January 16, 2024
Scranton, PA – January 16, 2024 − Senator Marty Flynn alongside State Representatives Bridget Kosierowski, Jim Haddock, Kyle Donahue, and Eddie Day Pashinski are thrilled to announce the approval of grants totaling over $900,000 for the CFA Act 13 Greenways, Trails, Recreation, and Watershed Restoration Projects. These grants will play a pivotal role in enhancing the natural and recreational landscapes of Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.
The breakdown of the grants is as follows:
Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Grants:
Dalton Borough – Dalton Streamside Park Revitalization Project, Lackawanna County – $125,000
Lackawanna Valley Conservancy – Depot Street Trail Head, Lackawanna County – $50,000
City of Scranton – Davis Trail Revitalization, Lackawanna County – $50,000
Taylor Borough – Pedestrian Access in Taylor Borough, Lackawanna County – $104,000
The Borough of Dickson City – Dickson City Riverfront Park Development Project – Final Phase, Lackawanna County – $175,000
City of Pittston – Pittston City BMX Park, Luzerne County – $150,000
Pittston Township – Tony Attardo Memorial Park Rehabilitation Project Phase II, Luzerne County – $105,000
Watershed Restoration Grants:
City of Scranton – Leggett’s Creek Greenway Eco-Restoration, Lackawanna County – $100,000
Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority – Plains Township Mill Creek Streambank Restoration Project, Luzerne County – $50,000
Senator Flynn congratulates all the grant recipients, emphasizing the positive impact these funds will have on community development, recreational facilities, and environmental restoration. The projects aim to contribute significantly to the aesthetic appeal and overall well-being of Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.
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January 5, 2024
SCRANTON, PA − January 5, 2024 − Senator Marty Flynn and State Representative Kyle Donahue, in collaboration with State Representatives Bridget Kosierowski, Kyle Mullins, and Jim Haddock, played a pivotal role in a teleconference meeting held on January 3rd with the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to address the pressing issue of the water/sewer rate increase.
This period presents a significant opportunity for the community, especially those with fixed incomes and elderly citizens, to actively participate in the ongoing discourse surrounding the water/sewer rate hike. Senator Flynn and Representatives Donahue, Kosierowski, Mullins, and Haddock strongly encourage all affected individuals, particularly those facing financial challenges, to take advantage of this allocated time frame and promptly submit their grievances.
A heartfelt thank you to the Northeast Legislative Delegation for their unwavering support and efforts in securing this public grievance submission period. Your dedication to the community is truly appreciated.
To simplify the complaint submission process, a dedicated office has been established at 341 N Washington Ave in downtown Scranton. This central location will serve as a hub for citizens, providing accessible support for those in need and fostering engagement to facilitate a more comprehensive discourse on this critical issue.
The Senator and State Representatives fervently encourage community members to actively participate by submitting complaints and attending the forthcoming public hearing, scheduled for the week of January 29th (details on event time and location to follow). They stress the significance of collective community voices in influencing the resolution of this matter.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Oppose PA Water Hike
341 N Washington Ave Scranton PA
OpposePAWaterHike@gmail.com
272-892-1441
December 19, 2023
Scranton − December 19, 2023 − In an announcement today, Senator Marty Flynn, alongside State Representatives Bridget Kosierowski, Kyle Donahue, Eddie Day Pashinski, and Jim Haddock proudly unveiled a significant achievement for the 22nd district with the acquisition of over $9 million in grants for the H2O Program and Small Water & Sewer Program.
This substantial funding injection will play a crucial role in addressing vital improvements related to H2O and Stormwater concerns in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.
Regions heavily affected by recent severe flooding, including Keyser Valley, North Scranton, and the Abington’s, are among the areas included in the grants.
Senator Flynn expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “These grants mark a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to the welfare of our communities. The funding secured will not only address immediate concerns but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and resilience of our infrastructure.”
The grants come at a pivotal time, responding to the urgent need for enhanced stormwater management and infrastructure development following recent challenges faced by these districts. State Representatives Kosierowski and Donahue echoed Senator Flynn’s sentiments, emphasizing the collaborative effort to secure these funds and their dedication to the well-being of their respective Districts and the Senator’s 22nd district.
These funds will be allocated strategically to ensure the most effective and efficient utilization, with a focus on key improvements that directly impact the safety and well-being of the residents in these affected areas.
County: Lackawanna Grants
H2O Program
City of Scranton
Project: Stormwater Improvements
Description: Located in Scranton City, Lackawanna County.
