Funding for Local Police, Affordable Hearing Aids and More -- Matt's Weekly Memo

COPS Funding for NEPA

Dear John,

Here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, we are lucky to have some of the finest police departments in the country. They are staffed by law enforcement officers who take tremendous risks in the line of duty to keep all of us safe. As the chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Justice, I work every day to ensure that our local police departments have the funds, resources and staff they need to operate at the highest level.

On Wednesday, I was proud to announce that three out of the four COPS grants for Pennsylvania, in this latest round of announcements, have been awarded to PA-08 communities to hire nine new officers. I was joined by Mayor George Brown of Wilkes-Barre, Mayor Mike Lombardo of Pittston, and Detective Sergeant James Wagner of Pocono Township to share that $1,125,000 from the Department of Justice is coming back to Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Wilkes-Barre will receive $500,000 for four new officers.
Pittston will receive $250,000 for two new officers.
Pocono Township will receive $375,000 for three new officers.

That’s nine new jobs, and nine new officers walking the beat to keep our communities safe. These additional officers will allow these departments to build upon the great police work already being done in these municipalities.

You can watch PA Homepage's coverage of the press conference here.

Congressman Cartwright with mayors and police

from l-r: Mayor Lombardo, Pittston; Mayor Brown, Wilkes-Barre; Chief Kyle Shumosic, Pittston; Detective Sergeant Wagner, Pocono Township; Chief Joseph Coffay, Wilkes-Barre

Affordable Hearing Aids on the Way

Earlier this week, the FDA announced that adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss can now buy hearing aids without a trip to the audiologist. This is game-changing and cost-saving news for the nearly 30 million Americans living with hearing loss. Current estimates show that this could lower costs by as much as $3,000. Now, those with hearing loss will be able enjoy their best hearing possible at a price they can afford. Keep an eye out at your local drugstores and other big-box stores; you’ll see these products hitting shelves soon.

Working Across the Aisle for Ukraine

Former Ambassador Tefft, Rep. Meuser, Moderator Greenwald

from l-r: The Honorable John Tefft, Representative Dan Meuser and John Greenwald, moderator

Last Sunday, I joined the Honorable John Tefft, former US Ambassador to Russia, Ukraine and Lithuania, and Representative Dan Meuser at the Friedman Jewish Community Center for a conversation on the United States’ role in the Russia/Ukraine War. It was an evening of lively discussion, and I was honored to be included. Supporting Ukraine and condemning Russia’s illegal and unprovoked actions have been some of the most bipartisan efforts of the 117^th Congress. I was proud to share how the United States is committed to helping Ukrainians survive this war economically and socially, regardless of what happens on the battlefield. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the House like Rep. Meuser to support the military and humanitarian needs of Ukraine.

Honoring Dupont's Mayor

Group photo at the Dupont Lions Club Pavilion

Members of the Lello family joined current Mayor Elaine Lello and the Dupont Lions Club at the pavilion.

Earlier this year, Dupont mourned the loss of their beloved mayor, Dan Lello. This week, the Dupont Lions Club paid tribute to the late mayor by renaming the Lions Club Pavilion in his honor. Mayor Lello dedicated his life and his career to doing good work for others, and it was a privilege to know him as a fellow public servant and as a friend. His wife, Elaine, has been named his successor, and we are all cheering her on as she carries out her husband’s vision for a brighter future for Dupont.

As always, thanks for reading. I look forward to sharing more exciting PA-08 happenings with you next week. Until then,

Be safe and well,

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