State Senator Marty Flynn Rallies Support for Senate Bill 1253 and House Bill 41 to Create a Level Playing Field in PIAA Athletics
HARRISBURG, PA − June 9, 2026 − State Senator Marty Flynn today joined lawmakers, the Old Forge School District, school administrators, student-athletes and advocates in the Main Rotunda of the Pennsylvania Capitol to call for passage of legislation that would give the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) the authority to establish separate playoff classifications for boundary and non-boundary schools.
Senator Marty Flynn is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 1253, the Senate companion to House Bill 41, sponsored by Representative Scott Conklin.
The legislation would not require the PIAA to make any changes. Instead, it would authorize the organization to consider separate playoff classifications and championship pathways for public and private schools and determine whether that approach would better serve student-athletes across the Commonwealth.
The issue gained renewed attention following Old Forge High School’s appearance in the 2026 PIAA Class 2A Boys Basketball State Championship. Old Forge, a traditional public school district with defined geographic boundaries, advanced to the state title game after a successful postseason run.
“At the end of the day, this isn’t about one game, one school or one championship,” Senator Flynn said. “It’s about making sure every student-athlete has confidence that the rules are fair and that the playing field is level. Pennsylvania’s student-athletes deserve nothing less.”
Senator Flynn said he has heard from parents, coaches, school administrators and community members across Pennsylvania who believe the conversation surrounding competitive balance in postseason athletics is long overdue.
“When schools operate under different enrollment structures, it’s reasonable to ask whether the current system is providing student-athletes with the most competitive and equitable postseason experience possible,” Senator Flynn added. “This legislation simply gives the PIAA the authority to evaluate that question and determine whether separate playoff classifications would better serve student-athletes throughout the Commonwealth.”
“My bill establishing separate playoffs and championships for boundary and non-boundary schools would increase student safety while eliminating unfair playoffs which deprive public schools of scholarships and recruitment opportunities.” Said Representative Conklin, prime sponsor of the House Bill 41.
Speakers at the event included Representative Jim Haddock, Representative Jennifer O’Mara, Springfield School District Superintendent Anthony Barber, Kennett Consolidated School District Assistant Superintendent Michael Barber, Riverside School District Superintendent Paul Brennan, Old Forge student-athlete Christopher Rasmus and Old Forge School District Superintendent Christopher Gatto.
Senate Bill 1253 and House Bill 41 are in the Senate Education Committee.
###
State Senator Marty Flynn Announces More Than $7.4 Million in Local Share Account Grants for Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties
SCRANTON, PA – State Senator Marty Flynn (D-22) announced today that more than $7.4 million in Local Share Account grant funding has been awarded to projects throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne counties to support public safety, infrastructure improvements, recreational facilities, community development projects, municipal equipment purchases, and neighborhood revitalization efforts.
The funding was awarded through Pennsylvania’s Local Share Account Program and will support fifty-five projects across the 22nd Senatorial District. Luzerne County will receive $5,638,515 million across 30 projects, while an additional $1,849,059 million will support 25 projects in Lackawanna County.
“More than $7.4 million in Local Share Account funding is being invested into projects throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne counties,” said State Senator Marty Flynn. “This funding will support improvements that people will see and feel in their everyday lives, from safer roads and upgraded emergency equipment to better parks, stronger community facilities, and investments that help local organizations continue serving residents. A lot of these projects started with conversations about what communities needed most and where local governments and organizations needed support to keep moving forward. I’m proud to support these projects and help bring funding back to the district for improvements that will strengthen our communities and support the people who call them home.”
Senator Flynn also thanked the members of the Pennsylvania House who partnered in advocating for projects throughout the district, including Representatives Bridget Kosierowski, Kyle Donahue, Kyle Mullins, Eddie Day Pashinski, and Jim Haddock.
Local Share Account (LSA) grants are funded through the gaming revenue and administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support eligible community projects. The Local Share Account Program provides funding for projects that improve the quality of life in communities throughout Pennsylvania through investments in public infrastructure, community facilities, public safety, and economic development initiatives.
Funded Projects in Luzerne County
• Avoca Borough: Avoca Flatts Field Fencing and Improvements
To replace fencing at the Avoca/Dupont Teener League field also known as Flatts Field. This project also includes fencing replacement at the Avoca Little League Field. LSA funds will be used for construction costs.
Grant Awarded: $230,000
• Dupont Borough: Building Renovations
To remove and replace VFW Post 4909’s roof and multipurpose room flooring in Dupont Borough, Luzerne County. LSA funds will be used for renovation costs.
