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Senate Approves Bill Exempting Milk Haulers from Travel Bans

Last week, the Senate approved legislation I sponsored with Sen. Judy Ward that would exempt milk haulers from travel bans imposed during a declaration of disaster emergency.

The proposal would allow a licensed milk hauler to transport milk on highways even during weather-related commercial travel bans. These vehicles would be required to display a decal that would be developed and issued by the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board.

Read more HERE.

Area Hospitals Honored for Excellence in Patient Safety

Congratulations to the staff and leaders of Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital and UPMC Williamsport, who are being recognized statewide for their stellar performance ensuring patients’ safety.

Despite unprecedented challenges faced by rural health systems in recent years, Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital and UPMC Williamsport continue to exceed expectations. Staff and administrators there are setting the standard for innovative approaches to patient-focused care and safety, and I am pleased to see their dedication and tireless work recognized.

Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital and UPMC Williamsport are two of 22 Pennsylvania hospitals being honored this year through The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania’s (HAP) Excellence in Patient Safety Recognition program. This initiative recognizes Pennsylvania’s top-performing hospitals that have demonstrated low rates of health care-associated infections.

Space at Tioga County Courthouse Dedicated as Veterans Parking Only

Photo Credit: Tioga County Commissioners

Recently, Deb Rudy from my Wellsboro office joined the Tioga County Veterans Affairs office and the Tioga County Commissioners to dedicate the first parking spot in front of the Tioga County Courthouse on Main Street as Veterans Parking only.

These men and women have bravely served our country and this small gesture symbolizes our profound gratitude for their dedication to protecting the freedoms we all enjoy.

Union County Disaster Recovery Center Closes

The joint Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) located in Union County has permanently closed. Residents who continue to need the services available at a DRC can visit one of the other centers:

• Hepburn Volunteer Fire Company, 615 East Route 973 Highway, Cogan Station, Lycoming County
• Penn-York Retreat Center, 266 Northern Potter Rd., Ulysses, Potter County,
• Knoxville Community Center, 301 Main St., Knoxville Tioga County.

These centers are open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Individuals and households impacted by Tropical Storm Debby from August 9-10 in Lycoming, Potter, Tioga and Union counties can visit any DRC to receive help and information.

Disaster survivors who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance can apply at a Disaster Recovery Center, apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App on your phone, or call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

The deadline for applying to FEMA for disaster assistance is November 12.

Fair Queen Advocacy Day

Thank you to Jenna Eberlin, Sullivan County Fair Queen, and Laurel Ramsey, Union County West End Fair Queen, for stopping by my office last week during the first ever Fair Queen Advocacy Day.

The PA State Association of County Fairs invited all current county fair queens across Pennsylvania to the Capitol to discuss agriculture issues and their advocacy work with members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees.

Act 13 UGWF Grant Program Opens

The application period for the 2024 Act 13 Unconventional Gas Well Fund (UGWF) grant is now open. Fire companies, rescue companies and EMS located in the 40 counties with unconventional gas wells, and the 11 counties that directly border those counties, are eligible to apply for the grants. A map of eligible counties is available here.

Eligible projects in accordance with the 2024 UGWF Grant Program provided by the Act 13 of 2012, include development, delivery and sustainment of training, professional certification, or the acquisition of specialized equipment for emergency responses relating to natural gas production from unconventional gas wells.

Eligible projects include:

• Obtaining professional national certification of members.
• Purchase of firefighting, emergency medical, rescue or air monitoring equipment used at or related to an unconventional gas well pad incident on, or related to, an unconventional gas well pad.  All equipment purchased through the Program will also include training on the equipment provided by the PSFA at no additional costs to the grant recipient(s).
• Training classes and required educational materials paid for with Act 13 UGWF Grant Program funds must be PSFA approved curriculum and meet a predetermined minimum class size.

The online application will remain open until Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 4 p.m.

Detailed information about the program and instructions on how to apply is available on the Office of the State Fire Commissioner’s website.

PA SITES Program Opens

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) announced the opening of the $400 million PA SITES (Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites) program to bring more commercial and industrial sites online and ensure companies have options for attractive business environments.

Included in the 2024-25 budget, PA SITES funding is available to eligible applicants to develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Applications for PA SITES funding will be reviewed on a quarterly basis. 

Eligible applicants include: municipalities; economic development organizations; redevelopment authorities; municipal authorities; industrial development agencies; and for-profit organizations. 

For detailed eligibility, program, funding, and application guidelines, visit the PA SITES web page. 

DCNR Now Accepting Nominations for Pennsylvania’s 2025 Trail of the Year

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today announced Pennsylvanians can nominate their favorite trail for the 2025 Trail of the Year.

Pennsylvania is home to more than 12,000 miles of trails, and for consideration, a nomination form and supporting documentation must be submitted online by November 1.

The winning trail will be recognized by DCNR and through a commemorative poster for statewide distribution, with a trailhead marker along the trail, and a grant for educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection on the trail.

Visit the Pennsylvania Trail of the Year webpage for more information about where to submit the form and supporting materials. The Trail of the Year will be announced in early 2025.

Bill to Minimize Utility Disruptions, Protect Workers Passes Senate

The Senate unanimously passed a bill to improve and extend protection of Pennsylvanians and the workers who maintain essential underground utilities such as gas, water, telecommunications and more. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Bill 1237 would make permanent the PA One Call Law, which has been extended for 50 years and is set to expire on Dec. 31. PA One Call prevents accidents that threaten the safety of Pennsylvanians, construction workers and other excavators. It also minimizes utility service disruptions by ensuring underground utility lines are properly marked prior to any digging.

The bill would also enhance safety protocols by improving communication between excavators, facility owners and the Public Utility Commission, as well as requiring better documentation of underground utility lines. To prevent dangerous situations, the legislation calls for expanded timelines for filing violation reports and additional consequences for non-compliance.

$10 Million Available to Farmers for Agricultural Innovation

To support farmers who supply our communities with healthy foods and beverages, Senate Republicans dedicated $10 million for the new Agricultural Innovation Grant Program in this year’s budget.

Funding can be used to improve efficiency on the farm or in processing, generate energy while reducing nutrient waste leaving the farm and support crops that effectively store carbon or replace non-renewable resources. It can also be used to address practical challenges including data collection, biosecurity and odor remediation.

Learn more about eligibility and apply online by Nov. 15.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As we kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania, we honor the brave survivors, fighters and advocates who inspire us all in the battle against breast cancer. Each year, we turn the Capitol fountain pink as a powerful reminder of our commitment to raising awareness, advancing research and supporting early detection efforts.

This month serves as an important time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work that still lies ahead. One in eight women will get breast cancer in her lifetime, so early detection and access to life-saving treatments remain critical. We stand united in spreading awareness and fostering hope, reminding everyone that we can make a lasting impact in the fight against breast cancer.

Stay up to date here.

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