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April 10, 2018

“Don’t leave inferences to be drawn when evidence can be presented.”

The Senate is scheduled to reconvene on Monday, April 16th, 2018 at 1PM.

Rural Broadband Hearing Held in Wellsboro

On April 5^th, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania held a public hearing on rural broadband availability, accessibility and affordability at the Penn Wells Hotel in Wellsboro.  I joined Center Board Vice Chairman Rep. Garth Everett, Board Treasurer Rep. Sid Michaels Kavulich, Board Member(s) Steve Brame, Dr. Stephan Goetz, Darrin Youker and Center Director Barry Denk in hosting the hearing. President Pro Tempore Senator Joe Scarnati and Rep. Martin Causer also joined the panel.

The hearing was held to gather information from broadband service providers and consumers about the issues, challenges, and opportunities of delivering broadband services in rural Pennsylvania. 

To view a video of the hearing, click here.  To read testimony submitted at the hearing, click here, and for additional submitted testimony, click here.

Need Assistance with Property Tax/Rent Rebate Forms?

On Thursday, April 12^th, a member of my staff will be available to meet with area residents at Wyalusing Meadows, 95 Rocky Path Road, Wyalusing, PA from 10AM – 12PM to prepare Property Tax Rent Rebates.  The Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program benefits all Pennsylvanians age 65 and over, widows and widowers age 50 and over, and people with disabilities age 18 to 64. Homeowners with a maximum yearly income of $35,000 and renters with a maximum yearly income of $15,000 are eligible for a rebate.

District Satellite Office hours have also been scheduled that day from 3PM to 5PM at the Wyalusing Library, 115 Church Street, Wyalusing.  Residents will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a member of the staff to address state-related problems they may be encountering. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended.  Please contact my Williamsport District Office at (570) 322-6457 for appointments. 

Discussing Opioid Addiction at Lycoming College

It’s always great to return to my Alma Mater!  On April 4^th, I had the pleasure to speak to Dr. Sarah Holstein’s Drugs, Behavior, and Society Class at Lycoming College. The students were particularly interested in state legislative action to address the opioid epidemic. The opioid overdose epidemic is the worst public health crisis in Pennsylvania, and the nation, in almost a generation. According to provisional data released from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pennsylvania registered 5,545 overdose deaths during a 12-month period leading up to August 2017. 

Lycoming County Pomona Grange Legislative Banquet

Grange members, elected officials and community members all enjoyed a meal on Saturday, April 7^th, at the Lycoming County Pomona Grange #28 Legislative Banquet held at Eldred Fire Hall, Warrensville.  Approximately 100 people enjoyed a wonderful ham and turkey meal with all the trimmings.  I was happy to speak on a number of important issues including our most recent Center for Rural Pennsylvania Public Hearing on Broadband Availability, as well as on Sunday hunting and the state’s opioid epidemic. 

National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 9-13

Spring is finally upon us and work zones are popping up across the state. With the start of construction season, motorists are urged to use caution when approaching a work zone for the protection of the highway workers and the motorists themselves.

Sadly, 88 PennDOT employees have lost their lives in the line of duty, most recently Robert Gensimore, a Highway Foreman in Blair County was struck and killed while setting up flares for a separate crash in February of this year.

PennDOT suggest these safety tips when encountering work zones:

• Drive the posted work zone speed limit;
• Stay alert and pay close attention to signs and flaggers;
• Turn on your headlights if signs instruct you to do so;
• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and do not tailgate;
• Use four-way flashers when stopped or traveling slowly;
• Avoid distractions and give your full attention to the road;
• Always buckle up;
• Expect the unexpected;
• Be patient.

Submitted by Kim Smith- PennDOT District 3 Safety Press Officer 

DEP Recognizes Pik Rite for Environmentally Friendly Actions

Local manufacturer Pik Rite Inc., Union County, was recognized recently by Department of Environmental Protection officials for the company’s commitment to reducing their environmental footprint and lowering energy consumption.

Pik Rite combined a 2017 Small Business Advantage Grant totaling $7,000 with $14,000 of private investment to make plant lighting more efficient. Energy consumption was reduced by 54%, resulting in annual savings of about $6,600.

The DEP Small Business Advantage Grant provides 50% matching grants up to a maximum of $9,500, or $7,000 for lighting only upgrades. The funding is intended to allow Pennsylvania to obtain energy efficient, pollution preventing, or waste reduction processes and equipment. Businesses with less than 100 employees are eligible.

To preview my visit to Pik Rite, click here.

For more information on the Small Business Advantage Grant program, click here.

Is Your Dog Licensed?

Starting in April, dog wardens will be in neighborhoods across Pennsylvania conducting license and rabies compliance checks. All dogs, three months and older, must be licensed by January 1 of each year. Additionally, all dogs and non-feral cats must be vaccinated against rabies. The counties below will be checked throughout the month of April.

If your dog isn’t licensed, there’s still time. Visit: www.licenseyourdogpa.com

SAVE THE DATE:  Earth Day Open House

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