$2,200,000
House: Kyle Donahue (D) / Bridget M. Kosierowski (D)
Senate: Marty Flynn (D)
Dalton Sewer Authority
Project: Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements
Description: Upgrade located in LaPlume Township, Lackawanna County.
$500,000
House: Jim Haddock (D)
Senate: Marty Flynn (D)
Small Water & Sewer
Clarks Green Borough
Project: Clarks Green Storm Sewer Infrastructure Rehabilitation ProjectDescription: Stormwater Infrastructure Rehabilitation project in Clarks Green Borough, Lackawanna County.
$304,200
House: Bridget M. Kosierowski (D)
Senate: Marty Flynn (D)
Scranton
Project: Storm Sewer along Lemon St, Augusta Ave, and Greenbush St
Description: Stormwater infrastructure improvements located in Scranton City, Lackawanna County.
$424,046
House: Kyle Donahue (D) / Bridget M. Kosierowski (D)
Senate: Marty Flynn (D)
Abington Regional Wastewater Authority
Project: UV System Replacement
Description: Replace wastewater disinfection system located in South Abington Township, Lackawanna County.
$500,000
House: Bridget M. Kosierowski (D)
Senate: Marty Flynn (D)
Scott Township Sewer and Water Authority
Project: Pump Station Replacement
Description: Pump station replacement project located in Scott Township, Lackawanna County.
$250,000
House: Bridget M. Kosierowski (D)
Senate: Marty Flynn (D)
Taylor Borough
Project: Storm Water Project
Description: Storm sewer replacement located in Taylor Borough, Lackawanna County.
$162,885
House: Jim Haddock (D)
Senate: Marty Flynn (D)
County: Luzerne Grants
H2O Program
West Pittston Borough
Project: Sanitary and Storm Sewer Separation Project
Description: Rehabilitate and separate storm and sewer line located in West Pittston Borough, Luzerne County.
$2,600,000
House: Jim Haddock (D)
Senate: Marty Flynn (D)
Plains Township
Project: Delaware Street and Hudson Garden Stormwater Improvements Project
Description: Stormwater improvements along Delaware Street and Hudson Garden located in Plains Township, Luzerne County.
$481,812
House: Eddie Day Pashinski (D)
Senate: Marty Flynn (D)
Small Water & Sewer
Laflin Borough
Project: Stormwater Repairs
Description: Replacement of cross culverts on a busy intersection in Laflin Borough, Luzerne County.
$230,945
House: Jim Haddock (D)
Senate: Marty Flynn (D)
Pittston Township Sewer Authority
Project: Upgrades to the Sanitary Sewer System
Description: Sanitary sewer conveyance system upgrades in Pittston Township, Luzerne County.
$140,100
House: Jim Haddock (D)
Senate: Marty Flynn (D)
Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority
Project: Wyoming Valley Mall MS4 Stormwater Basin Retrofit Project
Description: Retrofit a stormwater basin near the Wyoming Valley Mall located in Wilkes-Barre Township, Luzerne County.
$340,000
House: Eddie Day Pashinski (D)
Senate: Marty Flynn (D)
Pittston City
Project: Willow Lane Upgrades
Description: Installation of a new sanitary sewer on Willow Lane in Pittston City, Luzerne County.
$299,150
House: Jim Haddock (D)
Senate: Marty Flynn (D)
Wyoming Borough
Project: Monument Avenue Sewer Enhancement Project
Description: Replace sewer lines along Monument Avenue located in Wyoming Borough, Luzerne County.
$418,477
House: Aaron D. Kaufer (R)
Senate: Marty Flynn (D)
Pittston Township
Project: Parnell St. Stormwater Improvement Project
Description: Improvements to their stormwater system located on Parnell Street in Pittston Township, Luzerne County.
$384,336
House: Jim Haddock (D)
Senate: Marty Flynn (D)
Wilkes-Barre Township
Project: Stormwater Repair and Improvement Project
Description: Addition of two stormwater inlets and the replacement of storm pipe in three affected locations in Wilkes-Barre Township, Luzerne County.
$208,207
House: Eddie Day Pashinski (D)
Senate: Marty Flynn (D)
November 17, 2023
Scranton − November 17, 2023 − In a joint effort, Senator Marty Flynn and State Representatives Kyle Mullins, Bridget Kosierowski, and Kyle Donahue are deeply concerned in regards to the substantial water-rate increases proposed by Pennsylvania American Water. The proposed hikes, ranging from 25% to 32%, scheduled for August 2024, are raising alarms about the impact on the affordability of water services for local residents.
