Rep. Dane Watro

Last week, I was interviewed by Sarah Hofius Hall of WVIA News about my cursive writing legislation that recently became law. As part of the interview, we went to see cursive being taught in a Hazleton Area School District elementary school classroom.

My legislation to bring cursive instruction back to Pennsylvania schools is now law, ensuring students learn a skill that boosts cognitive growth, fine motor skills and keeps our history alive. For more about the new law: shorturl.at/fJUuo

Join State Treasurer Stacy Garrity and I for a telephone town hall tonight, from 7-8 p.m.

Great to join colleagues at Friday's MAEA Legislative Roundtable - the largest turnout yet! We discussed energy, taxes, workforce, health care and infrastructure. Thanks to MAEA and all who participated for working to strengthen NEPA’s economy.

Cursive Handwriting Isn't a Thing of the Past

I want to share the great news that my legislation, House Bill 17, to bring back cursive instruction to Pennsylvania schools is on its way to the governor after the Pennsylvania state Senate on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved it! shorturl.at/NpGJm

Today, on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we honor the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. Your dedication, sacrifice and commitment to protecting others do not go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do.

This morning, I provided a legislative update at the November Red Carpet Breakfast, hosted by the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, at Hazleton's Pines Eatery & Spiritz.

Today, I voted for the 2025-26 state budget which represents a return to responsible governing and a commitment to core principles that put Pennsylvanians first. It also represents a far different budget than the one Gov. Josh Shapiro and legislative Democrats have been pushing.

This morning, I talked with the guys at Froggy 101's "The Doc Show" and provided a legislative update. My thanks to Ken "Doc" Medek and his son, Sean "Chewy" Medek, for having me on their show.

Today, I signed a petition to discharge from the PA House Education Committee HB 158 which would create the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act to ensure women aren't forced to compete against biological males on women’s sports teams. The committee has ignored the bill since January.

Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously approved my resolution to recognize Nov. 11, 2025, as Veterans Day in Pennsylvania.

My House Resolution 15 to recognize Nov. 11, 2025, as Veterans Day in Pennsylvania was advanced to the full House of Representatives today. You can read a full press release about the committee approval of the resolution here: shorturl.at/DoG60

On Wednesday, I met with Ana Perez from Hazleton economic development organization CAN DO, Inc. and a student from the CAN DO Student Action Committee to discuss Operation: CAN DO, an annual drive to send care packages to local soldiers serving away from home during the holidays.

On Tuesday I co-hosted a Senior Scam Seminar with Sen. Dave Argall at the Mahanoy City Senior Center to help provide information about how people can protect themselves against fraud and other scams. I enjoyed meeting all of you who came to the event and I hope it was beneficial.

Earlier today, I participated in a legislative roundtable for Luzerne and Schuylkill counties hosted by the Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Association at the Mountain Valley Golf Course Clubhouse in Barnesville, Schuylkill County.

Last Friday, we had a great turnout for the annual Senior Expo I host at Hazleton’s Laurel Mall. Thank you to all of our exhibitors and all who came to the event. I enjoyed meeting and talking with many of you, and I hope the event was both enjoyable and useful to you.

Earlier today, I joined Rep. Jamie Walsh and Sens. Dave Argall and Lynda Schlegel for a discussion at Penn State Hazleton about how we can help the college continue to positively impact our region after the campus was saved from closure earlier this year.

On Monday, I joined some of my legislative colleagues on Smith’s Family Farm in Wapwallopen, PA, for Luzerne County Legislative Farm Day. We heard about the various issues confronting our farmers.

I spoke at Sunday’s Sheppton Miners’ Commons Park dedication ceremony. In 1963, the roof of the Sheppton anthracite coal mine collapsed and three miners were trapped 300 feet below ground. Two of the miners were found and rescued using holes bored through solid rock.