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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Natural Gas Impact Fee Generates Nearly Half a Billion Dollars for 23rd District Since 2011

The Marcellus Shale Impact Fee continues to deliver millions across the 23rd Senatorial District. Since 2011, the Impact Fee has generated more than $2.88 billion in tax revenue to support county and local governments.  Our region has received nearly $500 million during that time.

In the most recent round of funding based on natural gas production in 2024, $164.5 million was distributed statewide. Of that, nearly $25.1 million will be sent back to the 23rd Senatorial District.

Read more HERE.

Small Businesses Rally for Fair Skill Game Regulations at Capitol

The supplemental income from skill games that so many small businesses and veterans’ organizations rely on is at risk. Proposals are being introduced with tax rates so high, they could drive skill games out of business entirely.

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

This week, I joined operators, business owners and veterans for a rally at the Capitol to showcase the importance of skill games and hear how they depend on the games to help pay their staff, pay their bills, maintain their establishments and pay for donations to help their communities.

Watch HERE.

Natural Gas and Oil Day

On Tuesday, American Petroleum Institute Pennsylvania (API PA) hosted “Natural Gas and Oil Day” at the State Capitol to spotlight Pennsylvania’s energy sector and advocate for policies that strengthen our robust natural gas and oil industry. API was joined by legislators, energy companies and business and labor leaders for a press conference to kick off the day’s events.

Watch HERE.

Van Blarcom Receives Senate Committee Support for Reappointment to PMB

Bradford County dairy farmer James Van Blarcom has received support from the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee to serve another term on the Pennsylvania Milk Board (PMB). As a long-serving leader in Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry, Jim brings not only decades of hands-on experience as a dairy farmer, but also proven commitment to public service and advocacy. I fully support his reappointment and look forward to the continued impact of his leadership on Pennsylvania’s dairy policy.

Read more HERE.

Prysmian Completes Expansion Project at Williamsport Factory

Last week, I joined Prysmian Group in Williamsport to celebrate the expansion of their facility – a major investment not just in our local economy, but in the future of America’s energy infrastructure. This project brings 27 new, good-paying jobs to Lycoming County and proves once again that Pennsylvania is leading the way in advanced manufacturing and innovation.

The cables produced at this site are critical to strengthening our electric grid and building the long-distance transmission lines we need to deliver reliable, affordable power across the country. This facility will play a key role in supporting the Grain Belt Express—the largest private-sector transmission investment in U.S. history—and thanks to Prysmian and Invenergy, a large portion of that vital work begins right here in our region.

ICYMI: New Let Freedom Ring License Plates Now Available

The new “Let Freedom Ring” license plate — commemorating Pennsylvania as the birthplace of American democracy — is now available for Pennsylvanians to order. First unveiled last July, the plate celebrates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. Nearly 11,700 Pennsylvanians who signed up for updates last year have already received their new plate.

Vehicle owners can now request a license plate from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Fees and instructions vary depending on plate type and personalization.

PHEAA Grant Program Update

The 2025-26 PA State Grant application is now available!

Notifications are going out over the next couple of weeks to instruct students to sign in to Account Access, but no need to wait. You can sign in now at pheaa.org/signin to submit your application and complete any other action items required.

Further details and FAQ HERE

Lycoming County Hazard Mitigation Plan Public Open House and Survey

The Lycoming County Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) plays a critical role in helping our communities prepare for and reduce the impacts of natural and manmade hazards – and your input is essential.

An in-person Public Open House will be held on:

🗓️ Tuesday, July 15, 2025
🕕 6:00 – 8:00 PM
📍 Lycoming County Government Offices
33 W Third Street, Williamsport, PA 17701

This is your chance to learn more about the plan, ask questions, and share your thoughts directly with county planners.

Can’t attend in person? You can still participate by taking a short public survey online: Lycoming County HMP Survey.

PennDOT Accepting Applications for Winter Maintenance Program

PennDOT will again sponsor a Winter Maintenance Program (WMP). This program runs from September through April to supplement the permanent workforce.

Learn more and apply HERE.

Laurel Health Celebrates Sullivan County Location


Photo Credit: Laurel Health Centers

Laurel Health Centers is working to improve access to affordable healthcare in rural communities. They recently announced the expansion of their services into Sullivan County and Matt Wise and Deb Rudy from my district offices were there to celebrate.

The former Sullivan County Medical Center and Dental Clinic have now successfully transitioned into the Sullivan County Laurel Health Center, located at 217 King Street in Laporte. This unified facility provides both medical and dental services for patients of all ages.

Senate Votes to Combat Overregulation

To address overregulation that stifles business growth and drives jobs to other states, the Senate passed two regulatory reform bills.

The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, Senate Bill 333, would establish an enhanced legislative review process for costly new regulations. It is designed to address concerns about unchecked regulatory burdens on businesses, communities and taxpayers.

Senate Bill 444 would establish a one-time automatic review process for regulations that impose a fiscal impact exceeding $1 million annually on taxpayers or employers. The review would ensure regulations remain effective, efficient and in the public interest.

Both bills now move to the House of Representatives for consideration.

PA Now Has Concealed Carry Reciprocity with Virginia

A new reciprocity agreement allows holders of Pennsylvania Licenses to Carry Firearms to do so in Virginia, making it the 30th state that has a concealed carry reciprocity agreement with Pennsylvania.

The agreement resulted from efforts of Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday to maximize reciprocity agreements while protecting standing law and constitutional rights.

 The agreement is only applicable to handguns and requires permit holders to:

  • Be at least 21 years of age.
  • Carry photo identification.
  • Display the concealed carry permit when asked by law enforcement.
  • Not have a concealed carry permit previously revoked.

Funding Available for Community Groups Providing Veteran Suicide Prevention Services

Community-based organizations that provide suicide prevention or emergency clinical services to veterans can apply now for grants to support their vital mission.

Organizations can apply for grants worth up to $750,000 and may apply to renew awards from year to year. Grant applications must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by July 18 at 5 p.m. Learn more about eligibility and apply here.

Veterans in crisis are encouraged to call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing one to speak with responders trained in crisis intervention and military culture. All calls are free and confidential. Additionally, Pennsylvania provides many programs and services to support veterans.

Celebrating National Dairy Month in June

Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers work hard to provide families with common dairy staples, including cheese and yogurt, that are part of healthy diets. Consuming dairy products contributes to strong bones, muscle function and immune support.

Senate Republicans highlighted the role dairy plays in making agriculture the state’s top industry. It generates more than $11 billion in revenue and supports 47,000 jobs.

Checking out PA’s Ice Cream Trail is a fun way to celebrate and support dairy farmers. At more than 50 spots across the state, you can enjoy homemade ice cream and other delicious treats.

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