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Believe that everything is a possibility, and then ask what you need to do to make it a reality.

Sunday Hunting Poll Results Are In!

Beginning on March 27th until April 6th, I conducted a poll across my Senatorial District, which consists of Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Union Counties, to measure support / opposition to Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania.

While I personally do not oppose Sunday hunting, I certainly respect the views of those who I represent in rural Pennsylvania.  As you can see from the graphics below, the results are in!  A total of 2,831 votes were cast from across the state (multiple votes cast by the same individual were removed from the poll).  Further a total of 1,112 votes were cast from individuals who reside in the region I represent.

 

 

Sen. Yaw Congratulates Montoursville’s Gavin Hoffman During Ceremony at State Capitol

On April 18th, I joined with Rep. Garth Everett to honor Montoursville High School’s Gavin Hoffman at the State Capitol Building for winning his third PIAA Class AA state wrestling title.

The recent win makes Hoffman the first wrestler in Lycoming County history to win three state championship titles.  His final win was the 176th of his career, most in Montoursville High School’s history and the second most in District 4 history.

Rep. Everett and I presented Gavin with Congratulatory Citations from the Senate and House of Representatives recognizing his outstanding accomplishment.

$1.8 Million Awarded for Housing, Rental Programs Across District

Funding Made Possible Through Natural Gas “Act 13” Impact Fees

Eight local housing and rental assistance programs received a financial boost during a recent meeting of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).

The PHFA Board approved the release of over $1.8 million in Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) funds for projects across Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Union Counties.  The PHARE program is funded through an “Impact Fee” tied to activity in the Marcellus Shale region of the state.  Additionally, in November 2015, legislation was approved to provide revenues from the Realty Transfer Tax (RTT) to the PHARE program.  These additional funds expanded the PHARE program to all 67 counties of the Commonwealth.

To read more, click here.

Senator Yaw Meets with Bradford, Sullivan Farm Bureau Members

On April 17th, I met with members of the Bradford and Sullivan County Farm Bureaus to discuss priority issues affecting farm families, including enhancing Pennsylvania’s dairy industry and addressing regulatory hurdles impacting local farmers.

The meeting with Senator Yaw was part of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s Annual Legislative Conference and Lobby Day where more than 350 farmers from across the Commonwealth converge on Harrisburg to speak with their elected officials.

Senate Approves Bill Allowing School Security Matters to be Discussed in Executive Session

Local school districts and governments would be permitted to discuss school security matters in executive session under legislation passed this week by the state Senate.

Senate Bill 1078 passed unanimously. The bill balances common sense concerns about protecting sensitive discussions and documents involving school security with the public’s “right to know.”

Bill Addressing Costs, Opioid Abuse Under Workers’ Comp Sent to Governor 

Legislation that would save costs and address opioid abuse under Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation program is headed to the Governor for enactment into law.

Senate Bill 936, which was approved by the House of Representatives on Monday and by a strong bi-partisan vote in the Senate on October 25, 2017, would require the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry to adopt an evidence-based drug formulary for Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation program.

Senate Passes Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights

On April 18th, the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously passed SB 742, which would enact a comprehensive bill of rights in Pennsylvania for survivors of sexual assault.

The legislation reflects a federal Survivors’ Bill of Rights that was signed into law in 2016.  The bill would guarantee basic rights for sexual assault survivors, including:

• Not to be prevented from, or charged for, receiving a forensic medical exam.
• Preserve their rape kit, without charge, for the full statute of limitations or 20 years, whichever is shorter.
• Be informed of any result of sexual assault evidence kit including DNA matches and toxicology reports.
• Be informed, in writing, of policies governing the collection and preservation of a sexual assault evidence kit.
• Upon written request, receive written notice within 60 days of intended destruction or disposal of evidence.
• Upon written request, be granted further preservation of the kit.
• Be informed of these rights.

Under the Dome

Lycoming College Students Visit State Capitol

Persian Gulf Veteran Assistance Available

Eligible veterans who served on active duty in the Persian Gulf from Aug. 2, 1990 to Aug. 31, 1991 have until Aug. 31, 2018 to collect a special one-time payment to honor their service and sacrifice.

The bonus program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and pays $75 per month for qualifying, active-duty service members, up to a $525 maximum. For personnel whose death was related to illness or injury received in the line of duty in Operations Desert Shield or Desert Storm, there is an additional $5,000 available to the surviving family. Service members who were declared prisoners of war may also be eligible for an additional $5,000.

For more information, click here.

“Conservation District Week” 

The Pennsylvania Senate and House declared April 15-21, 2018 as “Conservation District Week.” The dates coincide with Earth Day (April 22nd) events and celebrations. 

During Conservation District Week, county conservation district offices across the state will hold events. These events will show the projects conservation districts work on every day that control pollution.

Each county has a conservation district office except Philadelphia. These volunteer directors and staff live and work in your area and target local conservation problems. 

These are your neighbors who are working to ensure there is enough clean water. They also make sure we have healthy soil for the future. 

That deserves to be celebrated!

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