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Crary Hose Company Celebrates $250,000 for Fire Station Construction Project

I joined members of the Crary Hose Company to celebrate $250,000 in state funding awarded through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Keystone Communities Program. The funding will support critical flood recovery efforts and the construction of the company’s new fire station in Tioga County. 

Immediately after last year’s flood, I was on-site and saw the damage to the current Crary fire station, equipment and infrastructure. Thankfully, at that critical time, neighboring communities came together to aid Westfield and to help the Crary Hose Company. A new station will go a long way in protecting the people who protect us, and I was pleased to support this significant investment.

Ribbon Cutting Marks Completion of Wellsboro’s Pine Creek Rail Trail

A ribbon cutting ceremony held on October 23rd in Wellsboro marked the completion of the Pine Creek Rail Trail and opening of its visitor’s center. I joined Gov. Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and other local elected officials and community leaders to celebrate.

By connecting our neighborhoods, we’re creating a safer, more accessible way for people to enjoy the outdoors. I’m proud to have played a role in securing part of the funding for this project with Rep. Owlett. I’m looking forward to seeing how these improvements will benefit Tioga County residents and visitors for many years to come.

153^rd Annual Pennsylvania State Grange Convention

The 153^rd Annual Pennsylvania State Grange Convention took place in Williamsport earlier this month. It was a great opportunity to connect with so many people who continue to champion our agricultural heritage and communities. The Grange has been a cornerstone of advocacy for rural Pennsylvania and I’m looking forward to our continued work together.

Bradford County Student Wins Pennsylvania School Bus Safety Poster Contest

Rosalyn Killian, a student from William R. Croman Elementary School in Troy, was honored during this year’s School Bus Safety Week ceremony at the State Museum of Pennsylvania. Rosalyn earned third place in the statewide School Bus Safety Poster Contest for Kindergarten through Grade 2 students. Her creative work stood out among more than 300 entries from across the Commonwealth.

Nick Troutman and Matt Osenbach of my office joined Rosalyn’s family and principal, Brian Wilcox, to present her with a congratulatory Senate Citation.

Funding Available to Help Volunteer Fire Companies Protect Rural Communities from Wildfires

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is now accepting applications for grants to help volunteer fire companies protect rural communities from wildfires.

Priority will be placed on projects that include the purchase of wildfire suppression equipment and protective clothing. Grants may also be used to purchase mobile or portable radios; install dry hydrants; conduct wildfire prevention and mitigation work; train wildland firefighters; or convert vehicles into wildland fire engines.

Applications must be submitted electronically through DCNR’s grant website by 4:00 PM, Wednesday, December 31. To expedite processing, only online applications will be accepted.

Reimagining Community Programs for Older Adults in Union County

The Williamsport Business Association Wants to Hear from You

The Williamsport Business Association is pursuing a Main Street designation through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Main Street Matters Program. Your input is needed!

The next step is to collect feedback through a DCED approved Public Perception Survey, which can be accessed HERE.

This is a great way for residents to get involved in what’s happening downtown.

Senate Approves State Budget that Funds Essential Services Without Raising Taxes

For the second time this year, the Senate approved a state budget that respects taxpayers and protects the financial stability of our commonwealth while ensuring that counties, school districts and other state government partners receive needed funding.

The amended budget bill, Senate Bill 160, totals $47.9 billion, a responsible spending level that continues to meet the Senate Republican requirement of imposing no tax hikes on Pennsylvania families and ensuring Pennsylvania’s credit rating remains strong.

Leading by example, the Senate budget plan includes a 5% cut in spending for the General Assembly, reflecting the Senate Republican priority of right-sizing legislative spending. It’s past time for the House of Representatives to follow suit and bring this impasse to an end.

Senate Again Acts to Repeal RGGI Electricity Tax

Bipartisan legislation I sponsored preventing a new electricity tax by repealing Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) was approved by the Senate.

RGGI, a multi-state compact, would increase electricity rates on families and employers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs and cause Pennsylvania power plants to close. Senate Bill 1068 formally repeals Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI, ensuring that any decision to impose electricity taxes or emissions programs must go through the legislative process rather than being enacted unilaterally by the governor.

The Commonwealth Court has ruled that RGGI is a tax and cannot be implemented without legislative approval. However, the governor appealed the decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. His action has deepened concerns about energy grid reliability and affordability, prolonged uncertainty for workers and businesses across the commonwealth – and caused electricity prices to go up for hardworking families. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Landmark Bill to Modernize PA’s Broken Permitting Process Approved by Senate

A sweeping permitting reform measure to bring greater accountability, transparency and efficiency to how state agencies handle permit applications was approved by the Senate.

Senate Bill 6 sets clear timelines for state agencies to review permit applications, creates a permit tracking system and ensures applicants receive timely, consistent answers not endless delays. The measure, which passed with bipartisan support, also requires regular performance reporting so Pennsylvanians can hold their government accountable.

The bill builds on the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program that required the Department of Environmental Protection to implement a permit tracking system. This legislation expands those transparency and accountability measures to all state agencies. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. 

Tuesday is the Deadline to Apply to Vote by Mail in the Nov. 4 Election

If you plan on voting by mail in Nov. 4 election, your application for a ballot must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28.

You can apply online, by mail or at your county election office. Find details for each along with other useful information here. Military or overseas civilian voters can find information here on how to obtain a mail ballot.

County election offices must receive completed mail ballots by 8 p.m., Nov. 4.

Auditor General’s Activity Book Contest Accepting Submissions

Pennsylvania students in grades K-12 are invited to help the state Auditor General’s office design the cover of its new Be Money $mart activity book.

The book will include coloring pages, word searches, word scrambles, crosswords and budgeting sheets – all focused on financial literacy. The deadline to submit a design online is Oct. 31.  

The winner’s artwork will be featured on the cover of the new activity book and recognized at the PA Farm Show, and will win their school a visit from Auditor General Tim DeFoor. The activity book will be distributed statewide through libraries, YMCAs and credit unions.

Assessing Your Personal Breast Cancer Risk

The pink ribbon is a symbol of hope, strength and solidarity in the fight against breast cancer. It reminds us to support those affected, promote early detection and raise awareness about the importance of knowing your risks.

You can assess your personal breast cancer risk using this free online risk calculator.

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