Happy Labor Day Weekend - -- Matt's Weekly Memo

Summer's Last Hurrah

Dear John,

Heading into the Labor Day weekend, we received more good news today that in August, the economy created 315,000 jobs. And for the first time, working-age women are now back to work at rates not seen before the pandemic.

Jobs are up, wages are up, people are back to work, and we are seeing some hopeful signs that inflation may be beginning to ease.

Gas prices have fallen for 80 straight days, down $1.20 a gallon since June, which is great news and just in time for summer's final holiday weekend.

And when you celebrate with family and friends over the next few days, remember to pay tribute to organized labor and never forget the difference unions make for all workers. The 40-hour work week, minimum wage, health insurance and paid leave have all come from unions. Remember: A healthy workforce makes for a healthy economy

Read on for this week’s highlights.

Back to School, Back to Work

I recently joined the Scranton Federation of Teachers at their Back-to-School Fair at West Scranton's Fellows Park.

Students and educators across the district headed back to the classroom this week. As a proud supporter of quality public education, I believe every child - regardless of their parents’ income status - deserves an opportunity to pursue the American Dream.

Studies show that starts with a strong foundation in early childhood education. Head Start programs in our region are helping low-income families by providing 3 and 4-year-olds with a successful transition to elementary school.

That's why I was especially pleased to announce that $1.6 million in federal funding will go towards the Head Start program offered by the Agency for Community EmPOWERment of NEPA. This Pre-K program supports the educational needs of 1,200 children across four NEPA counties.

Additional funding announcements I made this month include:

$154,000 to the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce from the Appalachian Regional Commission to support minority-owned businesses
$174,257 to the University of Scranton from the Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences of the National Science Foundation
$749,834 to Marywood University from the Division of Undergraduate Education

The total federal funding I announced in August coming back to our region is $2.7 million.

Musical and Theatrical Milestones

This week, I had the opportunity to honor a pair of local legends by officially recognizing them in the Congressional Record.

Downtown Scranton's Ritz Theater celebrated its 115^th Anniversary today with a ribbon cutting and press conference. A beacon for the local arts scene, it continues to foster the next generation of artists through the Creative and Performing Arts Academy of NEPA.

This past Monday, WVIA celebrated one of the station’s icons and legends, George Graham, in honor of his 50 years of service at the station.

Congratulations and thank you George for five decades of service to public radio. Local musicians and the entire community appreciate your dedication.

Wishing you a happy Labor Day weekend.

Be safe and well,

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