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Happy (Almost) New Year!
It’s hard to believe 2025 is upon us already. As you prepare to ring in the new year, I hope you do so safely and with a renewed sense of faith and optimism for the year ahead.
From my family to yours, Happy New Year!
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Celebrate Agriculture at 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show
The Pennsylvania Farm Show – the country’s largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof – kicks off Saturday, Jan. 4, in Harrisburg. The show will run through Saturday, Jan. 11.
This year’s theme is “Powering Pennsylvania,” which aims to highlight the vital role agriculture plays in the Commonwealth’s economy.
As always, the show will feature hundreds of competitions and exhibits, as well as animals and products related to the state’s robust agriculture industry. The annual showcase is a family-friendly event with lots to see and do; and don’t forget to stop by the famous food court for a taste of some Pennsylvania cuisine.
Admission to the show is free, but parking is $15 per vehicle. Shuttle service is provided.
For all the latest news about the Farm Show, follow it on Facebook or click here.
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Taking the Oath of Office to Serve You
I am honored and excited to join my fellow lawmakers next Tuesday, Jan. 7, as we collectively take the oath of office for the 2025-26 Legislative Session. We have so much work to do, and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve and be your voice at the state Capitol.
As outlined in the Pennsylvania Constitution, newly elected and re-elected members take the following oath: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, obey and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this Commonwealth and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity.”
If you’d like to watch the ceremony, it will stream live at www.PAHouseGOP.com at noon.
To keep up to date with all the latest news from the Capitol and here at home, be sure to follow me on Facebook and watch for my weekly Community Connect on Tuesdays. If you haven’t signed up to receive them, visit my website at www.RepOwlett.com to do so!
Also, all voting sessions of the House, as well as committee meetings, are streamed live at www.PAHouseGOP.com.
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Raising Awareness of Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is the second largest criminal enterprise in the world, but many people are unaware of it or, if they are aware, believe it is something that happens only in large urban centers.
The sad reality is, human trafficking is happening everywhere, including right here in our own communities. So a necessary first step in combatting this crime is raising awareness of it, and especially teaching people how to recognize it so they can protect themselves and others.
You may recall the House Republican Policy Committee hosted a hearing on the issue here back in September. I recently had another opportunity to talk about this horrific crime and what we learned during the hearing with Clint Gregory of WPEL 96.5 in Montrose. You may listen to the interview here.
Please take some time to learn more about this horrific crime. Human trafficking IS happening here. Young teens are being groomed every day as perpetrators aim to retrieve and sell explicit material over the internet. Please don’t turn a blind eye to this tragedy. Helpful educational resources are available here. We are also planning an informational meeting for parents and teens in the new year. We’ll share the date here and on my Facebook page as soon as it is set.
In the meantime, if you’d like to hear from local people on the front lines in the fight against human trafficking, watch our Policy Committee hearing here.
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Grant Awarded to Clean Up Local Mine Drainage
The state Department of Environmental Protection recently awarded a grant of nearly $975,000 to Trout Unlimited Inc. to address maintenance of the Bear Run abandoned mine drainage passive treatment system in Bloss Township.
The grant is one of eight awarded through the Abandoned Mine Lands and Acid Mine Drainage Grant Program.
The federal funding was awarded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act, which has invested more than $700 million into reclaiming Pennsylvania’s abandoned mine lands since 2022.
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Looking for Summer Work?
PennDOT is looking to hire college students to supplement its permanent workforce from May through August.
The job typically entails seasonal maintenance work and sign upgrade services, maintenance and custodial services at roadside rest facilities, and laboring and flagging duties in maintenance organizations and highway worksites.
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be 18 years of age, enrolled in college for the next semester, and have a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.
The hourly rate is $17. Interested applicants should contact my office before Friday, Jan. 17, and also apply online here.
Non-student summer positions may also be available.
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License Your Dog in 2025
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is reminding dog owners to license their pets for 2025.
All dogs three months of age and older are required to be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year. Dog owners may choose to purchase single year licenses or a lifetime license, if their dog has some form of permanent identification, such as a microchip or tattoo.
Single year licenses cost $8.70, while lifetime licenses cost $52.70. Senior citizens or people with disabilities may purchase a single year license for $6.70 or a lifetime license for $36.70.
Licenses are available for purchase through county treasurers. For additional information, including links to forms and a list of treasurers and their contact information, click here.
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