During a House Education Committee meeting earlier this month, I addressed the unreasonably high cost of higher education and expressed my support for PA Promise, a bill introduced by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris aimed at making college more affordable for Pennsylvanians. In recent years, rising tuition and fees have made college unattainable for too many students. PA Promise would open doors for more students to pursue the college degrees and career paths they aspire to.

Speaking of college affordability, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is accepting applications for the Grow PA Grant Program for the 2026–27 school year. The program is designed to expand opportunities for Pennsylvania’s workforce by helping students pursue training and education in high demand occupations.

Qualified students may receive up to $5,000 per year, with the grant renewable for up to four years. If you’re planning to pursue post-secondary education or workforce training, this program can help make those opportunities more affordable.

Last week, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Pennsylvania’s first-ever comprehensive Housing Action Plan to address critical housing needs across the commonwealth, outlining the current state of housing, providing projections on housing needs, and offering nearly 30 strategic initiatives to ensure that every Pennsylvanian has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.

The Housing Action Plan cuts red tape so more housing can be built, and existing housing can be revitalized so everyone has a chance to afford their first home. The plan puts you and your neighbors first – not the private equity firms buying up vacant properties as investments or short-term rentals. The plan helps homeowners and renters address the cost of living.

This plan focuses on Main Street and Elm Street—not Wall Street—investing in infrastructure, schools, jobs, and everything else we need to keep our community a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

As a member of the House Housing and Community Development Committee, I will be at the forefront of discussions on the Housing Action Plan, and I will be sure to keep you updated on its status.

What an honor it was to visit the only women’s veterans museum last week in Mount Pocono. Thank you to Rep. Jim Haddock for presenting House Resolution 354 recognizing women combat veterans, and to the Women Veterans Museum for hosting us. I also appreciate Rep. Maureen Madden for joining and for all the guests who attended. Most importantly, thank you to all veterans for your service to our country—and to the families who support you.

Did you know that various state and federal grant opportunities are updated regularly on my website? You can find them here. My office can help your organization with the application. Please contact us for assistance.

The Primary Election is three months away on Tuesday, May 19 and you still have time to make your plan to vote. Please be assured that the election is safe and secure.

Register to vote here.

Apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot here.

Check your polling place here.

My team and I stand ready to assist you on a range of state-related programs. For help, or to speak with me or a staff member about an issue, please don't hesitate to contact my office at (570) 420-2850, by email at RepProbst@pahouse.net or stop by at 18 S. 9^th St. in Stroudsburg from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 193 Municipal Dr. in Lehman Township from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, or 116 Wilson Hill Road in Delaware Township from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

District Office

18 South 9th Street, Suite 105
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(570) 420-2850

Pennsylvania State Capitol

5-A East Wing  Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-1421