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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
Click here to find the latest information on coronavirus from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wishing You All A Happy & Healthy New Year
As we come to the end of what has been another incredibly difficult year for all of us, this final week of 2021 is an important time for reflection. It is important to remember, that no matter our background or political affiliation, this state is home to all of us, and as your State Senator, I am dedicated to serving all of you. Ronald Reagan once said that “The person who agrees with you 80 percent of the time is a friend and an ally – not a 20 percent traitor.” While there are times we may not agree, know that we have more in common than not. In 2022, it’s my hope that we can look at the good things we have achieved and work together to make our region, and the entire state, a better place to live and work. My family and I would like to wish all of you a happy and healthy 2022! May it be filled with many blessings and new adventures! New Preliminary State Senate and House Maps ReleasedProposed Senate Map (Portion)
Proposed House Map (Portion)
Every ten years, state legislative districts need to be redrawn to reflect changes in population. On December 16, Pennsylvania’s preliminary maps were released. These districts are drawn by the bipartisan Legislative Reapportionment Commission which consists of the Republican and Democratic leaders of the state legislature and a “neutral” Chairperson. Once approved by the commission, neither the legislature nor the governor can vote to approve or reject the final maps. The maps have been challenged in the courts in the past and will likely be challenged again this year. The Senate map was approved by a vote of 5-0. The House map, which is much more controversial, was approved by a 3-2 vote. Under the proposed map, Tioga County would be added to the 23rd Senatorial District, and the western half of Susquehanna County, which I currently represent, would no longer be in the District. Susquehanna County would be entirely represented by Senator Lisa Baker. The other House districts for Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Union counties will also see significant changes if this proposal is finalized. From December 16th, the public has 30 days to review the maps and submit comments to the Legislative Reapportionment Commission. After the public comment period, the Commission will issue its final maps. Visit this link to view the full maps and share your thoughts. Bills Passed in 2021: Pandemic Recovery
This fall, the Senate continued its work to lead Pennsylvania from pandemic to recovery by passing legislation extending waivers of an array of regulatory statutes, rules and regulations that were implemented during the COVID-19 response. This regulatory flexibility ensured continuation of the safe delivery of health care and assistance to vulnerable citizens, permitted more remote work for state-licensed businesses, and more. Earlier this year, the Senate approved a resolution carrying out the will of voters and terminating the pandemic emergency declaration, ending the governor’s power to close employers, limit occupancy, suspend state statutes or issue stay-at-home orders due to COVID-19. Voters got the chance to weigh in after the Senate approved putting the issue on the May primary ballot. The Senate also approved the allocation of emergency funds for schools impacted by the pandemic, aid for rental and utility bills, and assistance to support Pennsylvania’s struggling restaurants and taverns coping with the devastation created by the pandemic and the governor’s mandated closings and restrictions. You can find a complete rundown of key pandemic response bills here. Comprehensive Probation Reform Approved by Senate
The Senate approved probation reform measures aimed at reducing the amount of taxpayer dollars spent on the system while better integrating probationers into society. The bills will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 913 provides an opportunity for early release from probation and ensures fewer individuals return to prison by offering incentives that reward positive behavior and participation in education, employment, vocational and drug treatment programming shown to reduce recidivism. Among other goals, the measure is intended to prevent cases in which technical violations, such as a minor traffic offense, can perpetually extend the clock on an offender’s term and result in re-confinement. The Senate also approved Senate Bill 904, to allow probation meetings to be held remotely, and Senate Bill 905, to improve the scheduling of probation and parole meetings. Veterans’ Trust Fund Grant Opportunities Available
The 2021-22 Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) is now accepting grant applications for programs and services benefiting Pennsylvania veterans. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) will award up to $1 million in VTF grants to non-profit organizations, veteran service organizations and county directors of veteran affairs across the state. Grant applications must be received no later than 2PM on Wednesday, January 19, 2022. To learn more, click here. A Special Recognition Earlier this month, Janenne Goliash of my staff presented Valorie Huckabee with a Senate Congratulatory Senate Citation, which I sponsored, on her retirement from South Waverly Borough in Bradford County. Valorie served the borough, as well as Athens and South Waverly Sewer authorities for over 40 years. Thank you for your service Valorie and enjoy your well-deserved retirement! USDA Accepting Funding Applications for Several Programs
Funding Opportunities for Rural Infrastructure Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantee Program Broadband ReConnect Program Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees Funding Opportunities for Community and Economic Development Biofuel Producer Program Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) Economic Mobility Corps Farm to School Grant Program Digital Humanities Advancement Grants YouthBuild Grants Multi-Family Housing Non-Profit Transfer Technical Assistance Grants |
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