Dear John,

I believe we need to support all our first responders to ensure they can always be there for us in times of need. That's why yesterday I was proud to announce that the City of Scranton has been awarded a federal grant of $2.6 million to support the hiring of more firefighters.

Scranton Fire Chief John Judge says the money will cover the salary and benefits for ten firefighters for three years, and assist in the department's mission to the make the city a safe and resilient community.

This award will help create jobs and improve emergency response in Scranton. In Congress, I’ll keep working to invest in first responders across Northeastern Pennsylvania, because it’s a direct investment in public safety – and public safety is a cornerstone of healthy, vibrant communities.

I've been working to bring passenger rail back to NEPA since I first got to Congress in 2013, and right away I knew two things. One, this project wasn't going to get done overnight. And two, it was going to take a team effort among all levels of government and the private sector to accomplish the goal.

So when federal, state and local leaders from NEPA got together with Amtrak's senior executives today for a meeting, it felt like another important step in the right direction.

We met just weeks after Amtrak found their proposal to restore Scranton-NYC service would contribute $87 million in economic activity to our region's economy every year, and weeks before I'm about to go back to Washington to help advance the federal funding to support rail expansion projects like this one.

Imagine being able to board a train in Scranton or the Poconos and be anywhere you want on the East Coast within a matter of hours. Bringing Amtrak back can make this a reality.

Passenger rail coming back to Northeastern Pennsylvania would put us back on the map, create jobs, grow our economy, and leave us with a brighter future. We've still got a way to go, but I'll keep working to see this project through.

If your home or property was damaged after the flooding brought on by Hurricane Ida's aftermath, last week, it is critical that you report it to your municipality ASAP. It's the best way to help yourself and government response efforts. These are the key steps:

1. Take photos to document the damage.

2. Report damage to your municipality.

3. Keep all receipts for any repairs.

If you're unsure of your municipality of residence, click here:

Over Labor Day weekend, I had the pleasure of spending time with plenty of hardworking Northeastern Pennsylvanians who have carried on the proud tradition of organizing in our area.

One of my favorite annual traditions is joining NEPA union members at the John Mitchell statue on Lackawanna County Courthouse Square. It's a proud symbol of our place in America's Labor movement: In the early 1900s, Mitchell helped the coal miners in our area stand together and win better pay and protections for the dangerous and vital work they were doing after years of poor treatment by the big mining companies.

Rep. Cartwright at the John Mitchell statue at Lackawanna County Courthouse Square with NEPA union members on Labor Day

In Congress, I'm committed to carrying on NEPA's labor tradition by defending and strengthening the rights of America's workers.

Be safe and well,