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In this Update:
Farmland Preservation and Conservation Celebrated at Inaugural Banquet
I was proud to attend the 1st Annual Farmland Preservation and Conservation Banquet at the Lebanon Expo Center, hosted by the Lebanon County Conservation District. Doug Wolfgang, Executive Director of the PA State Conservation Commission, shared the history of Pennsylvania’s nationally recognized farmland preservation program — noting that Lancaster County and Lebanon County were home to the first two preserved farms in the Commonwealth. The 48th District is blessed with some of the most fertile soil in the world and remains a true agricultural and economic powerhouse for our region. Protecting our farmland isn’t just about honoring our heritage — it’s about safeguarding food security as a matter of national interest. I was especially encouraged to connect with FFA students from across the county. Seeing the next generation excited and committed to continuing our strong agricultural tradition gives me great confidence in the future of our community. Four More Farms Preserved in Lebanon and Berks Counties
This week, three farms in Lebanon County, totaling 332 acres as well as one farm in Berks County, totaling 44 acres were preserved by the State Agriculture Land Preservation Board. I applaud the dedication of these families and the ongoing efforts of the Berks and Lebanon Conservation Districts to protect our region’s agricultural land. Preserved Farms:
Kathy Bishop Retires After 33 Years at Lebanon School District
It was my pleasure to present a Senate citation to Kathy Bishop in honor of her retirement after more than 33 years of dedicated service to the Lebanon School District. Kathy spent 10 years as a paraprofessional at Harding Elementary School before serving for over 23 years as the principal’s secretary at Southeast Elementary. Thank you, Kathy, for your years of service to our students and schools. Wishing you a happy and fulfilling retirement! Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
Eligible Pennsylvanians can now apply for a Grow PA Scholarship Grant for the 2026-27 academic year. Applications are available at pheaa.org/growpa. This program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs as approved by PHEAA. The full list is available here. To qualify, applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation for 12 months for each year they received the grant. Please note: Applicants who received this grant last year MUST reapply to receive the grant again for the upcoming academic year. Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Economy and Creating More Jobs
As we prepare to examine Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new state budget proposal, one of the things I’ll be most focused on is improving our state’s economy and laying the groundwork to allow businesses to create more family-sustaining jobs. Over the past several years, we’ve steadily improved the tax climate in Pennsylvania by, for example, reducing the corporate net income tax, which used to be second-highest in the nation. We’ve also positioned Pennsylvania to be a national leader in the emerging field of drone research and deployment, protected seasonal workers from unemployment compensation benefit cuts (UC), improved the systems for training barbers and cosmetologists, and much more. One of the most important things we can do to make our state’s economy work better is to enact a state budget that includes responsible state spending. We must also take steps to make Pennsylvania a better place for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses, bringing more jobs to the commonwealth and strengthening our communities. Concerned About Winter Energy Bills? Call Utilities Now
January and February are usually the months when home energy bills tend to peak, due largely to increased heating demand. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission encourages consumers who are concerned about their utility bills to call their utility company to discuss available options. Utilities can help customers explore payment arrangements, budget billing and assistance programs that may help manage winter energy costs before a bill becomes unmanageable. Utility representatives can also help direct consumers to additional state and local resources. Read more about reducing energy use and how to find help with bills here. The Dangers of Walking on Frozen Bodies of Water
Cold weather means more frozen bodies of water and the risk that comes with walking on them, especially rivers and streams. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers this safety advice:
Look for new ice, which is clear or has a blue tint, and remember that ice thickness is not consistent across the surface of a lake or pond. Learn more about ice fishing and ice safety, including an ice thickness and safety chart, here. Celebrating Presidents’ Day
Monday is Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday that began as a celebration of George Washington’s Feb. 22 birthday and was expanded to cover Abraham Lincoln’s on Feb. 12. While it’s now considered an occasion to honor all the nation’s chief executives, the first and 16th presidents hold a special place in the hearts of Americans. General George Washington led the Continental Army and became the nation’s first president, stepping aside after two terms. President Lincoln guided the country through a horrific Civil War, holding the United States together when victory was not assured, and setting the tone for unity by declaring “malice toward none.” Local Events
Friday, February 13-14: CLA Pie Sale at Farmers Market Friday, February 13, 1-3pm: Adult Craft at Clarence Shock Memorial Park Friday, February 13-22: Lititz Fire & Ice Festival Friday, February 20-21: Classic Tractors Show Saturday, February 28, 9am-1pm: Hamburg Marketplace
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