 |
|
|
|
|
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link. |
Empowering the Next Generation of Skilled Trade Entrepreneurs
We had an incredible turnout for our Second Annual Future Entrepreneur Summit! More than 75 students gathered at Lambs Creek Event Space to learn about what it takes to start a business in the skilled trades and the opportunities available right here in our region.
Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and the demand for skilled workers continues to grow. This event was all about helping students learn about real-world opportunities while providing the tools and inspiration they need to succeed close to home.
The program kicked off with an informative session from the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, where students learned key insights about starting and growing a business, along with common myths and realities of entrepreneurship. From there, attendees heard directly from experienced tradespeople who shared their personal journeys – the challenges, successes and what drives them to keep going.
We were proud to feature two outstanding panels of local business leaders, along with inspiring remarks from retired electrician Howard Wattles, who spoke about building his business in the 1960s and encouraged students to find out what they love so that they can wake up every day and enjoy going to work. Discussions focused on workforce opportunities, training pathways, and how young people can successfully enter and thrive in trade-based careers.
It was encouraging to see such strong engagement from students. They asked thoughtful questions and showed genuine interest in their futures. Events like this help open eyes to the many possibilities available locally and demonstrate how accessible these paths can be with the right support.
I’m especially grateful for the collaboration between our schools, local organizations, economic development partners, hosts and sponsors. Together, we are strengthening our workforce and building a pipeline for future entrepreneurs. When we invest in our young people, we invest in the future of our communities.
Looking forward to building on this momentum next year!
|
Building the Next Generation of Skilled Leaders
Connecting with students who are preparing for their futures is always a rewarding experience, especially when they are passionate about building careers that directly strengthen our communities.
Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with three students from Pennsylvania College of Technology who are pursuing studies in nursing, electrical work and welding. Each shared their unique journey, what inspired them to choose their field and the goals they’re working toward.
Careers in the skilled trades continue to offer strong, reliable pathways to success. From health care to infrastructure to manufacturing, these fields are essential to keeping our communities running and growing. It’s encouraging to see more students recognizing these opportunities and taking meaningful steps toward them.
Pictured from left to right: Mildred Sanchez (nursing major), Katelyn Abbie Zuba (welding fabrication engineering major) and Mason Horner (electrical/applied management major).
|
Honoring Decades of Dedicated Service in Morris Township
What an honor it is to recognize the men and women who serve our community. Recently, I had the privilege of celebrating another year of dedicated service with the Morris Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 and Morris Fire and Ambulance.
We proudly recognized three exceptional and dedicated members.
Third Assistant Chief James Kerger was honored for an incredible 45 years of service. Over the years, he has served as both president and vice president before assuming his current leadership role.
Jo Ann Osborn was recognized for more than 50 years of service to the Morris Township Volunteer Fire Company and 45 years of service to the Firemen’s Ambulance Association. She previously served as treasurer of the fire company and as co-chair of the ambulance association’s bingo. Alongside her husband, Amos Osborn, she has also played an important role in managing the “snake pit” for the Annual Rattlesnake Round-Up, sponsored by the Morris Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1. Her generosity and commitment have greatly benefited the organization and its members.
Although David Butters was unable to attend the banquet, he was honored with a citation recognizing his 50 years of service to Morris Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1.
This level of dedication to the Morris community is deeply appreciated, and I am grateful for the contributions of David, James and Jo Ann.
|
Center for Rural Pennsylvania Holds Hearings on Data Centers
On Friday, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania was in Wellsboro for the first in a series of hearings to gather input on data center development across Pennsylvania, with a focus on the potential impacts to rural communities. Testimony was provided by elected officials, planning professionals, regulatory agencies, utilities and educational organizations.
Discussions highlighted the roles of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, as well as the state’s growing energy demands and the need for expanded power infrastructure through PJM Interconnection. Representatives from the Data Center Coalition also provided an overview of the industry and continued growth.
Penn State Extension discussed how it is supporting communities with practical, research-based information to help guide decision-making around these issues.
Local leaders contributed valuable insight into the discussion. Tioga County Commissioner Shane Nickerson spoke about how development could impact the community, while Planning Director Rachel Courtney explained the county’s efforts to work with local municipalities to give them the tools they need to make informed decisions. Zoning and ordinances are intended to give local officials and municipalities a voice in how data centers are designed and operate within their communities to better their communities and protect what residents value in rural Pennsylvania. Indiana County Commissioner Sherene Hess shared her county’s experience with a proposed redevelopment of a former coal plant into a data center, emphasizing the need for state support while maintaining local control over development issues.
