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Updates

General Fund revenue collections for April exceeded the monthly estimate by $1.8 billion. General Fund revenues are nearly $4.5 billion above estimate for the year-to-date with two months remaining in the fiscal year.

Lycoming, Union counties added to spotted lanternfly quarantine listing by PA Department of Agriculture.

Chesapeake Bay receives $22.5 million for water quality improvements from USDA; Highlights importance of local water quality in region. 

Project on Plunketts Creek recognized with Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.

A safety improvement project is set to begin next week on Route 6 between Route 4001 (Wonder View Lane) and the Sugar Creek bridge in North Towanda Township, Bradford County.

Celebrate National Nurses Week.

Environmental Groups Pay for Pennsylvania’s Economic Destruction with Russia’s Money

And Other “Assumptions” We Can Make Based on Campaign Contributions

By Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23)

Critics of pro-energy policies love nothing more than to hold up campaign contributions from fossil fuel interests as evidence that the recipients’ support hinges solely on greed.

There’s often zero acknowledgement of the flipside of that argument: environmental lobbyists and political action committees (PACs) exist too, their money often comes from shadowy sources and their agenda aligns with geopolitical adversaries committed to the demise of western Democratic nations, the United States chief among them.

I support the United States and I am very proud of Pennsylvania’s position in energy production in this country. I like to think that is why people support me. Energy is the key to a viable and resilient economy. Does anyone really care about the environment when they don’t know where their next meal is coming from or whether they can afford to pay bills?  READ MORE

Sen. Yaw Honors Saint John Neumann Regional Academy Boys’ Basketball Team

It was an honor to recognize the accomplishments of the Saint John Neumann Regional Academy Boys’ Basketball Team upon winning the 2021-2022 PIAA District IV Class A Boys’ Basketball Championship.

The Golden Knights captured the district title by defeating North Penn-Liberty High School with a score of 64 to 50 on March 3rd, 2022. They also progressed to the final round of the PIAA State championships.

Pennsylvania Chamber Holds Spring Board Meeting in Williamsport

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry held its Spring Board Meeting in Williamsport on May 2nd.  I was happy to participate in the event with many familiar faces from our local business community.  During the event, the Chamber announced the conclusion of its search for its next president and CEO with the nomination of Luke Bernstein.  I would like to wish outgoing President Gene Barr a wonderful retirement. Gene had more than 45 years of experience in various facets of government, political and public affairs activity, and business operations.  It was a pleasure to work with him over the years. 

Importance of Streamside Forest Buffers

On May 4th, I joined fellow Chesapeake Bay Commission members, Pennsylvania’s Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding for a streamside forest buffer planting in Lancaster.

Streamside buffers are a best management practice that slow down flooding caused by severe weather and improve water quality, require less mowing, cool the water, hold and store carbon, and provide food and shelter for pollinators and wildlife.  The Commission has advocated for years for funding and policy enhancements to encourage their creation and maintenance.

Senate Republicans Continue Statewide Hearings on Rising Crime

Local police chiefs, prosecutors, addiction recovery experts and others met with the Senate Majority Policy Committee in Lancaster last week as part of Senate Republican public hearings on rising crime in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania has the highest violent crime rate of any state in the Northeast, according to FBI data. Between 2019 and 2020, no other state reported a greater year-over-year increase in violence. Driven by spikes in aggravated assault and homicide, Pennsylvania’s violent crime rate climbed 27.1% from 2019 to 2020.

A top priority for Senate Republicans is to ensure Pennsylvanians feel safe in the towns, cities and communities they call home. These hearings will help legislators better understand the trends in crime from law enforcement and key stakeholders, and better align the Commonwealth’s economic goals with community objectives throughout the state.

Less Than a Year to Go Before Federal Enforcement of REAL ID Begins

The one-year countdown has begun for the federal enforcement of REAL ID for commercial domestic air travel and other federal purposes.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation advises Pennsylvania residents who want REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and photo ID cards and have not yet gotten one to gather the needed documents now to ensure they have plenty of time to get their REAL ID before the federal enforcement date.

REAL ID is a federal law that affects how states issue driver’s licenses and ID cards if they are going to be acceptable for federal purposes, such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building that requires federally acceptable ID for entry. A federally acceptable form of identification (whether it’s a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a valid U.S. Passport/Passport Card, a military ID, etc.) must be used for these purposes on and after May 3, 2023.

There is no requirement that any resident obtain a REAL ID; PennDOT continues to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs. More information, including frequently asked questions and information on documents required for REAL ID, can be found on the state REAL ID website.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Extended to May 20

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been extended to May 20, allowing additional households to apply for help.

LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered by the state that provides assistance for home heating bills. Assistance is available for renters and homeowners.

You can apply for benefits online using COMPASS, or download a paper application, print it, fill it out and return it to your local county assistance office.

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month

By :  Kimberly A. Smith | Safety Press Officer
PA Department of Transportation
Engineering District 3-0

As the temperatures warm up, riders all over are dusting off their motorcycles and getting ready to hit the open road. May marks Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, drivers and riders begin sharing the road during motorcycle season. Together, drivers and riders can make our roads safer for everyone by abiding by these motorcycle safety tips for car drivers and riders alike. When we share the road, we also share the responsibility to keep each other safe – motorcycle awareness is important not only for riders, but also for drivers.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

• Wear a DOT approved helmet!
• Wear proper eye protection.
• Get comfortable with your motorcycle.
• Check your bike before every ride.
• Ride defensively.
• Obey the rules of the road.
• Be aware of the weather.
• Don’t drink and drive.

Motorcycle Safety Tips for Car Drivers

• Beware your blind spots.
• Slow down behind motorcycles.
• Don’t tailgate.
• Use your turn signals.
• Dim your headlights.
• Be careful taking left turns.
• Don’t drink and drive.

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