Public safety, crime trends focus of hearing <\/p>\n
Crime trends and policies to make Pennsylvania communities safer will be examined during a joint public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee and House Republican Policy Committee on Monday, Aug. 10, at 10 a.m., at Hazleton City Hall, 40 N. Church St., Hazleton.<\/p>\n
Rep. Dane Watro, R-Hazleton, and committee chairs Sen. Dave Argall, R-Pottsville, and Rep. David Rowe, Union County, called the hearing to learn what local law enforcement officials and others are experiencing in the day-to-day performance of their duties.<\/p>\n
The hearing will cover trends in violent crimes, drug trafficking, retail theft, and human trafficking. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday will also provide an update on his office\u2019s efforts, as well as the negative impact of a recent House vote to address a court ruling on Pennsylvania\u2019s second-degree murder sentencing structure.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur police officers see firsthand what\u2019s happening in our communities, and we need to hear directly from them,\u201d Watro said. \u201cThis hearing is about taking an honest look at the crime on our streets and determining what we can do to give law enforcement the tools they need to protect Pennsylvania families.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPublic safety is one of the top issues I hear about from my constituents in Carbon, Luzerne and Schuylkill counties,\u201d Argall said. \u201cI look forward to hearing from a variety of individuals about this important issue.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood public policy begins with listening to those who confront these challenges every day,\u201d said Rowe. \u201cBy bringing together AG Sunday and local law enforcement, we can better understand the threats facing Pennsylvania communities and identify policies that strengthen public safety, support those who protect us and ensure criminals are held accountable.\u201d<\/p>\n
The hearing will be livestreamed on the Senate Majority Policy Committee and the House Republican Policy Committee websites.<\/p>\n
Bill to stop the spread of spotted lanternflies<\/p>\n
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA), joined by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), this week introduced the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act to designate the spotted lanternfly \u2014 an invasive species that poses a significant threat to our nation\u2019s agricultural economy \u2014 as a high-priority research initiative for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpotted lanternflies have ravaged crops that are critical to Pennsylvania\u2019s economy, including grapevines, apples, peaches, hops, and more,\u201d Fetterman said. \u201cFor over a decade, they have cost the Commonwealth millions of dollars and thousands of jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPennsylvania\u2019s farmers work hard to produce some of the best agricultural products in the world, and it\u2019s concerning that their hard work is at risk of being eaten away by pests,\u201d McCormick said. \u201cBy investing in research to combat spotted lanternflies, this bill will help protect our farms, strengthen our agricultural economy, and better control this invasive species.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spotted lanternflies were first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014. They have since spread throughout the Commonwealth and are currently found in 51 counties.<\/p>\n
Studies estimate that the species could cost the state $324 million annually if not contained because of the significant damage they cause to many critical agricultural pieces.<\/p>\n
DCED announces Main Street Matters funding <\/p>\n
Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger this week announced the department is accepting applications for Main Street Matters funding to support revitalization efforts for commercial corridors and downtowns, small businesses, and local economies in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n
Gov. Josh Shapiro secured $20 million for the Main Street Matters program in the 2026-27 budget he signed on July 12, 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cMain streets and small businesses are the heart of our communities \u2014 fueling economic growth across Pennsylvania,\u201d Siger said. \u201cPennsylvania\u2019s rural, urban, and suburban communities will continue to receive the support they need to attract visitors, businesses, and residents and be successful for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
Main Street Matters funding supports community revitalization efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, and the increase of safety and security. Specific uses include planning activities, fa\u00e7ade grant programs, business improvement grant programs, accessible housing programs, and district development grants.<\/p>\n
DCED is accepting funding applications through Aug. 31, 2026. Eligible applicants include local governments, redevelopment and\/or housing authorities, nonprofit organizations, community development corporations, and business\/neighborhoods\/downtown improvement districts.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, the state awarded more than $17.2 million across 56 community projects that strengthen local economies and support downtown revitalization efforts. In its latest round of funding, Main Street Matters received more than 220 applications requesting more than $68 million.<\/p>\n
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