Press Releases

The legislation that will fully fund the federal government through September 30, 2020, includes priorities fought for by U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) that will improve the lives of Northeastern Pennsylvanians and boost the regional economy. Rep. Cartwright voted Tuesday to pass the funding packages in the full House of Representatives. The U.S. Senate passed the bills Thursday, and President Trump is expected to sign them today.

“These funding bills make strong investments in Northeastern Pennsylvania that will save taxpayers money and help grow our economy,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Appropriations Committee. “I’m proud that we were able to secure doubled funding to reduce stormwater fees for Eighth District residents as well as new resources to spur job creation in our area. These are important wins that will benefit communities and families across our region.

“This funding legislation also makes investments in infrastructure that will create jobs, supports health care programs that will save lives, and provides new resources that honor our commitment to supporting veterans,” Rep. Cartwright continued. “In doing so, we are keeping our promise to deliver progress for all Americans.”

Victories in this legislation for Northeastern Pennsylvanians include:

• $24 million to fund local grants for stormwater infrastructure improvements in Northeastern Pennsylvania — a two-fold increase over last year’s funding — which will help reduce stormwater fees paid by residents on their sewer bills and clean up our region's waterways.
   
• $175 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), which works with Appalachian states to promote self-sustaining economic development, create new opportunities and improve quality of life.
   
• $30 million for the Economic Development Administration (EDA)’s Assistance to Coal Communities program, which works to help communities affected by the decline of the coal industry.
   
• $115 million for the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund, which helps eliminate dangerous conditions and clean up pollution caused by past coal mining.

In addition, this funding legislation provides:

• More than $61 billion to strengthen America’s infrastructure, which will create jobs and improve safety.
   
• $95 billion to strengthen public health, expand access to health care and carry out lifesaving research.
   
• $80 billion to support veterans with VA medical care, including funding to provide homelessness assistance and suicide prevention and outreach.