No matter the issue, when infrastructure changes and new employment opportunities come into an area, it is essential to stay informed, understand constitutional rights as landowners, establish clear local ordinances and zoning, and engage with local elected officials who know their communities best, along with enforcement agencies who monitor our natural resources and energy. This hearing served as an important first step in gathering the information necessary for communities to make informed, thoughtful decisions.
You can watch the hearing here and are encouraged to reach out to the Center for Rural Pennsylvania with any questions you may have.
|
House Prepares for Budget Negotiations
In a largely procedural vote, the House advanced to the Senate a $53.3 billion state budget proposal for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The action helps set the stage for real, substantive budget negotiations; however, I could not in good conscience vote for the bill, as it is essentially the same fiscally irresponsible and unaffordable plan outlined by Gov. Josh Shapiro in February. It represents an increase of $2.72 billion over the current year’s spending. Current state revenues are projected to be $48.95 billion, showing this budget spends too much and it must include policies to grow our economy before any compromise can be reached.
I look forward to the opportunity to vote on a negotiated plan that funds the core functions of government while respecting our taxpayers.
|
Savings Snapshot: House Republicans Work to Create Economic Opportunity for PA Families
To help alleviate the strain of rising costs, last month House Republicans launched the “Freedom Through Affordability” initiative. This package of bills is aimed at reducing costs in key areas, creating financial flexibility and stability for families across the Commonwealth. The initiative includes bills that would suspend the gas tax; exempt cell phone and energy bills from the Gross Receipts Tax; lower the Personal Income Tax from 3.07% to 2.99%; and more. All proposals would be effective for six months and, when combined, are estimated to save families up to $1,100.
We are working to make the Commonwealth a place where families can afford to plant strong roots. We know that when Pennsylvanians keep more of what they earn, they have the freedom and flexibility to make investments in their future. The Freedom Through Affordability initiative intends to provide relief and increase economic opportunities for our constituents from Erie to Philadelphia and everywhere in between.
While temporary, House Republicans are hopeful these tax relief proposals will facilitate discussion about creating permanent tax relief for Pennsylvanians.
Stay tuned as we continue to delve into more tax relief proposals in the coming weeks.
|
Aspiring Teachers Take Note
A state program that provides stipends to qualified student teachers in the Commonwealth is now accepting applications, according to the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).
The PA Student Teacher Support Program provides $10,000 to eligible student teachers and up to $2,500 to cooperating teachers who will be working with and mentoring student teachers throughout the student teacher experience. Program recipients must commit to teaching in Pennsylvania for three years following the completion of their teaching certification.
Pennsylvanians who will be student teaching in the fall and spring semesters of the 2026-27 academic year are encouraged to apply. Stipends are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date and time a completed application is received.
Learn more at pheaa.org/StudentTeacher.
|
Stay Alert in Work Zones
This week, April 20-24, is National Work Zone Awareness Week, a time to remind drivers to be cautious, alert and respectful while traveling through areas of roadway and bridge construction. This year’s theme is “Safe Actions Save Lives.”
When you encounter work zones, PennDOT offers the following tips: drive the posted work zone speed limit; stay alert and pay attention to signs and flaggers; maintain a safe distance around vehicles; use flashers if traveling slowly; avoid distractions; and be patient.
State law requires motorists to travel with their headlights on in all posted work zones, not just active work zones. Daytime running lights are not sufficient; drivers must have their headlights on to also activate their taillights.
Drivers also should be aware that interstate work zones with a project cost exceeding $300,000 will have a speed-monitoring device to alert motorists of their speed prior to entering the work zone.
For more information about work zone safety, click here.
|
Protecting Children from Abuse
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. While state laws have identified people, such as teachers, health care providers and clergy members, who are mandated to report suspected cases of abuse, we all have a role to play in protecting our children.
Signs of potential physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect may include sudden changes in a child’s behavior or school performance; being overly compliant, passive or withdrawn; always being watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen; and a reluctance to be around a particular person or to return home from school or activities.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call PA ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.
|
|
|
