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Budget Delays Continue as House Considers Massive Transit Funding Bill
With the state budget more than six weeks past due, the House was called back to session in Harrisburg last week, but not to vote on a budget bill. Instead, majority House Democrats forced a vote on a transportation funding measure that would take more of our state sales tax revenue to fund mass transit.
While I recognize the value of mass transit, particularly in urban and some suburban areas of our state, I voted against this bill. In a difficult budget year such as this – when the governor has set out to spend far more than we anticipate collecting in revenue – we need to be looking at the full spending picture. If we are going to be dedicating more money to transit authorities such as those in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, what program or service are we cutting to make up for it?
After the Democrat-led House passed its bill last Monday, the Republican-led Senate convened in session last Tuesday and voted on its own transportation funding bill, one that would use money already set aside for transportation purposes rather than taking away from other key priorities. The Senate also approved a budget bill that mostly matches the spending in the last fiscal year’s budget.
These bills could have resulted in funding being immediately released for various government services, including education and transit. However, the measures were both voted down in House committee, so the budget impasse continues.
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Leading on Legislation: Stream Maintenance
Hurricane Debby ravaged our region just over a year ago and while clean-up is ongoing, I continue to strive for long-term solutions that will enhance our community’s resilience and ensure that creeks and streams can handle more water. When floodwaters rise, lives and livelihoods are at risk. That is why I am the prime sponsor of three bills that advocate for our region. House Bill 88 would fund stream maintenance through royalties paid to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for leases under streambeds in the Commonwealth, while House Bill 327 would allow for a continuing maintenance permit so local government organizations can properly maintain the streams in their communities. House Bill 328 would provide more flexibility for emergency permits for stream clearing.
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No One Can Do Everything, But Everyone Can Do Something
This summer, I had the chance to catch up with some locals who saw a need and decided to do something. Roxy and her family had recently discovered the Butler Family Cemetery, which was so overgrown the brush and briars nearly obscured the stones. Many people do not know this cemetery exists; in fact, the road is so overgrown, the only access is through Delmar Meadow. The family decided that they needed to do something. Their goal was to clean up the cemetery and give respect to the people buried there, 12 of whom are veterans, including one Revolutionary War veteran, one veteran of the War of 1812, and 10 Civil War veterans.
This past spring, the group rolled up their sleeves, put on their boots and began doing the hard work. They enlisted the assistance of Delmar Township, which will be reopening the former road into the cemetery. Tioga County Commissioner Marc Rice and Treemaster Tree Service came out and began the task of removing and dismantling trees, while others began the task of cleaning and repairing stones. Throughout this, the family diligently endeavored to preserve all the individuals buried here, and to preserve their memory by researching their family history and documenting their lives.
It was a beautiful summer morning during our visit, and I was touched by the dedication shown by the group in honoring the rich legacy of those who have lived, worked and fought for us, many from the little town of Stoney Fork and beyond. The sun shone through the trees so beautifully, the grass was freshly mowed, grave markers were cleaned of moss and debris, and respect was given to those buried. The family and friends of Butler Family Cemetery are not looking for praise, but they are inviting you to come out and enjoy the peace and serenity and a little bit of history. You can also follow along with their Facebook page and see some of the amazing before and after pictures.
Pictured here with me from left to right
Back Row: Ron Butler, Terry Crawford, and Marceil Cooney
Front row: Roxie Crawford, and Roxie and Terry’s granddaughters, Whitney and Lainey |
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Senior Farmers Market Vouchers
Good News! There will be an additional Senior Farmers Market Voucher distribution site on Thursday, Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to noon at Sherwood Manor, 1 Novelty Place, Mansfield.
You may qualify for these vouchers:
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If you are 60 yrs of age (by 12/31/2025) or older. |
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Live in Pennsylvania (MUST live in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna or Tioga County, PA) and MUST provide formal identification. |
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Have a household income less than $28,953 for a one-person household, or $39,128 for a two-person household. |
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Bradford Hills Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center
It is always rewarding for me to have the opportunity to interact with local businesses and community members. This summer, I had the opportunity to visit the staff and residents of Bradford Hills. Bradford Hills provides residents with care, compassion, and service in a comfortable, engaging, and family-friendly environment. I enjoyed visiting residents who call Bradford Hills their home and enjoy numerous comfortable amenities, as well as a full calendar of activities and events. Bradford Hills has a big dream to introduce mini golf to the grounds for residents, family and staff to enjoy. I am excited for them, and I believe this would be such a great addition to their facilities, so if you or someone you know has experience in mini golf construction, landscaping, or recreation projects, I am sure they would love to hear from you!
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Slow Down for School Buses
Students are or soon will be returning to class, and that means we will be seeing school buses back on our roads. Motorists, parents and children are encouraged to watch the video above to refresh their memories about how to share the road safely.
Pennsylvania law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet away from school buses when their red lights are flashing and their stop arm is activated. This applies to motorists when they are behind or traveling alongside a school bus, as well as when meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus has stopped.
Vehicles should remain stopped until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn. Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety.
If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping.
Penalties for failure to obey school bus safety laws can result in a $250 fine, five points on a driving record and a 60-day license suspension. Violators will also be assessed a $35 surcharge to be deposited into the School Bus Safety Grant Program Account. State law also permits school entities to install and operate a side stop signal arm enforcement system. These civil violations include a $300 fine but would not assess points or impact insurance ratings.
Parents are reminded to ensure their children are at the bus stop early to avoid rushing. Students should stay where the bus driver can see them while boarding or exiting the bus.
Click here for more information and tips on school bus safety.
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AG Launches ‘Operation Robocall Roundup’
Robocalls aren’t just annoying; sometimes they are illegal!
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General recently joined 50 bipartisan attorneys general in sending warning letters to 37 voice providers demanding they immediately stop illegal robocalls being routed through their networks. The companies are violating one or more rules outlined by the Federal Communications Commission.
Consumers should be mindful that providing your phone number to a legitimate business for its rewards program allows the business to place you on telemarketing lists without requiring further consent. Similarly, providing contact information when participating in online surveys or contests, or entering contests at fairs and other public events, may also result in future telephone solicitations.
The best way to reduce unwanted robocalls is to sign up for the Pennsylvania Do Not Call list online at www.attorneygeneral.gov/dnc or by calling 1-888-777-3406.
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Upcoming Events
Spots are filling up fast, but there is still time to register at these upcoming events.
Register at repowlett.com to reserve your seat or call the Wellsboro office (570-724-1390) or the Troy office (570-297-3045).
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