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The District at Lycoming Valley Highlights New Development at Open House

On March 1, I joined the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, mall redevelopment project owners, County Commissioners and fellow local elected officials for an Open House to discuss the future Bass Pro Shops development at the former Best Buy site.

Construction on Bass Pro Shops is scheduled to begin in late Spring 2026, with a Grand Opening anticipated in Summer 2027. As a world-class outdoor retailer, Bass Pro is a natural fit for Lycoming County and the gateway to the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Both Hilton Hotels and Wawa have also announced plans to locate near the new store. Exciting additional developments are underway, bringing more momentum to Muncy Township and our region.

Appropriations Committee Holds Hearing to Examine DEP Budget

As chairman of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, I joined the Appropriations Committee recently to examine the budget for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

I asked DEP officials about electricity generation shortfalls, abandoned oil and gas well plugging and how competition from Ohio threatens our status as the nation’s top exporter of electricity. Later in the day, we discussed PFAS contamination and I also inquired about a law I authored allowing alternative sewage systems.

Watch my remarks HERE.

Recap and Key Points HERE.

SUN Area Technical Institute Celebrates Career and Technical Education Month

New Berlin’s SUN Area Technical Institute celebrated Career and Technical Education Month with an Open House. My District Director, Matt Wise, was there as they showcased their 19 technical programs.

SUN Tech continues to empower students across the region with hands‑on training, real‑world experience and in‑demand skills that prepare them for high‑growth careers. From advanced manufacturing and healthcare to skilled trades and emerging technologies, SUN Tech’s programs help strengthen our local workforce and open doors to bright futures.

BeST Transit Highlights Propane-Powered Buses

BeST Transit buses operating on propane autogas were showcased recently at the organization’s facility in Athens Township, Bradford County. Deb Rudy of my Wellsboro office was there to celebrate the initiative, which is expected to save BeST between $10,000 and $15,000 per vehicle per year in operation costs.

BeST serves Bradford, Sullivan and Tioga Counties and provides more than 7,000 shared rides/month in their 2,750 square mile territory. 

Claverack REC Celebrates Rural Broadband Milestone

Photo Credit: C&T Enterprises, Inc.

Claverack REC and Revolution Broadband have completed a $4.7 million CPF BIP fiber project, constructing 100 miles of new fiber and offering service to nearly 1,300 unserved or underserved rural homes in Bradford and Wyoming Counties.

Janenne Goliash of my Williamsport Office was there to celebrate this important milestone for rural connectivity.

Local Students Visit the Capitol

Thank you to the students from Liberty Elementary School for stopping by our beautiful State Capitol for a tour during your visit to Harrisburg!

Pine Creek Rail Trail Named PA’s 2026 Trail of the Year

The Pine Creek Rail Trail has been named Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources!

Traveling through Lycoming and Tioga counties in the heart of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, the trail showcases the natural beauty, outdoor recreation and small-town hospitality that make northcentral PA so special.

Congratulations! And thank you to everyone who works so hard to maintain and promote this incredible asset.

Learn more and plan your visit HERE.

PEMA to Hold Flood Recovery Workshops

The PA Emergency Management Agency will host in-person Flood Recovery Workshops across Pennsylvania from April 16 to May 12 to provide an overview of federal and state disaster recovery programs and practical recovery tools.

With expanded yet limited state resources and evolving federal funding expectations, local governments must be ready to lead coordinated recovery efforts, mobilize local partnerships and manage available resources effectively.

A workshop will be held in Williamsport on April 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Lycoming College’s Krapf Gateway Center (Trogner Room).

The workshop is open to:

• County/local emergency management
• Municipal elected officials/administrators
• Public works/infrastructure staff
• Planning, zoning, and code officials
• Floodplain managers/engineers/watershed partners

Learn more and register HERE.

Shooting Range Improvement Grant Program Now Open

Senate Budget Hearings Examine Spending Details, Transportation Issues and More

The Senate Appropriations Committee wrapped up two weeks of public hearings on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $53.3 billion proposed state budget, which would increase spending by $2.7 billion, or 5.4%.

At the hearings with the Budget Office and Department of Revenue, committee members raised concerns about the level of spending, inefficiencies in state government and the potential consequences of irresponsible budgeting.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s questionable management of public transit and infrastructure projects was the focus of its hearing with the committee. Lawmakers pressed the agency not only on project oversight but also on the growth of funding held in certain accounts and the lack of transparency surrounding how those dollars are being spent.

The Public Utility Commission oversees more than 8,000 entities which provide utility services across the state. Committee members raised concerns that Gov. Shapiro’s approach to energy is leading to higher costs for Pennsylvania consumers, while subsidizing lower energy prices in other states in the region.

Committee members focused on how State System of Higher Education universities are working to improve enrollment and efficiency. The panel took testimony from the presidents of Millersville, East Stroudsburg and West Chester universities and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

You can find complete recaps and videos of each hearing here.

Bill to Ease Shortage in Long-Term Care Workers Approved by Senate

To help alleviate Pennsylvania’s serious shortage of long-term care workers, the Senate approved legislation to allow high school juniors and seniors to earn graduation credit by working or volunteering in these settings so they can consider a career in this crucial field.

Health care leaders and senior advocates strongly support Senate Bill 116 because while Pennsylvania’s population over the age of 65 is expected to nearly double by 2040, the number of long-term care professionals declined by 14% from 2019 to 2022.

This bill is part of a bipartisan package aimed at strengthening the long-term care workforce. Along with Senate Bill 114 and Senate Bill 115, it awaits action in the House of Representatives.

Family Caregivers Can Find Help Through State Support Program

Caring for a loved one is rewarding but also challenging. If you or someone you know could use some help, the state Caregiver Support Program could be the answer.

The state Caregiver Support Program provides relief through respite care, education and financial assistance for eligible unpaid caregivers. Each caregiver is assigned a care manager who will come to the home, conduct a comprehensive assessment of the needs of the caregiver, provide support and work with them to develop a care plan.

Find out more about eligibility and how to apply, and find other caregiver resources, from the Department of Aging. 

Online Filing Option Available for PA Personal Income Taxes

If you’re working on your taxes, keep in mind you can file your Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax return online for free through the myPATH portal.

It includes automatic calculators, instant confirmation and secure payment options. You can access many features directly from the myPATH homepage without needing to create a username or password. Additional options are offered exclusively to users who opt to create an account.

Learn more from the state Department of Revenue.

Supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses

Pennsylvania is one of the top states in the nation for veteran-owned small businesses and Invest in Veterans Week (March 1-7) helps focus attention on these patriotic entrepreneurs.

These men and women served our nation and are now providing jobs and economic vitality in our communities. Please keep an eye out for veteran-owned businesses in our area. If you’re a veteran looking to start or expand a business, you can find state and federal resources here.

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