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Telephone Town Hall Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined our Telephone Town Hall on Thursday. It was a great opportunity to hear directly from residents about the issues that matter most in the 68th District.
During the call, I provided an update on the state budget. I remain focused on passing a responsible budget that keeps spending in check while advancing policies that help grow Pennsylvania’s economy.
I also shared an update on my “Dads Defending Daughters” legislation, which is aimed at ensuring fairness in women’s sports. Unfortunately, House Democrats continue to move these bills between committees to avoid a vote through the discharge resolution process. You can read more about it below.
In addition, I was pleased to discuss the work we are doing to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking in our region. We recently launched a bipartisan, bicameral Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus, bringing together like-minded legislators committed to advancing policies that combat this crime. I am encouraged by the progress we are making. Earlier this month, the House passed the legislation I have been working on that would increase penalties for individuals who create sexual abuse material using their children or other relatives.
One of the most common topic constituents have asked about recently is data centers. I was happy to have Tioga County Commissioner Marc Rice and Bradford County Commissioner Daryl Miller join me to discuss the work that they have been doing to establish guardrails to protect what our communities hold dear.
I appreciate everyone who took the time to participate, ask questions and listen in. If you weren’t able to participate and would like to discuss these or any other issues, please contact my offices in Wellsboro or Troy and I’ll be happy to talk with you.
Your voices, questions and concerns help guide the work we do every day, and I am grateful for your engagement.
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Tonight - Understanding Land Development in Your Community
The Tioga County Commissioners and Planning Commission are hosting a public learning seminar tonight, June 23, at 7 p.m. at the Straughn Auditorium on the campus of Commonwealth University-Mansfield. The event will provide an overview of the county’s land development process, including an opportunity to learn about zoning, subdivision and land development ordinances, and other local regulations that shape development proposals and the review process.
As conversations continue around data centers and other potential development projects in Tioga County, now is a great time to learn how land development decisions are made and what safeguards help guide growth in our communities.
This is a great opportunity to be more informed and to better understand how land decisions are made in your community.
You can learn more here.
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Natural Gas Impact Fees Help Local Communities
In addition to supporting the state’s growing energy needs and providing good-paying careers, Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry contributed more than $243.8 million in impact fees in 2025.
Locally, Tioga County and its municipalities are receiving $9.45 million, while Bradford County and its municipalities are receiving more than $16.7 million.
Under Act 13 of 2012, impact fees are collected from natural gas drilling companies with 60% returned to counties and municipalities affected by drilling. The rest of the money goes into a Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund, a portion of which is provided to counties. The remaining funds are used by the state for emergency response planning, training and other activities; water, storm water, and sewer system construction and repair; infrastructure maintenance and repair; as well as statewide environmental initiatives.
Click here to view detailed reports of the funding distribution.
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Majority Democrats Playing Hot Potato with Women’s Sports Bills
The saga continues for our efforts to pass bills to protect fairness in women’s sports.
Just last month, the House Judiciary Committee re-referred two of the three bills (House Bills 158 and 1849 — my “Dads Defending Daughters” proposal) to the House Health Committee. Last week, the Health Committee sent both House bills, along with Senate Bill 9, back to the Judiciary Committee.
Together, the three bills have been available for consideration in the House for 1,016 days. That’s two years, nine months and 10 days of majority House Democrats refusing to give citizens and their representatives a voice on this topic.
Polls indicate 80% of people, regardless of political party, support women’s sports being for biological women only. Athletic competitions give women the opportunity to demonstrate their strength and skill, while also providing opportunities for recognition ranging from accolades to college scholarships. We owe it to our female athletes to ensure these rights and opportunities are protected.
Join us in support of this effort by signing the “I Believe” promise at defendingdaughters.com.
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Grant Awarded to Expand Bradford County Affordable Housing Initiative
I was pleased to join Rep. Tina Pickett in announcing that five housing and community development initiatives in Bradford County have been awarded a combined $700,000 through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program. These investments will help expand affordable housing opportunities and address the ongoing housing challenges facing our communities.
Supporting safe, affordable housing is an investment in the health, stability, and overall well-being of our residents. I am proud to support initiatives that strengthen Bradford County and improve quality of life for individuals and families across the region.
You can read the complete press release here.
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Oasis of Hope Grand Opening
On Friday, June 12, Oasis of Hope officially opened its doors to women who have experienced sex trafficking and abuse. Founder Debbie Colton has long held a vision of serving women in our community. For more than two decades, she has been a dedicated advocate, raising awareness about the realities of human trafficking throughout the Northern Tier.
Although I was unable to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Tara from my office was honored to attend on my behalf.
I am grateful for the opportunities that Oasis of Hope will provide to women in our region who have been victims of this horrific crime. The organization's mission is to help restore and empower women, bringing healing and wholeness through the Gospel. Oasis of Hope offers mentorship, advocates on behalf of women throughout the court process, and helps them find their voice as they rebuild their lives.
When a woman walks through the doors of Oasis of Hope, she is welcomed with compassion, support and dignity. She is provided a safe place to rest, along with the resources, guidance, and encouragement needed to heal, grow, and move forward with hope.
Canton Mayor Shawn Packard and founder Debbie Colton cutting the grand opening ribbon.
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Maxim Family Visits the Capitol
On Monday, June 5, I had the pleasure of welcoming a Tioga County family to Harrisburg during their visit to the Pennsylvania Capitol. Johnathan and Melissa Maxim, along with their three children, Mariposa, Jacob, and Jude, toured the Capitol and observed House session proceedings. The family received a special welcome from the Speaker of the House and then they were able to join me on the House floor. It was an honor to host the Maxim family and share with them a firsthand look at the legislative process.
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Fresh Produce and Healthy Living
The B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging is participating in Pennsylvania’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). This valuable program helps seniors enjoy fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables while supporting Pennsylvania farmers and community markets.
Eligible participants may receive vouchers that can be used at approved farmers markets and roadside stands throughout the growing season. Vouchers are accepted for fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs grown in Pennsylvania.
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Veterans Service Officer Outreach in Troy
The Troy district office is hosting free veterans’ assistance hours on the second Thursday of each month to all veterans and their dependents. Call the Troy office at 570-297-3045 to schedule an appointment to speak with Bill McGovern, Veterans
Service Officer from the American Legion. We are now scheduling appointments for July 9.
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Entries Accepted for PA Agriculture Photo Contest
Pennsylvania agriculture is at the heart of our communities, and now is your chance to showcase it!
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is accepting entries for its 2026 Agriculture Photo Contest celebrating the people, places and traditions that make Pennsylvania agriculture important. Participants may submit up to four photos in the categories of On the Farm, PA Fair Season, Agritourism and Conservation.
Finalists will be featured on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Facebook page for public voting, and winning photos will be displayed in the Capitol in September. Submission deadline is June 30. Click here for more information.
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PGC Seeks Entries for Art Contests
Are you an artist with a love of the outdoors? The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) is seeking entries for two art contests: the Waterfowl Management Stamp Contest and the Working Together for Wildlife Art Contest.
Entries for the stamp contest must feature one of five eligible species: Bufflehead, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Redhead or Canada Goose. The winning artwork will be printed as the 2027 Pennsylvania Waterfowl Management Stamp and fine art print.
For the Working Together contest, the featured category is shorebirds. Qualifying submissions must include at least one of various types of shorebirds in an original, full-color horizontal or vertical painting. The artist whose painting is selected for the 2027 Working Together for Wildlife fine art print series will receive $5,000, plus 25 artist proof prints.
Participants must be Pennsylvania residents. For additional details and official rules for each contest, click here.
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