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Lycoming College Wrestling Coach Honored

I was honored last week to recognize one of the most respected coaches in NCAA Division III wrestling history, Lycoming College Head Coach Roger Crebs ’87.

In a small ceremony held in front of Lycoming College’s Keiper Recreation center, I read a Senate congratulatory citation, which said, in part, “Approaching each day’s work with the highest of professional standards, Mr. Crebs teaches the principles of sportsmanship and fair play with skill and dedication, virtues he readily and genuinely displays. Through his unwavering dedication to, expertise in and enthusiasm for athletics, he truly stands as a role model worthy of emulation.”

Adding to a slew of honors earned during his 28 years along the Lycoming matside, Coach Crebs picked up the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Service to Wrestling award in October at an event held at the Hershey Lodge. He is also a member of the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III Hall of Fame (2012), District 4 Wrestling Hall of Fame (2011) and the West Branch Valley Sports Hall of Fame (2018).  READ MORE

Governor Wolf Vetoes Constitutional Carry Legislation; Has Most Vetoes Since Milton Shapp

Last month, I supported legislation that would have reinforced Pennsylvanians’ Constitutional right to bear arms, while continuing to safely protect our communities. Unfortunately, Governor Wolf vetoed that bill on Thursday.

Senate Bill 565 would have allowed for law abiding citizens to carry guns in a concealed manner without a permit. There would have been an optional permit for firearm owners that would cover them for reciprocity purposes in other states, which Pennsylvania already has an agreement in place.

While I am frustrated with the Governor’s veto of this proposal, I will continue working with my colleagues in the General Assembly to protect the right to bear arms in Pennsylvania.

PA Senate Environmental Resources & Energy Committee to Hold Briefing on Tiadaghton State Forest ATV Pilot Connector

On Wednesday, December 8th, beginning at 10AM, I will host a briefing of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee to discuss the Tiadaghton State Forest ATV Pilot Connector plan in Northcentral Pennsylvania by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

In order to better understand some of the issues and impacts (i.e. ecological and economic sustainability, emergency response, law enforcement and public safety), the committee has requested input from various local and state organizations.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, seating is reserved for the presenters only.  Members of the public can watch the briefing LIVE at https://environmental.pasenategop.com/.

2021-2022 Legislative Session Nears the Midway Point

The first year of the 2021-2022 legislative session is coming to a close with enactment of several key measures and more work to do in the second year.

This fall, the Senate passed bills to ease nursing home staff shortages, enable more schools to combat pandemic learning loss, help farmers transport goods and make home deliveries, and make political campaigns more transparent.

That’s just a sample. I’ll highlight these and other bills in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can check a complete rundown here.

Preparing Sites for Jobs: State Assistance is Available

Municipalities, municipal authorities, redevelopment authorities, industrial development agencies and private developers can apply now for funding to prepare sites for jobs-producing development.

The Business in Our Sites program has no maximum or minimum loan amount. However, the amount of the grant may not exceed $4 million or 40% of the total combined grant and loan award, whichever is less. Private developers are only eligible for loans.

Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2022. The program is overseen by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

Shopping Local Helps Neighbors, Strengthens Communities

Small businesses create 65% of jobs in Pennsylvania, and these local employers could use our help this holiday shopping season.

Shopping local doesn’t just help the local economy, it builds relationships within the community. Buying from business owners you trust makes shopping experiences more enjoyable because you know where the products are coming from and the people behind those products.

When you shop locally, many of the goods and services are locally sourced or crafted. This means that many of the items are one of a kind and carry a unique story. It’s not always possible, but when you can, I hope you will support your local employers this season and year-round.

Dealing with the Challenges of Driving in Snow

No one wants to get behind the wheel when it’s snowing, but sometimes we have no choice. PennDOT offers tips for driving in wintry conditions:

• Beware of roads that may look wet, but are actually frozen, often referred to as “black ice.”
• Use extra caution on bridges and ramps, where ice can often form without warning.
• State law requires you to turn on your headlights when your wipers are in use.
• Use your low beams in particularly bad weather, especially in cases of heavy or blowing snow.

You can also find ideas for preparing your vehicle for winter weather and creating a winter emergency kit.

Remembering Pearl Harbor

Tuesday marks the 80th anniversary of Japan’s attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, on Dec. 7, 1941. The surprise strike would cost the lives of more than 2,400 military personnel and civilians.

We mark this date knowing that while the attack decimated America’s Pacific fleet, our resilience and industrial might would allow the U.S. to build a military force powerful enough to defeat the Japanese Empire and Nazi Germany.

“This war will give us much trouble in the future,” said Japan’s Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. “The fact that we have had a small success at Pearl Harbor is nothing.” On Tuesday, we will remember the lives lost 80 years ago, and note the fate that awaits any adversary who questions American resolve.

Happy Hanukkah

Hanukkah ends at sundown Monday evening, wrapping up an observance that this year began Nov. 28.

To everyone celebrating Hanukkah, chag urim sameach, “Happy Festival of Lights.”

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