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Save the Date!

Join us for a FREE Senior Expo hosted by myself and Rep. Joe Hamm on Thursday, September 14th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 1853 State Route 87, Montoursville, PA 17754.

This event includes door prizes, health screenings, and refreshments. Over 75 exhibitors from government agencies and non-profit organizations will be on hand!

For additional information, please call 570-322-6457 or visit senatorgeneyaw.com. 

On the Horizon…

 The 2023 Little League World Series continues this week! Schedule of events and ticket information HERE. Motorists traveling to the greater Williamsport area should expect congestion on local roadways, especially Interstate 80 eastbound and westbound, Route 220 northbound, and Route 15 northbound and southbound in Lycoming County. Check traffic conditions HERE.

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) will hold a veterans resource fair and in-person benefits discussion called “Let’s Talk, Vet 2 Vet” on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 from 1- 4 p.m. at Penn College’s Professional Development Center, 1 College Avenue, Williamsport PA 17701.

The Northern Pennsylvania Regional College, which recently expanded into Tioga County, will host a Safe School Seminar on September 13 from 9:00a.m. to 3:00pm. at the Youngsville Volunteer Fire Department, 29 Fireman Drive, Youngsville. The course is FREE to all participants and pre-registration for both in-person and virtual is required.

 Proposals for PA Farm Bill Agriculture and Youth Grants are being accepted now through September 29, 2023! Guidelines, applications, and information on eligibility available is through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

On the Road

On Friday I joined Volvo Group North America for the grand opening of their new technical training center in Shippensburg!

This $7.3 million investment at their North American headquarters centralizes Volvo construction equipment product and service trainings on-site, rather than utilizing off-site leased space. The site will provide hands-on and theory coursework for diesel and electric heavy equipment, machine control technology, connectivity, and productivity services and more.

During the event, Volvo also showcased DD25 Electric, the first electric compaction machine to be developed and manufactured in the United States.

Thank you for your continued investment in Pennsylvania, our local economy, and training our future workforce!

Higher Property Tax/Rent Rebates Available Next Year

The Senate passed legislation that will increase the amount of rebates for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and expand the income eligibility for it. Because the bill wasn’t signed into law until August, the changes will take effect beginning next year.

Because income eligibility limits weren’t raised for 16 years, the number of recipients of the program dropped from about 600,000 individuals to an estimated 398,000 in the current year. The legislation also includes an annual cost of living adjustment so the program will keep pace with inflation and people won’t lose their rebate just because they received a modest increase in their Social Security benefits.

Review the new rebate amounts, available next year, here.

Call 988 for Suicide Prevention and Crisis Support

Pennsylvanians facing mental health challenges need our support. Senate Republicans have dedicated funding to mental health services in schools and more support staff in nursing facilities. The budget passed this year by Senate Republicans, when it becomes law, would provide $100 million for student mental health.

This effort complements other resources. Dialing 988 connects callers considering suicide, self-harm or any behavioral or mental health need with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It can also assist people looking for help for a loved one. Lifeline services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at no cost to the caller.

Trained professionals can provide therapeutic interventions, make referrals for outpatient services or transportation for further evaluation and even activate a mobile mental health crisis team to arrive on site. Learn more here.

DMAP Permits for State Game Lands on Sale Now

Permits are on sale now for hunters to harvest antlerless deer – one per tag – on some state game lands through Pennsylvania’s Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) to enable successful forest management. Overbrowsing by deer is hurting those efforts.

While DMAP has been around for years, it was previously offered only on other public lands and private lands to help landowners achieve land use goals or to limit the spread of chronic wasting disease.

DMAP permits cost $10.97 for Pennsylvania residents and $35.97 for nonresidents. They can be purchased from any license issuing agent or online here. Learn more about the DMAP permit expansion here.

Keep Your Pets Safe in the Summer Heat

As the dog days of summer drag on, we have to protect our pets from the heat. The American Red Cross has tips to help your pets stay safe:

• Never leave your pet in a hot vehicle.
• Limit exercise on hot days.
• Walk your pet in the grass.
• Make sure they have access to shade and plenty of water.

Even taking proper precautions, pets can overheat. Heat stroke is a common problem for pets. Learn the signs and what to do if you suspect your pet has heat stroke here.

In addition to elevated temperatures, summer brings other potential safety issues for pets. Swimming in a pool is a great way to stay cool, but it can be dangerous for animals. Never leave your pets unsupervised around a pool. Barbecues can also be unsafe, so keep your pets away from the grill and know what foods can be poisonous to them.

Celebrating Back to School Month by Brushing Up on School Bus Safety

Parents, students and teachers are preparing to head back to school to start the new academic year. Soon, school buses will be transporting students again, and that requires additional caution from all drivers.

Pennsylvania law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet away from school buses when their red lights are flashing and their stop arm is extended. Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety. Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety. Read more about school bus safety here.

Penalties for failure to obey school bus safety laws can result in a $250 fine, five points on a driving record and a 60-day license suspension.

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