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The Weekly Roundup
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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State Funding Awarded for Park Project
This week, Nesquehoning Borough was awarded a $133,346 state grant for an improvement project at Earl Johnson Memorial Park.
The funding will go toward the replacement of a retaining wall at the far end of the park. The wall presently supports an elevated asphalt surface that is unused that will be turned into a parking lot to help alleviate the current parking challenges in the neighborhood.
I am pleased to see this state funding come back into the community to enhance the recreational opportunities for Nesquehoning residents
The grant was made available through the Marcellus Legacy Fund, which was created by Act 13 of 2012 to provide for the distribution of natural gas drilling impact fees.
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On the Road with the Policy Committee
Last Friday, I joined other member of the House Policy Committee members in Philadelphia for a hearing to learn more about how Pennsylvania can be more economically competitive.
Much of the information presented during the hearing included feedback from Amazon regarding the Commonwealth’s application a couple of years ago for a second headquarters. Although Pennsylvania was a top contender, one of the key factors cited by job creators is being able to produce a qualified talent pool and better connect with employers and their needs to train potential workers with necessary skills, such as technology.
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Bill Package Aims to Energize Job Creation in PA
Continuing our commitment to #GoodJobs4PA, lawmakers and advocates renewed the call to action on a package of bills known as Energize PA at a Capitol media event this week.
The bills aim to build on the state’s rich history in energy production, innovation and manufacturing by enacting policies that would open the doors to creating quality, family-sustaining jobs. It does so without increasing taxes or fees on residents or employers.
One measure already signed into law, Act 20 of 2019, expands the Pipeline Investment Program by making grants available to construct the last few miles of natural gas distribution lines to business parks and existing manufacturing and industrial enterprises while also providing access to natural gas for residents.
Other measures address developing more competitive tax policies, identifying abandoned manufacturing sites available for redevelopment and improving the state’s permitting processes.
Learn more about Energize PA here.
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Welcome to the Capitol!
Some of the guys from the Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company were in Harrisburg on Thursday and they stopped by for a visit and tour of the Capitol. We had our picture taken in the House Chamber with Speaker Mike Turzai (far left). I was pleased to welcome (from left) Phil Nuccio, fire police officer; Bruce Wolfe, firefighter; Lynn Diehl, chief; Robert Mertz, firefighter; Eric Beers, firefighter; Adam Pretko, firefighter; and Bart Blakesley, firefighter. Thanks for all you do for the community!
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Federal Casework Day Scheduled
A staff person with U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey will hold a casework day on Monday, Sept. 30, at my district office in Weissport.
Constituents can receive assistance with any problems they are having with federal agencies and programs. Constituents are encouraged to bring copies of documents they have received that are related to their issues.
The Toomey staff person will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m at 204B Bridge St. in Weissport. Please call 610-377-6363 to schedule an appointment.
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Attention, Area Veterans
Free assistance is available to area veterans and their families at my district office in Albrightsville on Tuesday, Sept. 24. A veterans outreach specialist from the American Legion will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to answer questions about veteran benefits and help file claims.
Please call 610-377-6363 to schedule an appointment. The office is located at 2681 State Route 903, Unit 3, Albrightsville. I am happy to provide this service, which is available on the fourth Tuesday of every month.
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PPL Warns of Fraud and Deceptive Marketing
My office has received a notification from PPL Electric regarding recent fraud and deceptive tactics being used by third parties to trick or pressure customers into switching their supply service.
PPL suggests customers beware of any suspicious contact from individuals claiming to represent the utility provider. PPL does not market or sell supplier services by phone or door to door. If any solicitor claims to represent PPL, the company suggests calling them directly. PPL also advises customers to only return messages and calls to their official phone number listed below.
If you have any questions or believe you may have been the victim of fraud, contact PPL immediately at 1-800-342-5775. Learn more here.
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Spotlight on the Glen Onoko Falls Trail
In this edition of my Legislative Report, we visited the Glen Onoko Falls Trail, which was closed by the PA Game Commission earlier this year for safety reasons. We spoke with the commission and first responders about current conditions on the trails and what might be done to improve public safety and access in the future. Thanks for watching!
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Out and About in the District
Congratulations to everyone at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lansford on its 125th anniversary! It was my pleasure to present a House citation in recognition of the milestone during last Sunday’s celebration service.
Last Saturday, we helped celebrate the grand opening of Serina’s Bakery & Cafe at 22 W. Ridge St. in Lansford. Congratulations to Joe Serina and staff!
Glad I was able to make it to the Weatherly Hillclimb over the weekend. We watched about 80 drivers compete to see who could make it to the top the fastest. What a fun community event!
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Helping PA’s Dairy Farmers
A grant program created last year to help Pennsylvania’s struggling dairy farmers is now accepting applications for its second round of funding. Grants support on-farm innovation, research and development, organic transition, and value-added processing of products like cheese, yogurt and ice cream.
Pennsylvania is home to 6,650 dairy farms, which contribute $14.7 billion in economic revenue annually and support more than 52,000 jobs. However, the industry is currently struggling with some farmers shutting down their operations. The grants are designed to help dairy farmers adjust to current markets. Learn more here.
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Game Commission Seeks Input on CWD Response Plan
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has released a draft of its new Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Response Plan and is seeking public comment on the proposal through early next year.
The proposed plan outlines the commission’s goals and objectives in managing CWD, as well as actions that could be implemented to achieve those goals. Those actions could include hunting-related changes, such as expanded deer seasons or removal of antler restrictions, and potential small-scale, targeted removal of deer in certain areas.
Public comments on the plan are being accepted through Feb. 29, 2020, and will be considered in the adoption of a final plan, which will be implemented for the 2020-21 hunting seasons.
CWD, which is always fatal to the deer and elk it infects, was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2012. As of 2018, 250 free-ranging CWD-positive deer have been detected within the state.
To read a copy of the report and offer comment, click here.
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| Office Locations |
| 204B Bridge St., Weissport, PA 18235 | (610) 377-6363 |
| 2681 State Route 903, Unit 3, Albrightsville, PA 18210 | (570) 722-8700 |
| Room 420 Irvis Office Building, PO Box 202122, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2122 | (717) 260-6139 |
| Email: dheffley@pahousegop.com |
| TTY: 855-282-0614 |
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