PA State Rep. Mike Cabell

It’s great to hear the Hazleton YMCA is getting close to reopening again. Community leaders and supporters gathered at the South Church Street site this morning to hear an update about ongoing renovations.

The first phase of the project is focused on child care, with plans to upgrade classrooms and expand capacity to serve up to 150 children with preschool and after-school activities. The target date to complete the child care center is Nov. 15. In the near future, the gymnasium, wellness center and aquatic center will all be reopened as well.

More than $700,000 in state funding has made the work possible, along with private donations and local investments through the state-supported Neighborhood Assistance Program.

From left to right are Senator David G. Argall; David Pedri, The Luzerne Foundation president and CEO; Jim Thomas, Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA CEO; Lissette Dishmey, Hazleton YMCA executive director; PA State Rep. Dane Watro; Kevin O’Boyle, Greater Wyoming Valley YMCA board president; Chris Pavlick, Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat's executive assistant; and from my office, legislative aide Amy Michelli.

🚧 These PennDOT projects could impact your daily commute this week in 𝗟𝘂𝘇𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆: https://shorturl.at/tvE14

🚨 Please exercise caution when driving through a work zone.

The PA Turnpike Commission is advising a smishing scam is again being sent to random individuals, aiming to deceive them to share their personal financial information to settle outstanding toll amounts.

Smishing is a type of cybercrime that uses deceptive text messages to trick people into sharing sensitive information or sending money to cybercriminals

The texts purport to be from “Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll Services” and center on urgent requests with the account that would result in additional charges if the overdue balance does not get settled. Similar scams have been reported recently by toll agencies across the country.

People who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from the PA Turnpike or another toll agency should not click on the link. E-ZPass account holders and Toll by Plate customers can use approved safe methods to check their accounts such as the official PA Turnpike E-ZPass website or the PA Toll Pay app available from the Apple App Store, or Google Play store.

Those who receive a fraudulent text can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. That is a site dedicated to sharing information on Internet crimes across law enforcement agencies.

An eyesore on Centre Street in Foster Township was demolished on Tuesday thanks to a $209,000 county Local Share Account (LSA) grant I secured for the township with the help of Senator David G. Argall. The funding is derived from gaming revenues.

The double home was in dilapidated condition, and the site will now be made "pad ready" for some future commercial use. As part of the same project, eight underground gas tanks have been removed from the rear of the property where a gas station once stood.

I toured the site with, from left, Foster Township Code/Zoning Officer Brian Maso, Township Supervisor Todd Titus, Sen. Argall, Township Manager Brittany Majewski and Township Supervisor John Pavuk.

Praying for President Trump and all those affected by today’s tragic attack. My deepest condolences to the family of the innocent spectator who was killed, and I extend my heartfelt prayers for those injured. There is no place for political violence in our nation. Huge thanks to the Secret Service and law enforcement for their bravery. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Congratulations to everyone at Cross Valley Federal Credit Union on the grand opening of your brand-new branch office in Shavertown!

I was unable to be there because the House is currently in session, so Carol Sweeney from my Dallas district office (second from left) attended today's ribbon-cutting ceremony on my behalf.

We had a great time for a great cause at City View Park in Hazleton on Thursday!

The fourth annual DeAngelo Family Independence Day Charity Event supports the local autism community, youth sports, cancer research and disabled veterans.

I was happy to attend along with, from left, PA State Rep. Dane Watro and Senator David G. Argall. Paul DeAngelo Sr. (second from left) is also pictured.

I applaud the Hazleton Area School Board for voting yesterday to keep community-based, K-8 schools in Drums, Freeland and other areas across the district.

I believe this is the more family-friendly option and will avoid a lot of upheaval and inconvenience for students, parents and staff.

Hazleton Area is facing many challenges as its enrollment continues to grow, and I know that necessitates some changes, but my hope was the board would see what is working and would not drastically alter course.

Thank you to everyone who submitted comments and made their voices heard.

Companion legislation to a House bill I am sponsoring that would allow delayed school enrollment in Pennsylvania for young children with autism passed this week in the Senate.

Senate Bill 1157, also known as Roman’s Law, sponsored by Senator David G. Argall, is now under consideration in the House of Representatives.

The legislation would allow the parents or guardians of children who have reached the compulsory school age of 6 to request a waiver from the PA Department of Education to delay school enrollment for one year if the child has been diagnosed with autism or other developmental and intellectual disabilities. The child would also be eligible to receive early intervention services from the state during the waiver period.

Children diagnosed with autism or other developmental delays and intellectual disabilities often require specialized attention and tailored learning approaches. My proposal is grounded in the belief that such an enrollment adjustment could better cater to the unique and intensive educational needs of these students.

The bill is named after Roman DeAngelo, a Luzerne County boy with autism whose parents have advocated for the enrollment change.

I had the opportunity to spend some time with one of my young constituents at the state Capitol on Tuesday. Shelby Traver of Sweet Valley spent the day "shadowing" Senator Lisa Baker (left) to get an up-close look at state government.

