The LuLac Edition #5, 367, June 26th, 2025

 

GUEST OPINION FROM

STATE REP. NIKKI RIVERA:

THE 2025 FEDERAL BUDGET IS AN ATTACK ON AMERICA 

 

EDITOR’S NOTE: It is budget time in America and the state. Most people do not understand how a budget and funding affect them. They are not privy to the machinery of how their state representative secured funding for libraries, parks, senior centers or their neighborhoods. The funding came from somewhere but only a few taxpayers do a deep dive and see where it came from.

This passivity was fine in the past but this current federal government has proven itself to be a cruel and incompetent custodian of funds to the average Pennsylvanian. Governor Shapiro is doing his part but there will be cuts and they will hurt. That is why we are leading off today’s edition with an opinion from a state representative who paints an unvarnished picture of why the un-rich (which is essentially all of us) need to pay attention and SPEAK UP.

It’s survival of the richest.

I think of a budget as a statement of priorities. It's supposed to support working families -- who are the backbone of Pennsylvania -- care for the poor, the sick, and the vulnerable; spur economic growth; and allot for expenses necessary to carry our country smartly and soundly into the future.

And it must ensure that our environment is safe for all.

What stunned me about the 2025 federal budget was the absence of these priorities, which have made the United States a beacon of light to the nations.

The budget does a “Reverse Robin Hood,” transferring wealth to the rich by funding tax cuts with cuts to programs for low-income Americans. It’s literally stealing from the poor to make the rich richer.

The budget evisceration of Medicaid funding will put the nail in the coffin of our already overburdened health system. If Medicaid is slashed, many of our hospitals and nursing homes will buckle and close under the impossible financial strain of caring for the uninsured.

None of us can afford the destruction of our health care system.

The bill also takes food off the table of food-insecure Pennsylvanians, reducing federal SNAP funding by 50% or $500 million. If Pennsylvania can’t fund the difference, food assistance would have to be drastically cut by either removing 1 million Pennsylvanians from SNAP or cutting the benefit amounts in half.

Finally, the budget’s assault on Pennsylvania’s environment will impact us all by jeopardizing human health, stunting economic growth AND increasing energy bills, making us all a lot sicker and a lot poorer.

The budget aims to cut drinking water and wastewater revolving infrastructure funding by 89% across the country. In Pennsylvania, over $120 million of the state’s Department of Environmental Protection funding is at risk, including basic support for air quality, water quality, safe drinking water, radiation protection, storage tanks and related grants for local projects. 

Additionally, basic federal State Revolving Fund support for drinking water, water pollution reduction and wastewater projects administered by PennVEST would by slashed by $89.2 million.

These cuts violate our state constitution’s Environmental Rights Amendment, which guarantees our right to “clean air, pure water and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania’s public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come.”

The lack of federal funds and tax credits for environmental stewardship would also have a profoundly negative impact on our own largely rural Lancaster County’s two biggest economic drivers: farming and tourism. Our family farms and local businesses would bear the brunt of those losses.

The budget’s attack on environmental and climate initiatives will have a long term negative impact on your wallet, your health and our world. By repealing multiple federal policies, funding programs and tax credits in the clean energy sector and shifting to fossil fuel investment, the budget would reduce Pennsylvania’s clean energy industries and workforce and significantly increase Pennsylvanians’ energy bills.

Pennsylvania would lose nearly 23,000 jobs by 2030 and 37,000 jobs by 2035, resulting in the state’s GDP shrinking by $3.6 billion in 2030 and $6.3 billion in 2035.The budget’s shift away from clean energy to fossil fuels would increase annual energy bills by $1 billion by 2030 and $2 billion by 2035 across Pennsylvania households, or $190 per year, per household by 2030 and more than $360 per year, per household in 2035.

As a member of the State House, a high school teacher, and a mom, I am concerned that the rollback of federal clean energy tax credits would negatively impact an innovative new state grant program, Solar for Schools, that aims to reduce electricity costs for schools while lowering their carbon footprint through the installation of solar panels.

