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In the News

I recently joined PCN for their “On the Issues” segment to discuss my legislation to responsibly regulate games of skill in the commonwealth. Watch HERE.  

I also sat down with Lincoln Radio Journal to discuss energy, grid reliability and Environmental Resources and Energy Committee priorities. Listen HERE.

Yaw, Martin Recognized for Ag Conservation Leadership

Photo Credit: Jesse Bussard, Penn State Extension

I am honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Karl Brown Award for Conservation Leadership by Penn State Extension’s Center for Agricultural Assistance Training alongside my colleague, Sen. Scott Martin.

I’m proud of the work we’ve done to better Pennsylvania’s 85,000 miles of waterways through collaboration with the agriculture community and our local conservation districts and I’m thankful for this wonderful recognition.

Read more about our work HERE.

Keeping Communities Safe: Senate Advances Key Bills to Strengthen Crime Prevention

Pennsylvania families deserve to be safe in their communities, and the Senate acted recently to hold dangerous criminals accountable.

The Senate approved three key bills to protect Pennsylvania communities:

Senate Bill 92, known as Tyler’s Law, would impose tougher penalties on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose.

Senate Bill 471 would require prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a criminal defendant is identified as unlawfully present in the United States, ensuring that individuals who commit serious crimes are transferred to federal custody for removal proceedings.

Senate Bill 490 would prohibit non-monetary bail for the most dangerous individuals, including those who possess 10 grams or more of fentanyl, have a history of violent crime, or assault a law enforcement officer.

Read more HERE.

Chesapeake Bay Commission Update

Last week, the Chesapeake Bay Commission, where I serve as vice chair and chair of the Pennsylvania Delegation, visited Mifflinburg’s Buffalo Creek. We joined representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection, the Fish and Boat Commission and the Union County Conservation District for a tour of some of the creek’s restoration work.

On Friday, I was invited to Lancaster to join the U.S. Conference of Mayors 2025 Water Council Meeting for their panel on water quality in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. We had a great discussion on shared goals, how regional leaders are working to improve water quality and impacts like healthier waterways, safer drinking water, economic growth and active recreational spaces.

Fishing Regulations Lifted Temporarily on Rose Valley Lake

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is alerting anglers that effective immediately, all seasons, sizes, and creel limits have been lifted on several PFBC lakes in anticipation of upcoming dam and infrastructure rehabilitation projects. 

Impacted lakes include Rose Valley Lake in Lycoming County. A complete drawdown of this 389-acre impoundment is anticipated to begin in spring 2026.  The $5 million project will include rehabilitation of the dam embankment and spillway to meet PA DEP dam safety standards.  Once construction begins, the project is expected to last approximately 1.5 years.  The reservoir currently offers angling opportunities for warm-water sportfish species including Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch, and catfish.

The temporary regulations will be posted on signage around each lake and remain in place until further notice.

Round Two of the Digital Connectivity Technology Program NOW OPEN

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority has announced the second round of the Digital Connectivity Technology Program (DCTP) is now open. This initiative is designed to provide technology devices to communities where affordability has been a barrier to broadband adoption and use.

Eligible institutions include libraries, schools, municipalities, workforce training organizations, non-profit organizations and other community anchor institutions.

Learn more and apply HERE.

Bradford/Sullivan Co. Farm Bureau Visits the Capitol

Thank you to members of the Bradford/Sullivan County Farm Bureau for stopping by my office during your visit to Harrisburg!

This week, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau members and representatives from all over the Commonwealth were at the Capitol for the 2025 State Legislative Conference. This event provides a great opportunity for them to connect with state government officials and staff to discuss the challenges facing the agriculture industry and opportunities for future growth. Joining them is my chief of staff, Nick Troutman.

Wellsboro Rotary Celebrates 100^th Anniversary

The Wellsboro Rotary Club recently celebrated their 100^th anniversary and Deb Rudy of my district office was there to present a Senate Citation to President Craig Davenport. The Rotary Club is dedicated to providing service to others, promoting integrity and advancing world understanding, goodwill and peace through its fellowship of business, professional and community leaders. Congratulations and thank you for 100 years of service to Wellsboro!

America250PA Funding Awarded in Union County

The Union County Veterans’ 4^th of July Committee was recently awarded a Semiquincentennial Grant through America250PA. My district director, Matt Wise, was there to celebrate.

These grants are intended to create, uplift, improve and expand programming, projects, and events from eligible Pennsylvania communities and organizations, which contribute to a full calendar of activities, engaging every single Pennsylvanian, around the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Senate Acts Against False Emergency Threats at Schools

The Senate recently approved legislation to crack down on false emergency threats targeting schools, a move aimed at enhancing public safety and reducing the strain on emergency responders. The bill, which also passed the Senate in the previous legislative session, now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Bill 96 would establish new felony penalties for individuals who make hoax emergency reports involving educational institutions. If signed into law, making a false report of an emergency threat to a school would be classified as a third-degree felony, and courts would be allowed to impose financial penalties to recover the costs incurred by taxpayers for emergency response efforts.

The legislation comes in response to a troubling rise in hoax threats made against schools across Pennsylvania, causing fear among students and parents while diverting law enforcement and emergency personnel from real emergencies. Senate Bill 96 is part of a broader effort to safeguard schools and hold bad actors accountable.

May 7 is the REAL ID Deadline

Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID. Only about 26% of Pennsylvania drivers have replaced their standard driver’s license with a REAL ID.

REAL IDs are available now and will continue to be available to Pennsylvanians after the May 7 enforcement deadline. Learn more about REAL ID documentation requirements and find a printable checklist for required REAL ID documents here.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering dedicated times at specific driver license centers to help Pennsylvanians get their REAL ID. Some centers will be able to process and issue a REAL ID at the time of service. Others will be able to verify and image your documents. You will then receive your REAL ID by mail within 15 business days. Dates for these REAL ID Days include April 7, April 14, April 28 and May 5 – all Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Customers who want a REAL ID but aren’t able to attend a REAL ID Day may visit any REAL ID Center to receive a REAL ID at the time of service, visit any PennDOT Driver License Center to have documents verified and then receive REAL ID within 15 business days or apply online (pre-verified customers only).

Free Tax Prep Services Available for Qualified Individuals

Free tax preparation services are available to individuals and families who qualify through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The IRS-sponsored initiative serves households earning approximately $60,000 or less, those with disabilities, the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency.

To find a VITA site near you, dial 211, visit the PA 211 website or use the IRS’s VITA locator tool. It’s essential to make an appointment in advance, as many VITA sites operate on a seasonal basis and appointments can fill quickly. Be sure to bring necessary documents.

Households with an annual income of $73,000 or less can file their federal and state tax forms online for free through MyFreeTaxes.com. The user-friendly platform allows filers to easily navigate the tax preparation process at their own pace and features live support from IRS-certified specialists. MyFreeTaxes.com uses secure, IRS-approved software to protect your personal information and data.

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