View this email in a browser

Nearly $6 Million Awarded to Local Projects

Nearly $6 million has been awarded to projects throughout Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties through the state’s Local Share Account funds. These investments will support:

• Upgrading aging infrastructure
• Replacing outdated municipal equipment and vehicles
• Improving local wastewater systems
• Supporting education and workforce development
• Enhancing facilities for student-athletes
• Investing in public safety

Read more about each of the projects on my website.

Educational Improvement Tax Credit Scholarships Help Local Students

Photo Credit: Bridge Educational Foundation

A scholarship presentation in Ulster last week highlighted the impact of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, with $35,000 awarded to students attending Grace Christian Academy, Epiphany Elementary School, St. Agnes School and Trinity Lutheran School.

I joined Rep. Tina Pickett, the Bridge Educational Foundation and WM (formerly Waste Management) to celebrate this investment in our students. Programs like EITC give Pennsylvania businesses an opportunity to support education and invest in their future workforce.

Read more on my website.

Pennsylvania Needs More Power Generation

A recent Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) study reinforces what I have been saying for years: Pennsylvania needs more electricity generation to keep up with growing demand and maintain a reliable, affordable power supply.

The solution is simple. We need to increase generation capacity. More supply will help put downward pressure on prices and strengthen reliability. We have ignored this basic economic principle for years, and it will take years to recover from that shortfall.

It is time to stop pointing fingers and start building. We need to get to work now.

Read more about this issue on my website.

Workforce Development Initiatives Highlighted in Williamsport

Last week, Janenne Goliash of my Williamsport office joined WVIA, along with educators, organizations and community partners to celebrate the official launch of Lycoming @ Work and Careers that Work Lycoming.

Lycoming @ Work is a workforce development initiative that connects students, families, educators and job seekers with career opportunities shaping Lycoming County’s future and inspiring the next generation of skilled workers.

New and Improved Monroeton Driver’s License Center Now Open

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced last week that the new Monroeton Driver’s License Center at 39 Fox Chase Drive in Towanda is now open.

The new, conveniently located facility is double the size of the former location, allowing for efficient customer flow and the potential for future expansion of service counters. It features a larger seating and waiting area and more parking than the former location, as well as a larger skills testing area that will allow for onsite motorcycle skills testing, which PennDOT plans to offer this fall.

For more information or to find a PennDOT Driver’s License Center near you, visit here.

PPL Encourages Customers to be Ready during National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, a reminder that preparation today can make a significant difference during tomorrow’s emergencies. Whether facing severe weather, extended power outages or other unexpected events, PPL Electric Utilities reminds customers that having a plan and essential supplies in place helps families stay safe and resilient.

PPL Electric is providing a few simple preparedness steps this month:

• Create or review a family emergency plan.
• Assemble an emergency kit with food, water, flashlights, batteries, medications and important documents.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts and stay informed before, during and after severe weather events.
• Enroll in PPL Electric outage alerts and familiarize themselves with outage reporting and tracking resources at com/alerts and pplelectric.com/outage.

The company is also giving away five emergency kits throughout the month of September on Facebook and Instagram. Those interested can visit pplelectric.com/giveaway for more information on rules and how to enter.

Public Comments Due Today on Gov. Shapiro’s Overreaching Regulations

Gov. Shapiro and the Department of Health recently proposed sweeping new regulations that would vastly expand state government’s power over the lives of Pennsylvanians. This includes expanding the government’s authority to enter private residences and schools without a warrant, access private citizens’ health information, speak with children without parental consent, enforce mask mandates and much more.

Many of these regulations mirror the failed policies of the Wolf Administration during COVID. Like the Executive Branch’s heavy-handed response during the pandemic, this Administration is now attempting to push through these Department of Health changes through the regulatory process – completely bypassing the General Assembly.

More details about what these regulations could mean for Pennsylvanians are available here.

I encourage all citizens to submit public comments on the regulations to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission before the public comment period ends today. Full instructions for submitting comments are available at the commission’s online comment page.

Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action 

Property owners scored a key victory this legislative session when the Senate approved a measure to protect and financially compensate them if targeted by eminent domain abuse. However, the bill has languished in the House of Representatives for more than a year.  

Senate Bill 225 would ensure business owners and farmers whose properties are seized through eminent domain are compensated for loss of “goodwill,” which goes beyond the assessed value. For farms, the land may possess characteristics that make it particularly special, such as fertile soil. In the case of another business, goodwill may be the location, access to utilities and other factors. 

This bill received unanimous support in the Senate and there’s no reason for the House not to act. Read more about this bill and federal efforts to end eminent domain abuse here.

Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something

As students settle in for the new school year, they should know about a resource available if they’re concerned about the wellbeing of themselves or others.

Authorized by the General Assembly, Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” before it is too late.

Students can report concerns by phone at 844-723-2729, by emailing info@safe2saypa.org or on the Safe2Say website, where they can also download the Safe2Say Something app.

Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15

When a crisis strikes, faith-based communities are often among the first places people turn for help, hope and support.

Houses of worship, nonprofits, schools and community organizations can learn how to play a vital role before, during and after a crisis via a free Pennsylvania Department of Homeland Security webinar Oct. 15.

Participants will gain practical tools and resources to help their organization respond with compassion, coordination and confidence. Learn more at the webinar registration page.

“See Tracks? Think Train” Week Promotes Rail Safety

Pennsylvania recorded 56 collisions at rail grade crossings last year, resulting in three fatalities and 24 injuries. There were also 34 deaths and 15 injuries involving people trespassing on rail property. Nationwide, a person or vehicle is struck by a train roughly every three hours.

Railroad tracks are private property and should never be used as a walking path, shortcut or setting for photographs. Drivers and pedestrians should always expect a train, cross only at designated crossings and obey warning lights and crossing gates.

“See Tracks? Think Train” Week Sept. 21-27 aims to raise awareness of the danger, reduce collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and discourage trespassing on or near railroad tracks. You can find more rail safety information here.