July 11, 2024
Harrisburg, PA − July 11, 2024 − Senator Marty Flynn is excited to announce the creation of a tax credit for employer contributions to 529 tuition savings accounts. This initiative aims to incentivize employers to support their employees’ educational goals, thereby alleviating the financial burden of education for both employees and their families.
Addressing the Student Loan Debt Crisis: Student loan debt in the United States has reached unprecedented levels, with an estimated 45 million borrowers collectively owing over $1.5 trillion. This crisis has far-reaching consequences for students, recent graduates, and the broader economy.
Expanding the 529 Tuition Account Program: A Tuition Account Program 529 account, or a “qualified tuition plan,” is a tax-advantaged savings account designed to encourage saving for future educational expenses. Initially created in 1996 to cover higher education expenses, the program has expanded to include K-12 education costs and apprenticeship-related expenses.
Key Features of the Proposed Legislation:
- Employers making contributions towards an employee’s 529 account will be eligible to claim a tax credit towards their state tax liability.
- This tax credit aims to incentivize employers to support their employees’ educational goals.
- The initiative promotes a skilled and educated workforce in Pennsylvania by making education more accessible and affordable.
Senator Marty Flynn Statement:
“We must work to continue to make education, in all forms, as accessible and affordable as possible for the citizens of the Commonwealth. By introducing a tax credit for employer contributions to 529 tuition savings accounts, we are taking a significant step towards reducing the financial burden of education. This initiative will not only support employees and their families but also promote a more skilled and educated workforce in Pennsylvania. This is truly a win-win opportunity for employers and employees.”
Senator Flynn encourages all eligible employers in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, and across the Commonwealth, to participate in this new tax credit opportunity.
For more information, please contact Senator Flynn’s office.
July 11, 2024
Harrisburg, PA – July 11, 2024 – Senator Marty Flynn is proud to announce the passage of a historic budget that delivers significant investments in education, economic development, public safety, and support for vulnerable populations in Pennsylvania. This budget reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for all Pennsylvanians without imposing new taxes.
Key Achievements of the New Budget:
Education:
- Over $1 billion increase for Pre-K to 12 education funding:
- $526 million increase for Ready to Learn
- $285 million increase for Basic Education Funding
- $100 million increase for Special Education
- $100 million in new funding for Cyber Charter Transition
- Over $35 million increase for PASSHE schools, a 6% rise from last year.
- Over $140 million allocated for grants, scholarships, and programs to make higher education more affordable.
- A new $3 million investment to provide menstrual products in schools, addressing period poverty.
Housing and Community Development:
- $70 million for affordable housing through the PHARE Housing Program, with a $10 million increase this year and further increases planned.
- $20 million for student teacher stipends, doubling last year’s funding.
- Over $550 million in economic development programs via the Department of Community and Economic Development.
- Millions for new programs supporting economic opportunities and job creation, including PA SITES, Main Street Matters, and Agricultural Innovation Development.
Public Safety:
- $16.5 million increase for anti-violence investments in community and after-school programs.
- $75 million for skilled nursing facilities to meet staffing requirements and maintain services.
- Over $25 million to support state parks, forests, and environmental protection.
Senator Marty Flynn Statement:
“This budget marks a pivotal moment for Pennsylvania, investing significantly in education, public safety, and economic growth while avoiding new taxes. These investments provide a strong foundation for our families, businesses, and communities to thrive. Education remains a top priority, with over $1 billion in new funding to support our students from Pre-K to higher education. We are addressing essential needs in public safety and making strides in economic development to ensure Pennsylvania remains a beacon of opportunity.”
Education Highlights:
- The substantial increase in Pre-K to 12 funding will help address disparities in low-income school districts, enhance student support services, and improve school facilities.
- Investments in higher education will make college more accessible and affordable, continuing our fight to reduce student debt.
Economic and Public Safety Initiatives:
- The budget supports innovative programs to attract new businesses and foster entrepreneurship, ensuring a dynamic economy with better-paying jobs.
- Increased funding for community safety programs will address the root causes of violence and support effective grassroots intervention strategies.
Looking Ahead:
“While we celebrate these wins, we recognize the work ahead. This budget is a down payment on our commitment to fully funding education and supporting all Pennsylvanians. We will continue to advocate for increased investment in infrastructure, fair wages, and comprehensive support for vulnerable populations.”
Senator Marty Flynn invites constituents to review the detailed budget and join in the ongoing efforts to build a stronger, more equitable Pennsylvania.
