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Marcellus Shale Coalition Highlights Pennsylvania’s Energy Industry in Williamsport

L to R: Jim Welty; president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition; Sen. Yaw; Congressman Dan Meuser; Rep. Clint Owlett.

The Marcellus Shale Coalition brought together energy industry leaders and local officials in Williamsport to discuss the continued importance of Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry at their annual networking reception.

Pennsylvania’s abundant natural gas resources are a tremendous economic asset, strengthening our communities, supporting jobs and enhancing our nation’s energy security. Thank you to MSC and the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce for a great evening.

Nearly $2 Million for Traffic Safety Improvements in Lycoming, Union Counties

Nearly $2 million in state funding for traffic safety improvements has been awarded in Lycoming and Union counties through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) “Green Light-Go” program.

Green Light-Go grants help communities improve traffic safety and keep traffic moving efficiently by funding upgrades to existing traffic signals. Projects can include LED technology, signal retiming, traffic monitoring, special event planning and other improvements using the latest traffic signal technology.

Read more about the municipalities awarded funding on my website.

Celebrating 150 Years of the Troy Fair

The Troy Fair is celebrating its 150^th anniversary by recognizing the generations of volunteers, exhibitors and families who have made this tradition possible.

Congratulations to Mike Heyer on being named the 2026 Troy Fair Friend of the Fair. Thank you for your years of dedicated service and contributions to Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage.

CLE Opportunity on the Chesapeake Bay Commission

I’m looking forward to presenting during a virtual Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program hosted by the Dauphin County Bar Association (DCBA) on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at noon.

The presentation will focus on the history and work of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, where I serve as chairman, as well as its role in shaping environmental policy and the issues impacting the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The deadline for registration is TODAY, Monday, August 10 at noon. Register on the DCBA’s website. Non-attorney registrations should contact Bridgette@dcba-pa.org for registration information.

I appreciate the opportunity to share insights on this important organization with members of Pennsylvania’s legal community.

Women’s Health Day in Mansfield

Laurel Health will host a Women’s Health Day on Aug. 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its Mansfield Laurel Health Center (416 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA), offering wellness screenings, physical exams, patient education and treatment for a range of women’s health needs.

Appointments are recommended by calling 570-662-2002, but walk-ins are welcome.

Learn more on Laurel Health’s website.

Affordable Homeownership Opportunity in South Williamsport

Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications in August for a new three-bedroom, two-bath home on Clark Street in South Williamsport.

Qualified applicants must be first-time homebuyers, Lycoming County residents for at least 12 months and meet income and credit requirements.

Applications will be accepted through Aug. 18. For more information, call 570-322-2515 or visit Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity’s website.

Grants Available for ATV, Snowmobile and Motorized Trail Projects

Applications are now being accepted through Sept. 30 for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) Motorized Trails and Recreation Grant Program.

Municipalities, nonprofit organizations and for-profit entities can apply for funding to support ATV, snowmobile and other motorized trail projects, including trail development, maintenance, rehabilitation, equipment purchases and educational programs.

These grants help expand outdoor recreation opportunities while supporting tourism and economic growth in communities across Pennsylvania. For more information or to apply, visit DCNR’s website.

Pennsylvania Has New Tools to Solve Violent Crimes

Law enforcement agencies will be able to access new tools to boost clearance rates for homicide and other violent crime cases through a new state law. 

The Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act was enacted with the new state budget. The law establishes a grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to help police hire and retain detectives and investigators, and upgrade technology used to analyze evidence.

Solving more violent crimes will help make communities safer by getting offenders off the streets while also serving as a deterrent to would-be criminals who know their crimes will not go unanswered.

State Budget Boosts College Tuition Assistance

Under the new state budget we recently passed, the maximum PA State Grant award has increased to the highest amount in program history, helping students across the commonwealth and their families pay for higher education.

For the 2026-27 fiscal year, the maximum award is $6,000, up from $5,750, the amount it’s been for four years. The funding is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

Each year, PHEAA’s board reevaluates the awarding formula by analyzing several factors, including tuition costs, the effect of inflation on family incomes, the number of expected applicants and recommended funding for the program as part of the annual budget process. Read more about the PA State Grant program here.

PA College Savings Fees Waived for Fifth Straight Year  

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced asset-based fees for the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program’s Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) will be waived for the fifth year in a row.

PA 529 GSP account owners will not see any asset-based fees on their quarterly statements for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, resulting in $5.9 million in savings. This fee waiver is funded through surplus earnings of the GSP fund.

The PA 529 GSP allows families to save at today’s tuition rates to meet tomorrow’s tuition costs. Families can choose from a variety of tuition levels to save from community college to Ivy League. PA 529 GSP account earnings are based on tuition inflation rates.

Red Tape Slashed for PA Cosmetology Workers

Legislation to streamline licensing for the cosmetology workforce has been signed into law, a major step in addressing Pennsylvania’s ongoing workforce shortages.

Act 43 of 2026 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, an interstate agreement that makes it easier for licensed cosmetologists — who provide treatments for hair, skin and nails — to obtain a multistate license and work in participating states without unnecessary red tape. It also ensures cosmetology professionals in active-duty military families face no burdensome licensure requirements in compact states.

Pennsylvania is the 13th state to enter the compact, joining neighboring states Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. Read more about this new law here.

Booking a Tour of Your State Capitol

Summer is a great time to tour your state Capitol, a National Historic Landmark featuring Renaissance designs, paintings, stained glass and furnishings by some of the best artisans in the world.

Scheduling in advance is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome according to availability. Tours take approximately 30-45 minutes and are limited to 40 guests total per tour. Self-guided tours do not take place on weekends and holidays.

More than the seat of Pennsylvania’s government, the Capitol is a magnificent symbol of the hopes and vision of the commonwealth that gave birth to a nation. Find details and book a tour here.