Dear John,

One of the best ways we can accelerate our economic recovery is to invest in people entering the workforce. Whether it's young people looking for their first jobs or established professionals refreshing their skills, investments in job training initiatives bring higher wages and more good-paying jobs to the area.

We have to make sure we have workers who are ready for the 21st century economy. But let's face it: not everyone has the same access to job training opportunities, especially those living in rural areas. 

That's why I was proud to announce a $75,000 federal grant for a mobile training laboratory at Johnson College. This project will bring state-of-the-art workforce training programs to students in rural areas of Northeastern Pennsylvania. 

Reconnecting Northeastern Pennsylvania with passenger rail has long been a mission of mine in Congress. It's been a steep uphill battle, but there is more momentum behind our efforts than there has been in years. 

I've stuck with this project because of the enormous benefits that would come to our area if we can get trains up and running. We can bring visitors in from all over who have yet to experience the things we have to offer, like the Delaware Water Gap, or a stay in the Poconos. Being connected to the Amtrak map would boost our local economy, because it would make our area more attractive for business and job growth.

Additionally, tens of thousands of workers from our area commute to greater New York City every day to make a living. They often get up before dawn and don't get home until well after dark because there is no efficient way for them to get to work. Passenger rail in NEPA could give back that quality time so many are missing with their families because of their commute.

So after years of advocating for much-needed passenger rail expansion, we're one step closer with the passage of the INVEST in America Act, a game-changing piece of legislation that will create good-paying jobs by rebuilding and modernizing the transportation and water systems we use everyday. Not to mention it authorizes $25 billion for grants that can go toward rail route expansion and gives Amtrak $32 billion to expand its network. 

Passenger rail coming to NEPA would provide a tangible boost to all of our communities. I'll keep fighting to make this rail expansion a reality and getting the funding across the finish line. Our next step is to pass the INVEST in America Act through the Senate and get it to the President's desk. 

On Thursday, I joined the United Home Care Workers of Pennsylvania for a rally in Mitchell Square. Standing at this local landmark reminded me of the square's namesake, John Mitchell, who famously brought coal miners together to demand better wages and working conditions.

It is that same spirit that brought us together again to fight for fair pay and protections for home care workers. For far too long, our communities have relied on home care workers to support our sick and vulnerable loved ones without adequate pay or protections. 

The bottom line is, the care economy status quo is not working for patients, families or workers. We need to do better by the workers in this vital sector of our economy. The American Jobs Plan calls for a $400 billion investment in home and community-based services, and the time to get that over the finish line is now.