May 21, 2024
Luzerne County, PA – Tuesday May 21, 2024 – Senator Flynn alongside State Representatives are pleased to announce the allocation of Local Share Account (LSA) funds to support various community projects aimed at enhancing public safety, infrastructure, recreation, and more across multiple boroughs and townships. Senator Flynn, Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, and Representative Jim Haddock are pleased to announce the following projects that have been awarded funding in our district:
Avoca Borough
Purchase of a Vehicle for Avoca Borough Police Department: $66,139
Renovation of Little League Club House: $200,000
Dupont Borough
Improvements to Municipal Office Building: $134,945
Duryea Borough
Excelsior Hose Company #2 Volunteer Fire Department Renovation Project (Phase II): $300,000
PPE Purchase for Germania Volunteer Hose Company: $50,000
Purchase of New Backhoe Loader: $134,000
Hughestown Borough
Construction of pavilion and improvement of recreational facilities: $232,233
Purchase of vehicle for borough police equipment: $16,896
Jenkins Township
Spadi Park Improvements: $100,000
WVIA Public Media Parking Lot Update: $225,000
Security Cameras for Parks: $98,383
New Storage Building for Garbage Trucks: $192,224
Laflin Borough
Purchase of a trailer and backhoe: $18,873
Storm Water Restoration and replacement of deteriorated and antiquated storm water pipes: $226,972
Pittston City
Wayfinding Improvements: $66,511
Facade Improvement Grant Program: $200,000
Tomato Festival Site Improvements: $269,612
Plains Township
SimMan 3G Training Mannequins for Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center: $71,175
West Pittston Borough
Engineering Costs for Flood Control Levee Project: $400,000
Wilkes-Barre City
Irem Temple Restoration Project Renovations: $300,000
Exterior Renovations to Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre: $150,000
Luzerne County Historical Society’s Bishop Memorial Library Roof Replacement: $150,000
Mill Creek Brookside Levee System Rehabilitation: $400,000
New Restroom in Osterhout Free Library Children’s Wing: $131,000
Roof Replacement at Sherman Street Properties Business Center: $320,195
Bloxton Hotel Project Renovations on Public Square: $250,000
Emergency Response Equipment Upgrades at Wilkes University: $155,701
Wyoming Valley Art League Building Renovations at Circle Centre for the Arts: $200,000
Yatesville Borough
Purchase and Outfitting of a Municipal Vehicle: $87,426
These investments will significantly improve the quality of life for residents by enhancing public safety, updating critical infrastructure, and promoting community development. Luzerne County remains committed to supporting local initiatives that foster a safer, healthier, and more vibrant community.
For more information, please contact: Ryan Adcroft at 570-499-2868.
May 21, 2024
Lackawanna County, PA – Tuesday May 21, 2024 – Senator Flynn alongside State Representatives are pleased to announce the allocation of Local Share Account (LSA) funds aimed at supporting a wide array of community projects. Senator Flynn, Representatives Bridget Kosierowski, Kyle Donahue, Jim Haddock and Kyle Mullins are pleased to announce the following projects that have been proposed in our district:
Clarks Summit Borough
Purchase of Vehicle for the Police Department: $65,000
Dalton Borough
Purchase of a Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck for Dalton Borough Sewer Authority: $48,882
Dunmore Borough
Exterior Improvements to the Borough Building: $69,240
Lackawanna County
American Ukrainian Veterans Association of Lackawanna County (AUVALC): Purchase of Kitchen Equipment: $45,000
Connell Park Little League: Purchase of Equipment: $38,349
Eagle McClure Hose Company: Exterior Safety Improvements: $101,000
Fellowship House: Streetscape Improvements: $80,000
Holy Rosary Basketball Association: Roof Replacement Project: $100,000
Irish Boxing Club: Purchase of Boxing Equipment: $28,001
Moosic Redwings: Softball Field Improvements: $100,000
North Scranton Vikings: Field and concession Improvements: $50,000
Point Balance The Center: Renovation Project: $44,000
St. Anthony’s Memorial Park Association Inc.: Parking Lot and Paving improvements: $140,006
Victor Alfieri Literary Society: Roof Replacement: $107,022
West Scranton Jr. Invaders: Bathroom Facility Reconstruction: $60,000
Indraloka Animal Sanctuary Medical Barn: Construction of new barn $50,000
Scott Township
Scott Township Hose Company: Paving Driveway and Parking Lot: $100,000
K-9 Vehicle Purchase: $60,000
Scranton City
Beth Shalom Academy: Playground Construction: $100,000
The Underground Miners: Brooks Mine Restoration: $25,000
Green Ridge Little League: Field and Facility Revitalization: $50,000
North Scranton Little League Batting Cages Improvement: $50,000
Telespond Senior Services: Senior Advocacy Center Furnishings: $65,000
Tripp Park Miss-E League: Indoor Batting Cages Construction: $50,000
South Abington Township
Purchase of Municipal Support Vehicle: $50,000
Taylor Borough
Municipal Office Building Renovations: $195,501
These projects represent significant steps forward in enhancing public safety, infrastructure, and community services across Lackawanna County.
