December 17, 2025
PITTSTON TOWNSHIP, PA − December 17, 2025 − Senator Marty Flynn hosted a bike donation event in partnership with a local nonprofit organization this week to prepare 2,000 bicycles for children across the 22nd Senatorial District, marking the largest year yet for the annual effort and nearly 1,000 more bikes than last year.
Inside a Pittston Township warehouse, rows of bicycles were lined up ahead of pickup by local schools, which will distribute the bikes directly to students in their communities throughout the week. The event was held to support less fortunate families across the district and provide bikes to children who may not otherwise have access, helping expand transportation options for students in their communities.
Funding for the bicycles comes from It’s All About the Kids Bicycles, Inc., a nonprofit organization that raises money year-round to support children and families. Walmart served as the manufacturer for the bikes and has been a key partner in making the annual donation possible.
The bike donation effort began several years ago with 100 bikes, grew to 1,200 bikes last year, and expanded to 2,000 bikes this year, reflecting continued collaboration among nonprofit partners, schools, and community organizations serving the district.
“This year, we’re doing this in memory of Pete Sabia of Pete’s Garage in Dunmore, who was always a huge advocate for helping people in the Northeast Pennsylvania region,” Senator Flynn said. “This is about making sure kids in our communities have something that’s theirs, something they can ride, take care of, and enjoy. When schools are able to bring these bikes back to their students who are less fortunate, it means families don’t have to choose between necessities and something that brings their kids joy. To see this grow from where it started to where it is now is pretty incredible. We’re pumped about it, and it’s all thanks to the teamwork that helped make this happen.”
Schools will continue picking up bikes throughout the week for distribution to students across the 22nd Senatorial District.
MEDIA NOTE: Photos are available upon request. Please contact Victoria.cole@pasenate.com or call (570) 207-2881 for photo inquiries.
December 10, 2025
HARRISBURG, PA – December 10, 2025 − Senator Marty Flynn announced today that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) has approved $1,432,092 in grant funding for agencies in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. The funding supports the ongoing work of local organizations that respond to substance use, provide trauma-informed care, and assist victims and families who rely on services throughout the justice system. Each award strengthens a different part of the safety network that these communities depend on, allowing agencies to broaden treatment access, reinforce counseling programs, and maintain critical support for residents navigating difficult circumstances.
“These grants give our local partners the tools they need to continue work that is essential to families in our region,” Senator Flynn said. “The organizations receiving this funding deal with challenging situations every day, and this support helps them reach more people and offer care that is consistent and dependable.”
Grant Awards Benefiting Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties
Lackawanna County
- Geisinger Clinic – Project PATH
Fund Name: Federal State Opioid Response Grant IV (SOR) Funds – $494,530
- Lackawanna County Commissioners – Improving Justice System Response to SUD
Fund Name: Federal State Opioid Response Grant IV (SOR) Funds – $180,000
- Integrative Counseling Services – Healing Through Evidence-Based Trauma Care
Fund Name: State Endowment Act Funds – $29,500
- Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern PA – Compliance with NCA Standards in 2026
Fund Name: State Children’s Advocacy Center Funds – $50,000
- Women’s Resource Center, Inc. (WRC) – WRC/LCDA STOP Program
Fund Name: Federal STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Funds – $125,000
- Lackawanna County Commissioners – RASA/VOJO Services
Fund Name: VOCA Victim Services Funds – $150,460
- Women’s Resource Center – VOJO Services
Fund Name: VOCA Victim Services Funds – $15,702
Luzerne County
- Luzerne County Chief Executive Officer – STOP Program 2025-2027
Fund Name: Federal STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Funds – $125,000
- Luzerne County Chief Executive Officer – 2025 VOJO/RASA Services
Fund Name: VOCA, CVSC & Victims of Juvenile Offender (VOJO) Funds – $261,900
MEDIA CONTACT:
Communications Director | Victoria Cole
Office of Senator Marty Flynn
Victoria.Cole@pasenate.com | 570.207.2881
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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
