Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-05) and Joe Courtney (CT-02) introduced H.R. 2407, the School Milk Nutrition Act of 2015. “Milk is the number one source of nine essential nutrients in many young American’s diets and provides many significant health benefits,” said Congressman Thompson. “The School Milk Nutrition Act of 2015 seeks to reverse the decline of milk consumption in schools throughout Pennsylvania and across the country,” added Thompson. “As our nation works to replace ‘empty calorie’ foods in our children’s school meals, one thing is clear—low-fat dairy is the opposite of ‘empty,’” said Congressman Courtney. “It packs valuable nutrients including protein, potassium, and calcium—a solid foundation for building a healthy menu in America’s schools,” Courtney added. “With Congress set to reauthorize school nutrition programs this year, we applaud Congressman Thompson and Congressman Courtney for introducing this bill, and for recogn...

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson (PA-5) today released the following statement regarding his vote in favor of H.R. 3, a measure approving the Keystone XL Pipeline Project. The legislation passed the House by 266 to 153. "Today, the House passed legislation approving the Keystone XL Pipeline with broad bipartisan support. This is an energy and infrastructure project that over its lifespan will inject billions into the U.S. economy,” stated Rep. Thompson. “Despite bipartisan support, the President has announced his intention to veto this common sense proposal.” “It’s been 2,303 days and counting since the Keystone XL pipeline was first submitted to the State Department for approval. Since then, the project has been found it to be environmentally sound and a certified job creator, including contracts for Pennsylvania based firms. It is time for President Obama to set aside politics and act in the best interest of the country by allowing thi...

Bellefonte, PA - U.S. Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson (PA-5) today issued the following statement in recognition of Thanksgiving Day 2014: "In 1621, the early settlers of Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag Tribe broke bread together to celebrate the blessings received from the previous year, including a successful harvest. The gathering is the origin of our modern Thanksgiving Day tradition. Since that historic meal, generations of families across the country have gathered around the dinner table to celebrate our many blessings. During this time, we also pause to thank the men and women of America's Armed Forces, most especially those serving overseas and away from their families here at home. My wife, Penny, and I, along with our entire family, wish the residents of Pennsylvania’s 5th District a happy, safe, and blessed Thanksgiving." The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The biggest news in McKean County’s election results is the voter turnout: 34 percent. In May’s primary election, it was less than 13 percent. As for the governor’s race, McKean County went exactly opposite from the majority of the state with 65 percent voting for Tom Corbett and 35 percent for Tom Wolf. Incumbent Glenn “GT” Thompson defeated challenger Kerith Strano Taylor 74 percent to 26 percent in McKean County. In the rest of the district, so far it’s 64 percent to 36 percent in favor of Thompson. State Rep. Marty Causer, who ran unopposed, received 6,867 of the 8,040 votes cast. One precinct in McKean County has yet to report. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Governor Tom Corbett and his Democratic challenger Tom Wolf are putting in a full day of campaigning the day before tomorrow’s election. Corbett will be attending rallies in every media market in the state today, ending in his hometown of Pittsburgh. Wolf will also be in Pittsburgh, and also Lancaster. He spent the weekend in southeastern Pennsylvania, and was joined by President Barack Obama at a rally at Temple University in Philadelphia. Corbett’s running mate is current lieutenant governor Jim Cawley. Wolf’s running mate is current state Senator Mike Stack of Philadelphia. In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo is being challenged by Rob Astorino. In race for the Twin Tiers’ representatives in Washington – the incumbent Republican men in both Pennsylvania and New York are up against Democratic women. In PA, Kerith Strano Taylor is challenging Glenn Thompson. In New York, Martha Robertson is challenging Tom Reed. In Salamanca, Mayor Carmen Vechhiarella is pitted against Ronald ...

Bellefonte, PA – The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has awarded U.S. Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson (PA-5) the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence for votes supporting American manufacturing during the 113th Congress. “Manufacturers in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States are making a comeback, creating jobs, making more products and making them better than ever before,” said NAM Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations Aric Newhouse. “However, manufacturers are often disproportionately impacted by decisions made by policymakers in Washington. The NAM is proud to stand with lawmakers like Rep. Thompson who understand what is at stake and seek to implement policies that will foster innovation, growth and competitiveness.” “It’s an honor to receive this award. It has always been a priority of mine to support legislation that is good for American manufacturing and American jobs,” stated Rep. Thompson. “Be assured th...

