Dear John,

People in Northeastern Pennsylvania and all over the country depend on the Postal Service to deliver their medication, paychecks, tax returns and more. For too long, the Postal Service has been plagued by burdensome requirements that lead to delivery delays and reduced services.

The Postal Service Reform Act is a common-sense, bipartisan solution to ensure the Postal Service remains solvent and able to deliver the high-quality service Americans deserve. I was proud to vote yes on the Postal Service Reform Act when it came before the House on Tuesday - now it's off to the Senate. 

Congratulations to the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce and its partners for the launch of Project PIVOT. It's a collaborative program that provides accelerated workforce training and skill development opportunities for workers who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

I was proud to support Project PIVOT and workforce development efforts like it through the CARES Act that we passed through Congress. The new Project PIVOT initiative has received $313,000 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Cares Act Recovery Assistance through the Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program. 

I’m glad to see this federal funding coming back to Northeastern Pennsylvania and serving our local workforce.

Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation Funds Coming to PA This Year

This week, I joined the Department of the Interior to announce nearly $245 Million in Fiscal Year 2022 funding coming to Pennsylvania for reclaiming abandoned mine lands (AML). These funds are part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and will enable Pennsylvania to clean up abandoned mines that are leaking methane – a huge contributor to pollution in the area. 

Filing Your Taxes with the IRS

With filing season in full swing, the Internal Revenue Service has reminded taxpayers about several key items to keep in mind when filing their federal income tax returns this year: 

• File an accurate return and use e-file and direct deposit to avoid delays. Taxpayers should electronically file and choose direct deposit as soon as they have everything they need to file an accurate return. 
• For an accurate return, collect all documents before preparing a tax return; make sure stimulus payment information is accurate. 
• Click here for information on how to claim your Child Tax Credit.  
• Avoid lengthy phone delays; use online resources before calling the IRS. 
• Waiting on a 2020 tax return to be processed? Use this special tip to help with e-filing a 2021 tax return. 
• Use the free resources that are available to help taxpayers file. 

Be safe and well,