Investing in Child Care Means Investing in Pennsylvania’s Future
This week, I joined the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women, parents, educators, and local leaders, at Tiny Steps Child Care Center in Honesdale to highlight the need for continued investment in Pennsylvania’s child care system.
Access to affordable, high-quality child care is not a partisan issue—it’s a workforce issue, an economic issue, and a family issue. These services are essential to the stability of our families and communities.
In Harrisburg, I’ve been proud to support bipartisan efforts that make child care more affordable—like expanding tax credits for families—and creating incentives for employers to offer child care options. We’re also focused on strengthening the early childhood workforce so providers can recruit and retain qualified educators. When we support those who care for our children, we build a stronger foundation for the future.
Thank you to Tiny Steps Child Care Center for hosting this important conversation. I’ll continue working to ensure Pennsylvania’s children, families, and workforce have the support they need to succeed.
Free Tick Testing Available for Pennsylvania Residents
As we welcome the warmer months and more time outdoors, I want to remind everyone that May is Lyme & Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Month—a timely opportunity to focus on prevention and early detection. Above, I am pictured with Dr. Nicole Chinnici, Director of the Pennsylvania Tick Lab.
Pennsylvania unfortunately leads the nation in reported Lyme disease cases, which is why I fought to secure funding to offer free tick testing through East Stroudsburg University’s Tick Research Lab. This service is available to all residents across the Commonwealth, and I encourage you to take advantage of it.
Awareness and early detection are key. By submitting a tick for testing, you can receive results that may help your healthcare provider quickly diagnose and treat any tick-borne illness. The lab tests for multiple diseases, and the process is simple and accessible.
Spring and summer are wonderful seasons to enjoy all that our beautiful region has to offer—but they also bring a higher risk of tick exposure. Please remember to use repellent, check yourself and your loved ones after being outdoors, and send in any ticks you find.
You can learn more or submit a tick for testing by visiting TickLab.org.
Scenes from the 40th District
This week’s photo winner comes courtesy of Francis of Pocono Summit, who took this gorgeous photo of swans at Pocono Lake. Francis’ photo has been shared on my social media and posted to the 40th Senatorial District Photo Gallery.
Interested in showcasing your photography skills?
I am inviting residents of the 40th Senatorial District to share their photography and help capture the beauty and character of our community. Whether it’s a stunning landscape, a lively community event, or a cherished historical landmark, I encourage you to submit photos that highlight the unique aspects of our district, which includes parts of Lackawanna and Wayne counties, and all of Monroe County.
Click here to submit your work and learn more.
Free Community Shredding Event
Residents are invited to join us at the Pocono Township Municipal Building for a free paper shredding event designed to help safely dispose of sensitive documents and guard against identity theft. This event provides a secure way to get rid of old bills, bank statements, and other confidential paperwork you no longer need.
The event is free and open to the public, but please note it is limited to residential documents only—no business materials will be accepted. It’s a simple and effective way to protect your personal information while tidying up your records.
Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence with Top Notch Distributors
I was honored to attend the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Top Notch Distributors in Honesdale, Wayne County!
Founded by Chuck and Wanda Jurgensen, Top Notch has grown over the past five decades into one of the nation’s largest distributors of commercial and residential door hardware. Today, the company proudly employs more than 100 Pennsylvanians and over 130 team members nationwide—a remarkable testament to their commitment to family-sustaining jobs and long-term success.
Congratulations to the Jurgensen family and the entire Top Notch team for 50 years of innovation, hard work, and deep community involvement. It was a privilege to celebrate this incredible milestone with you, and I look forward to watching your continued growth in the years to come.
Honoring Our Fallen Firefighters in Monroe County
Last weekend, I had the solemn privilege of attending the Monroe County Fireman Association’s 30th Annual Memorial Service, a moving ceremony that honors the brave men and women in our fire service community who have passed away over the last year.
Each of these individuals leaves behind a legacy of courage, service, and selflessness. Their commitment to protecting our communities will never be forgotten.
Before the service, I had the honor of presenting the Association with a special citation of appreciation for their unwavering dedication to preserving this important tradition. For 30 years, they have provided a space for reflection, gratitude, and unity as we remember and celebrate the lives of our volunteer firefighters.
To the families, friends, and fellow service members—please know your loved ones’ sacrifice and service continues to be deeply valued and respectfully remembered.
Celebrating a New Eagle Scout
This past weekend in Gilbert, I had the privilege of attending a very special ceremony to celebrate Jack Deemer’s remarkable achievement of earning the rank of Eagle Scout.
Reaching Eagle Scout is no small feat. It requires years of dedication, leadership, service, and a strong commitment to community. Jack’s accomplishment is a reflection of his hard work, character, and the support of those around him.
Congratulations, Jack, on this outstanding milestone! I’m confident your leadership and service will continue to benefit our community for years to come.
Best of luck College Students!
While visiting Scranton today, I had the pleasure of meeting a very special member of the Lackawanna College campus community—Link the Therapy Dog—and his wonderful handler, Rachel.
To all students across the 40th District: you’ve worked hard, and you’re almost there! Stay focused, take care of yourselves, and know that you’re almost to the finish line.
Best of luck on your finals—you’ve got this!
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