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Senior Expo Draws Hundreds in Lycoming Co.

Hundreds of area seniors and nearly 100 exhibitors joined Rep. Joe Hamm and me for our annual senior expo on Thursday. 

Vendors shared information about health care, insurance, nutrition and exercise, financial planning, government services and more. Complimentary document shredding was provided by North Central Sight Services.  In addition, the Lycoming County Sheriff provided a prescription medicine return drop box for unused or expired medications.

The amount of information out there for our older residents can be overwhelming. This free expo brought it all under one roof so our area senior citizens and their caregivers could ask questions and get answers on the spot.

Thank you to all of our attendees, vendors and volunteers who made this a fantastic event!

Supporting Legislation to Provide COLA for State Retirees

I have heard from many of my constituents about the importance of a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for state retirees.

Currently, House Bill 1415 sits in the House of Representatives’ Rules Committee and House Bill 1416 is under consideration in the Senate State Government Committee. These bills would provide supplemental annuities to individuals who retired before July 2, 2001, for SERS and PSERS.

Although I do not serve as a member of the Senate State Government Committee, please know that I will support this legislation should it be considered by the full Senate.

RGGI Electricity Tax Repeal Approved by Senate

Last week, the Senate approved legislation I sponsored to repeal the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) carbon tax enacted through executive order by the Wolf Administration in 2019.

RGGI, a multi-state compact, would increase electricity rates for consumers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs and lead to the closure of Pennsylvania power plants. As a result of this scheme, no new investments in baseload generation have come to Pennsylvania in the five years since the Wolf Administration attempted to enter into RGGI.

Read more HERE.

Temporary Disaster Unemployment Assistance Now Available

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry announced that Pennsylvanians living or working in Lycoming, Potter, Tioga, and Union counties who were directly impacted by Tropical Storm Debby may now apply for temporary Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). The deadline to apply for DUA benefits is November 12, 2024.

The temporary DUA benefits are only available for individuals, including those who are self-employed and those who are unemployed as a direct result of damages caused by Tropical Storm Debby. All claims will be verified with the affected employer.

More information on eligibility and applications available HERE.

SBA Opens Business Resource Center in Tioga Co.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened a Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Tioga County at the Westfield Community Building in Westfield. SBA opened the Center to assist Pennsylvania businesses with losses due to Tropical Storm Debby that occurred on Aug. 9-10.

The disaster declaration covers Lycoming, Potter, Tioga and Union counties which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.

Customer Service Representatives at SBA’s Business Recovery Center will assist business owners complete their disaster loan application, accept documents, and provide updates on an application’s status. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment at an SBA Business Recovery Center in advance.

The Center will operate from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. More information on eligibility and applications HERE.

Funding Awarded to Local Museums, Historical Organizations

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) has awarded nearly $44,000 in Cultural and Historical Support Grants to eligible museums and official county historical societies across the 23^rd District.

The following funding was awarded in Bradford, Lycoming, Tioga and Union counties:

Bradford County:
Bradford County Historical Society – $8,000

Lycoming County:
Lycoming County Historical Society – $8,000
World of Little League Museum – Baseball and Softball – $5,200

Tioga County:
Tioga County Historical Society – $8,000

Union County:
Lewisburg Children’s Museum – $6,700
Union County Historical Society – $8,000

Local Polling Place Changes for Upcoming Election

Congressional Medal of Honor Society Seeking Local Heroes

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is seeking local heroes for the 2025 Citizen Honors Awards.

The awards represent an opportunity to celebrate and honor exceptional individuals and organizations whose actions exemplify the values of the Medal of Honor – courage and selfless service. These awards are bestowed by the esteemed Medal of Honor Recipients—a group of 60 living heroes who embody the highest ideals of valor.

This year’s Citizen Honors Awards Ceremony will take place on March 25, 2025, in Washington, DC.   During this event, Medal of Honor Recipients will proudly present the following awards:

• Single Act of Heroism Award:This award acknowledges Americans who demonstrate extraordinary heroism by risking their lives to aid others in dire situations.
• Young Hero Award: Recognizing young Americans aged 17 or younger for their remarkable courage in dire circumstances.
• Service Act Award:Celebrating Americans who consistently prioritize the welfare of others through their dedicated volunteer service.
• Community Service Award:Commending a community-based organization for its outstanding impact or mission in supporting our nation’s military service members and their families.
• Youth Service Award:Recognizing young Americans aged 8 to 17 for their selfless volunteer work and their commitment to putting others first.

The deadline for nominations is December 1, 2024, and we invite you to join us in spreading the word about this important opportunity to recognize and celebrate American heroes.

PA Senate Urges Congress to Pass the TREAT PTSD Act

The state Senate recently adopted a measure, which I co-sponsored, urging Congress to provide lifesaving therapy to Americans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Senate Resolution 311 calls on Congress to pass the Treatment and Relief through Emerging and Accessible Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act, also known as the TREAT PTSD Act.

The TREAT PTSD Act would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense to provide veterans suffering from PTSD with access to a lifesaving therapy known as stellate ganglion block (SGB). SGB works by applying an injection into the bundle of nerves that send signals of fight or flight to the body. The treatment relieves feelings of stress quickly for those with PTSD and provides them with a renewed chance to heal. This procedure has been used for nearly 100 years for pain conditions, including shingles and phantom limb pain.

The federal legislation, House Resolution 3023, is now before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Health.

September is College Savings Month

Saving for your child’s higher education can be daunting, but starting early – even if you are only able to set aside a little – can make a big difference.

You can prepare for your child’s future and enjoy tax advantages using the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program. The two plans, the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan and the PA 529 Investment Plan, do not impact Pennsylvania state financial aid eligibility.

Both plans can be used to pay for education costs like tuition and fees, books, supplies, and room and board at technical schools, community colleges, four-year institutions and apprenticeship programs.

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