This budget is part  of the Trump Administration’s overall drive to roll back the hard-won environmental protections achieved by past Democratic and Republican administrations, as in last week’s announcement of EPA’s plans to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants and weakening Mercury and Air Toxics Standards.

In recent years, we’ve seen and experienced extreme weather events caused by climate change that is rapidly worsening due to continued fossil fuel use, from powerful storms and severe flooding to years-long droughts and extreme wildfires. And the damage? Millions of dollars’ worth of destroyed homes and communities and the immeasurable cost of lives lost. As Europe and Asia are increasing their investments in clean energy, we’re running a game plan that we already know doesn’t work, that results in an extreme weather event every three weeks, that costs over $1 billion worth of damage.

But at least we’ll get more money in your pocket thanks to the much-touted federal tax cuts, right?

Not really, as we will most likely have to pay the difference in higher state taxes because Pennsylvania may have to raise taxes to prevent SNAP benefit cuts, to maintain Medicaid for those who lose it, to fund other human services programs that have lost federal funding and to make up the difference in the slashed funding to protect our environment.

Finally, the federal tax cuts are predicted to result in all of us paying higher interest rates to borrow money, such as for a home, due to the trillions that are expected to be added to the federal debt under this budget.

Is this what we want for the Pennsylvania of tomorrow? Where it’s the survival of the richest and damn everyone else?

Not all is lost – yet. We DO have a voice. Our elected leaders answer to us so pick up the phone and tell our U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick that we vote “NO” to this budget.

State Rep. Nikki Rivera represents Pennsylvania’s 96th Legislative District in the city of Lancaster, Manheim Township, and East Petersburg Borough.

 

TRUMP ICE THUGS BEAT

FATHER OF THREE VETERANS

 

The father of three veterans was nearly eaten to death by masked ICE officers. Big men.

NOT!

He was a landscaper doing his job, minding his own business, most likely paying taxes to pay these sadistic morons. I dunno…maybe one of them was just jealous of his occupation. 

 

POOL ISSUES NOT

ONLY IN THE LAC

Recently there was an issue with a pool opening in Scranton. Of course the residents were upset since said pool was upgraded and was supposed to be ready for action. But how about this.

Mondsay on the hottest day in Toronto, Canada pools were closed because wait for it, the weather was too hot. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says she will be bringing forward a motion to make sure the city’s pools stay open during blistering hot days.

Chow told 680 NewsRadio on Monday that she’ll be bringing forward a motion “to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” after intermittent pool closures peeved and perplexed overheated Torontonians during record-breaking humidity on Sunday.

Chow later provided more details on the motion, which includes additional measures like providing half-a-million water bottles to frontline agencies for people experiencing homelessness, and partnering with the Red Cross to expand outreach to vulnerable people during extreme heat.

There was nothing wrong with the pools but there seemed to be a concern for the pool staff working in the heat. Really? Love my Canadian neighbors but  “c’mon man!”

 

 

 

BRESNAHAN, SCHOLTEN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO MAKE ROUTES TO SCHOOL SAFER FOR CHILDREN

 

Congressman Rob Bresnehan (Photo: LuLac archives)

U.S. Representatives Rob Bresnahan, Jr. and Hillary Scholten (MI-03), bipartisan members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, introduced the Kids on the Go Act that would make it safer and easier for children to walk and bike to school across the country. 

“The Safe Routes to School Program is a worthwhile approach to keeping our children and their communities safe,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “I'm proud to introduce the Kids on the Go Act with my colleague Rep. Scholten. This bipartisan legislation is an investment in the children of Northeastern Pennsylvania by incentivizing safe bike paths and walking routes to improve the safety of our neighborhoods.” 

Pennsylvania and Michigan are national leaders in the Safe Routes to School program, making this bill a direct investment in the safety and well-being of children in both representatives’ districts. The program has been proven to reduce traffic accidents involving children, increase physical activity, and improve neighborhood safety. By lowering the cost burden for states to employ program coordinators, the Kids on the Go Act ensures this program remains strong and expands to benefit more communities nationwide.

