Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)
 Facebook Website Bio Latest News State Forms Photo Gallery Contact Capitol Update Friday, December 23, 2022 The latest news from the State Capitol You are welcome to contact me through this link. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  I would like to extend the warmest holiday wishes to you and your family. May you have a wonderful and safe season that is full of peace and cheer. Please note my local offices will be closed on Friday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 26, for Christmas. They will close early on Friday, Dec. 30, and be closed on Monday, Jan. 2, for New Year’s. The Kane office also will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 3. Also, PennDOT Driver License Centers will be closed Saturday, Dec. 24, and Monday, Dec. 26, for Christmas; and Saturday, Dec. 31, and Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, for New Year’s Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov. We Need Your Help to Improve Broadband Service in PA  The lack of adequate broadband service in many parts of the Commonwealth continues to create difficulties for many residents, businesses, health care providers and others. In order to address this challenging problem, accurate data is needed regarding where internet connectivity is lacking so we can maximize federal dollars received to address the problem. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released updated broadband maps in late November. You may view the maps and search for individual location service data here. Penn State Extension has been working to coordinate data to verify and, where necessary, challenge the accuracy of these maps. You may view their mapping data here. However, to make sure we have the most accurate data, your help is needed to help assess the accuracy of the maps. If you are experiencing broadband issues, please take a moment to check the data and provide your input if needed. The information will be used to determine where federal funding is used for projects to improve broadband services. Initial challenges to the FCC data are due by Jan. 13. Individual resident challenges may be filed simply by viewing a location on the map and clicking the “Availability Challenge” button on the right side of the screen and following the subsequent steps. Outreach Hours Set for Jan. 5  To help ensure access to state government information and services, I will host monthly outreach office hours at the following locations on Thursday, Jan. 5: • Emporium Borough Office – 9-10 a.m. • Port Allegany Borough Office – 11 a.m. to noon. Services available include assistance with any state-related issues or concerns, driver license and vehicle registration applications, and applications for various state programs, such as the senior citizen Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE/PACENET prescription drug assistance programs. Veterans Services Available  Area veterans are invited to contact my office to schedule appointments to talk with a representative from the American Legion to ensure they are getting the services and support they need. Due to changes initiated by the American Legion, appointments in the Bradford and Kane offices will be conducted virtually via a tablet. Appointments are required for meetings with the Legion representative, whether they are in person, by phone or by tablet. The schedule for January is as follows: • Coudersport office: Thursday, Jan. 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Coudersport office is located at 107 S. Main St. Please call 814-274-9769 to schedule an appointment. • Bradford office: Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Bradford office is located at 78 Main St., first floor. Please call 814-362-4400 to schedule an appointment. • Kane office: Wednesday, Jan. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Kane office is located at 54 Fraley St., Suite 2. Please call 814-837-0880 to schedule an appointment. Appointments are also available in Kane this Wednesday, Dec. 28. Call to schedule. Assistance is available with issues such as compensation, education, pension, health care and death benefits. Veterans need not be a member of the American Legion to participate.  New Legislative Session Begins Tuesday, Jan. 3 The Pennsylvania House of Representatives will formally begin the 2023-24 Legislative Session on Tuesday, Jan. 3, with members taking the oath of office. The ceremony is set to begin at noon. We will also elect a speaker of the House for the new session. Live streaming of the entire ceremony will be available here. Celebrate Agriculture at 107th Pennsylvania Farm Show  The Pennsylvania Farm Show – the country’s largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof – kicks off Saturday, Jan. 7, in Harrisburg. The show will run through Saturday, Jan. 14. This year’s theme is “Rooted in Progress.” The show will feature hundreds of competitions and exhibits, as well as animals and products related to the state’s robust agriculture industry. The annual showcase is a family-friendly event with lots to see and do; and don’t forget to stop by the famous food court for a taste of some of Pennsylvania cuisine. Admission to the show is free, but parking is $15 per vehicle. Shuttle service is provided. For all the latest news about the Farm Show, follow it on Facebook or visit www.farmshow.pa.gov. |