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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
Funding to Support Local Fire, EMS Organizations
I’m pleased to announce that a number of fire and emergency medical services (EMS) companies throughout Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties were awarded funding through the 2024-25 Pennsylvania Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program. We are fortunate to have many highly skilled and dedicated individuals in our area who volunteer their time and efforts to protect our communities. These investments will help alleviate some of the burden faced by these organizations on a day-to-day basis. View the full list of awardees HERE. Additional Farmland Preserved in 23rd District
Additional acres of farmland in the 23rd Senatorial District will be protected for future generations following recent approval of the purchase of conservation easements by the state Agricultural Land Preservation Board. Two local crop and livestock operations, as well as a dairy farm were part of 1,837 total acres across the state on 19 farms in 16 counties that were approved for preservation. They include: Lycoming County – Anthony Township -145-acre dairy farm Tioga County – Jackson Township – 105-acre crop and livestock farm Union County – Lewis Township – 118-acre crop and livestock farm Read more HERE. Leadership Lycoming Class of 2025 Holds “Government Day” Program
I had a great meeting with Leadership Lycoming participants during their annual “Government Day” program, sponsored by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce. The specialized training program is designed to understand the needs of the community it serves and develop and motivate effective leaders. Candidates are nominated by businesses, corporations or professional organizations where they are employed and selected based on their demonstrated leadership potential and sincere desire to contribute time and effort within their community. The application window for the class of 2026 is now open. Interested individuals can download an application form here. Hearing to Discuss Verizon/Frontier MergerLast Thursday, Chuck Dillon of my Wellsboro office attended a Public Utility Commission hearing regarding the proposed merger between Verizon and Frontier. Many state and local officials, community and industry leaders and members of the public provided testimony on the proposal and expectations for services provided, maintenance and enhancement of our communications infrastructure, timelines for repairs and overall customer service accessibility and responsiveness. Learn more and read the official joint application submitted by Frontier and Verizon HERE. Bradford County Officials Share Fire Prevention Tips After Recent Fires
Recent structure fires in the Bradford County area have prompted local officials to share fire safety tips with residents. The Office of the State Fire Commissioner has tips to help Pennsylvanians be informed and take action to make a plan and keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Learn more HERE. PennDOT REAL ID Mondays
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will be hosting numerous REAL ID special service hours, “REAL ID Mondays,” across the state now through May 5th. The following REAL ID Mondays will be held in the 23rd District: Tioga County
Bradford County
Lycoming County
As a reminder, getting a REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, however, beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/identification card, or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to:
Senate Concludes First Week of Budget Hearings
The Senate Appropriations Committee began public hearings this week on the proposed 2025-26 state budget. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget plan would increase state spending by more than $3.6 billion, or about 7.5% above 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. Among the highlights: The Department of Revenue hearing focused on the inflated revenues Gov. Josh Shapiro used to balance his spending proposal. Revenue Secretary Pat Browne confirmed the state is only expected to bring in approximately $47.5 billion in revenue under existing law. Balancing Shapiro’s budget would require elimination of the state’s entire existing fund balance of nearly $3 billion and a transfer of $1.6 billion from the state’s emergency savings, known as the Rainy Day Fund. Following his plan would cause serious financial issues. At the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) budget hearing, the committee sought information about how PASSHE is working to right-size the system given steep declines in enrollment and to minimize student debt. The new Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program, made possible by the support of Senate Republicans, provides $25 million in funding for students earning degrees and completing job training programs in high-demand industries. The State Police budget hearing highlighted Shapiro’s budget proposal for the State Police that would slow the phase-out from the Motor License Fund, making $375 million less available for road and bridge repairs. There were also questions about how the State Police would handle Shapiro’s plan to legalize recreational cannabis use. At the Department of Health budget hearing, members shared health-focused concerns regarding Shapiro’s plan to legalize recreational cannabis use. While most doctors prescribe fewer than 100 medical marijuana certifications, three doctors prescribed more than 11,000. Access to health care, particularly in rural areas where hospitals have been closed, was also discussed. Thursday’s hearings include the Department of State and the Department of Transportation. Find the hearings schedule, livestreams of budget hearings, daily recaps and video from prior hearings at PASenateGOP.com. Bill Ensuring Great Care at State Veterans’ Homes Passes Senate
To ensure high-quality health care and well-being of veterans, the Senate unanimously passed legislation that would enhance oversight at Pennsylvania’s six state veterans’ homes. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. With passage of Senate Bill 129, advisory councils would have 15 members, including a family member of a current or past resident. Nominees would be veterans from the surrounding communities. Advisory councils would make recommendations about resident care, management, operations and compliance of facilities to the state adjutant general. The bill would also require the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to provide a subject matter expert for each of the advisory council’s meetings and an annual report to the General Assembly. To increase transparency, it would also stipulate that councils comply with open meeting requirements. Senate Passes Bill Providing Military Benefits to Korean Americans Who Served in Vietnam
Korean Americans who served in the Vietnam War with the Korean Armed Forces would receive the same state veterans benefits as their U.S. counterparts under legislation unanimously approved by the Senate. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 173 would grant the same rights, benefits and privileges of U.S. military veterans to Pennsylvania residents who are naturalized U.S. citizens and who served in the Vietnam War with the Korean Armed Forces. There are more than 3,000 naturalized Korean American citizens who served in the Vietnam War as a part of the Korean Armed Forces and hundreds now live in Pennsylvania. The bill would apply to any Pennsylvania resident who is an American citizen, was an active-duty member of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces in the Vietnam War between Jan. 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975, and received an honorable discharge or equivalent. Recognizing National FFA Week
One of the state’s top industries, agriculture, brings farming to mind for most people. However, there is so much more to it. People who are interested in science, business, technology and mechanics can find fulfilling careers in agriculture. The industry requires the skills of professionals in lots of areas to meet demands for food, fiber and fuel production. National FFA Week, which runs from Feb. 15-22, is a great time to consider career possibilities and to appreciate the many men and women who already serve in this critical industry.
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