“As the first mom to represent West Michigan, I know that no family should have to worry about their child’s safety on the way to school,” said Rep. Scholten. “That’s why I’m proud to partner with Rep. Bresnahan on this bipartisan effort because keeping kids safe isn’t a partisan issue, it’s just the right thing to do. The Kids on the Go Act gives states the tools they need to keep kids safe while promoting healthy, active lifestyles for our children.”

The bill would reduce the non-federal cost share for states that hire a full-time Safe Routes to School coordinator from the current 20 percent down to just 5 percent. These coordinators play a critical role in developing and maintaining safe infrastructure, education programs, and community engagement efforts that protect children as they travel to and from school. States like Pennsylvania and Michigan, where dedicated coordinators are already in place, have seen firsthand how this investment leads to safer, healthier, and more connected communities.

The bill’s bipartisan support reflects a shared recognition of the importance of child safety and infrastructure investment that meets the needs of both urban and rural communities.

 “Safe Routes Partnership applauds the leadership of Representative Scholten in championing this important legislation,” said Marisa Jones, Managing Director of Safe Routes Partnership. “Michigan’s strong Safe Routes to School program–supported by a dedicated statewide coordinator–has been a model of success, helping reduce traffic injuries and fatalities while building stronger, connected communities where kids and people thrive. This bill would help other states follow Michigan’s lead, ensuring every child can walk and bike to school safely.”

“When neighborhoods are safer and more walkable, people are more active–and that means a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes,” said Mark Schoeberl, Executive Vice President of Advocacy of the American Heart Association. “The Kids on the Go Act of 2025 would strengthen the Safe Routes to School program, helping families access safe, active ways to get to and from school. This proven initiative can reduce traffic crashes by up to 44% and returns $4.40 in health and safety benefits for every $1 invested. The American Heart Association applauds Reps. Scholten and Bresnahan for championing healthier, safer communities where everyone can live a longer, healthier life.” 

“At Pennsylvania Downtown Center, we hear firsthand the demand for Safe Routes to School programs from communities of all sizes—from small towns and rural communities to larger urban areas,” said Sam Pearson, Healthy Communities Program Manager, Pennsylvania Downtown Center. “Through the PA WalkWorks program, we hosted a statewide Safe Routes to School webinar series in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the national Safe Routes Partnership and were overwhelmed by the interest from communities across the Commonwealth. Representative Bresnahan’s leadership on this bill is a crucial step toward meeting that need. Investing in safe, connected places to walk and bike—starting with Safe Routes to School—improves not just the health and safety of our residents, but also drives local economic development by making our communities stronger:  more vibrant, livable, and connected.”

“In Scranton, many children--not to mention their parents and caregivers--walk and bike to school, parks, and other places in their neighborhood,” said Todd Pousley, Director of Community Development, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania. “For some this is a choice, but for the 16% of households in the city that don't own a vehicle, it's a necessity. At NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, we have led Safe Routes to School initiatives to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists along busy Main Avenue in West Scranton and received overwhelmingly positive responses from community members. We thank Congressman Bresnahan for introducing the Kids on the Go Act, which will make traveling throughout our community safer for everyone.”

“Here in Pittsburgh, we work to make it safer and easier for kids to walk and bike to school through Walk and Roll to School Days, organizing bike buses, Learn to Ride classes, and partnering with schools and the City’s Safe Routes to School program,” said Scott Bricker, Executive Director, Bike Pittsburgh. “But we know there’s much more that can be done statewide. Representative Bresnahan’s leadership on this bill is exactly what Pennsylvania needs to strengthen Safe Routes to School efforts and empower communities to build safer, healthier, and more connected places for families. We’re proud to support this effort and look forward to working together to make Pennsylvania’s streets safer for everyone who walks, rides, and rolls.”

