Senator Yaw E-Newsletter

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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
State Senator
www.SenatorGeneYaw.com

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Area Legislators, PEMA Tour Flood-Impacted Areas, Praise First Responders and Public Support for Recovery Efforts

On Tuesday, Rep. Clint Owlett, Rep. Joe Hamm and I, along with Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Randy Padfield, visited some of the worst flood-affected areas in Tioga and Lycoming counties earlier this week. The intense flooding was caused by the remnants of Hurricane Debby, which passed through the region on Friday.

The damage left behind by the storms and flooding is devastating. The resilience and determination of the people here is truly inspiring and in the face of overwhelming destruction, our first responders have shown extraordinary courage and dedication. Rep. Owlett, Rep. Hamm and I are committed to ensuring that state resources are swiftly mobilized to support recovery efforts. We will work together with PEMA and local officials to rebuild stronger and safer communities.

While flood waters have receded, attention now turns to relief and recovery efforts. At the request of county emergency management officials, PEMA deployed a 19-member multi-agency Incident Management Team (PA-IMT) to assist with recovery operations.

Read more HERE.

Road Closures and Traffic Updates

Many roads in our region are still closed or have lane restrictions due to flooding, downed trees or utilities. Drivers are encouraged to use extreme caution.

An updated list of closures throughout PennDOT’s District 3 can be found HERE.

PA 211 Resources

PA 211 assists communities with accessing critical resources during disasters. For assistance and information on resources, contact PA 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-855-567-5241.

Little League World Series Begins This Week

The 2024 Little League World Series officially began on Wednesday, August 14 in Williamsport. More information on teams, schedule of events, ticketing and parking can be found HERE.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation advises motorists to be prepared for an increase in traffic over the next two weeks and should plan for delays, particularly in the South Williamsport and Williamsport areas.

Sen. Yaw Holds Grant Seminars in Lycoming and Tioga Counties

Recently, my office hosted two grant seminars with municipalities and Fire and EMS organizations throughout Lycoming and Tioga Counties. Attendees had the opportunity to learn and ask questions about eligibility, the application process, and available funding at the state level.

Thank you to all of our attendees, as well as presenters and volunteers for helping to make both events a success!

On the Road…

On August 1st, the Jersey Shore Area Chamber of Commerce held their annual summer picnic at The Barn at Pine Creek. I had a great evening connecting with so many of our region’s business owners and community members!

I stopped by the Tioga County Fair for some great conversations and delicious food!

Now in its 58th year, the fair offers rides, games, live music, demo derby, exhibits, fair food and much more.

I had a great evening with members of the Marcellus Shale Coalition at their networking event in Williamsport on August 6th. Thank you for having me!

Fellow Lycoming College alum Senator Dave Argall (R-29), Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) Executive Director Stephen Smith, PGC staff, and others joined me for a recent tour of Fisher Mining Company in northern Lycoming County last week.  For almost 40 years, Fisher Mining has worked with the PGC, DEP, DCNR, PA Fish and Boat Commission and others to improve the environment by protecting our waterways and enhance habitat for area wildlife. 

Penn College Holds Summer Commencement


Photo Credit: Pennsylvania College of Technology

On Saturday, August 3rd, the Pennsylvania College of Technology held its Summer 2024 commencement ceremony at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport.

Graduates receiving collegewide honors were congratulated by President Michael J. Reed. From left are President Reed; Erica Ann Hawbaker, Huntingdon, Lewis H. Bardo Memorial Award; Jake Spinosa, Wood Ridge, New Jersey, President’s Award; and Phillip Jeffrey Silvagni, Williamsport, Academic Vice President and Provost’s Award.

Congratulations, graduates!

Bradford/Sullivan County Farm Bureau Summer Picnic Held

The annual Bradford/Sullivan County Farm Bureau Summer Meeting and Picnic was held on Friday, August 2nd. Elizabeth Vollman of my Williamsport district office attended the picnic and was able to connect with many community leaders and farmers from across our region.

Meadowlark Counseling Center Expands Service

Recently, Meadowlark Counseling Services of Mansfield held a ribbon cutting and grand opening for their new center, located at 131 W. Main Street, Knoxville.

Meadowlark Counseling Services is dedicated to treating alcohol and drug addiction effectively while supporting patients on the path to a healthy and productive life in recovery.

PennDOT Offers Winter Maintenance Jobs

Individuals seeking seasonal employment can apply for a variety of winter maintenance positions now open through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

The program runs September through April and includes positions for transportation equipment operators, diesel and construction equipment mechanics, radio dispatchers, auto mechanics, tradesman helpers, semi-skilled laborers and tunnel maintainers. Individuals in these positions supplement the permanent workforce and have the potential to lead to permanent full-time employment.

Additional details about the positions, along with the job application, are available here and then go to “PennDOT Winter Maintenance Program.”

Free Webinars Provide Helpful Financial Aid Info

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is holding free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process.

On Tuesday, Aug. 20 at noon, speakers will discuss web resources for effective research before, during and after your student makes postsecondary decisions. On Thursday, Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m., speakers will focus on available loan programs, if there are costs not showing on the bill that must be paid and more.

Register to attend the one-hour webinars.

How Pennsylvanians with Disabilities Can Benefit From PA ABLE

PA ABLE gives individuals with disabilities a way to save money for the future without impacting important benefits like Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Tax benefits for saving with PA ABLE include:

  • Contributions are deductible from PA state income taxes.
  • Earnings and contributions grow tax-free.
  • No taxes are owed for qualified withdrawals.
  • Accounts aren’t subject to the state inheritance tax.

PA ABLE accounts can be used to pay for a wide variety of disability-related expenses including rent, groceries, health care, vehicle adaptations, assistive technology and more. Treasurer Stacy Garrity and PA ABLE professionals are hosting free webinars on how to start saving:

For more information, visit paable.gov or call 855-529-ABLE (2253).

Keep Cool at the Pool or Lake

The dog days of summer are upon us. If you’re looking for a fun way to stay cool on a hot day, visit a Pennsylvania state park to go swimming. Many have pools and lakes.

State park beaches are open and free to the public for swimming from before Memorial Day to after Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. The “open swim” policy allows people to swim at their own risk within the buoy line at designated beaches – 35 across the state – from 8 a.m. until sunset daily.

Fifteen state parks have swimming pools for the public to enjoy. Pools are usually open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Admission fees vary based on the type of operation. Lifeguards are on duty when state park pools are open. Find a park with a pool and learn more.

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