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Senator Gene Yaw

Monday, February 8, 2016
 

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


 

Governor Wolf to Outline 2016-17 Budget

Governor Wolf to Announce 2016-17 Budget

On Tuesday, February 9, Governor Wolf will unveil his 2016-17 state budget proposal at the same time a 2015-16 budget has yet to be finalized. In December, the Senate sent Governor Wolf yet another fiscally responsible spending plan in an effort to finally get state money into the hands of our schools and social service agencies. Each of the budgets passed by the Legislature funded public education at record levels. Additionally, each fully funded every core state government function, including human services and the department of corrections.

We must move forward quickly to bring the budget debate to a conclusion, and setting aside all of the misleading rhetoric and partisan bitterness is the best way to accomplish our shared goals. Despite all of the frustration and uncertainty this impasse created, I remain sincerely committed to doing my part to end this impasse.

I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate and the House to find the common ground necessary to pass a budget that moves our state forward, and – most importantly – gives Pennsylvanians the efficient and effective government they deserve.
 

Services Available to You

10 Ways My Office Can Help You

Here’s a tally of 10 services my office could provide you or your family in 2016.

1.   Trouble with a state agency (PennDOT, Department of Human Services, Department of Labor and Industry, etc.)? – Contact my office and we can make an inquiry on your behalf.

2    Need state tax forms, birth certificate applications, voter registration forms, etc.? Contact my office and my staff will provide the necessary forms as well as guidance on any state processes.

3.   Need brochures or publications for yourself, families, or friends? Check out the “Constituent Services” tab on my website, and contact my Williamsport (570-322-6457) or Towanda (570-265-7448) District Offices to get your free copies. Large orders may require additional time.

4.   Share your thoughts/opinions/experiences regarding pending state legislation. Send me an email or contact my office.

5.   Request a certificate/citation for acknowledgement of accomplishments and special occasions such as retirement, anniversary, birthday or scout honors? Click the “Contact Gene” tab on my website.

6.   Preview my latest TV programs and follow me as I travel across the Senate District to learn about people, places and communities that make our region unique.

7.   Planning a trip to Harrisburg? – Sign up for a capitol tour or call my Harrisburg office at 717-787-3280.

8.   Receive periodic updates about my activities in the 23rd Senatorial district as well as my actions in Harrisburg – Sign up for my e-newsletter or call my Red Hill office at 215-541-2388 and ask my staff to add your email to the distribution list.

9.   Schedule a meeting with me: Contact either my Harrisburg office at 717-787-3280, my Williamsport (570-322-6457) or Towanda (570-265-7448) District Offices for more information. If you would like me to speak at an event, complete the speaking invitation request form.

10.  Remain updated on my prime-sponsored legislation: Visit my prime-sponsored legislation page.
 

Legislative ReCap

Legislation Could Better Regulate Prescription of Controlled Substances in Emergency Rooms

Prescription drug addiction and abuse is one of the fastest-growing problems throughout Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Union counties. In the near future, I plan to join Senators Camera Bartolotta and John Wozniak in introducing legislation that would limit and regulate discharge prescriptions provided by emergency rooms and help identify patients who could benefit from a referral for treatment for addiction. The goal is to ensure patients can receive the relief they need while minimizing the harmful consequences of addiction. It’s important to know this legislation is not “picking” on ER doctors, as some have suggested. We all must do our part to fight the battle of heroin and prescription drug abuse.

Last year, the Pennsylvania Medical Society and state agencies adopted new guidelines for pain treatment in emergency rooms. While these guidelines are a crucial step in fighting prescription drug abuse in the Commonwealth, it is important to ensure they are being implemented in all Pennsylvania emergency rooms.

Drug abuse and addiction-related deaths have created deep, irreparable scars on families throughout our region. It is critical to fight back against this dangerous epidemic while remaining cognizant of the needs of patients. I am hopeful that this measure will play a role in helping more individuals get the help they need.
 


Supporting Critical Access Hospitals

Recently, I co-sponsored legislation that will restore important funding for Pennsylvania’s 13 critical access hospitals across the state. For rural areas of Pennsylvania, critical access hospitals are just what the name suggests, a health care lifeline in smaller communities.

In my Senate District, critical access hospitals are located in Troy, Jersey Shore, Muncy and Montrose.

Unfortunately, state funding for these vital institutions was recently vetoed by Governor Tom Wolf. I am deeply concerned because the loss of funding hurts services and could put these hospitals at risk. The situation is dire enough that a resolution cannot await another attempt at a settlement on the state budget.
 

PIAA Champions Recognized

Lewisburg High School Boys Soccer Team Recognized

Lewisburg High School Lewisburg High School

On Monday, February 8, I had the opportunity to congratulate and recognize the Lewisburg Green Dragons Boys Soccer team before the state Senate.

On November 21, 2015, Lewisburg won the PIAA Class AA boys' soccer championship, 4-0, over South Park at Hersheypark Stadium, completing an undefeated season. The Green Dragons (25-0) did not allow a goal during the entire state tournament.

The accomplishments of these fine young men say a lot about Lewisburg High School, the district and the community. They  made us all very proud.
 

Summer Employment Opportunity

Applications Available for PennDOT Summer Employment

The Bureau of State Employment has announced the deadline for receiving summer PennDOT applications is Friday, February 19, 2016. Interested applicants must complete an online application at www.employment.pa.gov, under the Student Internship Positions category. Students who previously worked for PennDOT and would like to be rehired must also complete an online application. Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time college student for the Fall 2016 semester and must have a valid PA driver’s license.
 

Other PennDOT News

PennDOT 2016 Holiday Schedule

Driver, vehicle, and related online services keep Pennsylvania’s wheels of commerce turning through the movement of people, products, and services.

Facilitating license and registration renewals and conducting new business in-person with the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles is among the Department’s core responsibilities driving its mission.

Motorists will find the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation closes for Christmas and New Year’s Day and 20 other holidays. Online Messenger can fulfill a wide range of driver’s license/photo ID services, and vehicle services.
 

Social Media

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Harrisburg Office
Senate Box 203023
362 Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3023
717-787-3280
FAX: 717-772-0575
TTY: 800-364-1581
Williamsport Office
330 Pine Street
Suite 204
Williamsport, PA 17701
570-322-6457
800-443-5772
FAX: 570-327-3703

 

Email: gyaw@pasen.gov

Towanda Office
1 Elizabeth Street
Suite 13
Towanda, PA 18848
570-265-7448
FAX: 570-268-4313