 “The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is proud to partner with the City of Philadelphia’s Safe Routes Philly program on efforts like piloting the city’s first School Streets, supporting bike giveaways, and teaching kids to ride at community schools in North Philadelphia,” said Chris Gale, Executive Director, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. “But there’s still so much more work to be done to make walking and biking safe, convenient, and connected for all families across Pennsylvania. Representative Bresnahan’s leadership on this bill is a critical step forward. We applaud his commitment to helping every child and every community across the Commonwealth access the benefits of Safe Routes to School.”

  

SHAPIRO ADMINISTRATION SECURES $30 MILLION INVESTMENT FROM PITTSTON CO-PACKERS CORP. TO OPEN FIRST AMERICAN PRODUCTION OPERATION AND CREATE HUNDREDS OF NEW JOBS IN LUZERNE COUNTY

THE COMPANY WILL BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO A VACANT MANUFACTURING FACILITY AND CREATE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR PRIOR EMPLOYEES OF JORIKI BEVERAGES, WHICH CLOSED ITS PRODUCTION OPERATION IN PITTSTON EARLIER THIS YEAR.

 

Governor Josh Shapiro (Photo: LuLac archives)

 

Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Pittston Co-Packers Corp(opens in a new tab). will open its first beverage production operation in the U.S, injecting $30 million into the local economy and creating at least 226 new, full-time jobs in Luzerne County within the next three years. The Commonwealth is investing more than $1 million to support this new production operation.

The company has acquired the equipment and balance of Joriki Beverages’ lease at 575 Research Drive in Pittston Township, which permanently closed in January 2025. Pittston Co-Packers Corp. will produce beverages for top U.S. brand contracts that were held by Joriki, and provide job opportunities for that company’s former employees.

“This project is a win for workers, a win for Pittston, and a win for Pennsylvania,” said Governor Shapiro. “By choosing Pennsylvania for its first U.S. beverage production operation, Pittston Co-Packers is bringing new energy to a shuttered facility, creating hundreds of good-paying jobs, and helping drive economic growth in Luzerne County. My Administration is proud to support investments like this that strengthen our local communities, grow our manufacturing sector, and position Pennsylvania as a national leader in innovation and job creation. Pennsylvania is open for business.”

Pittston Co-Packers Corp. received a funding proposal from DCED for a $1 million PA First grant and a $76,100 WEDnetPA grant to train workers.

“Pittston Co-Packers Corp.’s commitment to investing in our Commonwealth and providing new job opportunities to the people of northeast Pennsylvania is exactly why we’re supporting this project,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “Since day one, the Shapiro Administration has focused on making strategic investments like this one that bring millions back into the local economy and help revitalize the surrounding community.”

Pittston Co-Packers Corp. is a wholly-owned and newly-formed indirect subsidiary of Eastroc Beverage Group Co., Ltd. that provides beverage production and co-packing services.

“Pittston Co-Packers is excited to become part of the Luzerne County community and contribute to the revitalization of this important facility,” said Christopher John Reed, CEO of Pittston Co-Packers. “The project aims to generate lasting economic value, support local workforce development, and foster strong community ties. This marks a meaningful step in building a long-term presence and partnership in the region.”

This project was coordinated by Governor Shapiro’s BusinessPA(opens in a new tab) team, an experienced group of economic development professionals dedicated to helping businesses succeed in Pennsylvania through tailored guidance, strategic partnerships, and financial resources. Whether based in the Commonwealth, another state, or across the globe, the team moves at the speed of business to set up companies for long-term growth and success here in Pennsylvania.

Since taking office, the Shapiro Administration has secured over $25.2 billion in private sector investments, creating nearly 11,000 jobs. 

From day one, Governor Shapiro has worked to spur economic development in Pennsylvania, creating the first Economic Development Strategy(opens in a new tab) in nearly two decades; securing historic funding for site development, main streets, small businesses, and more; and speeding up the Commonwealth’s permitting, licensing, and certification processes.

