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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BREAKING NEWS: Yaw, Area Legislators Announce Funding for Local Projects

Along with my colleagues from the House of Representatives, I am pleased to announce Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) has approved over $11 million in funding for community, economic development and school improvement projects throughout the 23rd Senatorial District.

Funding was considered and approved at today’s CFA meeting in Harrisburg through the Authority’s Local Share Account (LSA) Statewide program and the Public School Facility Improvement Grant (PSFIG) program.

You can read more about funding awarded HERE:

Yaw Announces Over $500,000 Awarded in Union County

LSA Awards:

Yaw, Flick Announce Nearly $4 Million Awarded to Projects in Lycoming, Union Counties

Yaw, Owlett Announce Nearly $1 Million in LSA Funding for Westfield Borough

Yaw, Pickett Announce Over $2 Million Awarded to Projects in Bradford County

PSFIG Awards

Yaw, Hamm Announce $600,000 in School Improvement Funding Awarded in Lycoming County

Yaw, Owlett Announce $1.4 Million in School Improvement Funding Awarded in Bradford, Tioga Counties

Yaw, Pickett Announce Over $1.6 Million in School Improvement Funding Awarded in Bradford County

Tour of Tyoga Container

On Friday, I visited Tioga County’s Tyoga Container facility to discuss its $30 million expansion. Tyoga Container was recently awarded $1.5 million for the project.

Tyoga Container Inc. was established in 1970 as a family-owned business and operates a corrugated box manufacturing plant, load securement and dunnage operations, wholesale packaging supplies, bulk bags and pallets. The company currently encompasses the thirteenth expansion project in its history and has over 3,000 customers nationwide.

The team from Tyoga Container has a proven track record in the manufacturing industry. This multi-generational company brings good paying jobs to Tioga County and creates substantial economic benefits for our region. I was proud to have advocated for this funding and I’m looking forward to their continued progress.

Center for Rural Pennsylvania Hosts 20th Public Hearing on Opioid Crisis

Photo Credit: Center for Rural Pennsylvania

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, where I serve as chairman of the Board of Directors, recently hosted a public hearing at Kutztown University in Berks County to address the pressing challenges of the opioid crisis and substance use disorders (SUD) in Pennsylvania. This marked the Center’s 20th hearing focused on opioid and SUD issues, coinciding with its 10-year anniversary of addressing the public health emergency.

Over the past decade, we’ve worked with the legislature on significant policy measures to limit the amount of opioids that may be prescribed to minors, require additional training for medical professionals and improve access to addiction in rural areas. There is still work to be done, but the Center’s 20th hearing on this issue is noteworthy and I’m proud that Pennsylvania has been a leader in this fight.

Watch the full hearing HERE.

Ribbon Cutting, Groundbreaking Held at Pine Creek Rail Trail

Recently, I joined the Tioga County Commissioners and other local officials, Rep. Clint Owlett and representatives from DCNR and PennDOT to celebrate the official opening of the Pine Creek Rail Trail and Charleston Street Connector in Wellsboro.

We also broke ground on the final section of the trail that will officially connect to the PA Grand Canyon. It was certainly an exciting day for our community, as this project has been many years in the making.

By connecting our neighborhoods, we’re creating a safer, more accessible way for people to enjoy the outdoors. I’m proud to have played a role in securing part of the funding for this project with Rep. Owlett. I’m looking forward to seeing how these improvements will benefit Tioga County residents and visitors for many years to come.

“Meet the Funders” with Elevate2 Nonprofit Conference

I recently had the opportunity to join Elevate2, a regional conference for nonprofit professionals, for their “Meet the Funders” session. Our panel had a great discussion about state grant funding and some recent awards in the 23rd District. Thank you for having me!

Sullivan County Annual Ag Agencies Banquet

Last week, Sullivan County Penn State Extension and the Sullivan County Conservation District held their annual Ag Agencies banquet. This year’s guest speaker was Mckayla Accettulla, Penn State Extension Master Gardener Coordinator from Tioga County.

Congratulations to Elaine Richlin, who was recognized as the 2024 Sullivan County Cooperator of the Year by Penn State Extension and Wylie Norton, who was recognized as the 2024 Sullivan County Conservationist of the Year by the Conservation District. Elizabeth Vollman of my district office was on hand to celebrate with the group.

Bradford/Sullivan Farm Bureau Holds Annual Meeting

On October 11, the Bradford/Sullivan County Farm Bureau held its annual meeting at the North Orwell Community HCeall in Bradford County. Janenne Goliash of my district office attended the meeting and was able to connect with many community leaders and farmers from across our region on the issues most important to Pennsylvania’s number one industry.

Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant – Round 3 Now Open

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is joining the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to announce new grant availability for non-profit organizations helping to fight hunger in Pennsylvania. Non-profit organizations who partner with food retailers/wholesalers to recover safe and wholesome foods and then make that food available to the public are eligible for grants of up to $50,000 through the Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant program.  

The Food Recovery Infrastructure Grants can be awarded to reimburse the cost of equipment like refrigerators, freezers, refrigerated and non-refrigerated vehicles, stoves, and microwaves to store, transport, or prepare the recovered safe, wholesome foods to ensure that the food can be redistributed to the public.

Applications must be submitted HERE and received by February 28, 2025, to be eligible for funding.

Bill to Improve Early Literacy Poised for Enactment

The Senate and House unanimously passed and sent to the governor legislation to give students the best chance at lifelong success through a strong, evidence-based reading program.

Senate Bill 801 would provide schools with resources to dramatically improve early literacy in Pennsylvania. First, it would bolster reading instruction by giving schools a comprehensive list of evidence-based reading curricula. Second, it would help schools identify struggling readers early via universal screening by providing a list of high-quality screeners. Third, it would ensure educators are properly trained to use the structured literacy curriculum and screeners by creating a list of high-quality professional development programs.

Low literacy scores are a problem that spans the geographic and demographic spectrum, with urban cities and rural communities struggling to help their students read proficiently at their age level. Studies show that childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and dramatically impact someone’s chances of success.

Know Your Breast Cancer Risk

Understanding your breast cancer risk is vital for protecting your health. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can lower your risk. Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking are also important preventive steps.

Regular screenings and self-exams are essential for early detection, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Discussing your personal risk with a doctor can help you explore further preventive options, such as genetic testing or medications. By implementing these strategies and staying informed, you can take significant steps toward lowering your risk.

Learn more about breast cancer risk here.

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