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Looking Back at a Busy September
It has been a busy couple of months, and there have been so many great things happening across the Northern Tier.
While I continue working hard to move legislation forward in Harrisburg, I’m always encouraged by the people, businesses, organizations and community leaders who are working every day to make our communities better places to live, work and raise a family.
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| Photo Credit: Commonwealth Media Services |
There was a lot happening across the Northern Tier throughout the month of September, including celebrating the 2026 Pine Creek Trail of the Year. But there were plenty of other great things happening in our communities, too. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from September.
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BLaST IU17 Stroller Giveaway
On Tuesday, Sept. 15, our office was happy to be involved with BLaST Intermediate Unit 17’s event with Variety - The Children’s Charity, where local students received adaptive equipment to help them experience greater independence and enjoy everyday moments with their families.
It’s wonderful to see how these resources can make such a meaningful difference for local children and their families. BLaST does so much positive work in our community, much of it behind the scenes, but its impact on children and families is tremendous. We’re grateful for all they do to support our communities!
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How a Bill Becomes a Law – Springbrook Academy
On Wednesday, Sept. 16, I joined Ms. Cindy Jenkins’ American Government Class at Springbrook Academy in Wellsboro. I walked the students through how an idea becomes law. The students became House members and senators and worked together to come up with some bills of their own. I always enjoy sharing this process with students and the opportunity to share how I get to represent the community with the work I do in Harrisburg and locally.
Thank you to Ms. Jenkins’ class for being such a receptive and attentive group. I hope you found the lesson on the legislative process informative and fun.
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Tioga County Economic Summit
On Thursday, Sept. 24, Develop Tioga hosted the 2026 Tioga County Economic Summit, bringing together county, state and federal leaders to talk about the issues shaping our communities and our future.
I had the opportunity to share about the growth happening right here in our community - from the significance of the I-99 designation and what it means for economic development in our region, to the expansion of Victaulic and the new jobs it is helping create.
I shared the importance of investing in our young people by encouraging them to discover their passions and make an impact right here at home, while also helping our seniors recognize and avoid scams. Both are important parts of building a stronger community and creating opportunities for people of all ages.
Other topics included transportation, the expansion of ATV and UTV trails, housing, water and sewer infrastructure, disaster mitigation and the growth of data centers. Our county and local municipalities are working to update and adopt ordinances that protect what matters most to our residents while allowing for responsible growth.
There is a lot happening across Tioga County, and conversations like these give us a chance to look at where we are headed and how we can continue building on the momentum already taking place throughout our region.
I appreciate Develop Tioga for bringing everyone together and creating an opportunity to have these important conversations about the future of Tioga County.
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Transforming a Familiar Building, Changing Young Lives
On Friday, Sept. 25, I had the opportunity to tour the new Concern building.
I remember when this was the home and chiropractic office of Dr. Davis. Back then, people came here seeking relief from physical pain. Today, this building is offering a different kind of healing. It provides support, hope and a safe place for children in foster care.
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I am pictured here with former owner Ruth Davis and
Concern’s President and CEO Gordon H. May. |
The transformation of this building is truly amazing, and I’m grateful for Concern’s commitment to our community and its mission to transform lives right here in our region.
There are so many positive things happening in our communities that often go unseen and untold. But the impact is real, and the ripple effect will reach far beyond these walls.
I’m grateful someone had a vision, put in the hard work and made that vision a reality by creating a lasting impact for children and families in our community.
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Celebrating 65 Years with the Barneses
On Saturday, Sept. 26, I had the privilege of visiting Walter and Shirley Barnes in their home and presenting them with a citation from the House of Representatives in honor of their 65th wedding anniversary.
Walter and Shirley officially celebrated this incredible milestone on Sept. 16 and have been blessed with three children and four grandchildren.
Sixty-five years of marriage is truly something to celebrate!
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Gillett Baptist Church Celebrates 150 Years
On Saturday, Sept. 26, I had the honor of visiting Gillett Baptist Church and presenting the congregation with a citation from the House of Representatives.
The church was established in 1876, with the Rev. Levi Stone serving as its first pastor. Today, the congregation is under the leadership of the Rev. Micky Cavanaugh. Members of Gillett Baptist Church have a long and meaningful history of service to God and their community. Through the faith, determination, generosity, and stewardship of its members, the church has remained a vital and inspiring presence in the community.
It is encouraging to see a church that has served its community for 150 years.
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Coming up This Month: Raising Awareness About Human Trafficking
Join me Thursday, Oct. 29, at North Street Community Church in Canton for a Human Trafficking Awareness event focused on recognizing the signs of trafficking, online grooming and exploitation of children, and ways to protect loved ones. Speakers include Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters and Korrin Moon, president and founder of Lantern Rescue.
RSVP at www.RepOwlett.com/events or by calling the Wellsboro office at 570-724-1390 or Troy office at 570-297-3045.
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
To honor those who have fought breast cancer or who are fighting it now, the fountain at the Pennsylvania State Capitol has been dyed pink again this year in recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers. It accounts for about 30% (or one in three) of all new female cancers each year. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer.
The pink fountain is also a reminder to all women of the importance of mammograms and early detection. People with low to moderate income who are uninsured or underinsured and meet certain age requirements may qualify for testing through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To learn about the program and eligibility, click here.
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Pennsylvania Growth and Affordability Plan Unveiled
A group of House Republicans unveiled a 10-bill legislative package this week aimed at lowering costs for families, strengthening the state’s economic climate and ensuring Pennsylvania remains a competitive state in which to live, work and do business.
The Pennsylvania Growth and Affordability Plan (GAP) comes in response to growing pressures on Pennsylvanians as we face rising costs for everyday essentials, including groceries, utilities, childcare and housing.
The GAP package includes targeted tax relief, measures to reduce energy and housing costs, support for working parents, and reforms aimed at strengthening business competitiveness. For example, one of the bills would lower the Personal Income Tax (PIT) in two phases and trigger an automatic refund when state surpluses, apart from the Rainy Day Fund, exceed $1 billion.
The bills are currently being circulated for co-sponsorships.
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Bill Supports Families of Fallen Law Enforcement Officers
I recently joined in the unanimous support of legislation that would ensure the dependents of fallen municipal police officers continue to have health insurance coverage.
House Bill 911 would provide insurance to the surviving spouse of the officer for his or her lifetime, and children would be covered until age 26. The proposal mirrors the benefits already available to Pennsylvania State Police families experiencing line-of-duty deaths.
When an officer gives his or her life in service to our Commonwealth, their mourning family members should not have to worry about access to insurance benefits. The bill is now pending
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Grants Available to First Responders in Gas Well Drilling Areas
The Office of State Fire Commissioner is now accepting applications for its Act 13 Unconventional Gas Well Fund (UGWF) grant program.
The grants are available to volunteer and career fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and rescue companies in counties throughout the Commonwealth where unconventional gas well drilling has been permitted. A map of eligible counties is available here.
Funding may be used to acquire the specialized training, skills and equipment needed to respond to gas well-related emergencies to keep communities safe.
Applications will be accepted through Monday, Nov. 30. More information is available here.
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