! Opa!!!!

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