Grant Awarded: $112,610
• Dupont Borough: Vehicle upgrades
To upgrade the Dupont Police Department’s current high milage police vehicles, with up-to-date vehicles that have updated safety features and equipment. LSA funds will be used for the purchase of vehicles.
Grant Awarded: $125,444
• Duryea Borough: Excelsior Hose Company Addition Phase III
To expand the Excelsior Hose Co. #2 firehouse, which includes final construction, site improvements, and equipping the facility to serve both emergency and community needs. LSA funds will be used for construction and equipment/installation costs.
Grant Awarded: $416,686
• Duryea Borough: Marcy Street Property Update
To provide infrastructure improvements to property housing the borough’s levee pump system. LSA funds will be used for renovation and engineering costs.
Grant Awarded: $146,281
• Edwardsville Borough: Penn Plaza Streetscape and Redevelopment Project
To redevelop the Penn Plaza located in Edwardsville Borough, Luzerne County. LSA funds will be used for construction costs.
Grant Awarded: $200,000
• Hughestown Borough: Hughestown Borough Ambulance
To purchase a new ambulance, with drop skirt curbside and wider compartments. LSA funds will be used for the purchase of an ambulance.
Grant Awarded: $196,215
• Jenkins Township: Community Power-Social and Political Unite
To renovate The Lithuanian Citizens Club located in Jenkins Township, Luzerne County. LSA funds will be used for renovation costs.
Grant Awarded: $157,487
• Jenkins Township: Fleet Modernization for Officer Effectiveness
To purchase and upfit a new police vehicle for the police department. LSA funds will be used for the purchase of a vehicle.
Grant Awarded: $70,000
• Laflin Borough: Laflin Borough Townwide Security Cameras
To purchase a township wide security system installing five (5) cameras at strategic locations across the borough. LSA funds will be used to purchase and install equipment, engineering and administrative costs.
Grant Awarded: $145,580
• Laflin Borough: Public Works Truck
To purchase an F-550 dump truck with plow attachment and upfitting. LSA funds will be used for equipment costs.
Grant Awarded: $120,000
• Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority: Redevelopment Authority Of Luzerne County – 2024 Rail Freight Assistance Program (2025)
For the rehabilitation of railroad infrastructure along the Luzerne and Susquehanna Line in Wilkes-Barre City, Plains Township, and Duryea Borough, Luzerne County. LSA funds will be used for construction, engineering, and administrative costs.
Grant Awarded: $19,267
• Pittston City: Market & Main Promenade – Park Improvements
To improve the park with new greenery, walking paths, aesthetically pleasing architecture, and a new multipurpose stage. LSA funds will be used for construction costs.
Grant Awarded: $300,000
• Pittston City: Pittston City Open Space Build Out
To make renovations to 71 S. Main Street which is a 40,000sq foot anchor building located in Pittston City, Luzerne County. LSA funds will be used for construction, engineering, and administrative costs.
Grant Awarded: $400,000
• Pittston Township: Browntown Italian Citizens Club Building Upgrade Project
To modernize and improve the Browntown Italian Citizens Enjoyment Club building, by installing ADA-compliant ramps, steps, and landings, replacing the HVAC, and repairing or replacing the roof. LSA funds will be used for construction costs.
Grant Awarded: $202,935
• Pittston Township: Fire Station Resilience and Safety Equipment Project
To purchase and install a permanent emergency back-up generator at its main fire station located in Pittston Township, Luzerne County. LSA funds will be used for the purchase and installation of machinery and equipment.
Grant Awarded: $19,750
• Pittston Township: Pittston Township Police Department Crime Scene Equipment Project
To purchase a two-part, multi-use camera system made up of a 360 degree capture kit and desktop software. LSA funds will be used for the purchase of equipment.
Grant Awarded: $14,978
• Pittston Township: Street Department Vehicle and Equipment Purchase
For the purchase of a compact loader/backhoe, a multipurpose dump truck with snowplow and salt spreader attachments, and two lawnmowers. LSA funds will be used for the purchase of equipment.
Grant Awarded: $200,000
• West Pittston Borough: West Pittston Borough Hose Company Fire Equipment Project
To purchase 17 new Scott Air-Pak XD SCBAs for West Pittston Borough Hose Company #1. LSA Funds will be used for new equipment purchases.
Grant Awarded: $219,319
• Wilkes-Barre City: Allied Services Elevator Modernization
For elevator upgrades to the Allied Services Personal Care Inc. nursing facility located in Wilkes-Barre City, Luzerne County. LSA funds will be used for the purchase and installation of equipment.
