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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
More Flooding in Tioga County Highlights Urgent Need for Stream Maintenance Legislation
Another round of flooding in Tioga County, including damage to Potter Brook Road in Westfield Township, is an urgent reminder that local communities need better tools to prevent and reduce flood damage. My stream maintenance bills, Senate Bills 403 and 404, have passed the Senate with bipartisan support multiple times. They would allow local governments to more proactively maintain streams and reduce future damage. Unfortunately, the bills remain stalled in the House, where the Democrat majority has yet to move them from committee. Every time another road washes out or another family is impacted, we’re reminded that delaying action has real consequences. It’s time for House Democrats to pass this commonsense legislation and help protect our communities. Flood donations and contributions can be made to the Unmet Needs Fund, managed by the Tioga County Partnership for Community Health. Make a contribution today by contacting: Tioga County Partnership for Community Health
Your gift directly supports verified needs, funds are disbursed only to contractors or suppliers following a review process, so you can be confident every contribution makes an impact. STEP Opens New Transportation Facility in Lycoming County
STEP Transportation Services celebrated the opening of its new transportation facility in Lycoming County on June 26, marking an important investment in mobility for residents across north central Pennsylvania. I joined the STEP team and community leaders to help open the new center, which will support a service that provides more than 80,000 rides each year for seniors, individuals with disabilities and others traveling to medical appointments, work and other essential destinations. Reliable transportation is critical in our rural communities, and this new facility will help ensure STEP can continue providing these vital services. Lycoming County Celebrates America’s 250th with Concert in Brandon Park
The America250PA Lycoming County Celebration Concert, held on June 27, was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday while showcasing the incredible musical talent and community spirit found throughout our region. It was a great day in Brandon Park with the many performers, volunteers and families who made this event possible. A special congratulations goes out to Liz Vollman of my Williamsport office, whose many hours of planning and coordination helped make the celebration a tremendous success. Williamsport Lumber Yards Officially Opens
The official dedication of the Williamsport Lumber Yards on July 2nd marked the completion of a transformational project that has been years in the making. I joined community members, businesses and fellow local elected officials in celebrating the vision, perseverance and partnerships that turned this idea into a reality. The new complex will serve as a tremendous asset for our region, creating opportunities for recreation, tourism and economic growth. Read more about the project on my website. Fairs and Festivals Happening this Month
The Lycoming County Fair kicked off on Wednesday and continues through July 18. Rides for all ages, carnival food, games and events. Find more information on the schedule and ticketing on the fair’s website. The 2026 Endless Mountain Music Festival will begin Friday, July 17th, and run through August 2nd throughout the Pennsylvania Wilds, including in Wellsboro. Information on the schedule, programs and ticketing can be found on the Endless Mountain Music Festival website. The 150th Troy Fair in Bradford County will kick off on July 26th and run through August 1st. More information on this year’s concert lineup, events, parking and ticketing can be found on the fair’s website. Empowering Patients to Make Care Decisions
Pennsylvania Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) spell out treatments a seriously ill patient does and does not want in an emergency or at the end of life. To empower patients, the Senate passed legislation I sponsored creating the legal framework for their use across all healthcare settings. These differ from an advance directive, which generally identifies a surrogate decision-maker or provide broad guidance about future care preferences. POLST is a medical order that must be followed immediately, ensuring care aligns with the patient’s wishes in real time. POLST forms are not consistently recognized or applied across all care settings in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 730 provides statutory authority so that these forms are honored statewide by healthcare providers and emergency medical services. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Read more about Senate Bill 730 here. Senate Passes Bill to Bring Life-saving Treatments to Market More Quickly
The Senate approved legislation to help get new life-saving treatments and devices to market more quickly while preserving safety standards. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Under current law, a pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturer must first complete a lengthy federal process before it can even begin the state licensure process in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1206 allows companies to gain temporary approval under Pennsylvania’s virtual manufacturers’ law, so that once federal approval is granted, these companies can quickly move forward without having to clear additional administrative roadblocks. Read more about Senate Bill 1206 here. Strengthening Medical Imaging Standards
Medical imaging – such as MRIs or x-rays – are essential to diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions and rely on radiation to do so. Performed incorrectly, these tests can cause serious harm to patients. Yet, Pennsylvania is one of only four states that do not have a licensure or certification framework for these professionals. The Senate approved Senate Bill 1334 to create a statewide licensing structure for professionals who perform medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures. The bill doesn’t require additional schooling or place unnecessary burdens on qualified professionals. It was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 1334 here. PA Trooper’s Death Highlights Urgent Need to Improve CDL Oversight
Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr. was recently killed in the line of duty during a Schuylkill County traffic stop when he was struck by a tractor trailer driven by a person who was in the country illegally. I mourn this heartbreaking tragedy and join the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association in asking why this person had been granted a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Massachusetts. I also urge the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass two bills approved by the Senate to help prevent similar tragedies in the future: Senate Bill 1294, which improves the training curriculum and strengthens penalties to shutdown unqualified “CDL Mills,” and Senate Bill 1295, which requires English proficiency in all testing applications to operate an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle on public highways. We must strengthen our laws and oversight governing non-domiciled CDLs to improve commercial vehicle safety and help protect lives across our commonwealth. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Extended to Dec. 31
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides rebates on property taxes or rent paid for the previous year by income-eligible seniors and people with disabilities. The deadline to apply has been extended to Dec. 31, 2026. Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, it benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Rebates range from $380 to $1,000. The income limit is currently $48,110 a year for homeowners and renters, however, half of Social Security income is excluded. Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that $224.4 million in rebates have already been sent to 372,291 Pennsylvanians. You can find more information and apply here. Contact my office for assistance in applying. State Police Cadet Selection Open Through July 31
Do you know someone who is considering a law enforcement career? The Pennsylvania State Police Cadet selection cycle is open through July 31. In addition to patrol services and policing residential areas, state troopers provide a variety of support services through specialized positions. The selection process consists of a written exam, background check and polygraph exam, physical readiness test, medical checkup and psychological evaluation. College internships are also available at participating schools. Learn more about the cadet selection process here. |
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