September 11, 2025
Harrisburg, PA – September 11, 2025 – Senator Marty Flynn announced that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) has approved $2,526,374 in Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding to strengthen victim services across Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Carbon, and Wyoming Counties.
The funding will support agencies providing critical services for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and other crimes. These awards were approved by PCCD pending the resolution of any outstanding fiscal or programmatic concerns.
“Every victim’s story is different, but the need for support is universal. These funds give frontline organizations the resources to provide crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling, and prevention programs that protect vulnerable residents and help communities heal. I’m grateful to help bring this funding home to strengthen the organizations that stand beside victims and families when they need it most.” said Senator Flynn.
The VOCA funds are part of a broader federal initiative designed to expand and sustain victim service programs statewide. By supporting county agencies and nonprofit partners, the funding helps ensure that victims across Northeastern Pennsylvania have access to advocacy, crisis intervention, and specialized services.
Grant Awards Approved: Total: $2,526,374
- Lackawanna County Commissioners AAA Office – $132,218 for VOCA Lackawanna County Aging EJMDT Continuation (Lackawanna County)
- Lackawanna County Commissioners DA’s Office – $198,368 for Continuing VOCA Services (Lackawanna County)
- Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania – $84,507 for VOCA Continuation Grant (Lackawanna County)
- Women’s Resource Center, Inc. – $608,453 for WRC VOCA 2025–2026 (Lackawanna & Susquehanna Counties)
- Luzerne County Child Advocacy Center – $199,694 for Child Abuse Services (Luzerne County)
- Domestic Violence Service Center, Inc. – $670,914 for Domestic Violence Program Services (Luzerne, Carbon, and Wyoming Counties)
- Victims Resource Center – $632,220 for VOCA Services to Victims of Crime (Luzerne, Carbon, and Wyoming Counties)
September 3, 2025
SCRANTON, PA − September 3, 2025 − Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chair Nick Miller held a hearing to examine pending proposals from the legislature and discuss details of data center infrastructure and technology.
“As the Policy and Democratic Chair of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee, today’s hearing was to discuss and learn more about data centers and the impact on our communities,” said Senator Miller. “While data centers can greatly enhance economic development, they also require substantial energy which will impact our energy future. Pennsylvania has the potential to emerge as a national leader in crafting strategies that promote long-term energy resilience, economic growth, and innovation. Thank you to all the testifiers and my co-host Senator Flynn for their contributions in our hearing as we address this topic together.”
“As data centers continue to expand across our region and throughout Pennsylvania, it is critical that we carefully weigh both the opportunities they bring and the challenges they create,” said Senator Marty Flynn. “Today’s hearing was about ensuring Pennsylvania is prepared, not only to attract investment but to do so in a way that balances growth with responsible energy use, environmental sustainability, and community impact. By bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and organizations on the ground, we can develop a thoughtful path forward that delivers economic growth while protecting the long-term interests of the people we serve.”
Stephen DeFrank, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Utility Commission, highlighted the need to have proper planning as he testified to the Commonwealth’s unique position at a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Technical Conference last November on data centers and their interconnection to electricity grid.
“Many Pennsylvanians know all too well the costs of poorly planned development. While our industrial heritage has contributed to our economic prosperity, we have left future generations to deal with the impacts of poor – or no planning,” said DeFrank. “This is why we must make certain that the mistakes of our past are not repeated in the present to leave problems for the future. Now, at the beginning of this new wave of technological growth, is the time to make sure things are well-planned and done right.”
DeFrank explained Pennsylvania is experiencing extraordinary times in the energy sector and the decisions we make in the next five to seven years will impact us for the next 70 years, which requires prudent planning to benefit all utility customers, local municipalities, and the Commonwealth.
Tony Nokovich, Vice President of Engineering at Pennsylvania American Water, emphasized the importance of supporting data center growth while highlighting key considerations such as water demand forecasting, infrastructure cost-sharing, capacity agreements, alternative water sourcing, and operational resilience.
“Pennsylvania American Water is well positioned to manage this stress because we invest approximately $700 million in infrastructure upgrades on an annual basis across the Commonwealth,” said Nokovich. “Our infrastructure and systems are prepared to manage the consumption, but other water utilities may not be able to provide the same reliability. That is why it is important to place data centers in areas where dependable water service is available.”
