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Help Drive Our Kids to Success
I am often asked what the most important issues are in our district. The truth is, there are many, and it really depends on who you are talking to.
My job as your representative is to listen to your concerns, identify the challenges and work with you to find solutions. When possible, I take those concerns to Harrisburg to help get results for our community.
Last week, I sat down with local bus companies and contractors to better understand the challenges they face while serving students in our district. School bus companies play a critical role in getting students safely to and from school, yet they continue to face significant obstacles that impact daily operations.
Our rural geography plays a major role. Longer routes and greater distance between students lead to higher fuel costs, increased wear and tear on buses, and longer commute time for students.
Financial pressure also continues to mount. Limited revenue makes it difficult for bus companies to absorb the rising cost for fuel, maintenance, insurance and competitive wages.
One of the most significant challenges is the shortage of qualified bus drivers. We discussed potential recruitment strategies and incentives, as well as barriers new drivers face. One major issue is the time and cost required to obtain proper licensing and clearances. While some companies help cover this cost, they are still experiencing long delays in receiving the required “yellow card” that legally allows a driver to operate a school bus. I look forward to discussing this issue with the Department of Transportation to see what we can do to speed up this process.
These challenges affect not only transportation providers, but also students, families and school programs. Understanding these realities is an important step toward finding solutions that support rural school districts, transportation providers and the families they serve.
I appreciate Benedict’s Bus Service for organizing this meeting. We were joined by members of Wilson Transport, Trojan Transport, Hilfiger Transportation and Bohnert Transportation – all of whom would love to chat with you about being a school bus driver.
If you or someone you know is looking for a meaningful way to serve the community, consider being a school bus driver. It is a great opportunity to earn extra income, with flexible hours that work well for pastors, farmers, stay-at-home moms, or anyone looking for part-time work. Best of all, you’re making a real difference in the lives of our students every day.
Pictured in the front row, from left to right: Maria Frank (Benedict’s Bus Service), Tricia Hall (Wilson Transport), Pip Burrous (Benedict’s Bus Service), Wendy Albor (Hilfiger Transportation) and Patricia Holley (Trojan Transport). In the back row, from left to right: Jody Kenyon (Trojan Transport), Randy Hickok (Trojan Transport), Joe Bohnert (Bohnert Transportation) and me.
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Honoring Excellence in Emergency Medical Service
It was an honor to join Susquehanna Regional EMS (SREMS) at its annual Board of Directors Business Meeting at UPMC Williamsport last week. SREMS provides a critical service to our region, and it’s important to me to stay informed on the challenges of delivering emergency care in rural Pennsylvania, while also celebrating their many accomplishments and goals for the year ahead.
SREMS covers calls in four counties (Lycoming, Potter, Tioga and Sullivan) spanning over 135 municipalities and 3,000 square miles. In 2025, the company answered 23,087 calls, averaging 63 a day. We are fortunate to have such outstanding service available to us in our area.
It was especially meaningful to celebrate SREMS incredible work serving our communities as they received the 2025 Dick Ferneau National EMS Service of the Year Award. They are the first EMS service in Pennsylvania history to earn this national honor. Their dedication and professionalism are truly outstanding, and we are grateful for the incredible work they do answering the call for our communities every day.
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America250PA Embarks on Statewide Tour
The nation’s 250th anniversary celebration is underway! The festivities kicked off in Philadelphia on Friday, Jan. 16, and made stops in Tioga and Bradford counties last Tuesday! The Semiquincentennial Tour highlights each county’s local history, community pride, and the shared stories that connect us all as Pennsylvanians and Americans.
As we reflected on 250 years of our nation, I shared the powerful story of Caesar Rodney. In early July 1776, Delaware’s vote on independence was deadlocked. Thomas McKean supported independence, while George Read opposed it. The deciding vote rested with the third delegate, Caesar Rodney, but he was 80 miles away at his home in Dover, gravelly ill.
On the night of July 1, 1776, McKean sent an urgent message to Rodney that if he did not arrive in Philadelphia the next day, Delaware would vote against independence. Without hesitation, Rodney mounted his horse and rode through the night, in a thunderstorm, over the muddy roads, wearing riding boots and spurs over his night clothes. He arrived in Philadelphia at dawn on July 2, exhausted and still ill, but in time to cast Delaware’s decisive vote.
That single vote helped tip the balance toward the colonies’ final approval of independence.
A single overnight ride helped change the course of history. Independence was not inevitable. It hinged on courage. These men were not distant legends; they were sick, divided, and afraid, yet acted anyway.
As we celebrate 250 years of our nation, I encourage us to remain focused on the principles it was founded upon and committed to planting seeds of freedom for future generations – while honoring those who have fought for and continue to protect this great nation.
