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Community Comes Together for National Day of Prayer
On Thursday, May 7, I had the opportunity to join community members, students, clergy and local officials on the steps of the Bradford County Courthouse for the 74th observance of the National Day of Prayer. Students from St. Agnes School and Grace Christian Academy shared scripture readings and special music, while local pastors and community members offered words of encouragement and prayers throughout the morning.
It was an honor to deliver remarks centered on this year’s theme, “Glorifying God Among the Nations and Seeking Him in All Generations.” The message encouraged reflection on God’s goodness through the way we live, speak and serve in our daily lives. By acting with love, integrity and humility, we can help point others toward faith and hope. The theme also served as a reminder of the importance of learning from those who came before us while guiding and encouraging future generations.
Events like the National Day of Prayer highlight the strength that comes from faith, community and service to others. During challenging times, they remind us to seek guidance, hope and strength through prayer while also celebrating our nation’s shared values and enduring spirit.
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America250PA Mobile Unit
History came alive in Mansfield last week as community members had the opportunity to experience an interactive celebration of the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday. Visitors of all ages had the opportunity to explore hands-on activities like Pennsylvania Pursuit and Keystone Quest, along with hearing exciting stories through The Commonwealth Chronicles, connecting them with the past, present and future in a fun and meaningful way.
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Semiquin Scholar
We are excited to announce that Kylee, a senior at Troy Area Jr./Sr. High School, was named one of the American250PA 2026 Semiquincentennial Scholars. Kylee was awarded a $10,000 semiquin scholarship for Indiana University of Pennsylvania. With more than 1,800 applicants for the 25 scholarships, it goes without saying that this was a highly competitive award, in which a panel reviewed each 500-word essay about citizenship over the past 250 years.
Congratulations, Kylee! It is encouraging to see how our local students are taking initiative and helping to shape Pennsylvania’s next chapter.
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Celebrating S.A.F.E.’s New Home in Towanda
Last year, I had the opportunity to tour Supporting Area Families Everyday (S.A.F.E.) and learn more about the valuable services it provides. It was great to return and celebrate the opening of the new Main Street location in Towanda, which offers expanded classroom space for parenting education and welcoming areas where families can reconnect.
S.A.F.E. supports families through supervised visitation, safe custody exchanges, parenting classes, and family support services in a secure and neutral environment. Its programs help reduce stress and conflict while prioritizing children’s well-being. In a rural area where resources can be limited, S.A.F.E. continues to serve as a trusted source of support, connection, and guidance for families and caregivers.
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When Cookies Spark Conversations About Kindness
Last week I had the chance to join the children at Tioga-Bradford County Head Start in Mansfield and read a couple of books with them. One of the favorites was The Great Cookie Kerfuffle—and as you can imagine, there were some very strong opinions about everyone’s favorite cookie!
Chaos erupted as the animals in the story argued over a single treat, but in the end, we were reminded that friendship and sharing matter more than winning a fight.
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Honoring Our Fallen Police Officers
Our Commonwealth is marking National Police Week this week, from May 10-16, and Peace Officers Memorial Day this Friday, May 15.
First established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, the designations pay tribute to the brave local, state and federal peace officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.
We are blessed by the men and women who have taken an oath to serve and protect, and particularly by those who have sacrificed their lives to protect public safety. Thank you to all who have served and continue to serve.
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Improving Energy Affordability
With the demand and cost of electricity continuing to rise, last week the House gave unanimous approval to legislation that seeks to improve the efficiency and capacity of our electric distribution system.
House Bill 2223 would require electric utilities to evaluate and consider the use of advanced transmission technologies (ATTs) on new and existing service lines within their transmission siting applications filed with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). This could potentially lessen or even eliminate the need for new infrastructure in some areas, ultimately helping to lower costs for consumers. The bill is pending action in the Senate.
Energy affordability remains a top priority for House Republicans as we work to advance policies that will increase energy production, stabilize our electric grid and keep prices down for consumers. Additionally, we have proposed House Bill 2373, which would suspend for six months the gross receipts tax on people’s electric bills. That measure was referred to the House Finance Committee for consideration.
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Celebrating Nurses, Hospitals
This week, we are celebrating the importance of our nurses, hospitals and hospital personnel who help keep us safe and healthy.
Each year, from May 6-12, we celebrate National Nurses Week, honoring the hard work, dedication and sacrifice nurses make every day. Nurses are essential members of America's healthcare workforce who provide care through every stage of life, working with patients at their most intimate and vulnerable moments.
From May 10-16 we celebrate National Hospital Week in Pennsylvania. In fiscal year 2024, the Commonwealth’s hospitals provided more than $10 billion in community benefit. In calendar year 2024, those same hospitals provided 1.5 million instances of inpatient treatment and more than 5.4 million instances of emergency department care.
Be sure to thank the hardworking professionals who keep our local hospitals, health systems and doctors’ offices running around the clock, always ready to provide top-notch care to us and our neighbors.
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PA Preferred Marketing Grants Available
Grants to help Pennsylvania farmers and agricultural producers market their products are now available from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and its PA Preferred Marketing Grants Program.
Applications for grants of up to $10,000 to reimburse promotional costs are due by May 16. Funding is available to reimburse product promotions under the PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes®, or PA Preferred Organic™ programs.
More information about the grant program is available here.
To find PA Preferred products in your area, visit PAPreferred.com. Look for the blue and yellow checkmark!
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