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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link. |
Just Say ‘No’ to More Government Overreach
I’m calling on the Shapiro administration to withdraw proposed Department of Health regulations reminiscent of COVID lockdown-era government policy that would infringe upon constitutional norms and civil liberties. You can join me by submitting your feedback.
As proposed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the regulations would allow government officials to institute school or community mask mandates, enter private residences without warrants and seek private health information without consent. The department also would have the authority to enter any school building to interview a student of any age in private, without notification to the parent or guardian, to gather information for contact tracing and partner services. If you’d like to read the proposed regulations in full, they are available here for review.
Policies with such significant impacts on students, families and communities should be debated openly by the Legislature, not imposed through regulation. We learned important lessons about government overreach during COVID, and we should not repeat those mistakes.
The public can submit comments on the proposed regulations through Sept. 21 by emailing RA-DHCHAPTR27PROPREG@pa.gov. Please reference Rulemaking #10-242: Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases; IRRC #3490.
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Keep Learning and Keep Talking
We had an engaging Scam Awareness Seminar last month during Senior Citizens Day at the Tioga County Fair, but it’s important to keep the conversation going. Staying vigilant and talking openly with family and friends can help us recognize scams before they cause harm.
If you missed the highlight reel, you can watch it here:
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reminds us that one of the best ways to fight fraud is to talk about it. The more we learn about scammers’ tactics, the easier it becomes to spot the warning signs.
Here are a few important facts and reminders provided to us by the FTC:
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Imposter scams are among the most common scams reported to the FTC. Scammers may send texts, emails, or make phone calls pretending to be someone you know, a business, your bank, or a government agency. |
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Investment scams can result in significant financial losses. Be especially cautious of anyone promising guaranteed or unusually high returns with little or no risk. |
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Scammers love to text. A message that appears to come from your bank, a government agency, or another trusted organization may not actually be from them. Don’t click links or provide personal information until you verify who contacted you. |
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Be cautious when someone demands a specific payment method. If someone insists that you pay immediately by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or another unusual method, stop and think. Pressure and urgency are major red flags. |
Most importantly, keep learning and keep talking. Share what you know with your family and friends. When we understand scammers’ tactics and look out for one another, scams are easier to spot, and it is harder for scammers to succeed.
You can read more here.
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Game Commission Night: All About Bears Set for September 10
Join us for our upcoming Game Commission Night on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 6-8 p.m. at the Wellsboro Fire Company Annex.
This year, we will hear from Pennsylvania Game Commission Bear Biologist Brandon Snavely and learn all about bears. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions, see a live bear up close, and learn more about Pennsylvania’s bear population and hunting opportunities.
Admission is free, but registration is required. Register at www.RepOwlett.com/events to reserve your seat. This event typically fills up fast!
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Veterans Service Officer Outreach in Troy
The Troy district office is hosting free veterans’ assistance hours on the second Thursday of each month to all veterans and their dependents. Call the Troy office at 570-297-3045 to schedule an appointment to speak with Bill McGovern, Veterans Service Officer from the American Legion. We are now scheduling appointments for Sept. 10.
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Veterans – Don’t Fall for This Scam
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning veterans and their spouses about a postcard promising extra monthly benefits. But the “Veterans Savings Program” mentioned in the postcard doesn’t actually exist. It’s just a scammer phishing for personal or financial information.
While the postcard might list the state you’re living in and mention real VA benefits like CHAMPVA or TRICARE For Life, those programs are just being mentioned in an effort to make the mailing look legitimate and trick veterans into sharing personal information like your Social Security number or bank account details.
If you get a postcard like this:
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Don’t respond. Legitimate VA communications will not pressure you to respond immediately or give sensitive information over the phone. |
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Contact the VA directly if you have questions about your benefits. Always use a number you know is real, never the one on the postcard. Start with the VA Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000. |
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Spread the word. Scammers typically don’t just contact one person. Sharing this advice can help others in your community spot and avoid the scam. Sign up for email updates to get the latest on scams like this one at MilitaryConsumer.gov. |
If you spot this or another VA benefits scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the VA at VSAFE.gov or 1-833-38V-SAFE.
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Mark Your Calendars
Join the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for an informative day exploring Tioga State Forest on Saturday, Sept. 19, where you will explore Pennsylvania’s minerals - past and present.
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Working to Strengthen PA Law Enforcement Workforce
Recognizing the need to ensure public safety in communities across the Commonwealth, the House Republican Policy Committee was in Berks County last week for a hearing titled “Protecting Pennsylvania: Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention” where law enforcement leaders discussed solutions to workforce challenges.
Pennsylvania employed approximately 24,300 police officers and sheriff’s deputies in 2024, an 11-year low and a 14% decline since 2013. Openings that used to generate hundreds of applications now get just a handful. Existing officers are being forced to work overtime to ensure the safety of our communities, which leads to additional stress and fatigue.
To boost the recruitment of new officers and retention of existing ones, testifiers encouraged policies to strengthen career pipelines; improve training; and support the physical, mental and financial well-being of officers.
A full video of the hearing can be found here.
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Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Accepting Applications
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ (DMVA) Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) is now accepting applications for its first class of 2027, which begins in January.
The academy’s mission is to provide 16- to 18-year-old teens in jeopardy of not graduating on time or dropping out of school with a second chance at learning skills such as leadership, self-discipline, health and hygiene, public service, physical fitness and more. There is no tuition cost to attend, and meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no charge.
With KSCA’s online eligibility checker at pa.gov/ksca, applicants can quickly confirm their eligibility before completing the full application. Applicants can also request a mailed form by emailing RA-MVPACHALLENGE@pa.gov or calling 717-861-7767 or 717-861-8831.
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PA Game, Fish and Boat Commissions Seek Feedback
The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) are inviting public input about their draft 2025-2035 Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan.
The draft plan and public comment form are available online. Comments must be submitted by Sept. 19.
According to the agencies, the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan was first developed in 2005 and has since served as the Commonwealth’s blueprint “to conserve Pennsylvania’s native fish and wildlife, maintain resilient habitat, and protect and enhance Species of Greatest Conservation Need.” As required by Congress, state wildlife action plans must be revised no less than every 10 years.
A wildlife action plan approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is required for states to receive State and Tribal Wildlife Grant Program funds. The Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan is scheduled to be delivered to the USFWS by Oct. 1.
Read more here.
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