Delivering Results: Senator Brown Publishes Complete List of Passed Laws
Since being elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2010 and later to the Pennsylvania State Senate in 2022, I have worked diligently to remain accessible, dedicated, and a common-sense problem-solver for our community. I am proud to have successfully passed several bipartisan laws during my time in the legislature, always prioritizing our district’s needs.
To showcase the work we’ve accomplished together, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the legislation I have personally authored. I invite you to review this list and see how we are making progress on issues critical to our community.
View the list here.
A Closer Look at Energy Affordability and Reliability
Pennsylvania’s families cannot afford higher energy costs, especially as inflation further stretches household budgets. Any policy that could exacerbate these challenges must be carefully reviewed, particularly in terms of its impact on electricity prices, grid stability, and job security.
About a year ago, the Commonwealth Court ruled against imposing the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) carbon tax, determining that Governor Wolf’s executive order to join RGGI was unconstitutional. The court emphasized that Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI can only occur through legislation passed by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, rather than through executive action. The current Governor’s administration appealed the Commonwealth Court’s ruling.
As a reminder, RGGI is a multi-state initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions through, essentially, a tax on carbon emissions for electricity producers. In 2019, Governor Wolf circumvented the legislative process to join RGGI through an executive order. Since, there has been ongoing litigation regarding the constitutionality of this order.
This week, briefs were filed by Senate leaders to prevent RGGI implementation. Additionally, the Senate is prepared to pass legislation to repeal the RGGI Energy Tax that has already been introduced if the legal process isn’t successful.
We also passed bills that would ensure Pennsylvanians have options regarding fuel availability, help to secure the state’s future as a hub for carbon capture and sequestration and most effectively capitalize on the state’s abundant natural resources through the creation of the Independent Energy Office to provide impartial data.
Free Webinars Provide Useful College Financial Aid Info
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is holding free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process.
On Tuesday, Sept. 24, at noon, speakers will discuss the financial aid timeline. On Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m., speakers will focus on how to search for scholarships and pay for any remaining costs.
Register to attend the one-hour webinars.
Welcome, Charles!
Please join me in welcoming our new intern, Charles, to the team! A Marine veteran and political science student at Montclair State University, Charles has been a great addition to the office. A resident of the 40th District, Charles is also a fan of the Yankees, Rangers, and Jets. We’re thrilled to have him on board as we continue to work hard for our community. Welcome, Charles!
RSVP’s SPECTACULAR Program Returns!
We are announcing the return of RSVP’s SPECTACULAR, a fantastic volunteer-run program that introduces Spanish to preschoolers aged 3-5 through fun games, stories, and engaging activities! This unique opportunity offers young learners a chance to develop language skills in an enjoyable and interactive environment.
Spaces for this popular program fill up quickly, so don’t miss out! If you have a little one eager to learn, sign up today! You may do so by calling (570) 420-3747 or by emailing rsvp@monroecountypa.gov
Out and About Listening to You
This past week, I had the privilege of participating in two incredible events at Kinsley’s ShopRite in Brodheadsville and Bill’s ShopRite. At Kinsley’s, Cancer Fundraising Day was a huge success, with activities like food tastings, music from Gary in the Morning, and face painting for the kids. The community also came together to contribute to the West End Food Pantry while enjoying great deals.
At Bill’s ShopRite, I took part in the “Help Bag Hunger” initiative, where I joined fellow community members and employees in bagging groceries to support hunger relief efforts.
Kudos to Kinsley’s and Bill’s ShopRite for their outstanding commitment to our community.
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