State policymakers to hold public hearings in Shenandoah, Hazleton

SHENANDOAH – State lawmakers will hold two public hearings next week in our area to discuss energy production and costs, as well as crime and public safety.

A joint hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee and House Republican Policy Committee is set for Monday, August 10 at 10am at Hazleton City Hall.

There, local law enforcement officials will share their day-to-day experience and Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday will provide an update on his office’s efforts and the second-degree murder sentencing court ruling.

“Our police officers see firsthand what’s happening in our communities, and we need to hear directly from them,” Rep. Dane Watro (R-Schuylkill/Luzerne) said. “This 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.”

“Public safety is one of the top issues I hear about from my constituents in Carbon, Luzerne and Schuylkill counties,” Senator Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill) said. “I look forward to hearing from a variety of individuals about this important issue.”

The hearing will be livestreamed on the Senate Majority Policy Committee and the House Republican Policy Committee websites.

On Friday, the Senate Majority Policy Committee will be in Shenandoah for the first state hearing here in recent memory.

A public hearing focused on energy production and costs will take place at 9am at the Center for Education, Business, and the Arts on North Main Street.

The hearing will feature testimony from northeast Pennsylvania energy producers and local employers. 

Argall, who chairs the committee, called the hearing to learn more about increasing energy production and the challenges facing Pennsylvania’s electric grid if no action is taken.

“The best way to fight rising electricity prices is through the rules of simple supply and demand we all learned in high school: If more energy is produced, prices should fall,” Argall said. “I look forward to hearing how pro-energy policies can benefit Pennsylvania families and grow our local economy.”

The hearing will be livestreamed on the Senate Majority Policy Committee website.

The article State policymakers to hold public hearings in Shenandoah, Hazleton first appeared on The Shenandoah Sentinel.