 |
|
|
|
|
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link. |
Additional Federal Aid to Help Tropical Storm Debby Flood Recovery
The federal government recently approved our region for Public Assistance (PA) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) related to ongoing recovery efforts from Tropical Storm Debby.
This will be a huge help to state, county and municipal governments as they deal with the costs of repairing damage to roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Assistance is available in Tioga County, as well as Cambria, Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Indiana, Lycoming, Potter, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties.
As part of the FEMA PA program, FEMA provides additional hazard mitigation grant funding which is made available to the Commonwealth and all 67 counties. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides federal funding to state and municipal governments through a cost share to help develop hazard mitigation plans and rebuild communities in a way that reduces, or mitigates, future disaster losses.
To request FEMA PA, the Commonwealth must accrue a cumulative total of $23.9 million in eligible disaster response and recovery damages and costs, along with each eligible county meeting a damage and cost threshold based on population. As of Oct. 10, the Commonwealth exceeded $26 million in validated damages throughout 12 counties.
More information on FEMA’s Major Disaster Declaration for Tropical Storm Debby (DR-4815-PA) is available online.
|
Honored to Join House GOP Leadership Team for 2025-26 Session
I am both humbled and excited by the opportunity to join the leadership team of the House Republican Caucus for the upcoming 2025-26 Legislative Session! Last week, I was elected by my peers to serve as caucus secretary.
The caucus secretary is responsible for recording all official legislative activities that take place in the House of Representatives. Informally, the caucus secretary also helps mentor newly elected lawmakers throughout their first term in office. Finally, as a member of the leadership team, I will play a role in developing the caucus strategy and agenda.
I ran for office to advocate, first and foremost, for the people of Tioga and Bradford counties, but for us to be successful, the entire Commonwealth must be also. I am honored by the opportunity to help lead the House Republican Caucus in advancing policies that support our children, our families and our job creators here and throughout Pennsylvania.
Other new members of the leadership team include Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton), Republican leader; Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana), Appropriations Committee chair; and Rep. David Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), House Republican Policy Committee chair.
Members returning to the leadership team include Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) as whip and Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) as administrator. Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia), who previously served as secretary, was elected caucus chairman for next session.
|
EMT Course Coming to Mansfield Hose Company
If you’re looking for a way to make a big difference in your community, consider becoming an emergency medical technician! The Northern Pennsylvania Regional College is offering the program staring in January. Check out the flyer below for details.
|
Conservation and Recreation Funding Awarded to Wellsboro
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) recently awarded a $50,000 state grant to Wellsboro to prepare a tree inventory and maintenance plan, and build local tree stewardship capacity.
There is so much to love about Wellsboro, from the idyllic downtown to the scenery that surrounds it. This funding will help maintain and build upon just one of the many elements that make Wellsboro a great place to live, operate a business or visit.
The funding comes from DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program.
|
New Law Aims to Boost Early Literacy
Recognizing reading as the foundation of education success, I am pleased to report legislation I supported in the House to boost early literacy has been signed into law.
Statistics show half of Pennsylvania fourth graders are reading below their grade level. In fact, results of the Future Ready PA Index, released earlier this week, show a decrease from 54.5% to 53.9% proficiency in English Language Arts. Proficiency rates in math and science increased slightly.
Since childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and limit our children’s chances at success, it is important we are proactive in advancing child literacy and intervening with students who may need additional help.
Act 135 of 2024 requires the Department of Education to develop and maintain a list of evidence-based reading curricula on its website that must be aligned with academic standards and the science of reading. It also requires the creation of a Reading Leadership Council to develop and maintain lists of approved reading instruction curricula, structured literacy professional development training programs, universal reading screeners and structured literacy intervention approaches.
The law takes effect in 90 days.
|
Heating Assistance Program Now Open
With cold weather knocking at the door, residents who struggle with their home heating bills are reminded they can now apply for assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service.
The income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP are set at 150% of the federal poverty income level. For example, the gross income limit for an individual is $22,590 and for a family of four it is $46,800.
Residents may apply for LIHEAP online at www.compass.state.pa.us, by phone at 1-866-550-4355 or by contacting the County Assistance Office in their county of residence.
Click here for additional information. The program runs through April 4, 2025.
|
Apply Now for Senior Community Center Grants
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) is now accepting applications for $2 million in new competitive grant funding opportunities for Pennsylvania’s Senior Community Centers (SCCs).
The grants are for projects aimed at increasing participation and programming, attracting a new generation of older adults, and enabling centers to provide a safe and healthy environment for local seniors.
All applications and required documentation must be submitted electronically by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13. To learn more about the grant program and how to apply, click here.
|
DHS Warns of Potential EBT Cards Scam
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is informing Pennsylvanians of a potential text message scam targeting individuals who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The text claims the user’s EBT card has been deactivated and directs the user to call a number to reactivate it. This is a scam. DHS will never text an individual to say that an EBT card has been deactivated.
Please report any texts or calls about DHS benefits that seem suspicious by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).
|
|
|