May 14, 2024
SCRANTON, May 14, 2024 – State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, and state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, chair of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee, today joined Sen. Marty Flynn (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne) and Rep. Bridget Kosierowski (D-Lackawanna) in Scranton to co-host a public hearing focusing on lack of access to healthcare in communities across Pennsylvania.
“The closure of hospitals across the state has dramatically increased over the last several years, leaving many without nearby access to emergency rooms, maternity care services and specialist providers,” Muth said. “Access to quality, timely healthcare is a human right and continuing the for-profit health care business model is not sustainable or equitable. We need a system overhaul that ensures patient-centered care, not for-profit care.”
The hearing, held at Lackawanna County in downtown Scranton, featured discussion on the crisis caused by hospital closures across the Commonwealth. According to statistics provided by the Pennsylvania Health Access Network, there were 33 hospital closures in Pennsylvania during the past 20 years, including 15 in just the past five years.
“This is not an issue that’s unique to just one area. We’re seeing health care deserts pop up across the Commonwealth,” Bizzarro said. “It’s past time we work to make sure all Pennsylvanians have fair and equal access to health care, and it starts with addressing the workforce shortage and other issues causing hospital closures.”
A 2023 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Health concluded that barriers to healthcare are often determined by the location where a person resides. Approximately 2 million Pennsylvania residents live in areas designated as dental or mental healthcare Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and 500,000 lived in primary care HPSAs in 2022.
“Today’s policy hearing at Lackawanna College brought crucial attention to the dire state of healthcare in Pennsylvania,” Flynn added. “As we discussed the alarming trend of hospital closures and soaring healthcare costs, it became evident that too many Pennsylvanians are being left without the vital care they require. It’s imperative that we take action now to guarantee access to quality healthcare for all citizens.”
According to testimony at the hearing, Pennsylvania will need an estimated 1,000 or more additional primary care physicians within the next six years. A projection by Mercer found that by 2026, Pennsylvania will have the largest shortfall of registered nurses in the nation (20,345) and the third largest shortfalls of mental health professionals (6,330) and nursing support staff (277,711).
“As a nurse, I saw too many patients arrive at our hospital with advanced disease because they didn’t have access to preventable care earlier. We have to fix this because we deserve better here in the Commonwealth,” Kosierowski added. “We have many challenges to work through, but I’m confident we can find solutions and reduce healthcare deserts in Pennsylvania.”
Two bills have been introduced in the Senate to address the issues of hospital closures. Senate Bill 83, introduced by Senator Muth, would require approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Health before a hospital or hospital system can be purchased. Senate Bill 83 would also require that the Department of Health reviews applications, holds public hearings, and prepares impact statements. It would also require price transparency from hospitals or hospital systems so that patients have full access to the costs of items and services provided.
A second bill, Senate Bill 548 introduced by Sen. Tim Kearney (D-Delaware), would give the Attorney General the ability to review and challenge hospital and nursing home mergers, acquisitions, dividend recapitalizations, and other critical transactions that enrich shareholders but threaten the public interest in access to quality care.
“The healthcare industry is undergoing a drawn-out transformation that is leaving millions of Pennsylvanians without access to quality care,” Kearney added. “Lawmakers need to put protections like my bill, SB548, in place to prevent healthcare consolidation that is at the root of service cuts, closures, and rising prices.”
Other participants in the hearing included Dr. Tammy Torres, President, Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton; Patrick Keenan, Director of Policy & Partnership, Pennsylvania Health Access Network; and state Reps. Kyle Mullins (D-Lackawanna), Kyle Donahue (D-Lackawanna), Dan Williams (D-Chester), Leanne Krueger (D-Delaware), and Jessica Benham (D-Allegheny).
For more information on this policy hearing and to access all submitted testimony and a full recording of today’s hearing, visit www.SenatorMuth.com/policy.
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Testimony
Testimony