In addition, Nokovich encouraged open dialogue between water and electric utilities, interstate water commissions, and local communities impacted by data centers. He emphasized these communications will lead to more sound policy that considers the needs and concerns of all of that are impacted by data centers.
Holly M. Fishel from the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors stated due to rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, data centers are becoming a significant land use, prompting township governments to update land use ordinances. PSATS supports efforts to streamline permitting at the state level, as their members have experience firsthand with cumbersome state permitting processes.
However, streamlining permitting processes should not amount to waivers that cost us the necessary oversight to protect our residents and environment, said Fishel.
“Data centers have a place in our Commonwealth,” said Fishel. “However, like any land use, we should not rush their development for the sake of a headline or news hit. These projects will have long-lasting impacts on the communities that host them, which is why it is critical to preserve local decision making and avoid one size fits all state defined schemes.”
Nicole W. Luciano, Director of Policy at Energy Association of Pennsylvania, testified on the challenges that could arise from data center growth.
“Forecasted growth from data centers is part of a broader resource adequacy challenge facing Pennsylvania,” Luciano said. “Our state, like many others, is experiencing unprecedented electric demand growth from electrification and energy-intensive industries, while the existing market structures struggle to ensure adequate supply.”
Frank Mazza, the Director of Government Relations at County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) expressed the urgency of county plans existing to protect public interest and infrastructure from the potential impacts of data centers with stormwater control, energy use, light, sight, and sound.
“Local governments must do their due diligence in assessing these impacts and regulating zoning and development accordingly,” Mazza said. “While local zoning codes and permitting processes may need to be reviewed and updated to facilitate development, local governments must work with industry partners to achieve the best outcomes for residents.”
Lastly, Margaret Durkin, TechNet Executive Director, stated the commitment of TechNet and its member companies to work with regulators and lawmakers.
“We want to ensure Pennsylvania is competitive and open for business for future investments,” Durkin said. “We encourage the legislature to work collaboratively with industry to develop balanced policies that promote environmental goals without compromising innovation and economic growth.”
Testifiers for the hearing included:
- Stephen DeFrank, Chairman, Public Utility Commission
- Robert Routh, Policy Director, Pennsylvania Climate & Energy – National Resources Defense Council
- Frank Mazza, Director of Government Relations, County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania
- Holly M. Fishel, Policy & Research Director, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors
- Tony Nokovich, P.E., Vice-President of Engineering, Pennsylvania American Water
- Nicole Luciano, CAE, IOM, Director of Policy, Energy Association of PA
- Shelby Linton-Keddie, Senior Director, Government, Regulatory and External Affairs, PPL Electric Utilities
- Bob Durkin, President and CEO, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
- Mike McDermott, President, Scranton Building Trades Council
- Margaret Durkin, Executive Director, Pennsylvania & Mid-Atlantic, TechNet
Testimony
Panel 1: The Commission’s Outlook
Panel 2: Community Impacts
Panel 3: Effect on Utilities and the Grid
Panel 4: Economic Considerations
Additional Testimony
Senator Nick Miller was elected Policy Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus in December 2024. Today’s hearing was his ninth as Chair.
Footage of the hearing, as well as the written testimony of the panel, is available at PASenatorMiller.com/Policy. Photographs and downloadable video are available upon request.
Learn more about the PA Senate Democrats commitment to protecting our commonwealth and other legislative priorities at www.pasenate.com.
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August 18, 2025
From left to right – Tammy Jackson, Leslie Collins, Steve Ward, Senator Marty Flynn, and Jeffrey Mead. Media outlets are welcome to use this photo in coverage of the announcement.
SCRANTON, PA – August 18, 2025 − Senator Marty Flynn today presented a $200,000 state grant to Scranton Tomorrow for the launch of its Scranton Tomorrow Ambassador Program, a year-round initiative that will enhance the city’s business district with on-street cleaning, safety, landscaping, and hospitality services.
Scranton Tomorrow’s Ambassador program will provide on street cleaning services five days a week to care for the core of downtown. Their work will include weed removal, litter control, graffiti cleanup, winter snow and ice clearing at sidewalk ramps and around hydrants, and preparations for events. They will also assist visitors and support projects that improve the appearance of the district over time. Jeffrey Mead, who brings extensive experience in this field, will serve as Operations Manager.
