November 12, 2025
Harrisburg, PA – November 12, 2025 − Senator Marty Flynn applauds the General Assembly’s passage of the 2025-2026 Pennsylvania state budget, emphasizing that it keeps taxes level and provides relief for working families while strengthening education, childcare and food security programs. The budget delivers on Democrats’ promise of no tax increases and delivers tax cuts for nearly one million Pennsylvanians through the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit.
“This budget delivers for the people of the 22nd Senatorial District. By prioritizing education and economic growth, without increasing taxes, we are laying a foundation for a brighter, more prosperous Northeastern Pennsylvania,” Senator Marty Flynn said. “I am proud to have worked with my colleagues across the aisle to get this done, and I look forward to seeing these investments translate into real progress in our region.”
Highlights of the 2025 – 2026 Budget
Tax policy
- No tax increases. The plan follows through on Democrats’ commitment to keep rates level.
- Creates the “Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit”. This new credit cuts taxes for nearly one million working Pennsylvanians. In the 22nd Senatorial District alone, over 28,000 households, representing nearly 42% of households in our community, are projected to be eligible for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit.
Education funding
- $526 million to meet the Commonwealth Court mandate for adequate and constitutional school funding (Adequacy & Equity, year two).
- $175 million in district savings from cyber charter funding reform.
- $40 million increase for special education.
- $125 million for school facilities improvements.
- $100 million for school safety and student mental health initiatives.
- $30 million for student teacher stipends to strengthen the educator pipeline.
Childcare and basic needs
- $25 million for childcare workforce retention and recruitment to stabilize programs and expand access.
- $11 million increase for the State Food Purchase Program and Farmers’ Market Coupons, ensuring food banks and pantries can meet growing demand.
“At the end of the day, this budget is about people and ensuring every family, student, and community in Pennsylvania has the tools to thrive. It’s proof that when we work together, we can deliver real results that move our Commonwealth forward,” Flynn said. This plan invests in childcare, strengthens food assistance programs, and helps families manage rising costs. It is a responsible budget that reflects real priorities, focusing on education, opportunity, and stability for working people.”
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)
August 22, 2025
Senator Flynn Announces Farmland Preservation in Lackawanna County
Harrisburg, PA – August 22, 2025 – Senator Marty Flynn announced that a 26-acre equine farm in Benton Township, Lackawanna County, has been permanently preserved through Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program. This action ensures the property will remain farmland and protected from future residential or commercial development.
The State Agriculture Land Preservation Board recently voted to preserve 2,017 acres on 33 farms in 16 counties across the Commonwealth. With these additions, Pennsylvania’s nationally recognized Farmland Preservation Program has safeguarded 6,597 farms and 656,568 acres in 58 counties.
“I’m grateful to see Walter and Bonnie Rosengrant’s farm added to the list of preserved farmlands here in Lackawanna County,” said Senator Marty Flynn. “Every farm we protect is a promise that agriculture will remain at the heart of Pennsylvania’s story, and it ensures the next generation inherits not just the land itself but the opportunities and traditions that built this region.”
Farmland Preservation Details:
• Location: Benton Township, Lackawanna County
• Owners: Walter P. Rosengrant, Jr. & Bonnie J. Rosengrant
• Farm Size: 26-acre equine farm
August 22, 2025
Harrisburg, PA – August 22, 2025 – State Senator Marty Flynn today announced that the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has awarded a $2,416,847 grant to expand high-speed internet access in portions of the 22nd Senate District. With the required 80% private sector match, this award represents a total estimated investment of more than $4.3 million in broadband infrastructure for Northeast Pennsylvania.
The grant, awarded through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, will support infrastructure upgrades to deliver reliable, affordable broadband service to homes and businesses currently lacking access. The project will deploy a mix of fiber, hybrid fiber, and low-earth orbit satellite technologies, with service provided by Amazon Kuiper Satellite, Comcast, Verizon, and SpaceX Satellite.
“This investment is about connecting our communities to opportunity,” said Senator Flynn. “Reliable broadband is as essential as electricity or running water, it’s what allows families to work, students to learn, and small businesses to grow. I’m proud to see this funding come to our district, and I’ll continue to fight for resources that improve quality of life for the people in our district.”
Statewide, the PBDA approved 21 unique awardees with a total of $793,494,747 in BEAD grant funding recommended for award. Combined with the required private sector match, these grants will generate over $1.3 billion in infrastructure spending and connect approximately 130,000 Pennsylvania homes and businesses that currently lack service.
Grant Summary – Senate District 22
- Recipient Providers: Amazon Kuiper Satellite, Comcast, Verizon, SpaceX Satellite
- Amount Awarded: $2,416,847
- Estimated Total Investment (Grant + Private Sector Match): $4,350,324+
- Technology: Fiber, Hybrid Fiber, LEO Satellite
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
