Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

State Rep. Marty Causer read to kids at the Bradford Family Center this morning. They read "Number One Sam" as part of the "Pennsylvania One Book, Every Young Child" early literacy initiative. Learn more here: http://paonebook.org/ . Photo from https://www.facebook.com/repcauser . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) was sworn in to his seventh term of office on Tuesday at the state Capitol. His priorities for the 2015-16 legislative session include fighting back against overregulation of the state’s conventional oil and gas industry; ensuring fair compensation for state-owned lands in the region; and adopting an on-time, fiscally responsible budget. “These priorities each play a vital role in the future economic health of our region,” Causer said. “Rural Pennsylvania faces unique challenges that are often not understood by members in the urban and suburban regions of the state. I take very seriously my responsibility to ensure the voice of rural Pennsylvania, and specifically the voice of McKean, Potter and Cameron counties, is heard. “One of the biggest challenges facing our region is the outright attack by regulators on our conventional oil and gas producers. I have been fighting, and will continue to fight, to ensure the survival o...

State Rep. Marty Causer will no longer head the House Game and Fisheries Committee in the new Legislative session that starts tomorrow. House Speaker-Designate Mike Turzai made the announcement regarding committee chairs just a few moments ago, and Causer will now head the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. State Rep. Keith Gillespie of York County will now head the Game and Fisheries Committee. State Rep. Matt Baker will head up the Health Committee. “Agriculture is our state’s top industry, and that’s because our farms and agribusinesses are operated by some of the hardest-working people in the Commonwealth,” said Causer. “I look forward to working together to ensure the industry continues to thrive in every way, from the smallest family farm to the largest processing operations.” Causer grew up on a dairy farm in McKean County and represents a region rich in crop and livestock farming, as well as timbering and maple syrup production. Pennsylvania is the largest prod...

HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) is encouraging the Department of Education and the Corbett Administration to immediately release $1.2 million designated in the state budget for the establishment of a rural community college. “The money was appropriated this year for the sole purpose of helping to establish the college. I am at a loss as to why the administration is interpreting the law in such a way as to deny the board of trustees the money they need to get this important initiative off the ground,” Causer said. “Under the law, the board has just one year to put together a comprehensive plan to outline the formation and operation of the college. Assembling such a plan will require a great deal of time and expertise and would be extremely difficult to accomplish without the state funding promised to them.” Act 126 of 2014 authorized the creation of the community college and was based on legislation sponsored by Causer in the House and by Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-B...

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

HARRISBURG – The state House today declared October as “Down Syndrome Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania with unanimous passage of a resolution authored by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint). “It is important to bring awareness to this condition to help ensure it is properly diagnosed and that early intervention and treatment are administered,” Causer said. “It is equally important to help educate the public at large about what Down Syndrome really is and how much people living with the condition can and do contribute to our society.” Due to advances in medicine, the average life expectancy for a person living with Down syndrome has increased from just 25 years of age in 1983 to 60 years of age today. It is estimated that this genetic condition occurs in approximately one in every 800 births. The population of people living with Down syndrome in the United States is estimated at more than 400,000. House Resolution 1078 passed the House unanimously. More information about Dow...

HARRISBURG – The Bradford Family YMCA has been awarded a $386,429 grant for after-school programs for students in the Bradford Area School District, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) announced today. The three-year grant was awarded by the state Department of Education through the federal 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant Program. It is a three-year grant. “This is another great example of what can be accomplished when people and organizations work together,” Causer said. “I commend and congratulate the leaders at the Y and the school district for taking the initiative to offer programs that will better prepare our students and ensure their academic success.” More than $23 million was awarded to 64 school districts and community-based organizations in 29 counties across the state. The funding supports educational resources to help increase student academic achievement. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) today announced the Greater Bradford Senior Activity Center was awarded a $28,375 grant through the state Department of Aging’s Senior Community Center Grants Program. “The Bradford Senior Center provides a great service to the senior citizens in our community by offering meals, activities and the opportunity to socialize with their peers,” Causer said. “I was pleased to support the center’s grant request and encourage more area seniors to take advantage of this service.” The grant funds will be used for a new furnace and air conditioning system, as well as new carpeting. In Elk County, the Jones Township Senior Center will receive $44,000 for capital improvements and the Bennetts Valley Senior Center will receive $3,700 for computer upgrades and a sound system. Grants totaling $2 million were awarded to 67 senior centers statewide. The grants, which are supported by state lottery funds, will be used to modernize, encourage technology ...

HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) was recently named a “Guardian of Small Business” by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). The award reflects his backing of policies that support small businesses, which account for more than half of all private sector jobs in the state. According to the state Labor Department, 98 percent of all Pennsylvania businesses employ fewer than 100 workers. “Supporting small business means supporting jobs for people in our region and across the Commonwealth,” Causer said. “I have always believed that government needs to stay out of the way of our employers and let them grow and thrive, and I appreciate the contributions that small employers make to our workers and the local economy.” Among the pro-small business issues addressed in the General Assembly this session are the eliminating the inheritance tax on small business assets, repealing a tax on business loans, closing a loophole in the Workers’ Compensation Ac...

Harrisburg–Governor Tom Corbett today announced that the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) recently awarded $450,000 in Keystone Communities grants to support public improvements efforts for downtown redevelopment projects and infrastructure reconstruction in the City of Bradford. “We are continuing to invest in our local communities by supporting public improvement initiatives,” Gov. Corbett said. “These projects will bring new life and preserve the historic treasures within the Bradford community, in addition to providing opportunities for renewed economic growth.” The Keystone Communities program will provide funding for two public improvement grants for the City of Bradford. The Keystone Communities grant award for $400,000 will provide funding to undertake the construction of new housing units and make façade and streetscape improvements in the Elm Street neighborhood, a Second Ward Keystone Community Designated area. Specific project activities incl...

HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) will host a Firearms Safety and Rights Seminar on Monday, Oct. 27, at the Smethport Fire Hall. People who wish to attend must register in advance by visiting www.RepCauser.com or calling 1-866-437-8181. Seating is limited. “This region is home to many gun owners, and it is important for all of us to be knowledgeable about our rights and responsibilities, and to practice safety when using or storing our firearms,” Causer said. “The free seminar is an opportunity to refresh our memories and discuss these important issues.” The seminar will feature a presentation by Ray Learn, McKean County District Attorney, and Roger Sager, McKean County deputy sheriff and long-time firearms instructor. The two will discuss Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws, the Castle Doctrine and other valuable information regarding state gun laws and gun safety. The seminar runs from 6-8 p.m. The fire hall is located at 109 S. Nelson St. in Smethpor...

HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) will host the 12th Annual Senior Citizens Expo on Friday, Aug. 8, at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Sports and Fitness Building gymnasium. The free event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and lunch will be provided. “There are many programs and services available to help senior citizens and their caregivers, but it can be difficult and time-consuming to track down all of the necessary information,” Causer said. “The expo makes it easier and more convenient by bringing service providers and senior citizens together in one place. “I encourage people to come out and take advantage of this opportunity,” he added. State, county and local vendors will be on hand to distribute information and answer questions. Information about health care, insurance, nutrition and exercise, fire safety, financial planning, fraud protection, government services, hunting/fishing and personal safety will be available. Health screenin...

HARRISBURG – A Smethport bridge will be named in honor of the Bucktail Regiment under legislation sponsored by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) and approved by the General Assembly. House Bill 1929 designates the Route 6 bridge over Marvin Creek as the Bucktail Regiment Memorial Bridge. “The members of the Bucktail Regiment saw it as their duty and responsibility to serve and protect their country,” Causer said. “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to honor their dedicated service, which helped to make our country what it is today.” The Bucktail Regiment was a group of young recruits from Cameron, Elk, McKean and Tioga counties that rose to the defense of the Union following the bombing of Fort Sumter in April 1861. It was so named because its members adopted the tail of the whitetail buck as their badge of honor and adorned their caps with it. The 700 troops were mostly young woodsmen, lumberjacks, raftsmen, hunters and farmers. As part of the federal army, ...

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 ...

HARRISBURG – Recognizing the significant differences between shallow well drilling and drilling in the Marcellus Shale, the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee today approved legislation that would require the state to adopt separate regulations for the two distinct activities. House Bill 2350, sponsored by Reps. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint), Kathy Rapp (R-Warren) and Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk), would direct the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) to separate both existing and proposed regulations for the drilling, alteration, operation and plugging of unconventional gas wells and conventional oil and gas wells in the Commonwealth. “When it comes to regulations, it’s very important to recognize the vast differences between conventional drilling and drilling in the Marcellus Shale,” Causer said. “Conventional wells are shallow and have significantly smaller well pads. Their overall impact on the surrounding environment is far less than that of deep, Marcellus...

HARRISBURG – Legislation to bring fairness and accountability to the collection and distribution of funds for ATV- and snowmobile-riding opportunities in the Commonwealth was the subject of a public hearing at the state Capitol on Wednesday, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint), prime sponsor of the measure. House Bill 2047 would direct the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to maintain separate ATV management and snowmobile management accounts to ensure an equitable distribution of those funds. “DCNR is currently unable to identify how much it spends on ATV trails versus snowmobile trails, but considering the number of trail miles on public lands for snowmobiles outnumbers those for ATVs by a 10-to-1 ratio, it sure looks as if there are some inequities,” Causer said. He pointed to the situation in Cameron County, 60 percent of which is state forest land owned by the Commonwealth. “People in Cameron County pay their ATV registration fees, yet...

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HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) today announced a $90,000 grant has been awarded to Biomaxx Inc. for an equipment upgrade at its facility in Ulysses, Potter County. The grant, awarded through the state’s Alternative and Clean Energy Program, is expected to support the creation of nine new full-time jobs. “It is always encouraging to see new investment being made in local business operations,” Causer said. “In addition to the state grant, the company is investing more than $180,000 in the project to grow production at the facility.” Biomaxx, which is based in Pittsford, NY, will apply the grant toward the purchase and installation of wood brick fuel production equipment at the Ulysses facility. The new equipment is part of the company’s plan to optimize its existing wood pellet manufacturing plan and add the wood brick fuel production line. The new equipment will produce wood bricks at a capacity of 6,000 tons per year and will use lower grade raw material. ...

State DEP Secretary Christopher Abruzzo and other agency officials met with several McKean County oil and gas producers and area lawmakers recently to learn more about the differences between conventional and unconventional drilling and how proposed regulations impact them differently. State Rep. Marty Causer says they visited a site in Hamilton Township outside of Kane, where a well was being actively drilled; Big Shanty Road in Lafayette Township, where a conventional well was being fracked; the Penn-Brad Oil Museum; an old-time well site in Ottow Township in the Village of Rixford; and American Refining Group. Causer will be introducing legislation soon that would ensure that regulations for conventional and unconventional drillers are different, and will not negatively impact the conventional drillers. Picture from Causer's office. See more pictures at Facebook.com/1490wesb . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

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 ...