“Scranton takes pride in its public spaces, and this program makes that clear,” said Senator Flynn. “I was proud to bring this funding home, and I am proud of the work Scranton Tomorrow is doing to make this program a success.”
Joining Senator Flynn at the announcement were Leslie Collins, President and CEO of Scranton Tomorrow, Steve Ward, Project Manager for the Safe, Clean, Green and Design Program, Tammy Jackson, Chairperson of the Board, and Jeffrey Mead, Operations Manager of the Ambassador Program. The program is scheduled to begin operations on September 2, 2025, serving the downtown district from Mifflin Avenue to Jefferson Avenue and from Bogart Court to Mulberry Street.
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July 29, 2025
Say phishing messages claim to be from PennDOT, Turnpike, or EZ-Pass
Harrisburg, July 29, 2025 – Transportation chairs from both the Senate and House are warning Pennsylvanians about phishing text messages and email scams impersonating PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, EZ Pass, and other transportation related agencies. The latest scam alleges to be from the “Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles.”
Senate Transportation Committee Chairs Judy Ward and Marty Flynn and House Transportation Committee Chairs Ed Neilson and Kerry Benninghoff are urging all Pennsylvania residents to avoid clicking links or giving away personal information from texts or emails that claim to represent transportation agencies in the commonwealth.
“All Pennsylvanians must remain vigilant in the ever-changing environment of scam messages via text and email,” said Senator Judy Ward. “Your safety and security are imperative, which is why I implore you to heed the advice of Commonwealth agencies and law enforcement officers.”
“These messages look official, but they’re nothing more than scams designed to steal your personal and financial information,” said Senator Flynn. “PennDOT does not collect tolls, and legitimate agencies will never ask for payment through unsolicited texts or emails.”
“Residents should be warned to not respond to these messages, avoid opening any links that are attached and do not respond with personal information,” Neilson said. “These phishing scams are dangerous because they often target vulnerable senior citizens on a tight income who are just trying to do the right thing.”
“These scammers are educated – albeit misguided – individuals who are persistent in their attempt to disrupt the lives of their targets,” said Benninghoff. “The success of their effort is predicated on a lack of knowledge about how these agencies legally communicate with their constituents.”
The fraudulent messages often claim to be from PennDOT, E-ZPass the PA Turnpike Commission, or other transportation agencies directing users to click a link and make an urgent payment or face penalties such as vehicle registration suspensions, driver’s license suspensions, fines, and other penalties. These links lead to phishing websites intended to compromise personal data.
What You Should Know:
- Do not click any links in texts or emails claiming to be from transportation agencies if you did not initiate the contact.
- To manage your toll account safely, use the official PA Turnpike E-ZPass website or the PA Toll Pay app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
- PennDOT does not collect toll payments.
If You Think You’ve Been Targeted:
- Log in to your E-ZPass or Toll By Plate account to check for suspicious activity.
- Call the PA Turnpike Commission’s Customer Service Center at 877-736-6727, Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
- Do not mail payments unless you have confirmed the request is legitimate through official channels.
- If you clicked a suspicious link or shared sensitive information, take immediate steps to secure your accounts and dispute unfamiliar charges. Scam attempts should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
“Scammers want you to panic and act fast. That’s their game,” Senator Flynn added. “Always take a moment to verify the information. If you are unsure, go directly to a trusted source like the official Turnpike website or app before taking any action.”
“If you are suspicious about any message, email or phone call you receive,” remarked Neilson, “make sure you err on the side of caution and verify the legitimacy of the call before making a payment, clicking a link or giving away personal information.”
“Anyone who has fallen victim to one of these scams can tell you how difficult and time consuming it is to recover and repair your good name, reputation and credit report,” added Benninghoff. “Time spent validating a request for personal information is a wise investment which could avoid a costly mistake.”
State Sen. Judy Ward
R-Blair
Majority Chair of Sen. Transportation
State Sen. Marty Flynn
D-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe
Minority Chair of Sen. Transportation
State Rep. Ed Neilson
D-Philadelphia
Majority Chair of House Transportation
State Rep. Kerry Benninghoff
R-Centre/Mifflin
Minority Chair of House Transportation
