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Dear Friend, In an effort to keep you informed about state and local issues, I have developed this e-newsletter, which I will be sending out to residents of the 23rd District. I think it is a fast, convenient and affordable way to get news out to area residents. I hope you find this e-newsletter useful and informative – and if you know of someone else who might want to receive it, please feel free to forward this email. Area Higher Education Institutions Help Create Economic Opportunities for Local Municipalities The 23rd Senatorial District is home to several colleges. In Lycoming County, there is Penn College and Lycoming College. Union County is home to Bucknell University, and Lackawanna College has a presence in two locations; one in Towanda while the other is located in New Milford, Susquehanna County. Mansfield, Lock Haven and Bloomsburg, member schools of the State System of Higher Education (SSHE) schools, also serve the district. During the next few months, I am going to be highlighting a different
institution providing you with a brief description of its history and discussing
the positive community and economic impact it has on the
community where it is located. This month, I would like to highlight an institution that I have been very much involved with over the years; the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Originally, it started as the Williamsport Technical Institute; it then evolved into the Williamsport Area Community College, and now is known as the Pennsylvania College of Technology. For more than 20 years, I have served as a legal advisor to Penn College. Pennsylvania College of Technology is the largest affiliate of the Pennsylvania State University, serving more than 6,500 students who can choose from two- or four-year degrees that relate to more than 100 in-demand career areas. Penn College is among 39 institutions to receive Honor Roll recognition in The Chronicle of Higher Education's survey of "Great Colleges to Work For." Its nearly 1,700 full- and part-time faculty and staff represent a total gross payroll of $57 million in the fiscal year that ended June 30, making a significant impact on the local marketplace. An Open House on Saturday, March 27, will provide you with an excellent opportunity to meet employees and students, and to learn more about Penn College, its academic majors and facilities. For more information about Penn College, visit www.pct.edu, e-mail admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222. FAFSA Applications Now Available The 2010-11 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available and students and their families can electronically submit an application. The FAFSA is used to determine students' eligibility for almost all types of student aid, including state grants, Federal Pell Grants, Keystone Stafford Loans, regular Federal Stafford Loans and other federal and institutional programs. The costs of going to college continue going up and it is tougher and tougher for families to make ends meet. That's why I strongly urge the families of high school seniors to file the FAFSA. There are many grant and loan programs available for students and this application is the first step in securing that money. Families are encouraged to visit www.pheaa.org/fafsa to access the 2010-11 online FAFSA and a FAFSA on the Web Worksheet to help walk them through the application process step by step. Students may also file online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students planning to enroll in baccalaureate degree programs - including those enrolled in college transfer programs at community or junior colleges - must file the FAFSA by May 1, 2010. Students planning to attend business, trade and technical schools; hospital schools of nursing, or two-year non-transferable programs at community, junior or four-year colleges must file the FAFSA by Aug. 1, 2010. Governor's Severance Tax Proposal Could Hurt Economy I'd like to thank those of you who have written and emailed me about the Governor's proposed tax on the extraction of natural gas. The Governor has reintroduced a severance tax proposal which would send a lion's share of the revenue to the General Fund at some point in the future, and could jeopardize the growth of jobs and the economy. The severance/energy tax is an important issue and one that needs to be examined not for the short-term goal of plugging budget gap holes, but for the long-term goals of economic growth and development. This is a major decision, so we can't simply copy what other states are doing - that is not a responsible way to plan Pennsylvania's future. A primary goal of mine is to assure that adequate funds from any severance tax are distributed to meet the obligations of local governments impacted by drilling. While there are many legislative proposals which would dictate the agencies to share in those proceeds, none address the real needs of local government. The emergence of natural gas in our district has given folks in this area a lifetime opportunity to use the resources they own for their personal growth. Unfortunately, local governments, which are most affected, would receive only approximately 10 percent of the total revenue collected. We need to look at a severance tax in light of the entire tax burden in the Commonwealth and make the right decision to keep Pennsylvania competitive in the industry. A well-thought-out severance tax will serve environmental programs, our local communities, and the Commonwealth for years to come. Census Forms to Be Mailed in March Every 10 years, the federal government conducts a census to determine the number of people living in every community across the nation. This process, mandated by the U.S. Constitution, helps to determine how much money our local communities will receive from the federal government for hospitals, schools, bridges, emergency services and other vital priorities for our state and region. It also determines how many members Pennsylvania and other states will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and it is used to redraw the boundaries of both Congressional and state Legislative districts. In March, census forms will be mailed to every household in the United States. I strongly encourage you to fill out this form and mail it back to help ensure an accurate count for our state and region. The census form includes just 10 questions and should take about 10 minutes for most households to complete. The information you provide is confidential and protected by federal law. If you do not return the form, a census worker will be assigned to visit your home to ask you the questions on the form. The 2010 Census is important. It determines the distribution of more than $400 billion annually in government funding for critical community services. It generates thousands of jobs across the country. And it impacts your voice in Congress. If you have any questions or concerns about the census, feel free to contact any of my district offices or learn more online at www.2010.census.gov. Y-Run Farms Boasts Strong Tradition, New Technology I was recently invited to tour Y-Run Farms in Leona, Bradford County. This
large dairy
The first-class milking parlor is situated in the center of over 900 acres of farmland rented and owned by the Kline's. By taking advantage of state-funded programs offered to assist the ag and dairy industry, such as the First Industries Fund, Ron and his family have been able to bring their operation well into the 21st century. New technology and continual efficiency monitoring make Y-Run Farms a renowned operation statewide. Glenn Kline is considered one of Pennsylvania's most highly regarded dairymen. Ron has been farming here since 1970 and went into partnership with his sons
in 1990. Y-Run Farms produces for Land O'Lakes and employs 15 individuals
locally. Ron indicated that the business often volunteers to take part in
industry studies and research. They welcome student and learning groups to visit
to learn more about their production and the dairy industry. In the photo
(left),
Senator Gene Yaw talks with Ron Kline in the milking parlor. |
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operation milks over 450 cows
three times a day and has approximately 900 head of
cattle in total. Y-Run Farms is owned and operated by Ron Kline and two of his sons,
Glenn and Gary. A grandson, who is in high school, often assists and looks
forward to one day entering the family partnership.