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Taking Charge of Pennsylvania’s Energy Future

The Senate is focused on taking charge of Pennsylvania’s energy future through responsible policy that strengthens grid reliability, incentivizes development, creates jobs and protects consumers from higher costs.

Last week, we passed two bills I sponsored to prevent a new electricity tax and streamline our approach to crafting energy policy.

Senate Approves Yaw Bill to Prevent New Electricity Tax

Yaw Measure to Establish Independent Energy Office in Pennsylvania Approved by Senate

Bill to Exempt Lycoming County, Newer Vehicles from Emissions Testing Approved by Senate of Pennsylvania

The Senate approved legislation to reform Pennsylvania’s outdated vehicle emissions testing program, reducing the number of vehicles and counties covered by the requirement, including Lycoming County.

This common-sense reform will modernize Pennsylvania’s vehicle emissions program and provide significant cost savings for motorists in Lycoming County. I have heard from many of my constituents, and I was pleased to support this legislation to make the emissions process more efficient and effective.

Read more HERE.

My Response to Gov. Shapiro’s Unrealistic Spending Plan

Gov. Josh Shapiro presented a $51.5 billion budget plan that would increase state spending by $3.6 billion, an increase of 7.5% compared to the current year’s budget. During the next five years, using realistic spending and revenue estimates, Shapiro’s spending plans would leave a $27.3 billion hole in the state’s finances.

I’m concerned about the governor’s excessive increase in state spending, his overly optimistic future revenue projections and wildly inaccurate future expenditure assumptions. Estimates show his proposal could eliminate the state’s Rainy Day Fund and create the need for a multi-billion-dollar tax increase on Pennsylvania families within a year and a half.

The proposal put forth in last week’s budget address is only the first step in the process. In the weeks ahead, the Senate Appropriations Committee will hold a series of hearings to closely examine the spending plan to determine how it can be improved.

Read more HERE.

Senate Supports Bill to Combat High Egg Prices, HPAI

In response to recent outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and skyrocketing egg prices, the Senate passed legislation to expand the number of certified poultry technicians in Pennsylvania. It now advances to the governor to be signed into law.

At the request of the state’s egg farmers, House Bill 324 would offer flexibility to farmers and their employees to test poultry for dangerous transmittable diseases that have the potential to decimate poultry flocks.

This measure would equip trained technicians to more quickly detect HPAI and contain any further spread. It would also update the outdated blood testing provision to modernize and expand testing to more accurately reflect the various types of dangerous transmittable diseases of poultry. House Bill 324 would safeguard the health of poultry flocks and protect the state’s $7 billion poultry industry.

L&I Secretary Nancy Walker Visits Penn College, Lycoming Engines

Photo Credit: Pennsylvania College of Technology

It was a pleasure to welcome Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Nancy Walker and her team to Williamsport this week to highlight Pennsylvania’s position as a leader in both advanced manufacturing and education.

Lycoming Engines is a pillar of the aviation industry and a proud partner of the Pennsylvania College of Technology, working together to build a skilled workforce that drives innovation and success. We had a fantastic tour of both facilities and a great conversation on how to support these partnerships throughout our region.

Center for Rural PA Visits Punxsutawney

Earlier this month, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, where I serve as chairman of the Board of Directors, visited Punxsutawney to hold their February board meeting and celebrate Groundhog Day. Prior to the meeting, the Board engaged in a productive discussion with local and state officials, focusing on rural issues and initiatives affecting Jefferson County and surrounding regions.

The Center also had the opportunity to learn about the IUP Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine—an incredible new initiative aimed at making a significant impact on rural health care and the availability of physicians in these areas.

This year, Punxsutawney welcomed its largest crowd ever to Gobbler’s Knob – about 50,000 people. We had a great weekend celebrating this Pennsylvania tradition. Six more weeks of winter!

Senate Unanimously Approves Pennsylvania’s 55^th Adjutant General

Congratulations to my good friend and former Senate colleague, Brigadier General John Pippy, who was unanimously confirmed by the Senate as Pennsylvania’s new Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

The Adjutant General oversees 18,000 Pennsylvania National Guard members and a complement of 2,500 state employees. He is responsible for overseeing the six state-owned veteran homes and programs providing services to more than 700,000 veterans (fourth highest in the nation), as well as the Keystone Youth Challenge Academy for at-risk youth.

Pippy has more than 33 years of combined experience in the Army and the Pennsylvania National Guard. He served overseas in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve and has received the Bronze Star, among a long list of decorations and badges.

Wellsboro Winter Weekends

Wellsboro is celebrating winter with a variety of activities and entertainment for all ages as Winter Weekends continue February 15 and 22.

This weekend, on February 15, Cupid’s Weekend is headed to Wellsboro with horse-drawn wagon rides, ice skating, and live music.

More information and schedule of events HERE.

EQT Energize Your Education Scholarship Program

The EQT Foundation will award up to 15 $10,000 scholarships to graduating high school students looking to pursue a degree in a field utilized by the oil and gas industry, such as computer science or information technology; civil, chemical or petroleum engineering; energy or land management; environmental science; geology; safety science; or welding. Scholarship funds can be used at either two- or four-year educational institutions.

Eligible students must be a current high school senior with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and live in one of the following counties where EQT Corporation has business operations:

• Pennsylvania: Lycoming, Tioga, Clinton, Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland Counties.
• West Virginia: Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Marshall, Tyler, and Wetzel Counties.
• Ohio: Belmont and Monroe Counties.

Additional information and the scholarship application HERE.

PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Presidents Day

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, February 15, 2025, through Monday, February 17, 2025, in observance of the Presidents Day holiday. 

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications, and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.

Trout Stocking Schedule Announced

Local anglers can find out when their favorite fishing hole will be stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission using the annual Trout Stocking Guides available online now.

The commission stocks approximately 3.2 million adult trout in nearly 700 streams and 130 lakes open to public angling each year. These figures include approximately 2.4 million rainbow trout; 693,000 brown trout; and 125,000 brook trout. The average size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length. Additionally, 72,000 trophy trout, sized from 14-20 inches, are 70% stocked before opening day.

The statewide opening day for trout season is Saturday, April 13. Additionally, the Fish and Boat Commission will host Mentored Youth Trout Day on Saturday, March 29. Youth under the age of 16 can join a mentor (adult) angler who has a current fishing license and trout permit to fish for trout the Saturday before the regular opening days. Learn more about the program.

Recognizing National Cancer Prevention Month

February is National Cancer Prevention Month, an observance that aims to raise awareness about how impactful cancer can be for those who are affected and their loved ones. It’s also a time to celebrate the significant milestones people in treatment have achieved.

While this legislative session has just begun, Senate Republicans last session passed landmark legislation that eliminated out-of-pocket costs for genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes and supplemental breast screenings for women at high risk of developing breast cancer.

The law, which was the first of its kind in the nation, eliminated costs including co-pays, deductibles, or co-insurance for breast MRIs and ultrasounds for women with high-risk factors. It also eliminated costs for BRCA-related genetic testing and counseling for those women.

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