Dear John,

When I think about preparing for extreme weather in NEPA, this is my vision: we can create jobs and put people to work strengthening our infrastructure against extreme weather risks, and by doing that we can keep residents free from the high costs of rebuilding after disaster strikes.

After what was left of Hurricane Ida hit NEPA this week, we need to face the facts: flooding and other extreme weather events in our area are only going to get more frequent and intense, and that means we have to act now to protect lives, livelihoods, homes and businesses in Northeastern Pennsylvania against future disasters.

That’s why I’m working in Congress to pass bills
that will help create jobs on projects like strengthening our levee systems. For our public safety and public health in Northeastern Pennsylvania, we need to invest in modern, clean, and extreme weather-ready infrastructure.

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport is a key driver of business and tourism in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and when they can grow, so can our area’s economy.

This week, I proudly announced that they will get $1.7 million to extend their taxiway, because I fully support their efforts to expand capacity to serve more passengers, especially as we continue to rebuild our economy.

Child care not only helps kids get off on the right foot, it also ensures parents can go to work with peace of mind knowing their kids are taken care of. I visited Building Blocks Learning Center in Wilkes-Barre yesterday to learn more about their impressive program & how the American Rescue Plan is going to help them stay open.

Everywhere I go, employers tell me how they can’t hire enough people. A big part of the problem is parents are home, because they have to watch their kids since a lot of them don’t have access to child care.

The American Rescue Plan helped put a dent in this problem by cutting taxes for working families so they can support their kids. It also bolsters child care providers across PA so they can operate safely. Putting families first is key to continuing progress on getting our economy back on track.

I’ll be working to build on the American Rescue Plan’s investments in children and families in Congress this fall.

Heading into the Labor Day weekend, I want to recognize who makes this country run: our workers.

Northeastern Pennsylvania has a special place in the history of organized labor in this country, and we should be proud of it. It goes back to the early 20th century, when coal miners in our area stood together and won better pay and protections for the dangerous and vital work they were doing after years of poor treatment by the big mining companies. Our labor roots live on to this day: Northeastern Pennsylvanians are the hardest working people I know.

I look forward to celebrating NEPA's organized labor tradition this weekend. And in Congress, I'm committed to defending and strengthening the rights of America's working people.

Be safe and well,