Dear John,

It is essential that our local law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to protect our communities. That’s why I was thrilled to announce $375,000 in federal funds have been awarded to the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department to hire additional police officers.

The funding is the result of a grant I helped the department secure through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program. The grant will cover up to 75% of the entry-level salaries and benefits for newly hired officers over a three-year period, significantly reducing the financial burden on the township.

“This grant is a significant step forward for our Township and Police Department,” offered Wilkes-Barre Police Chief Will Clark. “It allows us to enhance our police force without placing additional financial strain on our residents. We are committed to ensuring that Wilkes-Barre Township remains a safe and welcoming place for all. We would like to thank Congressman Cartwright for assisting us in making the application for this vital source of much needed funding.”

I’m grateful to our law enforcement officers who work hard to help make Northeastern Pennsylvania a safe place to live. I’ll continue advocating for federal funding to ensure our municipalities have the resources they need to promote public safety.

To learn more about how I am working in Washington to bring our fair share of federal tax dollars back to our region, read on:

Luzerne County’s Juvenile Wellness Court is doing a terrific job of tackling tough problems and providing services to those who need it most. That’s why I was pleased to announce a $730,000 award from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will go towards expanding their services.

Juvenile Wellness Court, designed to provide behavioral health and substance abuse services to young people entering the delinquency system, provides participants with an intensive team approach that’s trauma informed, culturally competent, client centered and evidence based.

These federal funds from the DOJ’s Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention will help expedite mental health and drug and alcohol services to more area children and young adults - and their families - to avoid further involvement with Luzerne County’s juvenile justice system. 

As the Ranking Member of the Commerce, Justice and Science Subcommittee, I oversee more than $80 billion in annual federal spending, including the budget for the DOJ.

As an Appropriator, I will continue working down in Washington to ensure Northeast Pennsylvania receives ample federal funding so we can build a future where our children can grow up safely and those battling addiction can rebuild their lives with dignity.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the House Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS) Subcommittee, I successfully fought to expand overall funding for Violence Against Women programs in fiscal years 2022 and 2023, and again as Ranking Member of CJS in fiscal year 2024.

This week, I was proud to announce another $600,000 in federal funds have been awarded to the Women’s Resource Center in Scranton from the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women.

The DOJ awarded the federal funding under its Transitional Housing Assistance Grant. The Women’s Resource Center plans to use the award to provide emergency housing for individuals and their children who are fleeing abuse, sexual violence, stalking or human trafficking.

Leaving an abusive situation takes incredible courage, and I am so glad that Northeastern Pennsylvanians faced with that decision have a safe place to land. The Women’s Resource Center’s transitional housing program provides victims with a safe place to stay and helps them reclaim their lives. I will continue fighting to secure federal investments like this one so organizations like the Women’s Resource Center will have access to the support they need to help keep adults, children and families safe.

“These federal funds are critical to ensure safety and stability for women and children fleeing abusive environments. If not for these funds, many of these families would be homeless in our communities,” shared Margaret A. Ruddy, Women’s Resource Center executive director.

If you or someone you know is involved in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, you can contact the Women’s Resource Center’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-257-5756.

What an exciting time for our community as we joined in Wilkes-Barre to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza!

Nestled in the beautiful Wyoming Valley, this landmark was transformed from abandoned strip mine land into a vibrant hub of sports and entertainment, generating significant economic benefits for our region.

Over the years, Mohegan Arena has hosted thrilling Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins games, major concerts, and community events, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year.

This influx of guests has boosted local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to shops and service providers, contributing millions to our economy.

Studies show that for every event held at the Arena, nearby businesses see increased revenue and foot traffic, creating jobs and supporting livelihoods in our community.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of local leaders and the "Arena Yes" movement, we now have a venue that not only entertains but also enriches our economic landscape.

A heartfelt congratulations to the Luzerne County Convention Center Authority Board and all the partners who have made this success possible. Here’s to another 25 years of great events and continued economic growth at Mohegan Arena!

Be safe and well,