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Last Day to Sign Up for Future Entrepreneur Summit
Today is the last day to register for our second annual Future Entrepreneur Summit.
Be sure to join us to learn about careers in the trades, explore entrepreneurship and business ownership, and connect with local business owners and mentors.
The morning will include a light breakfast, panel discussions with local business owners, and opportunities to connect with community resources. Lunch will be provided.
We have an exciting line-up of panelists:
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Trevor Raleigh (Iron Volt Contracting): Electrical and general contracting. |
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Kevin Abma (Abma Mechanical): HVAC and mechanical systems. |
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Josh Gehman (Gehman Iron): Metal fabrication and ironwork. |
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Scott Cummings (Cummings Lumber): Lumber, wood products and manufacturing. |
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Kurtis Martin (Black Creek Builders): Construction and building trades. |
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Hasan Fazelbhoy (Cedar Mountain Springs): Product-based small business and operations. |
This event is open to students, new business owners or anyone interested in learning more about careers in the trades. Click here to register.
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Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus Launched to Fight Horrific Crime
Last week, I joined a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of lawmakers to launch Pennsylvania’s new Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) Caucus, a coordinated effort to combat trafficking across the Commonwealth. The caucus brings together legislators from both chambers to advance stronger laws, raise public awareness and support survivors.
The mission of the PA AHT Caucus is to facilitate the passage of AHT legislation; educate fellow elected officials, partnering organizations, and the public on AHT issues; and advocate on behalf of AHT organizations. These efforts are designed to expand protection, improve enforcement and strengthen community awareness in the Commonwealth.
The AHT Caucus steering committee has already unanimously endorsed two important bills:
Senate Bill 45 would move most prostitution-related offenses, such as patronizing prostitutes and promoting prostitution, to the Human Trafficking section of the state Crimes Code. Supported by the state Office of Attorney General, the bill also expands the jurisdiction of the Attorney General’s office to better enable them to fight human trafficking across the Commonwealth.
House Bill 910 would upgrade the offense of trafficking infants from a first-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree felony.
This effort gives me hope that by spreading awareness, we can make a difference. Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the top states for trafficking. This initiative aims to strengthen the Commonwealth’s response. These efforts are crucial for safety in local communities.
You can watch my remarks from the press conference here.
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Students Get a Firsthand Look at Leadership in Action
It was a special opportunity to welcome Grand Canyon FFA students to the State Capitol last week. The visit was more than just a tour of the beautiful Capitol building. It was an opportunity for the students to gain firsthand experience with all that occurs at the Capitol. During our recent press conference on combating human trafficking, they were able to see the Capitol in action as lawmakers and advocates came together with a shared commitment to addressing this important issue.
Spending time with these students was incredibly encouraging. Their curiosity and passion for making a difference are a strong reminder that our future is bright and in good hands.
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Engaging the Next Generation in State Government
On Thursday, March 12, Sen. Gene Yaw hosted his annual Student Government Seminar at Pennsylvania College of Technology. Students, teachers, local and state government officials, advocacy groups, and members of the media gathered for this event where students had the opportunity to debate important issues, develop legislation and vote on mock bills during an open session.
I was honored to participate alongside the students as they experienced what it is like to serve as a state senator. The students worked in Senate committees to discuss their assigned House bill on the Pennsylvania Student Scholarship Act, sharing thoughtful perspectives, taking positions on the legislation, and drafting proposals for the full Senate to consider in the General Session.
During the General Session, students debated and voted on Senate bills addressing the Prohibition of Artificial Intelligence in Schools Act, the Recreational Marijuana Legalization and Regulation Act, the Youth Sports Accessibility Act, and Data Center Water Management Act.
Thank you to Sen. Yaw for providing students with this outstanding opportunity to learn firsthand how the legislative process works and how the policies and laws that affect their lives are shaped.
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| Towanda Area Jr./Sr. High School |
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| Wellsboro Area High School |
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Welcoming Leadership Tioga to the Capitol
The Capitol was bustling with visitors last week, and I had the opportunity to welcome members of Develop Tioga’s Leadership Tioga program to the state Capitol. I enjoyed spending time with the group discussing the legislative process and sharing insights into how decisions are made at the state level. I appreciate Develop Tioga for offering such a valuable program to help cultivate and strengthen leadership within our community.
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Liberty Fire Company – Honoring Over 100 Years of Service
On Saturday, March 21, Lauren and I attended the Liberty Volunteer Fire Company’s annual appreciation banquet, a special evening dedicated to recognizing the commitment and sacrifices of our local volunteers.
It was an honor to celebrate several individuals for their years of service: Dayton Mitstifer for 50 years, Rebecca Mitstifer for 40 years, and Curtin Meixel for 20 years. Each of these individuals has played a vital role in protecting and serving their communities through various leadership and emergency response positions.
Our volunteer firefighters give so much of themselves to keep our communities safe, and I am grateful for the opportunity to recognize their dedication to those they serve.
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IOC Moves to Protect Women’s Sports
There was some exciting news last week when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced its decision to bar transgender athletes from competing in the women's category at the Olympic Games.
Pennsylvania should follow this example IMMEDIATELY and protect the rights of girls to have a safe, fair and equal playing field; to compete to win games, championships and titles; to earn scholarships; and to have private locker rooms spaces, without males being present.
Please join us in making this promise to our female athletes by signing the “I Believe” promise at www.defendingdaughters.com.
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House GOP Launches Effort to Cut Costs for Families
With Pennsylvanians facing rising costs on everyday essentials, House Republican policymakers launched their “Freedom Through Affordability” initiative – a plan to deliver tax relief and lower costs to help make Pennsylvania a more affordable place to live, work and raise a family.
The initiative, unveiled at a Capitol press conference earlier this week, includes a series of multi-billion-dollar tax cuts and sales tax holidays aimed at providing immediate relief to families and workers struggling under the weight of higher prices.
Anchoring the initiative are proposals calling for six-month suspensions of the state’s gas tax, which is one of the highest in the nation, as well as the Gross Receipts Tax on both electricity and cell phone services. Another proposal would reduce the state’s Personal Income Tax (PIT) rate from 3.07% to 2.99%, also for six months.
Additional sales tax holidays are being proposed on an array of items, from sports equipment to help make it more affordable for kids to participate in these valuable activities, to spring cleaning and gardening supplies and tools, to car seats, strollers and other items to help new parents with the rising costs of a growing family.
To highlight the importance of the effort and collect feedback from Pennsylvanians about the challenges they face, the Policy Committee is also launching the “Affordability Starts Here” tour starting in Hanover, York County, next week. For more information, visit policycommittee.com.
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Bill Would Provide Another Tool to Combat Fentanyl Crisis
Legislation that would develop standards to certify police dogs trained to detect fentanyl passed the House of Representatives this week with my support.
The measure was introduced after law enforcement agencies asked that standards be established for training and certifying dogs to detect fentanyl, which is involved in one in four opioid-related overdose deaths in Pennsylvania. These standards would be developed in consultation with dog trainers and handlers, medical professionals, and veterinarians.
House Bill 1344 now goes to the Senate for its consideration.
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