(news release from Penn State) UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- GE announced that it will invest up to $10 million in Penn State to establish a new innovation center focused on driving cutting-edge advancements in the natural gas industry. The Center for Collaborative Research on Intelligent Natural Gas Supply Systems at Penn State (CCRINGSS) will engage Penn State researchers and students from many disciplines in collaborative work with various industry stakeholders. The center will seek to advance efficiency and environmental sustainability both through technological innovations and improved supply chain management. “Natural gas is extremely important as a domestic energy source for the United States and continues to serve as a crucial element in revitalizing Pennsylvania’s economy,” said U.S. Congressman Glenn Thompson. “I fully support the work that Penn State and GE will be doing through CCRINGSS to support new research innovations and create real-world applications that will build upon e...

August Jobs Report a Stark Reminder  By Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5) Earlier this month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its August jobs report that indicated only 142,000 jobs were added to the U.S. economy, marking the lowest amount of job growth in 2014. Perhaps worse, only 62.8 percent of the working aged population is currently employed. During the week of September 12th, 315,000 Americans applied for unemployment aid, an increase of 11,000 claims from the previous week and more than all summer. As the economy continues to creep along with marginal growth, more people continue to feel that the country is heading in the wrong direction. A recent POLITICO poll indicated that 57 percent of likely voters disapprove of President Obama’s handling of the economy. Unfortunately, we are caught in the president’s second term slump, where international crisis has risen to the forefront, while Americans continue to struggle at home. While President Obama cannot bear ...

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-5) issued the following statement upon passage of H. J. Res. 24, Continuing Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015, which includes provisions fulfilling the President's request to train and equip vetted Syrian forces against the terrorist group ISIL: “We are presented with few good options about how to best confront ISIL. However, failing to confront the growing threat it poses to regional stability and U.S. national security, is not an option. Today the House passed a bipartisan resolution that is part of a strategy to combat and defeat this brutal terrorist group. Importantly, the resolution does not authorize U.S. troops in a combat role and includes new oversight provisions to ensure the Administration’s plan is managed effectively and within the confines of the law.” H. J. Res. 24 passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 319 - 108. The Senate is expected to consider the measure later this week. NPR on ...

U.S. Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson (PA-5) issued the following statement in celebration of Independence Day: "On Independence Day we honor a group of early revolutionaries, including our Founding Fathers, for pledging their lives and fortunes in the name of liberty. We also give praise to the generations of Americans who have made our country what it is today and most especially the countless men and women of our military who sacrifice on our nation’s behalf. Today as we celebrate with picnics, parades and fireworks, let’s always give thanks for the cherished blessings bestowed upon us by our forefathers. My wife, Penny, and I wish all Americans a happy and safe July 4th.” Thompson will attend the annual 4th of July Parade in Warren (along with State Rep. Kathy Rapp), the Lawrence Park Township Independence Day Parade in Erie, and the Central Pennsylvania 4th Fest in Centre County. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) wants to protect the Allegheny National Forest and ensure the National Forest Service adequately manages our cherished woodlands before continuing to acquire additional property. Sen. Toomey joined Sen. John Thune and a group of seven senators in appealing to the Chairman and top Republican on the committee that designates funding for the National Forest Service that “Congress should ensure that the Forest Service prioritize limited resources to adequately manage the lands for which it is currently responsible, rather continue to acquire additional property.” “Our Allegheny National Forest is the gem of northwest Pennsylvania and a treasure all Americans can enjoy,” said Sen. Toomey. “The ANF, like other national forests, must be cared for and proactively managed to improve forest health before the government seeks to acquire more land with taxpayer dollars.” Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, whose district includes most of the ...

Elk County has been approved for a federal Small Business Administration loan to help people rebuild after the May 21 flooding wreaked havoc on the area. State Rep. Matt Gabler says Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson gave him the word about the disaster declaration. County officials are still waiting for word form FEMA about more assistance. Jason Bange of the American Red Cross has been spending time in Ridgway helping people put their lives back together. On today's LiveLine he talked about one business that lent a helping hand – and more – to Ridgway residents. Listen here . (12 seconds) You can listen to the entire show by going to WESB.com/listen and clicking on the Local Programs tab. If you’d like to help the Red Cross – there’s a delicious way you can do it. By Tuesday, contact the chapter house on Congress and order a strawberry shortcake for 5 bucks. All proceeds go to help pay for services the Red Cross provides.

In the wake of severe weather that struck a number of Elk County communities Wednesday morning, state Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) is issuing the following statement: “I have been in touch with my staff frequently during my overseas NATO training exercises in France with the 28th Infantry Division of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. They reached out to me immediately Wednesday as they began to hear of the damage caused by the heavy thunderstorms that rolled through the area. “My heart goes out to the local residents who have been severely impacted by the weather, particularly everyone in Benezette, Jay Township, Johnsonburg, Penfield and Ridgway, where I’m told the flooding is the worst. Please know while I am a great distance away, the resources of my St. Marys district office are at your disposal. “My staff is working closely with the Elk County Office of Emergency Services, which is currently handling flood damage calls at (814) 776-4601. They are prepared t...