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$750K Investment Strengthens Road in Tioga Township
I was happy to work with Senator Gene Yaw and our local officials to help secure funding for much-needed Park Hill Road Improvements. The $750,000 grant was funded through Multimodal Transportation Fund. This investment will improve safety, strengthen infrastructure, and expand access for industry, outdoor recreation and local businesses. Read more here.
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2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Now Open
The application period for the state’s 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is now open for eligible Pennsylvanians to begin claiming rebates on property taxes or rent paid last year.
Income limits increased again this year to $48,110 for both homeowners and renters. This is due to a 2023 law I supported that calls for adjusting the income limit based on annual increases in the Consumer Price Index. Remember to exclude 50% of Social Security when determining your income. The maximum rebate is $1,000.
The program is open to residents aged 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older.
Remember – you do not need to pay anyone for assistance to apply for the rebates. Apply online at mypath.pa.gov or contact my office for help. Additional information about the program is available here.
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Need Tax Help?
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, provided by the United Way of Bradford County, is now accepting appointments for the upcoming tax season. The service is being offered at multiple locations across the county, including at my office in Troy.
The VITA program provides free tax help to individuals and families with a household income of $72,000 or less, veterans, people with disabilities, individuals over the age of 50, Native Americans or individuals who speak limited English. Please note that you only need to meet one of the requirements to qualify.
Appointments are required and may be made by calling 1-866-839-0442 or clicking here.
My office at 121 Canton St. in Troy will be offering assistance on Wednesdays from Feb. 1 through April 1.
In addition, services are also available at the following locations:
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Sayre: The Enterprise Center and Rep. Tina Pickett's office. |
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Towanda: Area Agency on Aging, Lackawanna College and United Way of Bradford County. |
Additionally, their drop-off is available at the United Way Headquarters in Sayre at the Enterprise Center during limited hours. Drop-offs, like other appointments, require an appointment and need a pick-up appointment scheduled two weeks after the drop off.
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Property Tax Relief Available Through Homestead Exclusion
You may be missing out on property tax relief through the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion Program. Under the Taxpayer Relief Act, the Commonwealth provides property tax reduction funding to school districts, which is applied through a homestead or farmstead exclusion. Most owner-occupied homes and farms are eligible, but only a primary residence qualifies for the tax reduction.
To receive school property tax relief for tax years beginning July 1 or Jan. 1, applications must be filed by March 1 of the preceding year. Once approved, homeowners do not need to reapply annually. For more information about the program, click here.
Applications must be filed through the tax assessment office in the county in which you reside.
Tioga County Assessment
118 Main St., Wellsboro
570-724-9117
Bradford County Assessment Office
301 Main St., Towanda
570-265-1714
Homeowners should verify they are not already enrolled before submitting an application. The program is supported through state gaming funds.
Contact my offices for additional information or assistance.
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Applications Open for Youth Camp
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), in collaboration with the Pennsylvania National Guard and American Legion, is seeking applicants for its annual youth camp. The Elmer Hafer-American Legion-State Police-National Guard Youth Camp will be held June 7-13, at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County.
The six-day program is for teenagers ages 15-17 who are interested in exploring careers in Pennsylvania law enforcement or the military. Cadets will take part in a wide range of hands-on learning experiences and physical fitness training designed to build their understanding of law enforcement, as well as their confidence, teamwork and leadership abilities.
Applicants must be 15-17 years old at the start of the camp. Candidates should be physically fit, in good health and maintain a strong academic record. Cadets are sponsored by local American Legion posts, so there is no cost to participate.
More information is available at pa-legion.com, where applicants also can access the online application.
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Applications for 2026 Pennsylvania House Scholarship Available
High school seniors interested in receiving financial assistance to help pay for college can now apply for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Scholarship.
Each year the program awards a four-year scholarship to two students preparing for post-secondary education. It is open to graduating high school seniors who are Pennsylvania residents with plans to attend a Pennsylvania college, university or career school as a full-time student.
To qualify, students must have attained a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average in high school. Other factors taken into consideration for the awards are a student’s commitment to community, leadership qualities, extracurricular activities and financial need.
The scholarship program is administered through the Foundation for Enhancing Communities. Click here for more information and an application. The deadline to apply is April 15.
The scholarship is privately funded by individual and corporate donors; no tax or other public funds are used. Scholarships are awarded through an independent panel of judges chosen by the foundation.
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Blood Donation Saves Lives
Did you know that every two seconds in America, someone urgently needs blood? January is National Blood Donor Month, an opportunity to both honor voluntary blood donors and encourage new donors to help save lives. National Blood Donor Month was first designated by proclamation of President Richard Nixon on Dec. 31, 1969.
The start of the new year is one of the most challenging times to collect blood products as the threat of winter weather builds and can often lead to widespread blood drive cancellations. In addition to winter weather, an active cold and flu season may prevent people from keeping donation appointments as they rest and recover from illness.
Only 3% of Americans currently donate blood. Learn more about blood donation and where to donate here.
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