Grant Awarded: $200,000
• Wilkes-Barre City: City of Wilkes-Barre Computer Infrastructure Upgrades
To complete computer infrastructure upgrades at multiple City buildings located in Wilkes-Barre City, Luzerne County. LSA funds will be used for the purchase and installation of equipment.
Grant Awarded: $86,555
• Wilkes-Barre City: City of Wilkes-Barre Fire Department/Emergency Medical Services Ambulance Purchase
To purchase an advanced life support vehicle to replace their aging vehicle for City of Wilkes-Barre Fire Department/Emergency Medical Services Ambulance Purchase Project. LSA funds will be used for the purchase of equipment.
Grant Awarded: $367,471
• Wilkes-Barre City: City of Wilkes-Barre King’s College Safety and Security Project Phase 3
For the replacement of forty-four streetlights and thirty security cameras along the edge and around King’s College campus. LSA funds will be used for construction, the purchase and installation of equipment, engineering, inspection, and administrative costs.
Grant Awarded: $275,000
• Wilkes-Barre City: City of Wilkes-Barre Police Department Digital Message Boards
To purchase 2 digital message boards for the purposes of emergency notification, public service announcements, and collecting traffic data. LSA funds will be used for equipment costs.
Grant Awarded: $51,700
• Wilkes-Barre City: Downtown Public Square Pathways Improvements
To provide pedestrian crosswalk and sidewalk improvements along the downtown public square located in Wilkes-Barre City, Luzerne County. LSA funds will be used for construction, engineering, and administrative costs.
Grant Awarded: $391,324
• Wilkes-Barre City: River Common Millennium Circle Improvements
To complete lighting and fountain upgrades at the Millennium Circle portion of River Commons. LSA funds will be used for construction, engineering, and administrative costs.
Grant Awarded: $199,000
• Wilkes-Barre City: Wilkes University Nursing Simulation Lab Equipment
To purchase a variety of equipment that will be used for Wilkes University’s new nursing simulation at the Stark Learning Center. LSA funds will be used for the purchase and installation of equipment.
Grant Awarded: $325,000
• Wilkes-Barre City: Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball (WVCB) Field Lighting
To install field lighting at Bog public park on behalf of Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball (WVCB). LSA funds will be used for construction costs.
Grant Awarded: $88,933
• Wilkes-Barre Township: Stormwater Drainage Improvements Project at Mohegan Arena
To install a drainage/stormwater system at Mohegan Arena, on behalf of Luzerne County Convention Center Authority. LSA funds will be used for construction, engineering, and administrative costs.
Grant Awarded: $284,000
• Wyoming Borough: 2025 Wyoming Borough Municipal Equipment Project
For the purchase and upfitting of a new municipal pickup truck used for plowing snow and other general year-round maintenance tasks for the Wyoming Borough Public Works Department. LSA funds will be used for the purchase of equipment/machinery.
Grant Awarded: $72,980
Funded Projects in Lackawanna County
• Clarks Green Borough: Municipal Building Paving Project
To repair and resurface the Municipal Building parking lot. LSA funds will be used for construction costs.
Grant Awarded: $100,000
• Dalton Borough: Sewer Authority Truck Safety Equipment
To purchase safety equipment, including safety lights and a snowplow for their heavy-duty pickup truck, on behalf of Dalton Sewer Authority. LSA funds will be used for the purchase of equipment.
Grant Awarded: $11,364
• Glenburn Township: Glenburn Township – HD Truck/Plow Purchase
To purchase a truck with snowplow equipment for use by the township’s maintenance department. LSA funds will be used to purchase a vehicle.
Grant Awarded: $40,000
• Lackawanna County: Abington Little League Field Lighting Project
To install new lights at the Ackerly Field Complex on Field 2. LSA funds will be used for the purchase and installation of equipment, construction, and engineering costs.
Grant Awarded: $150,000
• Lackawanna County: Downtown Scranton Ambassador Program Equipment
To purchase power washing equipment for use in Scranton City, Lackawanna County, on behalf of Scranton Tomorrow. LSA funds will be used for the purchase of equipment and administrative costs.
Grant Awarded: $49,482
• Lackawanna County: Dunmore Missy League Softball Complex Maintenance Equipment
To purchase a new mower, infield groomer equipment, and UTV for the Dunmore Missy League Softball Organization softball fields, located in the Sherwood Park Complex in Dunmore Borough, Lackawanna County. LSA funds will be used for the purchase of equipment.
Grant Awarded: $50,000
• Lackawanna County: Eagle McClure Hose Company Bathroom Renovations
To renovate the Old Forge Fire Department/The Eagle-Mcclure Hose Company fire station restrooms. LSA. funds will be used for renovation and administrative costs.
