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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May 16, 2023
Scranton, PA – May 16, 2023 – Today, Senator Marty Flynn (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne) announced a total of $7,074,726 in grants awarded to 52 projects in the 22nd Senatorial District.
“I’m thrilled to support the many projects receiving funding in Luzerne and Lackawanna County,” said Senator Flynn. “I’m proud to see these important projects receive the funding we fought so hard for. This funding will not only increase public safety through investments in local law enforcement and emergency services, but it will also help create and sustain thriving communities for the residents of the 22nd District by infusing funds directly into where we live, work and play.”
The Local Share Account was developed from PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act funds, which are distributed by the Commonwealth Financing Authority for the purpose of providing support for projects in the public interest.
The following grants, totaling $4,972,629, were awarded in Luzerne County:
- $440,781 awarded to Avoca Borough for an emergency rescue truck
- $45,825 awarded to Dupont Borough for Dupont Community Park Restoration
- $100,000 awarded to Dupont Borough for a maintenance garage
- $30,000 awarded to Dupont Borough for assorted computer upgrades
- $15,000 awarded to Dupont Borough for a Veteran Monument
- $114,045 awarded to Duryea Borough for the Germania Remodel Project
- $116,200 awarded to Hughestown Borough for the 2022 Salt Shed Project
- $123,704 awarded to Hughestown Borough for an equipment purchase project
- $103,140 awarded to Jenkins Township for the purchase of two police vehicles
- $67,910 awarded to Jenkins Township for firefighter turnout gear
- $365,000 awarded to Jenkins Township for the Street Paving Project
- $77,103 awarded to Laflin Borough for the purchase of a work truck
- $225,340 awarded to Laflin Borough for stormwater improvements
- $17,435 awarded to Laflin Borough for Storz Fire Hydrant Adapters
- $94,157 awarded to Laurel Run Borough for the purchase of public safety equipment
- $100,000 awarded to Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority for the Pittston YMCA childcare expansion and facility modernization
- $500,000 awarded to Pittston City for the construction of an 80,000 square foot development project
- $295,000 awarded to Pittston Township for the Emergency Services Upgrade Project
- $265,385 awarded to Plains Township for the East Mountain Boulevard Roadway Improvements & Paving Project
- $162,275 awarded to Plains Township for the Plains Township COSTAR New DPW Garbage Packer Project
- $115,000 awarded to West Pittston Borough for the West Pittston Borough 2022 Municipal Building Renovations Project
- $250,000 awarded to West Pittston Borough for the Wyoming Area Regional Police Force Building Renovation Project
- $215,000 awarded to Wilkes-Barre Township for HVAC Replacement & Upgrades
- $157,075 awarded to Wilkes-Barre City for the Bucket Truck Project
- $78,561 awarded to Wilkes-Barre City for the Department of Public Works Skid Steer
- $264,000 awarded to Wilkes-Barre City for the Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority (LCFPA) Flood Protection Equipment Project
- $250,000 awarded to Wilkes-Barre City for Volunteers of America Pennsylvania (VOAPA) Housing – Phase II
- $250,000 awarded to Wilkes-Barre City for the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA Multi-Purpose Room Transformation Project
- $134,684 awarded to Yatesville Borough for the 2022 Yatesville Borough Basketball Court Improvement Project
The following grants, totaling $2,102,106, were awarded in Lackawanna County:
- $35,410 awarded to Dalton Borough for a RAM 2500 Public Works Truck
- $64,400 awarded to Dunmore Borough for parking meters
- $120,000 awarded to Dunmore Borough for VFW roof replacement/kitchen repairs
- $130,000 awarded to Glenburn Township for Glenburn Township DPW Building Phase I
- $62,842 awarded to Lackawanna County for roof repair and replacement at the 20th Ward Social Club
- $17,224 awarded to Lackawanna County for Connell Park Little League Field and Concession Equipment
- $90,000 awarded to Lackawanna County for the Dunmore Missy League Field Lighting Project
- $121,542 awarded to Lackawanna County for Eagle McClure Fire Dept. HVAC Replacement Facility Improvements
- $140,000 awarded to Lackawanna County for the Friendship House Building Renovation Project
