March 28, 2025
HARRISBURG, PA – March 28, 2025 − On Monday, March 31, 2025, at 10:30 AM, the Senate Democratic Policy Committee will convene a public hearing on Consumer and Small Business Energy Affordability at Hearing Room #1 in the North Office Building, Capitol Complex, Harrisburg.
Chaired by Senator Nick Miller with Senator Marty Flynn serving as co-chair, the hearing will build on the discussions from January’s policy event. It will focus on energy affordability for Pennsylvania residents and small businesses, the future of innovation in the energy sector, and the economic impact of recent energy proposals, including Governor Josh Shapiro’s six-point “Lightning Plan.”
The “Lightning Plan” proposes bold steps to modernize Pennsylvania’s energy economy, including streamlined permitting, increased energy efficiency rebates, and major investments in clean and reliable power sources. The plan is projected to create nearly 15,000 jobs, save Pennsylvanians $664 million in energy costs by 2040, and generate more than $11 billion in energy investment statewide.
The hearing will also include expert testimony on new legislation aligned with the plan, such as the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction Act (PACER), the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS), and the proposal to establish the RESET Board to accelerate energy project approvals.
Public Access:
The hearing will be livestreamed at PaSenatorMiller.com/Policy.
This critical policy discussion comes at a time when Pennsylvania faces shifting energy demands, increased electricity use by data centers, and growing needs for energy storage and affordability for consumers.
February 24, 2025
SCRANTON, PA − February 24, 2025 − Today, Senator Marty Flynn, in conjunction with the State Representatives, announces $2,905,297 in Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant money benefiting the 22nd senatorial district.
Per the Department of Community and Economic Development, “The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the 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.”
“Investing in our communities through CFA grants means safer streets, stronger bridges, and improved roadways for everyone,” said Senator Flynn. “These critical upgrades enhance pedestrian safety and help ensure our community members reach their destinations safely.”
The awards are as followed:
- Avoca Borough was awarded $405,136 from the Multimodal Transportation Funds to make pedestrian safety upgrades to sections of McAlpine Street located in Avoca Borough, Luzerne County.
- City of Scranton was awarded $350,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund for the replacement of the South Webster Avenue Bridge located in Scranton City, Lackawanna County.
- City of Wilkes-Barre was awarded $200,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund for streetscape improvements along North Main Street located in Wilkes-Barre City, Luzerne County.
- Clarks Green Borough was awarded $350,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund for roadway improvements along seven roadways in Clarks Green Borough, Lackawanna County.
- Dickson City Borough was awarded $350,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund on behalf of Lackawanna Executive Park Dickson, LLC for roadway safety improvements to the Main Street and Viewmont Drive intersection in Dickson City Borough, Lackawanna County.
- Dickson City Borough was awarded $400,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund for Phase V of the streetscape Boulevard Avenue and crosswalk installation project in Dickson City Borough, Lackawanna.
- Dunmore Borough was awarded $184,589 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund to install sidewalks along one block of Drinker Street located in Dunmore Borough, Lackawanna County.
- Jenkins Township was awarded $265,572 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund for roadway repairs to Chestnut and Walnut Streets in Jenkins Township, Luzerne County.
- Pittston Township was awarded $400,000 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund to make pavement improvements to multiple roadways located in Pittston Township, Luzerne County.
Learn more about the Multimodal Transportation Fund here.
Learn more about the Pennsylvania Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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February 13, 2025
HARRISBURG, PA – February 13, 2025 – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s unconstitutional freeze on $1.2 billion in federal funds appropriated by Congress to Pennsylvania, along with an additional $900 million requiring an undefined review by federal agencies.
The Governor’s lawsuit aims to restore critical funding for Pennsylvania agencies that provide essential services such as LIHEAP assistance, energy and clean water infrastructure, and plugging orphan wells—programs that directly benefit the people of the commonwealth.
In strong support of this legal action, Senator Flynn released the following statement:
“I fully support Governor Shapiro’s decision to take this matter to court and challenge the unconstitutional freeze on federal funds that rightfully belong to Pennsylvania. The people of our commonwealth rely on these essential services to keep their homes warm, their water clean, and their communities thriving. This blatant overreach by the federal administration is not only unlawful but also a direct threat to the well-being of Pennsylvania families.