Grant Awarded: $50,000
• Lackawanna County: Everhart Museum Roof Replacement
To replace the aging roof on the Everhart Museum located in Scranton City, Lackawanna County. LSA funds will be used for construction and administrative costs.
Grant Awarded: $90,000
• Lackawanna County: Greater Scranton YMCA Roof Replacement Project
For a roof replacement at The Greater Scranton YMCA located in Dunmore Borough, Lackawanna County. LSA funds will be used for construction and administrative costs.
Grant Awarded: $60,000
• Lackawanna County: Hospice of the Sacred Heart Flooring Replacement
To revitalize and update the 10-bed Inpatient Unit at The Hospice of the Sacred Heart facility located in Dunmore Borough, Lackawanna County. LSA funds will be used for construction and administrative costs.
Grant Awarded: $50,000
• Lackawanna County: Integrative Counseling Services Facility Upgrades and Improvements
For the installation of a new hydraulic elevator system on behalf of Integrative Counseling Services (ICS) located in Scranton City, Lackawanna County. LSA funds will be used for construction, engineering, and administration costs.
Grant Awarded: $90,000
• Lackawanna County: Minooka Athletic Association Fieldhouse Upgrades
To renovate the Minooka Fieldhouse, located in Scranton City, Lackawanna County, by replacing its failing electrical systems, purchasing a new refrigerator, and installing new security cameras to deter break-ins. LSA funds will be used for the construction and administrative costs, and the purchase & installation of equipment.
Grant Awarded: $7,497
• Lackawanna County: Recovery Rises Property Improvements
For building renovations at Recover Rises Foundation, located in Scranton City, Lackawanna County. Renovations include blight removal, safety improvements, fencing restoration, and the installation of a gravel staging parking area. Grant funds will be used for LSA funds will be used for construction, engineering, and administration.
Grant Awarded: $50,000
• Lackawanna County: St. Joseph’s Center Main Center Masonry Façade Restoration Project
For the rebuild of the deteriorated chimney, replace damaged roofing, repair gutters and repoint deteriorated mortar joints of St. Joseph’s Main historic main facility located in Scranton City, Lackawanna County. LSA funds will be used for construction and administrative costs.
Grant Awarded: $215,987
• Lackawanna County: Waldorf Park Bathroom ADA Renovations
To refurbish and upgrade four existing restrooms at Waldorf Park German American Federation located in Scranton City, Lackawanna County to meet full ADA accessibility standards. LSA funds will be used for construction, engineering, and administration costs.
Grant Awarded: $132,554
• Lackawanna County: West Scranton Little League Field Improvements
For safety repairs and field conditioning at West Scranton Little League field located in Scranton City, Lackawanna County. Improvements include safety repairs to an aging retaining wall, sidewalk installation near the dugouts, and infield material spreading. LSA funds will be used for construction and administrative costs.
Grant Awarded: $20,000
• Lackawanna County: Weston Park Baseball Association Infield Improvements
To complete a full infield renovation for the Weston Park Baseball Association field located in Scranton City, Lackawanna County. The project will include restoration of the playing surface, replacement of worn turf areas, and the installation of new bases, mound, and plate equipment. LSA funds will be used for construction and administrative costs.
Grant Awarded: $20,000
• Moosic Borough: Moosic Borough Refuse Truck
To purchase a new cab and chassis to be upfitted with a rear-loading refuse body for the sanitation department. LSA funds will be used for the purchase of equipment.
Grant Awarded: $100,000
• Moosic Borough: Moosic Youth Center Revitalization Project
To upgrade the Moosic Youth Center facility and replace their structure’s roof along with reconstructing the blacktop/concrete. LSA funds will be used for renovation costs.
Grant Awarded: $100,000
• Newton Township: Truck Purchase Project
For the purchase of a public works vehicle, funds will be used to purchase the cab and chassis of the truck and dump body, and it will be outfitted to include hydraulics, a plow, spreader and safety lights. LSA funds will be used for purchase of equipment.
Grant Awarded: $40,000
• Scranton City: Scranton Cultural Center, Facility Upgrades
For the purchase and installation of a fire detection system, a heavy-duty stair lift for the ballroom balcony area, and energy efficient LED light fixtures at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. LSA funds will be used for the purchase and installation of equipment and administrative costs.
Grant Awarded: $90,000
• Scranton City: Scranton Pedestrian Safety Corridor
To complete a pedestrian safety project located along Davis Street in Scranton City, Lackawanna County. LSA funds will be used for construction, engineering, and administrative costs.