- $70,000 awarded to Lackawanna County for Hillside Park Boundless Playground Resurfacing
- $100,000 awarded to Lackawanna County for the Old Forge Lions Little League – Renovation Project
- $27,500 awarded to Lackawanna County for Scranton Veterans Memorial Stadium Fund
- $57,000 awarded to Lackawanna County for the Tripp Park Miss-E League Improvement Project
- $190,537 awarded to Lackawanna County for the West Scranton Alumni Wrestling Association
- $35,139 awarded to Moosic Borough for Moosic Youth Center – Roof Replacement
- $100,000 awarded to Scranton City for Billy Barrett Park Rehabilitation
- $11,000 awarded to Scranton City for Farmers Market – Security & Facilities Upgrades
- $100,000 awarded to Scranton City for the NeighborWorks – Clover Field Park Improvement Plan
- $100,000 awarded to Scranton City for Playground Makeover with ADA Complaint Pathways
- $117,431 awarded to Scranton City for a SAF Century Club Upgrade
- $100,400 awarded to Scranton City for Scranton Workforce Housing
- $261,681 awarded to Scranton City for Streetscape and Historic Improvements
- $50,000 awarded to Taylor Borough for Taylor DPW Maintenance Garage Upgrades
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March 16, 2023
Scranton, PA – March 16, 2023 – Senator Marty Flynn (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne) has announced a total of $9,132,280 in grants awarded to 36 projects in the 22nd Senatorial District through both the Local Share Account and the Multimodal Transportation Fund.
The Local Share Account was developed through the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, which provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support statewide projects in the public interest.
The following grants, totaling $7,782,280, were awarded through the Local Share Account:
- $1,000,000 awarded to the City of Scranton for Nay Aug Waterplay Complex
- $972,420 awarded to Wyoming Borough for 2022 Street Reconstruction Project
- $505,782 awarded to the Greenfield Township Sewer Authority for the Pump Station Replacement Project
- $500,000 awarded to Lackawanna County for Lackawanna County Pool Improvements
- $500,000 awarded to Lackawanna County Transit Authority for Building and Maintenance Facility Construction
- $500,000 awarded to the City of Pittston for Blight Remediation
- $500,000 awarded to the City of Scranton for Adams Avenue Streetscape, Gateway, and Corridor Project
- $400,000 awarded to Plains Township for a new fire truck pumper
- $396,239 awarded to the City of Scranton for Grace Street Park
- $300,000 awarded to Dunmore Borough for Dunmore Green Ridge Soccer Fields Renovation and Expansion Project
- $250,000 awarded to the City of Wilkes-Barre for Hazle Street and Madison Street Retaining Walls Repair Project
- $221,600 awarded to Avoca Borough for VFW Renovations and Building Addition
- $175,000 awarded to Lackawanna County for Lackawanna Arts and Culture Vendor Huts Fabrication Project
- $150,000 awarded to Throop Borough for Borough Building Roof Replacement
- $150,000 awarded to West Pittston Borough for Municipal Building Renovations Project
- $150,000 awarded to the City of Wilkes-Barre for Wyoming Valley Art League Building Capital Improvements
- $130,000 awarded to Avoca Borough for Community Center Improvements
- $126,604 awarded to Plains Township for Department of Public Works pickup and dump truck
- $105,000 awarded to Dalton Borough to purchase a backhoe loader
- $102,757 awarded to Dickson City Recreation Authority for Civic Center Improvements
- $100,000 awarded to Dupont Borough for Public Park Enhancement Project
- $100,000 awarded to Moosic Borough for Moosic Youth Center Roof Project
- $100,000 awarded to Wyoming Borough for Municipal Equipment Project
- $90,990 awarded to Old Forge Borough for Borough Safety Project
- $57,882 awarded to South Abington Township for the purchase of a police vehicle
- $50,532 awarded to Avoca Borough for the purchase of a new police interceptor vehicle
- $50,000 awarded to Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority for rehabilitation of Scranton Trolley #505
- $38,427 awarded to Dalton Borough for the purchase of police camera equipment
- $33,847 awarded to Dalton Borough for the purchase of a Kubota tractor
- $25,200 awarded to Duryea Borough for the Duryea Wildcats Storage Facility
The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to residents of the commonwealth. Funds may be used for the development, rehabilitation, and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets, and transit-oriented development.