The Shapiro Administration is delivering real results — and building on that momentum. Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal(opens in a new tab) has more than $160 million in new and expanded investments to advance the 10-year Economic Development Strategy(opens in a new tab), boosting Pennsylvania’s competitiveness, including:

• $12.5 million dedicated to WEDnetPA to expand our workforce and close critical workforce gaps

• $2 million for the creation of Career Connect to build internships at Pennsylvania companies

• $10 million for AdvancePA tax credits to create high quality jobs across PA

• $3 million to the Marketing to Attract Business program, which supports programs targeting business attraction, retention, and marketing initiatives

• Expediting the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) cuts by two years, reducing the current tax rate each year by 0.75 percent.  

 

 

MEDIA MATTERS

WALN

BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

You'll hear the program Sunday at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on 1400 am The Mothership and 7:30 am on 105 The River.

 

THE LAURIE CADDEN SHOW

Tune in every Saturday morning at 9am for The Laurie Cadden Show on WILK FM 103.1 and AM 980 and 910. Laurie’s program has been a northeastern Pennsylvania mainstay every Saturday. Tune in to hear her insights and take on local issues as well as entertaining and informative interviews.

 

BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SUNDAY NIGHT SOCK HOP

 

BEATLE EDD’S FAB FOUR MUSIC HOUR

Tune in every week to the Home of Rock and Roll for a jam packed, unpredictable hour starting at 9am Sundays. Host Edd Raineri gives you facts and great music from the immortal Fab Four on ROCK 107.

 

L.A. TARONE GONE

@ 8 YEARS

 

It was 8 years ago yesterday that L.A. Tarone passed away at the age of 58. Here is Tarone   on PCN talking about his hometown and book.

 

THE LULAC TIME MACHINE

Al Haig a target

June 1979

NATO Supreme Allied Commander Alexander Haig escapes an assassination attempt in Belgium by the Baader-Meinhof terrorist organization. `Haig isc widely know for his faux paus on the day Ronald Reagan was shot in March of 1981. As Secretary of State, he matched to a podium and declared he was in charge at the White House mistakenly saying that he as the Secretary of State was third in line for succession to the Presidency.

But Haig served in the Nixon and Ford administration in key leadership positions like Chief of Staff and Counselor to both Ford and Nixon. As Chief of NATO he aggressively noticed the bad actors of terror in Europe. Haig focused on strengthening the relationship between the United States and NATO member nations and their allies. As a result, several fleets of United States Air Force aircraft, such as the F-111 Aardvark from the Strategic Air Command, were relocated to US Air Force bases located in Europe. Haig also stressed the importance of increasing the training of US troops deployed in Europe following his tour of the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, on which Haig saw poorly-disciplined and ill-trained troops. As a result, Haig conducted routine inspections during NATO troops' training and often went to the training site and participated in the training itself. Haig also recommended the revitalization of equipment in the US installations in Europe and US troops deployed in Europe, in order to strengthen deterrence from possible attack.

Haig took the same route to SHAPE every day—a pattern of behavior that did not go unnoticed by terrorist organizations. On 25 June 1979, Haig was the target of an assassination attempt in Mons, Belgium. A land mine blew up under the bridge on which Haig's car was traveling, narrowly missing his car and wounding three of his bodyguards in a following car. Authorities later attributed responsibility for the attack to the Red Army Faction (RAF). In 1993 a German court sentenced Rolf Clemens Wagner, a former RAF member, to life imprisonment for the assassination attempt. During Haig's last month as Supreme Allied Commander Europe, he oversaw the talks and negotiation between the United States and NATO member nations of a new policy following the signing of SALT II treaty on 18 June 1979, by President Jimmy Carter and Soviet President Leonid Brezhnev. However Haig also drew concern regarding the treaty, which he believed benefited the Soviet position by giving them a way to build up their military arsenal….Haig later ran for President and served briefly as Secretary of State in the Reagan administration and this week in 1979 the number 1 song in LuLac land and America was “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge which later became the anthem for the 1979 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates.