Senator Yaw E-Newsletter

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Dear Friends,

Hello! Thank you for subscribing to my E-newsletter. I am honored to serve the 23rd Senate District and look forward to working with you toward building a better future for Pennsylvania!

This E-newsletter serves to keep you updated on what is happening throughout Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties and what I am doing as your state senator in Harrisburg. I hope that you will find this E-newsletter helpful, and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Gene Yaw
State Senator
www.SenatorGeneYaw.com

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Events Continue to Highlight Importance of Skill Games

I’ve spoken to operators, business owners, veterans and first responders at several events across the state to highlight the importance of skill games, including one last week at Miele Manufacturing. The company produces products for the amusement industry, including skill games, right here in Muncy, PA and provides good paying, family-sustaining jobs in our community.

Skill games help small businesses and veterans’ organizations pay their staff, pay their bills, maintain their establishments and pay for donations to help their communities. But now, extreme new tax proposals have put the supplemental income from the games at risk.

That’s why I introduced Senate Bill 626, which protects these organizations from devastating taxes they can’t afford.

I asked attendees at each event to tell their senators and representatives how skill games have helped their organizations and ask them to support Senate Bill 626. Read more HERE.

Lycoming Co. Farm Bureau Holds Spring Meeting

Last Monday, the Lycoming County Farm Bureau held their spring meeting. It was great to connect with so many community leaders and farmers from across our region on the issues most important to the agriculture industry.  As a Farm Bureau member, I value these discussions.

Tioga County Recognized for Local Government Excellence

Local municipalities and government officials were recognized last week for their dedication to strengthening their communities and better serving their residents during the 29th Annual Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence.

Congratulations to Tioga County on their award for ‘Responding to Adversity,’ which followed last year’s devastating flooding from Hurricane Debby. The Tioga County Commissioners, alongside Emergency Services and local first responders demonstrated unwavering commitment to disaster response. My chief of staff, Nick Troutman, was there to present county officials with a Senate Citation.

In total, three counties, six municipalities, one organization and nine individuals from across the commonwealth were recognized at the ceremony for excellent service.

PA One Book Early Literacy Program

Life Child Care Preschool and Learning Center in Williamsport recently joined the Lycoming County United Way and the Kiwanis Club of Bald Eagle and Nittany Valleys to participate in the Pennsylvania One Book Early Literacy Program, which is currently in its 19th year. Elizabeth Vollman of my Williamsport office served as guest reader.

Grand Canyon FFA Annual Banquet

Grand Canyon FFA held its Annual Banquet on April 9th. Their mission is to prepare students for success in careers or post-secondary education as well as a lifetime of informed choices in the global systems of agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources. Deb Rudy of my Wellsboro office joined them in celebrating their many accomplishments this year.

PA CareerLink Lycoming Co. to Hold Hiring Event

PA CareerLink Lycoming County will hold a meet and greet hiring event this Thursday, April 24, from 9a.m. to noon at their office, 329 Pine Street, Williamsport. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resume.

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Removing unneeded prescription drugs from the home prevents misuse. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is April 26, when you can drop off unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medication at secure locations. Find one here: https://bit.ly/3YAkNhH.

Senate Passes Bill Reforming Nomination Process for Agency Heads

To restore balance and transparency in state government, the Senate passed a bill reining in the use of unconfirmed state agency leaders. Senate Bill 472 advanced to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Former Gov. Tom Wolf appointed 11 individuals to lead various state agencies in the “acting” capacity and never nominated them to the Senate as part of the official confirmation process. Additionally, 21 cabinet officials served in “acting” capacity longer than 90 days. This allowed key decisions to be made without public scrutiny.

With the passage of the bill, an individual serving in a leadership role without official confirmation by the Senate would be designated as “Deputy Head of Department.” The designation could be used once during a governor’s term. These individuals would have to appear before the General Assembly during the annual budget process. They would not receive elevated compensation or additional benefits beyond their peers. Most importantly, they would not be allowed to remain indefinitely without Senate review and would not be permitted to serve longer than 90 days.

Voter Registration Deadline is May 5

The deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania’s May 20 primary election is Monday, May 5. Your county election office must receive your application for a mail-in or absentee ballot by Tuesday, May 13, at 5 p.m.

To legally register, individuals must be a citizen of the United States, reside in their local voting precincts at least 30 days prior to the election and be at least age 18 on Election Day, Tuesday, May 20. Once registered to vote, you are not required to register again unless you change your residence, name or political party affiliation.

Voter registration forms, mail-in ballot applications and absentee ballot applications are available here or from your local county’s Board of Elections. You can also use the site to check your registration status.

REAL ID to Replace Driver’s License as Federally Acceptable ID on May 7

Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians who wish to board flights, visit military bases and enter certain federal facilities will be required to present a form of federally accepted identification. Options include a passport, military ID or a REAL ID.

You do not need to wait until your driver license renews to get a REAL ID. To get one, you must provide documents proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency. Review the list of acceptable documents. All documents must be original versions or certified copies (if applicable).

While any of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) driver license centers can verify these documents for customers who want a REAL ID, only certain locations can provide your REAL ID the same day. Otherwise, expect to receive your REAL ID within 15 business days after successful document verification.

To make it more convenient for Pennsylvanians to get a REAL ID, PennDOT is offering dedicated time at some driver license centers on April 28 and May 5. Both REAL ID Days are on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Free Cleanup Supplies for PA Communities

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is working to improve the state’s communities by cleaning up litter. Now through May 31 while supplies last, free work gloves, safety vests and trash bags are available to groups who register their cleanup event.

Donated landfill space is offered for trash collected during cleanups held in April. Tires cannot be accepted, and groups should plan for proper disposal of electronics that are found. Read more about how to organize a cleanup event. Please email or call Michelle Dunn with Pick Up Pennsylvania at 724-836-4121, extension 113, with any questions.

In 2024, more than 77,000 volunteers picked up more than 3.2 million tons of litter and trash. Another 4.5 million pounds of materials were recycled and more than 14,000 trees, flowers and other greens were planted.

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