“My constituents are deeply concerned about the sudden uncertainty surrounding critical programs that support working families, seniors, and vulnerable individuals. We cannot allow partisan politics in Washington to jeopardize the fundamental needs of our residents.
“I commend Governor Shapiro for standing up to this injustice and for fighting to ensure that Pennsylvania receives the federal resources it was promised. His leadership is exactly what we need during this time of federal instability. I will continue working alongside my colleagues to support his efforts and advocate for the people of Pennsylvania.”
January 28, 2025
SCRANTON, PA – January 28, 2025 − Senator Marty Flynn (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne) is pleased to announce that several critical projects in the 22nd Senatorial District have been awarded funding through the state’s Act 13 program. These grants, totaling $736,585.50, will support flood mitigation, greenways and recreational development, and watershed protection efforts across the district.
“These grants represent a significant investment in the safety, quality of life, and environmental resilience of our communities,” said Senator Flynn. “From upgrading parks and trails to implementing vital flood mitigation projects, this funding will have a meaningful impact on residents throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.”
Grant Awards
Flood Mitigation Projects:
- Jenkins Township – Main Street Flood Mitigation Project (Luzerne County): $150,000 to address flooding concerns and improve public safety in the area.
Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Projects:
- Lackawanna County – Dunmore Missy League Field Lighting Project – Second Field (Lackawanna County): $132,725.50 to install lighting and enhance facilities at the Missy League Field.
- Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority – Lackawanna River Heritage Trail – Dickson City Rail Connector Development (Lackawanna County): $37,051 to advance the development of a critical trail connector.
- Pittston City – Laurel Line Trail (Luzerne County): $42,500 to improve accessibility and amenities along the trail.
- Pittston Township – Oriole Park Renovation Project (Luzerne County): $125,000 to upgrade park infrastructure and enhance recreational opportunities.
- Taylor Borough – Noakes Park Upgrade (Lackawanna County): $45,582 to revitalize this important community park.
Watershed Recreation and Protection Projects:
- Dalton Borough – Dalton Streamside Park Enhancement Project (Lackawanna County): $82,264 to improve the park’s ecological features and recreational facilities.
- City of Scranton – Flood Mitigation for Stafford/Meadowbrook Neighborhood (Lackawanna County): $121,462 to alleviate flooding issues impacting local homes and businesses.
“I want to thank the municipal governments who developed these projects and the State Representatives Jim Haddock, Kyle Mullins, Bridget Kosierowski, and Kyle Donahue who worked tirelessly to secure this funding,” Senator Flynn added.
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December 18, 2024
Wilkes Barre, PA – December 18, 2024 – Senator Flynn is proud to announce the approval of two critical rail infrastructure projects in Luzerne County as part of the Rail Freight Assistance Program and Rail Transportation Assistance Program. These approved investments, totaling more than $1.4 million in state funding, will significantly enhance rail connectivity and support local economic growth.
The State Transportation Commission (STC) officially approved the following projects earlier today:
- Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority
- Project Name: Track Rehabilitation
- Project Description: The Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority will rehabilitate the track on the Wilkes-Barre Secondary Branch, including tie replacements on two bridges and repairs to two grade crossings.
- Total Project Cost: $990,950
- State Share: $693,664
- Mericle River Road LLC
- Project Name: CenterPoint South Commerce and Trade Park
- Project Description: Mericle River Road LLC will construct a turnout and approximately 2,100 feet of new track into the industrial park.
- Total Project Cost: $1,060,810
- State Share: $742,566
“These investments demonstrate Pennsylvania’s commitment to strengthening our transportation infrastructure and supporting local economic development,” said Senator Flynn. “By improving rail freight capabilities in Luzerne County, these projects will enhance efficiency, create jobs, and support the growth of our region’s economy. I commend the Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority and Mericle River Road LLC for their initiatives that will deliver lasting benefits to our community.”
The Rail Freight Assistance Program and Rail Transportation Assistance Program are essential components of the Commonwealth’s strategy to build and maintain a robust freight transportation network, ensuring Pennsylvania remains competitive and accessible for industries and commerce.
For further information, please contact Senator Flynns Scranton Office at 570-207-2881.
