Officials from Hepburn and Loyalsock townships, along with South Williamsport representatives, discussed regional development and fiscal policy during the annual Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast. n nThe recently approved $50 billion state budget faced scrutiny from state Rep. Joe Hamm, a Republican from Hepburn Township, who criticized its delayed passage by 135 days, calling the timeline “unacceptable.” n nHamm emphasized that Pennsylvania cannot maintain its current trajectory of rising expenditures, noting that over the past 45 years, the budget has surged by $43.7 billion. He attributed economic strain to excessive taxation and regulatory burdens, stressing the need for stronger economic expansion. n nSigns of progress include the arrival of Bass Pro Shop at The District at Lycoming Valley, located on the former mall grounds in Muncy Township. Hamm anticipates significant commercial activity from the development, stating, “We expect a surge in business momentum there—and we’re committed to extending those benefits further.” n nAnother boost comes from the Williamsport Lumber Yards, a new baseball and softball facility expected to draw youth teams from across the region, generating substantial local revenue. n nState Sen. Gene Yaw, representing Loyalsock Township, expressed concern over ongoing population decline across his district, suggesting that business development could counteract economic downturns. Regarding the budget, Yaw noted it followed familiar patterns, and he supported all components. n nHe highlighted a 5% funding increase for Pennsylvania College of Technology as a positive outcome. Yaw also welcomed the repeal of Pennsylvania’s involvement in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which imposed carbon emission limits on industrial facilities. n nRepublicans have argued that RGGI harmed energy producers and increased utility costs for households. Yaw underscored the importance of energy self-reliance, particularly given Pennsylvania’s robust natural gas sector. n nHe voiced apprehension about proposals from PJM Interconnection, the regional power grid operator, warning that certain recommendations could disrupt competitive energy markets and lead to double-digit hikes in electricity prices. n nAdditionally, Yaw supports legislation aimed at sealing thousands of abandoned gas wells across the state, many of which emit methane, posing environmental risks. n nState Rep. Jamie Flick, a Republican from Williamsport, described his collaborative approach in Harrisburg, saying, “I suppose I’ve earned the nickname Mr. Bipartisan—I believe in reaching across party lines.” n nFlick is the lead sponsor of House Bill 1499, designed to modernize child custody laws to ensure children maintain strong relationships with both capable and caring parents. The proposal has drawn support from both sides of the aisle.
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Lawmakers from Hepburn, Loyalsock townships, South Williamsport call for economic growth
Local lawmakers shared insights on this year’s state budget, legislation, and other issues impacting their constituents at the annual Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast. n nThe $50 billion spending plan approved just this month drew criticism from state Rep. Joe Hamm, R-Hepburn Township, who called it “unacceptable” for being passed 135 days late. n nMeanwhile, the state simply cannot sustain the continued increased spending, he said. n nHe noted that in the past 45 years the budget has grown by a whopping $43.7 billion. n nBurdensome taxes and regulations are hurting the state, according to Hamm. n n“We have to grow our economy,” he said. n nHamm said he sees signs of business growth locally with Bass Pro Shop coming to The District at Lycoming Valley at the former mall site in Muncy Township. n n“We expect an explosion of business there,” he said. “We are working to ensure it doesn’t end there.” n nAnother sign of positive local growth is the Williamsport Lumber Yards, a baseball and softball complex in Williamsport, that will attract youth teams to the city from all over. n n“It will be massive for our local economy,” he said. n nState Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, said among his concerns is the continued loss of population throughout his vast senatorial district. n nBusiness growth, he said, can help stem economic loss and spur the economy. n nAs for the state budget, Yaw noted it’s not a spending plan that was handled much differently than in other years. n n“I voted for all parts of it,” he said. n nHe pointed out that the budget includes a 5% increase in spending for Pennsylvania College of Technology. n nYaw said he was happy to see a repeal of the state’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) as part of a budget deal. n n“Getting rid of RGGI was a pretty big deal,” he said. “I didn’t think it was good for Pennsylvania.” n n(RGGI) would have capped the amount of carbon that companies in Pennsylvania are allowed to emit. n nHowever, Republicans have criticized the program, claiming it stymies the energy industry and raises consumer bills. n nYaw went on to talk about the importance of energy and energy independence in the state, especially given the vast natural gas industry in Pennsylvania. n nHe raised concerns about PJM Interconnection, the mid-Atlantic grid operator. Recently, he signed off on a letter to PJM urging it to reject recommendations that he and other members of the Senate Republican Caucus claim would overhaul the competitive market structure. n nHe said he fears double-digit electrical rate increases for consumers in coming years. n nOn another front, Yaw said he hopes to see a bill pass to plug the many abandoned gas wells in the state, many of which leak methane. n nState Rep. Jamie Flick, R-Williamsport said he is doing his best to work with Democrats. n n“I guess I am known as Mr. Bipartisan in Harrisburg,” he said. “You got to reach across the aisle.” n nHe is the prime sponsor of House Bill 1499, which would reform Pennsylvania’s child custody laws and ensure children can maintain meaningful relationships with both loving, fit parents. n nThe bill has received bipartisan support.