Monday, May 4, 2015
 

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, Susquehanna 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
State Senator
www.SenatorGeneYaw.com

This Week: Voting Session Continues in the State Senate

The state Senate returns to voting session this week. Live web streams of Senate session and the majority of committee meetings are available on my website at www.senatorgeneyaw.com.

Important information, events and breaking news may also be viewed by visiting my Website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

On Tuesday, May 5th, the Senate Labor and Industry Committee will be holding a public hearing to discuss the impacts of an increase to the minimum wage. The hearing begins at 9 a.m. in Hearing Room No. 1 of the North Office Building.

Also on Tuesday, the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee will be holding a public hearing to discuss the 2014 Annual Report by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The hearing begins at 11:30 a.m. in Room 8-EA of the Capitol East Wing.

On Wednesday, May 6th, the Senate Majority Policy Committee, on which I serve, will hold a public hearing regarding wastewater and stormwater issues. The hearing begins at 9:30 a.m. in Hearing Room No. 1 of the North Office Building.

Demolition Funding Proposal Clears Senate Committee

Legislation was unanimously approved by the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee to allow counties the option of generating additional funds for demolition purposes.

Senate Bill 486 would give counties that have a need for demolition funding an added tool to fight blight in their communities.

This legislation allows a county to add up to $15 (for demolition purposes) on any special deed and mortgage.

Inheritance Tax Elimination Legislation Introduced

This year, a number of bills have been introduced, which would completely phase out the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax, otherwise known as the "death tax." I have added my name as a co-sponsor to this legislation.

In 1826, Pennsylvania became the first state to adopt a tax based upon someone's death. Pennsylvania remains one of only six states that still impose an inheritance tax. Of those six states, Tennessee is eliminating its inheritance tax in 2016. These death taxes are particularly harmful to small businesses and impose a double-tax on all estates.

The legislation introduced would phase out the “death tax” over a number of years.

Sunday Hunting Bill to be Reintroduced This Session

In the coming weeks, legislation will again be introduced to allow for hunting on Sundays. While I personally do not oppose Sunday hunting, I expect this legislation to garner a lot of attention.

In the past, the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners had adopted a resolution supporting the repeal of the statutory prohibition on Sunday hunting.

A Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Pennsylvania Department of Treasury,
Bureau of Unclaimed Property

This month, a “Conversation with Senator Gene Yaw” takes a behind-the-scenes tour of the Pennsylvania Department of Treasury, Bureau of Unclaimed Property, in Harrisburg.

Each year, the Pennsylvania Department of Treasury receives millions of dollars in unclaimed property – forgotten stocks, un-cashed checks, insurance policies, antiques and family heirlooms– and works to return them to the rightful owners. Currently, Pennsylvania is holding over a billion dollars in unclaimed property.

Throughout Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Union counties, there is more than $15 million dollars for claim by eligible area residents.  This month’s program will discuss how the Department of Treasury can help you recover that property free of charge.  One out of every 10 state residents have property waiting for them.

This month’s television report will air on:

Please check local listings for air times.

A ‘Conversation with Senator Gene Yaw’ is intended to keep residents of the 23rd Senatorial District informed about state and local issues and to showcase the people, places and communities that make this region so unique.

The television report is also available online at www.senatorgeneyaw.com, click 'Newsroom' and a 'Conversation with Senator Gene Yaw'.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is reminding volunteer fire companies in rural areas and communities with under 10,000 residents that they have until May 21st to apply for the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Program. Grants can be used for the purchase of wildfire suppression equipment, wildfire protective gear, mobile or portable radios, installation of dry hydrants, wildfire prevention and mitigation, or wildfire training. Click here for funding criteria.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering funding to schools, state and local agencies, agricultural producers, and nonprofits in implementing farm-to-school programs that improve access to local foods in eligible schools. Planning grant applications are due May 20, 2015. Click here for guidelines and instructions.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is offering grants to fund demonstration projects that provide eligible individuals with the opportunity to obtain education and training for occupations in the healthcare field that pay well and are expected to either experience labor shortages or be in high demand. Deadline to apply: May 29, 2015. Click here for funding criteria.

REMINDER: Health Screenings Available in Susquehanna County

The Susquehanna County State Health Center will be conducting health screenings in May.

FREE Blood Pressure Clinic
May 7th: 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Susquehanna County State Health Center
157 Spruce Street, Suite 2
Montrose

Immunization Clinic
May 14th: 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Susquehanna County State Health Center
157 Spruce Street, Suite 2
Montrose
Vaccines will be distributed to those uninsured (no insurance) or underinsured
(your insurance does not cover the vaccine) adults who meet the eligibility requirements.

STD/HIV Clinic
May 27th: 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Susquehanna County State Health Center
157 Spruce Street, Suite 2
Montrose

Potential for Lyme Disease increases across Pennsylvania

Whether maintaining your property or engaging in recreational and leisure activities, Pennsylvania residents in all 67 counties should be vigilant about preventing exposure to deer ticks and Lyme Disease, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Combat exposure to Lyme Disease through the use of repellents and protective clothing. Check regularly while outdoors and at the conclusion of activities to determine if you picked up an unwanted tick.

Prevent contracting the disease through the prompt and careful removal of the tick with tweezers, followed by application of rubbing alcohol to the bite area and your hands. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer details on the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme Disease.

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