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Legislative Update |
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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In this update:
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Opposing Berkheimer’s Push to Cut Notification Requirements |
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W. Nanticoke bridge Update: Coordinating Across Agencies for Reconstruction and Traffic Relief |
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30+ Tires Removed from Plymouth Township Drainage Ditch |
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Federal Workforce Development Roundtable Held in Nanticoke |
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Upcoming Events |
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Opposing Berkheimer’s Push to Cut Notification Requirements
We’re back in Harrisburg, spring is upon us and bad bills are blooming while we prepare for the state budget to be debated in June.
Berkheimer, one of the agencies responsible for collecting many of our taxes, recently testified in front of our House Finance Committee in support of legislation to remove the certified mail notice requirement before garnishing wages for delinquent taxes. I’ve seen this movie before — for years, my constituents have been mailing in their tax payments along with pre-addressed envelopes with stamps, which Berkheimer would then use to mail back receipts. Taxpayers relied on those receipts for their records and to complete their Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications. Then, without notice, Berkheimer ended the practice — and now my office has become their customer service line because no one can get ahold of them. Just last week, they requested yet another break from mailing, which will be at the expense of the taxpayer.
I voted against the bill when it was reported from committee, and I will also oppose this legislation when it comes to the full House a vote.
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West Nanticoke Bridge Update: Coordinating Across Agencies for Reconstruction and Traffic Relief
Last week, I met with federal, state, county, and local officials to begin evaluating a game plan for the reconstruction of the West Nanticoke Bridge.
With multiple agencies involved, each moving on different tracks and timelines, coordination is key.
As the Luzerne County administration enters the design phase and begins mapping out a timeline, we are also working with PennDOT on immediate solutions to help address the congestion and traffic issues caused by the bridge closure.
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30+ Tires Removed from Plymouth Township Drainage Ditch
When a constituent reached out regarding tires illegally dumped in a drain in Plymouth Township, admittedly, I at first didn’t even know where to go! I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to some community partners that spearheaded the cleanup, including Bobby Hughes and the entire team at Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR) – you’ve become a valuable partner in tackling challenges where government may not always have the tools or flexibility to respond alone.
Thank you as well to The Tire Guys for your help with recycling logistics. I’m looking forward to working together to advance responsible fiscal policy.
Through this partnership, nearly three dozen illegally dumped tires were removed from a drainage ditch along State Route 11 in Plymouth Township.
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Federal Workforce Roundtable Held in Nanticoke
During a recent visit to Nanticoke, Congressman Rob Bresnahan and U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer hosted a roundtable discussion at IBEW Local 163’s JATC training center. Secretary Chavez-DeRemer, a member of President Trump’s cabinet, launched her “America at Work” listening tour at the event. I was proud to join fellow members of the state Legislature, local officials and representatives from Northeast Building Trades to discuss workforce development and job growth across our region.
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Upcoming Events
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Shredding and electronics recycling, Saturday, May 10, Hanover Area Junior/Senior High School, 1600 Sans Souci Parkway, Hanover Township, 18706. |
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Shredding and electronics recycling, Saturday, Aug. 9, Crestwood High School, 281 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top, 18707. |
Both events will run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The shredding events are available at no cost and give individuals the opportunity to securely dispose of sensitive information. There is a limit of three boxes per car.
The electronics recycling programs will be handled by a third-party recycling company. The electronics recycling events allow for free disposal of items such as computers (laptops and desktop, smartphones, tablets, printers, office phones, video game consoles, modems, routers, cameras, DVD players, VCRs, audio/video equipment, wires and chargers, hard drives, memory cards, power tools, and appliances.
Other items, such as LCD monitors, televisions and floor copiers, can be disposed of for a nominal fee to the recycling company.
Please contact my offices in Nanticoke, 570-902-4082, or Mountain Top, 570-403-2371, with questions about the electronics recycling program.
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