Thanks to ECTV, Scranton’s Community Access Public Education and Government Cable TV Station (Channels 19 and 21) for broadcasting my new show "The Capitol Report." For those of you who missed seeing it, please watch it here to learn more about House Bill 76 – legislation that would end school property taxes in Pennsylvania. Read more

Pa. state Rep. Kevin Haggerty met with officials from Olyphant and Blakely boroughs in Harrisburg to discuss the negative impacts of House Bill 1405. Olyphant and Blakely use revenue generated from selling electricity to keep taxes low and provide services to residents. Without a change to the bill's language, residents could see a huge spike in their taxes and a reduction of services including garbage and recycling, road maintenance and police staffing. Read more

State Rep. Kevin Haggerty, D-Lackawanna, has announced that he has helped to secure a $2.9 million loan from the Commonwealth Financing Authority for Blakely Ridge LLC to construct a NEPA Wellness Center in Blakely Borough, Lackawanna County, that is expected to create 250 jobs. Total project cost is $3.9 million. Haggerty said a recent regional bio-tech study indicated that the northeast region should better meet the needs of its elderly population. “I am pleased that Lackawanna County will be getting a much needed medical center to serve us with a combination of traditional medical services, such as standard medical treatments, physical therapy and psychotherapy and alternatives practices like acupuncture,” Haggerty said. The site consists of 23 acres of wooded land located along Business Route 6 in Blakely Borough. Haggerty said funding will be used for acquisition, roads/streets, water/sewer, utilities, excavation/grading, professional services, engineering, permitting fees, signage and landscaping. The Commonwealth Financing Authority administers and finances economic development projects and is an independent agency created by the legislature. The agency oversees the state’s Building PA, Business in Our Sites, PennWorks, New PA Venture, Capitol Investment, New Pennsylvania VENTURE Guarantee, Tax Increment Financing Guarantee, Second Stage Loan and other programs. These programs are aimed at using targeted state investments Read more

Testimonies from House Democratic Policy Committee hearing hosted by State Rep. Kevin Haggerty. Read more

Pa. state Rep. Kevin Haggerty hosted the House Democratic Policy Committee in Olyphant for a discussion on Human Services, particularly the importance of proper funding and the streamlining of available services. Read more

OLYPHANT, May 2 – State Rep. Kevin Haggerty, D-Lackawanna, today hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on human services at his satellite office in Olyphant. Haggerty requested the hearing to give local groups the opportunity to discuss issues related to human services and to hear the latest happenings from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. “I am happy to host this House Democratic Policy Committee hearing to discuss human services and how we can better serve our most vulnerable residents,” Haggerty said. “We heard valuable testimony from state and local testifiers about service needs and I look forward to using this information to make sure we develop and improve policies to efficiently and effectively serve constituents.” State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, and chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee, added, “Representative Haggerty is a great advocate for those in need of human services and I thank him for hosting today’s hearing. It’s important that the department is given the tools it needs to help our most vulnerable citizens. We must continue to provide services to them and their families in a more efficient way.” The committee heard testimony from: Patricia Allen, director of Bureau of Program Support, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services; Don Barney, director of clinical services, Keystone Community Resources; Paul Emark, program participant, Keystone Community Read more

Pa. state Rep. Kevin Haggerty invites you to participate in the 3rd Annual Jog for Jude, a community event and 5k race raising awareness and funds for S.I.D.S. research. Read more

State Rep. Kevin Haggerty, D-Lackawanna, announced today that multiple projects in the 112th Legislative District are receiving $1.3 million in grant funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority as part of the Local Share Account. “These projects are important for the safety of our communities and to help improve the quality of life for people who live and work in my district,” Haggerty said. Grant funding from the LSA includes: • $285,000 to the Greater Scranton YMCA Pool Renovation Project, to renovate two pool facilities in Dunmore Borough; • $25,000 for the amphitheater at the Learning Commons at Marywood University for the final phase of the Learning Commons' project through the demolition of an existing library and construction of an outdoor amphitheatre. • $50,000 to United Community Outreach Food Bank Building to renovate the food bank’s existing food storage warehouse in Blakely Borough so that larger quantities of perishable food items may be stored without spoilage. The funds will be used to buy two new freezers, a new HVAC system, and a fire sprinkler system. • $90,000 for a Scranton safety improvement project at the crossing from Elm Street to Parker Street. Funds were awarded in partnership with Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority for pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements in the city. • $115,000 for curb improvements and beautification projects in Scranton’s downtown Read more

With a significant winter snowstorm predicted to impact the area, state Rep. Kevin Haggerty D-Lackawanna, announced that he and his staff are coordinating with volunteers to provide assistance through Wednesday, March 15. “Governor Wolf just signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency ahead of the snowstorm that we’re anticipating for northeastern PA,” Haggerty said. “Most people should stay home and stay safe during the storm. But we also know medical personnel, emergency responders and others have to stay on the job and we want to help.” In anticipation of snowfall amounts predicted to reach more than a foot, Haggerty will be operating storm assistance services via his offices, including the Olyphant satellite office, with aid available 24-hours during the storm, and he will work with volunteers to offer transportation and provide food to those who might not have access to it because of the adverse conditions. “We’re here to help,” Haggerty said. “We'll have four-wheel drive vehicles to get essential personnel to the job and to get food and water to you, should there be an emergency. We’re also accepting volunteers who are interested in assisting us, as well. "However, please remember that in cases of medical emergencies, one should always call 9-1-1.” For more information about volunteering, or if you are in need of necessary transportation during the storm, Read more

Today I listened to a presentation by Adjutant General Carrelli, regarding the status of the PA National Guard. My colleagues and I then attended an informational meeting on the topic of college funding provided to military personnel and access to these opportunities in our high schools across the commonwealth. Read more