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In this update:
Broadband report highlights challenges, opportunities to close state’s digital divideEarlier this year, the Senate Communications and Technology Committee held a series of public hearings across the state to discuss efforts to improve high-speed internet access for unserved and underserved areas. As the chair of this committee, I have seen firsthand the challenges of communities throughout York County that lack high-speed broadband. When Representative Pam Snyder (D-Greene) and I embarked on this effort to close our state’s digital divide, we were initially told 800,000 Pennsylvanians lacked access to high-speed internet, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Penn State University, in conjunction with the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, released a report that showed the figure is closer to 11 million Pennsylvanians lacking access. The committee put together a six-page report on the issue outlining solutions – some of which are in the works, and others that need to be pursued. You can read the report on the committee’s website here.
Fishing licenses now available for the angler on your holiday listYork County is home to some of the best fishing spots in the state. If you have anyone on your holiday list who enjoys the outdoors, these licenses make perfect stocking stuffers. Permits and licenses purchased now are valid for up to 13 months, from December 2019 through December 2020. The price of an annual resident fishing license is $22.90. Multi-year options are also available at 3-, 5- and 10-year increments with discounted rates per year and other incentives. You can learn more about fishing licenses and permits here.
Be careful when shopping onlineWhile I am a huge proponent of shopping small and shopping local, I understand many residents may need to turn to the web for certain holiday shopping items. The state Department of Revenue is reminding Pennsylvanians to shop on secure websites (URLs beginning with “https”) and avoid unsecured mall Wi-Fi to avoid ID theft this holiday season. You can find more information from the department on protecting your ID, credit card information and what to do if it has been stolen here.
Congratulations to Jacob Kreh – York County’s latest Eagle ScoutCongratulations to Jacob Kreh of Troop 27 in Stewartstown on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout! It was an honor to join his family, friends, and fellow scouts to celebrate his significant achievement! Jacob, the son of Eric and Gina Kreh, constructed a gaga pit for South Eastern School District’s Intermediate School as his Eagle project. Well done, Jacob!
Southern York Robotics Club learning about safetyEarlier this week, I joined several students in New Freedom to get a first-hand look at the work of the Southern York Robotics Club. The students were joined by the Southern Regional Police Department to learn more about safety measures in our community. The students put together and placed a pedestrian safety marker in New Freedom where the Rail Trail crosses over Main Street. I am constantly amazed by the desire of students to learn and improve their community, and I greatly appreciate their invitation to join them this past Wednesday.
Explore York releases 2018-19 reportOn Wednesday, Explore York held a meeting to release their 2018-19 annual report at Historic Ashland. Tourism is an important economic driver for York County. Their report found that tourism is responsible for generating over $1 billion in the local economy! We also heard from Ryan George, who serves as the CEO of Simpleview, a leader in the travel and tourism industry for website design and digital marketing. Explore York recently launched a new user-friendly website to navigate and find the top events and destinations throughout the county. You can visit their website here. Here I am pictured with Laura Gurreri, President of Explore York, at their meeting.
See the Capitol Christmas Tree in the RotundaOn Monday, Governor Wolf rang in the beginning of the holiday season at the state Capitol when he lit the 20-foot Douglas fir standing tall in the Rotunda. In between meetings this week, I ran into my friend and colleague, Representative Kate Klunk (R-York), in the Rotunda.
If you are in Harrisburg, please stop by and check out the tree, which has over 900 lights and 1,600 handmade ornaments donated by preschoolers and senior citizens from across the Commonwealth. Census Job Fair on December 18The United States Census Bureau is seeking to hire 1,500 individuals in York County to help with the 2020 Census. The jobs pay $19 per hour as well as $.58 per mile. Flexible hours and training is also included. The job fair on December 18 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 226 E. College Avenue in York will allow individuals to discuss what it means to help with the Census as well as apply on-site.
Energy savings opportunities this winterThe Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission highlights Residential Electric Energy Efficiency Measures including rebates available through your electric distribution company for the purchase of energy efficient appliances. Choose from among those considered the most energy efficient appliances for 2019. Increase your savings with qualifying replacement windows, home insulation, duct sealing, HVAC, computer monitors, televisions and more. Energy savings are achievable with a few simple changes, including your choice of light bulbs and smart thermostats.
Mobile Office in Manchester Township this upcoming Thursday (Dec. 19)On Thursday, December 19 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., our office will be in Manchester Township as part of our ongoing commitment to make your state government more accessible to you. More details can be found here.
Upcoming PennDOT projectsYou can see PennDOT’s maintenance projects planned for next week listed below.
Stay tuned for upcoming podcast with chair of school property tax workgroupNext week, I am meeting with Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks) to discuss the latest update and findings of the bicameral and bipartisan school property tax workgroup. The workgroup was comprised of a handful of legislators from both political parties from the Senate and House of Representatives. They recently released their report of five solutions to address school property taxes. You can read more about their report here. I will share the podcast with you following our interview.
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