McKean County Democrats voted like the rest of the state in Tuesday's primary and chose Tom Wolf to challenge Governor Tom Corbett in this fall’s General Election. But, while Senator Mike Stack of Philadelphia got the nod for lieutenant governor in the state, he came in third in McKean County behind Mark Smith and Mark Critz. Stack faces off against current Lt. Governor Jim Cawley in November. Kerith Taylor of Brookville beat her challenger in the Democratic primary for the 5th Congressional District seat and will face incumbent Glenn “GT” Thompson in November. Voter turnout in McKean County was dismal with only 2,677 of 21,024 registered voters casting ballots. That’s less than 13 percent. Of the 1,790 Republicans who voted 1,474 voted for Corbett; 1,516 voted for Cawley; 1,602 voted for Thompson; and 1,681 voted for Marty Causer. 1,573 people cast ballots for Stacy Wallace to be the Republican State Committeewoman. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947 ...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today announced that Pennsylvania State University Football Coach James Franklin will be his guest for the President’s State of the Union Address Tuesday night. “With the beginning of a new year, we are filled with a sense of optimism and possibility. The State of the Union offers us the chance to reflect upon the previous year and provides us with a preview of the challenges and opportunities that we face together,” stated Thompson. “Given these sentiments, it’s an honor to have Coach Franklin as my guest for this occasion.” “I am grateful and very appreciative of Rep. Glenn Thompson's invitation to attend the President’s State of the Union Address,” said Franklin, who was named Penn State’s 16th head football coach on Jan. 11. “I look forward to hearing the President’s vision for 2014 and beyond and what we, as citizens of the greatest union in the world, can do to help move our nation forward.” “As a...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, PA-5, today voted to support H.R. 2279, the Reducing Excessive Deadline Obligations Act, which passed the House by a vote of 225 to 188. The legislation, composed of three separate bills, seeks to modernize existing federal law and increase the role of the states in environmental cleanups under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). “Passage of H.R. 2279 will protect businesses and local municipalities from expensive and duplicative federal hazardous substance cleanup requirements, which stands to help the 17 Superfund sites in Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District,” stated Rep. Thompson. “Additionally, these reforms will prevent EPA regulations, which the agency admits are overly burdensome and costly, from preempting state requirements pertaining to hazardous substances.” Included in the Reducing Excessive Deadline Obligations Act: · H.R. 2279, which pr...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed the Federal Lands and Energy Security Act of 2013 (H.R. 1965), by a vote of 228-192, and the Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Energy (H.R. 2728), by a vote of 235-187. “The nation must pursue policies that lower energy costs for American families and improve our energy security," stated Thompson. “Today the House acted to put us on this path with the passage of two bills that will remove road blocks to domestic energy development and facilitate expanded energy production, which is so critically important to the long-term strength of our economy.” “We must do more to reduce the regulatory duplication that is hindering expanded energy development on our federal lands,” Thompson said. “H.R. 1965 makes important reforms to the leasing process for onshore oil and natural gas projects, so that we can unlock the full potential of our domestic energy resources on our federal lands.” "States like P...

Pete Rahn of HNTB Corporation chats with Anne Holliday about a study from a transportation research group that found 27 percent of America’s roads are in substandard condition. Listen here . PA US Senator Bob Casey PA US Senator Pat Toomey PA Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson NY US Senator Chuck Schumer NY US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand NY Congressman Tom Reed The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, has joined a bipartisan coalition of Members of Congress in introducing the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act (H.R. 3370), a bill to terminate rate increases under the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 until two years after the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) completes the rate affordability study originally mandated under the law. "Despite action taken by Congress in 2012 on a set of long-overdue reforms that strengthen the solvency and administrative efficiency of this program, I have serious concerns over FEMA’s ability to properly implement these changes without causing massive rate hikes for policy holders,” said Thompson. “I have already heard from many in the 5th District who are being affected, and it’s simply not fair." Under the 2012 law, which was designed to more accurately match subsidies with actual flood risk, Congress mandated FEMA complete an affordability study...

Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson may have a challenger – with a famous last name. Jay Paterno, son of Penn State football coaching legend Joe Paterno, is considering a run for the 5th Congressional District seat, according to the Harrisburg Patriot-News newspaper. The newspaper reports that Paterno plans to make a final decision on a campaign within a month. Read the full story at pennlive.com . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947