Representative Matt Cartwright

PA Hemp, Family Heirlooms and

Food Security

Dear [firstname],

As the two-week summer recess from Congress comes to an end, I am happy to report that we have past efforts to celebrate and future possibilities to look forward to.

Last week I invited National Science Foundation (NSF) Director Dr. Panchanathan, PA Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, Penn State University President Neeli Bendapudi and others to join us in Hazleton for the official launch of the PA Industrial Hemp Engine.

In May, I announced that the NSF had awarded a $1 million Regional Innovation Engines Development award to Hazleton-based Vytal Plant Science Research for the development of an Industrial Hemp Engine.

This generous NSF investment will present opportunities for new businesses, farm income, and good-paying jobs. I look forward to the Industrial Hemp Engine bringing back what was once a staple of Pennsylvania's economy.

As we embark on this economic, agricultural and scientific journey together know that future members of the industrial hemp industry will be watching our efforts in order to learn from us.

I know we will serve as a worthy example.

Remembering a Hero

This week I had the privilege of recognizing the military service of the late Master Sergeant (MSG) Edward Menago with his daughter Shelby Karp and her family during a military medal presentation ceremony at the Abington Memorial VFW Post 7069 in Clarks Summit.

Born in Peckville in 1942, and raised on a small farm in Hop Bottom, Edward Menago prioritized his love of family, country, and life above all else. In his 21 years of service in the U.S. Army MSG Menago received:

Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars and one silver service star
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Good Conduct Medal
Bronze Star

MSG Menago's original military records and service medals were unfortunately lost in a fire at his home. Shelby Karp contacted my office seeking assistance in obtaining the service medals, and after months of tireless efforts we received MSG Menago's service medals, ribbons and badges.

It was an honor to present Shelby Karp and her family with these precious family heirlooms that MSG Menago earned. I sincerely hope that they remain with Shelby's family for generations to come, to remember a man who truly was larger than life.

Local Farmers Growing Food Security

I also enjoyed the fresh air, green pastures, and beautiful views at Fullers Overlook Farm in Waverly this week. While there, I had the pleasure of speaking with local leaders who are working together to address issues surrounding food insecurity.

Clancy Harrison, founder of the Food Dignity Movement, is teaming up with area farmers and food distributors to address food insecurity in NEPA.

Sue Fuller is a proud partner in the Food Dignity Movement, providing fresh produce, vegetables, pasture-raised chickens, flowers, teas, herbs, mushrooms, and more to local food distributors.

Building a healthier and stronger food chain through local farmers producing fresh fruits and vegetables for food distributors in NEPA is critical to fighting food insecurity.

Legislative Update:

Saving Your Social Security

This week, I helped to reintroduce The Social Security 2100 Act, to ensure that seniors in our community can buy groceries, pay their rent, and retire with dignity.

Social Security is an earned benefit Americans have paid into with every paycheck for their entire lives. Every day, 10,000 baby boomers become eligible for Social Security, yet the Trust Fund is set to deplete in 11 years - triggering a 20% across the board benefit cut for seniors, veterans, the disabled and their dependents.

The Social Security 2100 Act would extend the Social Security Trust Fund by 32 years to 2066. It also increases benefits 2% on average for all Social Security beneficiaries for the first time in 52 years. And it doesn’t add a penny to the deficit, it doesn’t raise the retirement age, or cut benefits.

It’s time to ensure that our nation’s most vulnerable receive the benefits they deserve.

Read more about The Social Security 2100 Act here.

Meet our Summer Interns

Every summer, I am grateful for the energy and insight that our interns bring to our offices in D.C. and throughout the district.

We're gearing up for the fall and if you know someone who would like to join team Cartwright they can apply directly here.

Be safe and well,

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