In the rate-hike request filed on November 8 with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the suggested increases for typical water bills include:
- Residential: A 25% increase, raising the cost from $70.65 to $88.24 for 3,201 gallons a month.
- Commercial: A 27% increase, elevating charges from $346.13 to $439.77 for 22,094 gallons a month.
- Industrial: A 32% increase, escalating fees from $7,663.50 to $10,173.68 for 685,947 gallons a month.
The financial burden on residents has deeply concerned Senator Flynn and State Representatives on what they describe as a “massive increase which will burden our working families and seniors on fixed incomes and have a devastating impact on monthly budgets.”
Senator Flynn and State Reps are set to hold a press conference Monday, November 20th at 11am on Stafford Ave in Scranton advocating for local residents. He emphasizes the detrimental impact on affordability and highlights the pressing need to ensure that essential water services remain affordable to all.
As the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission reviews the requested rate increase, residents are encouraged to:
- Send Letters: Address concerns or objections to the PUC, emphasizing the potential adverse impact on household budgets.
- Attend Public Input Hearings: Present testimony at PUC public input hearings, expressing views and concerns.
- File Formal Complaints: Become a party to the case by filing a formal complaint before January 7, 2024. This will allow residents to participate in all hearings about the rate increase request and receive copies of all materials distributed by other parties.
For more information, residents can contact the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission at 1-800-692-7380 or visit www.puc.state.pa.us.
Senator Flynn remains steadfast in advocating for residents and safeguarding against what they perceive as an unwarranted financial burden on the community.
October 6, 2023
DOR Streamlines Tax Exemption Process Following Governor Shapiro’s Executive Order Directing Agencies to Review Licensing, Permitting, and Certification Processes; Previously Only Paper Applications Were Available
Harrisburg, PA − October 6, 2023 − There is a new online filing option available for non-profits, such as charitable and volunteer organizations, to apply for and renew a Pennsylvania sales tax exemption. The Department of Revenue recently launched this online application on myPATH to deliver a new, streamlined tool for its customers.
The successful completion of this project comes after Governor Josh Shapiro earlier this year signed an executive order that called on Commonwealth agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of their application processes. The purpose of the Governor’s executive order is to improve the Commonwealth’s licensing, permitting, and certification processes for all Pennsylvania workers and businesses.
“We are proud to play a part in carrying out Governor Shapiro’s vision of offering services that are more efficient and effective for the people we serve,” Revenue Secretary Pat Browne said. “Providing a new online application for sales tax exemptions gives non-profit organizations a streamlined process to secure their exemption certificates as quickly as possible and renew their exemptions when they need to.”
The sales tax exemption allows institutions of purely public charity to avoid paying Pennsylvania’s 6 percent sales tax on purchases made on behalf of the institution’s charitable purpose.
Prior to the launch of the online application, non-profit organizations were required to submit a paper application form (called the REV-72). The paper-based process resulted in a lengthy turnaround time, due in part to the volume of applications that were received and the detailed supporting documentation that was required to verify each organization’s non-profit status. The paper-based process often resulted in incomplete applications, which required the Department to request additional information from the applicants. As a result, processing was often delayed as the Department waited to receive this information.
“Now that all of the information can be uploaded online, we have a more efficient application process that also allows non-profit organizations to view the status of their applications in real time,” Secretary Browne said. “This is exactly the kind of improvement that Governor Shapiro is looking for to provide the customer service that everyone in Pennsylvania can count on.”
myPATH a Resource for Customers
The online sales tax exemption application is the latest customer service option to be added to myPATH, the online tax system the Department of Revenue launched in recent years to offer improved online services for its customers. The system is now the online destination where Pennsylvania taxpayers can manage the vast majority of their state tax obligations, whether it’s filing tax returns, making payments, or managing their accounts.
Under the leadership of Secretary Browne, the Department of Revenue also has delivered for its customers during the most recent tax season. To date, the agency has processed more than 6.1 million personal income tax returns and 1.5 million income tax refund requests totaling $338 million. Additionally, the agency has processed more than 359,000 rebate applications for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, helping older Pennsylvanians and others with disabilities secure nearly $162 million in rebates on property taxes and rent paid during 2022.
Meanwhile, the Department recently made progress in decreasing the average wait time while also increasing the volume of calls answered for people who call the agency’s main call center.
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