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Attention First-Time Hunters!
Hunter-Trapper Education courses are required for all first-time hunters and trappers before they can buy a license in the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers both in-person and online options, all of which are available to anyone 11 years or older.
Participants, whether in-person or online, will receive a training certificate recognized throughout North America when they pass a test at the end of the course. The course covers responsible hunting behavior, firearms basics and safety, basic shooting, wildlife conservation and management, outdoor safety and survival, hunting techniques, trapping and furtaking basics, and hunting safety.
In-person training is offered in various locations across the Commonwealth. To find a course near you, click here.
The Game Commission’s online course carries a cost of $34.95 and participants who complete it will be able to print a temporary hunter education certificate to use until the permanent certificate arrives in the mail.
The commission recently announced it also would accept the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) free online hunter education course as a prerequisite for obtaining a hunting license.
Learn more about hunter-trapper education here.
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Consumer Affairs Committee Shines Light on Solar
The House Consumer Affairs Committee held a hearing last week in Media, Delaware County, to discuss solar energy and its impacts from an economic, business and community perspective. We learned about how colleges and universities are using solar as well as the policies for subsidies and the capacity market.
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Policy Committee Hearings Focus on Growing PA’s Economy
As the Commonwealth continues to work its way through the COVID-19 pandemic, the House Majority Policy Committee has convened a trio of hearings in recent weeks to hear from business, education and community leaders about ways to grow the state’s economy.
The hearings – held in Ford City, Armstrong County; Gibsonia, Allegheny County; and Williamsport, Lycoming County – carried common themes. They include the need to reduce government red tape, lower the tax burden, end expanded pandemic unemployment benefits and improve workforce training.
Members also toured businesses in each location, as well as the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport to learn more about its workforce training programs.
Video of each of the hearings is available at www.PAGOPPolicy.com.
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Blood Donations Needed
The Department of Health, along with leaders of five major blood banks across the state, are encouraging Pennsylvanians who are able to consider donating blood. Donations have decreased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donated blood is essential for surgeries, traumatic injuries, cancer treatment and chronic illnesses. In fact, approximately 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the United States.
The type of blood most commonly requested and used by hospitals is type O. Type O blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type, which is why it is often used in emergencies when there is not enough time to determine a patient’s blood type. However, all blood types are needed to make sure there is a reliable supply for patients.
Most individuals are eligible to donate blood in Pennsylvania if they are in good health, at least 16 years old and weigh a minimum of 120 pounds.
To donate blood, make an appointment with a local blood bank or visit an upcoming blood drive in your community. Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank has several drives scheduled in our area. You can search for locations by ZIP Code.
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Committees Hear Testimony on Senior Assistance Programs
The House Aging and Older Adults Services and House Human Services committees last week joined the Senate Aging and Youth and Senate Health and Human Services committees in conducting a public hearing focused on critical state services being provided to seniors and adults with disabilities.
Specifically, the hearing examined the performance of Maximus as the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ (DHS) independent enrollment broker (IEB) for such assistance programs. The department intends to renew its contract with the Virginia-based company and increase its responsibilities. However, lawmakers are concerned about the continuation of the contract, which installs another layer of bureaucracy to determine much-needed services for Pennsylvania seniors.
Committee members heard testimony from a family member of an adult with a disability and several agencies from across the state that provide services to seniors. DHS and Maximus did not attend the hearing.
Video of the hearing is available here.
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I would like to thank our Dauphin County Treasurer, Janis Creason, and her staff for allowing me to sit down with them so that I could understand their game and fish licensure website and learn about how they process antlerless deer licenses. I commend Janis and her staff on their exceptional customer service and diligence in processing all the applications which they receive. As a member of the Game & Fisheries Committee, it’s important to understand all aspects of the licensing process and this was a great learning experience. Again, thank you, Janis and staff, for doing such a wonderful job.
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It was my honor to participate in the dedication of the new Synthetic Turf Stadium & Athletics Amenities Building at Middletown Area High School last week along with Dauphin County Commissioner George Hartwick III and Matthew Urban, Chief of Staff to State Senator Chris Gebhard. In addition to the dedication, I was pleased to present Superintendent Dr. Lori Suski with a House citation in honor of her distinguished career upon her retirement.
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Have a safe and restful Labor Day.
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