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Truck driver hurt in Elk County accident…possible DUI crash investigated in Elk County….theft by deception in Tioga County investigated….Causer supports state budget proposal….

Elk County

Minor injuries were reported for an Osceola Mills PA truck driver following a one-vehicle accident Wednesday  in Ridgway Township , Elk County. State police report John Smith was going north on Route 219 when his Mack Pinnacle failed to make a curve, traveled into the opposite lane and rolled over onto its side. Smith did not require transportation to a hospital.

The investigation is continuing into a possible DUI crash back on June 18 in Jay Township  just before 2:00 pm. Troopers did not reveal details but say Andrea Ryding was driving a 2016 Subaru on the Bennett’s Valley Highway and is suspected of driving the car under the influence.

Tioga County

Troopers at Mansfield are investigating a theft by deception occurring Tuesday afternoon .  No details were released but the victim has been identified as a 73 year old Morris, PA man.

Region

Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) has  announced his support for the 2022-23 state budget that keeps spending in check and sets aside more than $5 billion in funding to protect against the anticipated economic downturn.Senate Bill 1100 saves for the future by keeping year-over-year growth in spending at 2.9%, compared to the more than 16% increase proposed by Gov. Tom Wolf back in February. It directs $2.1 billion into the Rainy Day Fund, bringing it to a historic $5 billion, and carries over more than $3 billion into the next fiscal year to address the anticipated drop in state revenue. Additional savings are achieved by paying off more than $2 billion in prior budget borrowing.

 Along with overall fiscal responsibility, Causer’s budget priorities are focused on issues important to rural Pennsylvania. On the issue of health care, funding for critical access hospitals is consistent with the prior fiscal year, while Medicaid reimbursement rates for emergency medical services providers are increased. In an effort to encourage more people to enter the nursing field to staff our hospitals and long-term care homes, the budget invests an additional $35 million in federal funds into the Nursing Loan Forgiveness Program.

 Basic education funding for all school districts is increased by $525 million, while special education funding is increased by $100 million, early childhood education by $60 million and career and technical education by $6 million.

 The budget provides level funding to state-related universities, including the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and supports students attending any higher education institution by increasing the maximum grant from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency from $5,000 to $5,700.

 Other budget highlights include a one-time initiative to offer increased rebates through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program; increased funding for agriculture, especially to combat the spread of spotted lanternfly and avian influenza; and support for an additional 200 state troopers to protect communities throughout the state.

House Bill 1100 now returns to the Senate for a concurrence vote.