October 4, 2024
Luzerne County, PA − October 4, 2024 − Senator Flynn has called for the immediate reinstatement of mail ballot drop boxes in Luzerne County following a response from the Attorney General’s office. In the letter, the Attorney General clearly stated that only the Luzerne County Board of Elections has the legal authority to make decisions about ballot drop boxes, not county officials acting alone.
“This response from the Attorney General is clear: only the Luzerne County Board of Elections has the authority to make decisions about the election,” said Senator Flynn. “The Attorney General emphasized that going around this process not only threatens fair voting access but could also lead to legal consequences. This confirms that the County Manager’s decision to remove the drop boxes went beyond her legal power.”
The Attorney General’s letter outlined that if the County Manager doesn’t comply with the Board of Elections’ lawful orders, there could be civil or criminal consequences. This message highlights the importance of following election laws to ensure fair voting access.
“Ensuring public confidence in voting is essential. I’m urging Luzerne County officials to work directly with the Board of Elections to bring back these drop boxes so that our election remains accessible and fair,” said Senator Flynn. “The people of Luzerne County deserve easy and legal access to vote.”
Senator Flynn will be closely watching this issue to make sure that Luzerne County officials follow the Attorney General’s directive, supporting accessible and fair voting for all.
For more information, please contact Senator Flynn’s office at 570-207-2881.
September 10, 2024
Scranton – September 10, 2024 – Senator Flynn is proud to announce a joint Senior Expo in collaboration with the State Legislators and the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging. The event will take place this Friday, September 13, at The Mall at Steamtown in Scranton from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
This significant community event will feature over 70 vendors, all dedicated to providing invaluable support and resources for seniors in our area. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of services, products, and information designed to enhance their quality of life.
Senator Flynn will be joined by distinguished colleagues including Senator Rosemary Brown (40th Senatorial District), Representative Kyle Mullins (112th Legislative District), Representative Kyle Donahue (113th Legislative District), Representative Bridget Kosierowski (114th Legislative District), and Representative Jim Haddock (118th Legislative District). Additionally, Lackawanna County Commissioners Bill Gaughan, Matt McGloin, and Chris Chermak will be present to engage with attendees and share important updates.
“This Senior Expo is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together and support our seniors,” said Senator Flynn. “We are thrilled to collaborate with our legislative partners and the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging to provide valuable resources and information.”
Free parking will be available for all attendees, making it easier for everyone to join in this important event.
For additional information, please contact Senator Flynn’s office at 570-207-2881
August 19, 2024
Scranton, PA – Senator Flynn is pleased to announce the allocation of crucial funding through this year’s PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund, aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure across Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. This initiative is designed to provide financial assistance to a wide range of entities, including municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities.
The PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund is instrumental in improving transportation assets, which in turn boosts community development, enhances pedestrian safety, and supports transit revitalization. This year’s funding underscores the Commonwealth’s commitment to fostering economic growth through strategic infrastructure investments.
“Infrastructure is the backbone of our communities and our economy,” said Senator Flynn. “The funding provided through the PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund not only addresses critical transportation needs but also plays a vital role in driving economic development and improving the quality of life for our residents. By investing in these projects, we are building a safer, more connected, and more prosperous future for everyone in our region.”
Awardees from Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties:
Lackawanna County:
City of Scranton – Awarded $2,516,945 for critical repairs to the Hollow Avenue Bridge. This project received the largest amount of funding in the state this year, highlighting its importance to the region’s infrastructure.
Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority – Awarded $292,914 to connect an existing section of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail to another section currently under development by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Luzerne County:
City of Pittston – Awarded $1,514,000 for the acquisition of land adjacent to a dangerous “dog leg” curve on Main Street in Pittston City. The project will include environmental remediation, streetscaping, and filling in a streetscape gap to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents.
City of Wilkes-Barre – Awarded $360,000 for pedestrian safety and ADA accessibility improvements on South Main Street.
Jenkins Township – Awarded $300,915 for roadway repairs to CenterPoint Blvd in the CenterPoint Commerce and Trade Park.
These investments are part of a broader effort by the Commonwealth to enhance transportation infrastructure, create jobs, and support economic development across Pennsylvania.
August 1, 2024
Scranton, PA − August 1, 2024 − Senator Marty Flynn and IACOS are proud to announce a free clinic, hosted by the Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps, which will take place on August 3 and 4 at Scranton High School, located at 63 Munchak Way, Scranton.
The clinic will offer a variety of essential services including dental care (cleanings, fillings, extractions, x-rays), vision care (exams and prescription eyeglasses made on site), and medical services (physical exams, prescription consultations, women’s health, and more).
This event operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and no ID is required to receive care. Over 25 area doctors will be in attendance, ready to provide treatment to hundreds of individuals in need.
Senator Flynn emphasizes the importance of accessible healthcare and expresses his gratitude to all the medical professionals who are donating their time for this critical event. “This free clinic is a fantastic opportunity for those in need to receive quality medical care without the barrier of cost or identification requirements,” said Senator Flynn. “I am honored to support such a vital initiative and deeply grateful to the dedicated medical professionals making this possible.”
Senator Flynn will be available to speak with the press on Saturday during the event at 1 PM.
For more information about the clinic, please contact Senator Flynn’s office at 570-207-2881
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.
