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In this Update:
Celebrating 30 Years of Sustainable Forestry Leadership
At today’s meeting of the Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council, I had the distinct honor of presenting a Senate Citation to Chuck Coup, Executive Director of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Implementation Committee of Pennsylvania, in recognition of the Committee’s 30th anniversary. Since its founding in 1995, the Pennsylvania SFI Committee has been a driving force behind responsible and regenerative forestry practices across the Commonwealth. Through its Professional Timber Harvester Training Program, the organization has trained more than 7,000 loggers and continues to offer hundreds of continuing education and renewal courses each year, setting the standard for excellence, safety, and sustainability in the industry. SFI’s work extends far beyond the forest. By strengthening workforce development and expanding professional opportunities, the Committee helps sustain Pennsylvania’s forest products industry, one of the Commonwealth’s largest economic sectors. This industry supports tens of thousands of jobs across agriculture and manufacturing and serves as a cornerstone of our rural economies. As we mark this important milestone, we celebrate not only 30 years of achievement but also the lasting impact of SFI’s commitment to education, stewardship, and economic growth. By investing in people and promoting sustainable practices, the Pennsylvania SFI Committee is ensuring that our forests and the communities that depend on them remain strong and vibrant for generations to come. 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 strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy and laying the groundwork for businesses to create more family-sustaining jobs. Over the past several years, we have made meaningful progress in improving our tax climate, including reducing the corporate net income tax, which once ranked as the second-highest in the nation. As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I have been proud to champion this effort. Lowering the corporate net income tax (and doing so even faster) has been a key priority of mine because it sends a clear message that Pennsylvania is open for business and committed to competing with other states for investment, job creation, and long-term economic growth. 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.”
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