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Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Assistance

My office is available to assist you with processing Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program forms! Call 570-322-6457 (Williamsport) or 570-724-5231 (Wellsboro) to schedule an appointment.

Local Fire and EMS Organizations Awarded Funding

Last week, over 100 fire and EMS organizations throughout the 23^rd District were awarded funding through the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). 

Projects eligible for funding include facilities upgrades, purchase or repair of equipment, training and certification of members, and recruitment and retention. All companies that apply and meet the requirements outlined by OSFC will receive funding. Companies must file a grant agreement with OSFC by July 1.

View the full list of awardees HERE and learn more about the program HERE.

In the News…

Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Carbon capture and storage can keep rural economies strong. READ MORE…

Williamsport Sun-Gazette: FFA members visit Eagle Grange. READ MORE…

ICYMI: Require Universal Public Service

By Sen. Gene Yaw

Recently on one of the evening newscasts, there was a discussion about the recruiting shortfall our military services are facing. A comment was made that we may need to bring back the draft. I gave my thoughts about the draft almost six years ago in an op-ed piece. Those thoughts are more appropriate than ever today and warrant repeating.

Read more HERE…

Funding Opportunities…

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency is currently accepting applications for the FY 2023-24 School Safety Grants. Applications will be accepted until Thursday, Feb. 29. Additional information about the grants and the application process HERE. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking applications to implement regional economic and community development projects to create thriving communities for people in rural America. Additional information about reserved funding and applications HERE.

On the Road…

I had a great evening at the Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company annual banquet. Thank you for your dedication and service to our community!

On Thursday, I attended the “State of the Commonwealth University” community leaders meeting at Commonwealth University – Mansfield. We heard from President Bashar W. Hanna and administrators and had a productive conversation on the status of the campus and its students.

VET STRONG at the Williamsport YMCA

Budget Hearings Begin This Week Examining Massive Shapiro Spending Plan

State spending would increase by more than $3.2 billion, or about 7.1%, under Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new budget plan. This level of increase will make it virtually impossible to balance future budgets without deep spending cuts and massive tax increases within the five-year planning period.

The process of finding ways to rein in this spending includes three weeks of budget hearings held by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Hearings begin Tuesday with appearances by the Independent Fiscal Office, Department of Corrections and Pennsylvania Parole Board, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Department of Community and Economic Development, Department of Labor and Industry and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Livestreams of the hearings and daily recaps will be available here, and I will share updates on this important process each week.

The hearings will be used to review Gov. Josh Shapiro’s spending plan and ask administration officials about the need for any proposed expenses. From there, a budget that more appropriately reflects the needs of taxpayers can be developed before the constitutional deadline of June 30.

PA Parks Offer Free Events for People of All Ages

As people start to feel a bit of cabin fever this time of year, it can be a great time to take advantage of recreational opportunities offered at Pennsylvania state parks.

There are free or low-cost seminars to interest people of all ages. Some examples include a winter photography walk, an introduction to cross country skiing, make and take tree cookie crafts, a cast iron cooking lesson and even a full moon hike.

Find a full calendar of events, including some that are virtual, and sign up here.

Protect Your Money by Investing Wisely

Trying to research financial services, products or companies can be confusing, but investing without first investigating can be a costly mistake.

The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) offers free information about how to research people, companies and investments. If you’re not sure where to start, call the department at 1-800-600-0007.

Learn more about the free and confidential help DoBS provides.

Shielding Pennsylvanians from Cybersecurity Attacks

The Senate approved legislation to improve cybersecurity defenses by setting cybersecurity standards for IT procurement within state government.

Cyberattacks and data breaches – experienced by multiple state agencies – highlight the need for increased cybersecurity measures to protect the valuable data of every Pennsylvanian.

The bill would require any acquisition of computer hardware by the state to adhere to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines for computer security. NIST’s comprehensive approach includes standards, guidelines and best practices to effectively manage cybersecurity-related risks.

Student Art Contest Raises Lyme Disease Awareness

Pennsylvania has one of the highest counts of Lyme disease cases in the nation. Symptoms often initially include fever, headache and extreme tiredness. If the disease is untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system.

First- through sixth-graders can help spread the word about preventing this tick-borne illness by entering the Pennsylvania Department of Health Lyme Art Contest. They are encouraged to submit a poster or video showing how to avoid exposure to ticks, check for ticks and/or remove ticks safely by March 15 at 5 p.m.

Find more information, including how to apply, here.

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