The following grants, totaling $1,350,000, were awarded through the Multimodal Transportation Fund:
- $200,000 awarded to Dunmore Borough for rehabilitation to Industrial Park Road
- $250,000 awarded to Lackawanna County for preliminary engineering of the Lackawanna River Pedestrian Bridge
- $100,000 awarded to Old Forge School District for improvements to internal site traffic flow
- $200,000 awarded to Pittston Township for roadway infrastructure improvements roadway infrastructure improvements on Armstrong Road
- $200,000 awarded to West Pittston Borough for neighborhood accessibility improvements
- $400,000 awarded to Wilkes University for sidewalk and streetscape improvements
“I’m proud to support so many projects across all parts of my Senate District,” said Senator Flynn. “This funding will be directed to diverse sources – improving roadways, eliminating blight, supporting law enforcement and first responders, and encouraging recreation – all to make the 22nd District a safer, cleaner, greener, and more inviting place to live.”
For a complete description of all of the projects awarded funding, visit here.
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January 30, 2023
HARRISBURG, PA – January 30, 2023 – Senator Marty Flynn (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne) has introduced a co-sponsorship memorandum for legislation that would require automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be present at any sporting event hosted by a school district. The proposal also mandates that all coaches complete training on the proper use of AEDs.
Named “Damar’s Law,” after Buffalo Bills safety and Pittsburgh native Damar Hamlin, this legislation was inspired as a response to the harrowing occurrence of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) that Hamlin experienced during a recent NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
“The incident has highlighted the need to proactively prepare and equip staff, as time is a critical variable when it comes to survivability,” said Flynn.
While the overwhelming majority of school districts in Pennsylvania have AEDs present in classrooms and school buildings, this bill recognizes the value of AEDs and the increased risk of SCA amongst students participating in athletic events.
“Damar’s outcome is promising, and I believe if schools follow the protocols I’m suggesting, others impacted by sudden cardiac arrest would have an improved chance at survival,” said Flynn, “It’s all about saving lives.”
The proposal has bipartisan co-sponsorship, with Senators Bartolotta, Fontana, Haywood, Hughes, Langerholc, and Pennycuick already supporting the legislation. Senator Flynn plans to formally introduce the language of the bill within a month.
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January 11, 2023
SCRANTON, PA – January 11, 2023 – State Senator Marty Flynn has partnered with MyCIL, a Scranton based non-profit that supports independent living for those with disabilities, to provide disability related information and resources for community members in the 22nd district.
“People with disabilities in both Lackawanna and Luzerne counties have access to many resources, organizations, and individuals who want to support them,” said Sen. Flynn. “I’m proud to partner with MyCIL to make information and those resources more readily available to anyone who can benefit. Help is out there. My hope is that this partnership will make that help easier to access.”
Starting January 18th, a representative from MyCIL will take appointments with individuals and families in Senator Flynn’s office, located at 409 N. Main Avenue, Scranton. During appointments, MyCIL representatives can discuss services to promote greater independence, including obtaining home & community-based services, transportation, and housing.
Appointments will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. Residents interested in scheduling an appointment can contact Senator Flynn’s office at 570-207-2881.
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