Shelby has a very impressive resume. The Lake-Lehman School District alumna recently graduated from the University of Scranton where she majored in international business, political science and philosophy. Shelby has also earned a Fulbright scholarship to study women in politics in Rwanda this fall. We wish Shelby all the best in her future endeavors!

I have heard from many concerned constituents about the Hazleton Area School District’s proposals to reconfigure grades as part of a plan to build a new school.

Under one option that I strongly oppose, Drums Elementary Middle School would host grades 6 through 8 only, and Valley Elementary Middle School and Freeland Elementary Middle School would host grades K-5.

I have not heard from one person who believes it’s a good idea to change the nature of these schools. The district is looking to add capacity by realigning which grades go to which buildings, but I don’t believe the option noted above is worth the upheaval and inconvenience for parents, children and staff.

The school board is set to vote on grade reconfiguration this Thursday, June 27, starting at 2 p.m. at the Hazleton Area Career Center’s Large Group Instruction Room, 1515 W. 23rd St., Hazle Township. (Use the Administration Building entrance.)

In the meantime, residents can review the building options and submit comments using the QR code on this Facebook post or by visiting https://shorturl.at/71I5N.

My Senior Expo is just around the corner! Please make plans to join us.

June is National Dairy Month, the perfect time to enjoy an extra dish of ice cream or yogurt, another piece of cheese or a tall glass of milk!

Dairy is the Pennsylvania’s largest agricultural industry, helping to generate $14.7 billion of economic activity each year. We rank second in the nation in terms of the number of dairy farms, and seventh nationally in milk production.

Nearly all of the Commonwealth's dairy farms (99%) are family-owned, and the industry supports more than 52,000 jobs.

Learn more about our state’s dairy industry at https://choosepadairy.com/.

Considered the longest-running African American holiday, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas – the furthest point in the south – with news of the end of the Civil War.

Their arrival also came two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all slaves and ending slavery in the United States.

Learn more ➡ bit.ly/43HvIqi

𝙋𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙤𝙗𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙮.

Senior citizens ages 60 and older and meeting certain income guidelines can get $50 in farmers market vouchers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Butler Township Community Center, 411 W. Butler Drive in Drums.

There are no applications to fill out like in previous years. Just bring your drivers’ license to prove age and residency. The program is open to all Luzerne County residents.

Income limits are $27,861 for a one-person household; $37,814 for two people; and $47,767 for three.

The vouchers can be used to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at a long list of local farmers markets.

To find a farmers market near you that accepts the vouchers, visit www.pameals.pa.gov/public/farmmarketsearch.

Voucher distributions are also set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, June 21, at the Dallas Active Adult Center, 1158 Twin Stacks Drive; then from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, July 2, at the Shickshinny Active Adult Center, 19 W. Vine St.

To every dad in the 117th Legislative District....

Today, we commemorate the adoption of the U.S. flag by celebrating Flag Day.

Congressional legislation that designated June 14 as national Flag Day was signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1949.

From 13 stars to 50, the American flag has been a symbol of freedom and liberty throughout the world. Be sure to fly yours proudly today!

Our office took part in the recent grand opening celebration for Luzerne County’s newly remodeled operations building. It's a very impressive facility!

Luzerne County unveils operations building largely remodeled with recycled materials Small signs tell visitors why Luzerne County’s newly remodeled operations building in Wyoming is unique.

As you head outdoors this summer to enjoy all the activities Pennsylvania has to offer, be sure to take extra steps to protect against ticks and prevent Lyme Disease.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind. ⬇️

Eighty years ago on this day, more than 156,000 brave soldiers from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and many other Allied nations, stormed the heavily fortified coastline of Normandy, France.

They faced overwhelming odds, relentless enemy fire and treacherous terrain. Yet, their determination never wavered. They knew their mission was critical for the liberation of Europe from the grip of tyranny.

They fought for freedom, for justice, and for the hope of a better world. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to those heroes of D-Day.

The PA House Legislative Fellowship Program is currently accepting applications for its fall 2024 semester. The 13-week program is based at the state Capitol in Harrisburg where fellows are placed in committee chair and House leadership offices.

Qualified applicants must be:
🔘 College undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate students or law school students.
🔘 Enrolled in a PA college/university or a PA resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution.
🔘 Students of any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

For more information or to apply, visit www.pahousefellowship.us. Applications can be submitted via email to [email protected]. The deadline to apply is July 1.

The deadline for eligible senior citizens and residents with disabilities to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2023 has been extended to Dec. 31.

Claimants may file rebate applications online by visiting www.mypath.pa.gov. Those who still wish to file a paper application may obtain the forms, along with free assistance, at my district offices in Sugarloaf and Dallas.

Claim forms (PA-1000) and related information also is available online at bit.ly/468vx96, or by calling 1-888-222-9190.

Rebates will be distributed beginning July 1, as required by law.