Grant Awarded: $110,000
• South Abington Township: Dept. Public Works Truck Purchase
For the purchase of a municipal support vehicle with attachments for roadway maintenance and plowing. LSA funds will be used for purchase of a truck with equipment and upfitting costs.
Grant Awarded: $116,000
• Taylor Borough: Body-Worn Police Technology Purchase
For the purchase of police technology to replace obsolete radios for Taylor Borough’s police department. LSA funds will be used for the purchase of equipment.
Grant Awarded: $100,000
• Taylor Borough: Taylor Borough – Safe Parks Initiative
To purchase and install security cameras in Derenick and Noakes Parks as part of the Safe Parks Initiative Project. LSA funds will be used for the purchase and installation of equipment.
Grant Awarded: $6,175
Senator Flynn Highlights $16.9 Million PENNVEST Investment for Griffin Dam Safety Improvements in Lackawanna County
SCRANTON, PA − April 15, 2026 − State Senator Marty Flynn announced that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has approved $16,922,000 in funding for critical safety upgrades to Pennsylvania American Water Company’s Griffin Dam in Lackawanna County.
The funding will support a comprehensive rehabilitation project to address structural and safety concerns identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The existing spillway system has been determined to be undersized for flood control, and the dam has experienced seepage issues and structural misalignment along its retaining walls and outlet.
“This is about addressing real safety concerns and making sure the surrounding community is protected,” Senator Flynn said. “Upgrading the Griffin Dam to meet modern standards is necessary to ensure the long-term reliability of this infrastructure.”
Senator Marty Flynn (D-22) and Representative Bridget Kosierowski (D-114) acknowledged the importance of the project and the investment being made to address long-standing safety concerns at the site.
“This investment is critical to ensuring the safety and reliability of the Griffin Dam and protecting families across Lackawanna County,” said Representative Bridget Kosierowski. “By addressing longstanding structural concerns and modernizing this infrastructure, we are taking an important step toward safeguarding our water system while keeping costs manageable for residents.”
The project will include upgrades to the outlet works, increased spillway capacity, seepage mitigation, and other structural improvements. Once complete, the dam will meet current safety and regulatory standards for a high-hazard drinking water facility.
The funding will be provided as a low-interest loan through PENNVEST and includes a $7,710,200 grant-equivalent value. Because the project serves a lower-income area, water rates are not expected to increase as a result of the improvements.
Senator Flynn Announces Student Ambassador Program Final Presentations, Selects Child Victim Recovery Fund Proposal to Move Forward
Pictured: State Senator Marty Flynn with the Student Ambassador Program participants in the Senate Chamber, Harrisburg. Photo is attributable to Jimmie Brown, PA Senate Democratic Caucus. Media use permitted.
SCRANTON, PA − April 13, 2026 − Senator Marty Flynn announced the completion of the 2025–2026 Student Ambassador Program following final presentations held on April 9, where students introduced original policy proposals developed over the course of the program.
Four student groups presented legislation addressing a range of issues, including maternal health protections, school nutrition, access to full-time school nurses, and support for Child Advocacy Centers.
At the conclusion of the presentations, Senator Flynn selected the Child Victim Recovery Fund Act to move forward. The proposal was presented by Grace Bennett (Abington Heights), Edward Bonin (Dunmore), Connor Cawley (Pittston Area), Kinsey Harris (Wilkes-Barre Area), and Ava Roberto (Scranton).
The legislation presented would establish a dedicated funding stream for Child Advocacy Centers across Pennsylvania, including a proposed $14.5 million annual budget line. It also calls for restitution fees directed from offenders to help support services provided to child victims.
Students involved in the proposal connected with Child Advocacy Centers to better understand the challenges they face, including the lack of consistent, statewide funding.
Additional proposals developed through the program, including the BUMP Act (Banked Use for Maternity Protection Act), gluten-free lunch options in Pennsylvania public schools, and the Pennsylvania Full-Time School Nurse Act, will be introduced by members of the House, including Representative Bridget Kosierowski (114th Legislative District), Representative Jim Haddock (118th Legislative District), and Representative Kyle Donahue (113th Legislative District).
“The work these students put in goes well beyond a final presentation,” said Senator Flynn. “Since October, they have spent months developing these ideas, learning how the legislative process works, and even getting an inside look at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. What stood out to me is how focused they were on advocating for others. Each proposal was grounded in real issues and aimed at improving people’s lives. This was a sharp group, and it was a privilege to work with them through this program.”
The Student Ambassador Program provides high school students from across the 22nd Senatorial District with the opportunity to learn about state government, engage with policy issues, and develop their own legislative proposals.