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In this Update:
Networking Opportunity for New or Beginning Farmers!
My office is teaming up with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to host a workforce strategy and resource seminar to benefit residents interested in entering the farming/agricultural industry. This seminar will take place Thursday, March 19, from 5-7 p.m., at the Milford Township Building, 2100 Krammes Rd. in Quakertown. Registration is required. During this event, areas that will be covered include:
Those interested in attending can register and find more information here. Unlock Your Property Tax/Rent Rebate
Do you qualify for a Property Tax/Rent Rebate or need assistance filing your PPTR paperwork? Stop by the Indian Public Library, 100 E. Church Avenue in Telford on Wednesday, March 18, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and my staff can help you with all your PTRR needs. If you’re interested in attending, you can find out more information and register here. Should you not be able to attend this event, we will be hosting an additional pop-up event next week which you can view here. My office is partnering with the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, River Crossing YMCA and the Bucks County Opportunity Council to offer these assistance hours for our local seniors and residents with disabilities who can benefit from this rebate. Senate Acts to Address Electric Generation Shortfall, Expand Energy Development
Reliable and affordable electricity is a fundamental need for families and the businesses that provide their jobs. The Senate recently passed legislation to streamline energy generation projects and preserve the reliability of our region’s power grid. Senate Bill 704 directs the state departments of Community and Economic Development and Environmental Protection to work together to identify suitable sites for natural gas electric generation projects. The goal is to address electricity generation shortages in the PJM power grid and attract investment by speeding up site preparation. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Other measures we passed to promote access to affordable energy prevented the creation of a new electricity tax and would authorize creation of a Pennsylvania Independent Energy Office to ensure a more cohesive strategy for managing energy resources. Measure to Speed Up Plugging of Abandoned Wells Approved by Senate
There are an estimated 350,000 abandoned oil and gas wells statewide posing safety and environmental risks. The Senate approved legislation to streamline plugging operations, eliminating uncertainty and accelerating cleanup efforts. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection requires well pluggers to clean out a well to its total depth before plugging. Senate Bill 712 removes longstanding roadblocks by defining what constitutes a reasonable effort to reach the attainable bottom of a well, eliminating ambiguity that has led to costly delays. This clarity will help Pennsylvania fully leverage nearly $400 million in federal funding to plug more wells in less time. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Poultry Owners Urged to Continue Efforts to Combat Avian Influenza
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is reminding poultry owners – backyard flock owners and commercial producers – to continue taking steps to protect their birds from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Since the current outbreak began in 2022, Pennsylvania has lost more than 14.3 million birds, with approximately half of these lost since the beginning of 2026. Steps to reduce HPAI risk include:
Poultry owners should report sick birds or unexplained deaths to 717-772-2852. Anyone encountering sick or dead wild birds should contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD. You can find more information here. Next Commonwealth Vehicle Auction is April 14
Used commonwealth fleet vehicle auctions featuring more than 200 vehicles are open to the public, including dealers. The next auction is April 14. The auctions are conducted at the Manheim Keystone Pennsylvania Auto Auction, 488 Firehouse Road in Grantville, Dauphin County. Auctions begin at 10 a.m. and prospective buyers should register on the Saturday, Sunday or Monday before the sale. There is no registration on sale day. You can see what was sold at prior auctions and the most updated offerings, along with registration information and more here. Additional information, including payment options, can be found in the auction policies or by calling 717-469-7900 Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Happy St. Patrick’s Day
Nearly two million Pennsylvanians proudly claim Irish ancestry, reflecting generations of families, workers and community leaders who helped shape our commonwealth’s heritage. Whether you’re Irish or Irish-for-a-day, I hope you enjoy St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.
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