Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson learned from House Agriculture Committee Chairman-Elect Frank Lucas that he will lead the Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy & Forestry for the upcoming 112th Congress, beginning January 5th, 2011.
Last week, Thompson was made aware, that in total he will have three committee assignments for the 112th Congress. He had retained seats on the House Agriculture and the House Education & Labor Committees, in addition to a new appointment on the House Natural Resources Committee.
In response to the news that he was named Chairman for the Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy & Forestry, Thompson said, “I am honored that Chairman Lucas and my colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee have recognized my commitment to our nation’s farmers and agricultural sector. This appointment will be great for the people of the 5th District and Pennsylvania, as I will have more input toward the issues affecting our lives on a daily basis – from the Commonwealth’s family farms to Marcellus Shale, to the Allegheny National Forest and Chesapeake Bay Watershed.”
The jurisdiction of the Conservation, Energy & Forestry Subcommittee will include soil, water, and resource conservation; the small watershed program; energy and bio-based energy production; rural electrification; and forestry in general.
An announcement earlier today from Agriculture Committee Chairman-Elect Frank Lucas of Oklahoma stated:
“Our Subcommittee Chairmen have demonstrated a commitment to ensuring the success of American agriculture and rural economies. They are ready to join me in addressing the challenges that farmers, ranchers, and small businesses face across rural America. The next year will be an exercise in educating our freshmen members on both sides of the aisle, providing oversight of the administration, and building a strong working relationship as we prepare to reauthorize the farm bill in 2012.”
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Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Thompson announces $10 million grant for SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority
Titusville, PA – Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-Howard) announced that he had received a call from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) informing him that the Susquehanna Economic Development Association Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) Joint Rail Authority has been awarded $10 million from the DOT, through a competitive TIGER II grant.
The funding will be used to provide critical infrastructure improvements throughout the region on rail and highway corridors in order to assist with the expanded capacity needs presented by the Marcellus Shale economic boom. The project will take place in six counties, including Lycoming. In August 2010, Thompson along with Representatives Carney, Shuster and Senators Casey and Specter wrote the DOT in support of the project.
The letter stated, “The Authority's railroads provide a transportation alternative for this industry that will result in the removal of an estimated 57,600 trucks by the end of 2011 from the region's and nation's highway system, reducing the impact on our deteriorating roads and bridges, while at the same time decreasing maintenance costs. This reduction in truck traffic will also increase the overall safety for drivers.”
“I am happy to learn that the DOT has looked favorably upon this project. Marcellus Shale has brought a new dawn of economic prosperity to the region and through partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies the area can be better prepared for this rapid growth” said Thompson.
Lycoming County Commissioner Jeff Wheeland, upon hearing the news said, “I’m thankful for Mr. Thompson’s continued advocacy on behalf of Marcellus Shale development in Lycoming County. Mr. Thompson truly understands what this project means to job creation in the region.”
The Authority has experienced significant growth in the utilization of its railroads, which is directly attributed to the burgeoning Marcellus Shale industry. To meet this demand, the Authority proposed, through its TIGER ll grant application, to add 9.9 miles of new track for five of the Authority's short-line railroads. The project also includes construction of a new two-lane road that will provide direct access from Interstate 1-80 to the Williamsport Regional Airport and be collocated on one of the Authority's new rail bridges.
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The funding will be used to provide critical infrastructure improvements throughout the region on rail and highway corridors in order to assist with the expanded capacity needs presented by the Marcellus Shale economic boom. The project will take place in six counties, including Lycoming. In August 2010, Thompson along with Representatives Carney, Shuster and Senators Casey and Specter wrote the DOT in support of the project.
The letter stated, “The Authority's railroads provide a transportation alternative for this industry that will result in the removal of an estimated 57,600 trucks by the end of 2011 from the region's and nation's highway system, reducing the impact on our deteriorating roads and bridges, while at the same time decreasing maintenance costs. This reduction in truck traffic will also increase the overall safety for drivers.”
“I am happy to learn that the DOT has looked favorably upon this project. Marcellus Shale has brought a new dawn of economic prosperity to the region and through partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies the area can be better prepared for this rapid growth” said Thompson.
Lycoming County Commissioner Jeff Wheeland, upon hearing the news said, “I’m thankful for Mr. Thompson’s continued advocacy on behalf of Marcellus Shale development in Lycoming County. Mr. Thompson truly understands what this project means to job creation in the region.”
The Authority has experienced significant growth in the utilization of its railroads, which is directly attributed to the burgeoning Marcellus Shale industry. To meet this demand, the Authority proposed, through its TIGER ll grant application, to add 9.9 miles of new track for five of the Authority's short-line railroads. The project also includes construction of a new two-lane road that will provide direct access from Interstate 1-80 to the Williamsport Regional Airport and be collocated on one of the Authority's new rail bridges.
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Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Thompson Announces U.S. EPA Grant to the Galeton, Austin, Coudersport, Northern Potter and Oswayo Valley School Districts
October 4, 2010
Washington, D.C.—U.S Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a $119,525 Environmental Education grant to the Galeton (lead organization), Austin, Coudersport, Northern Potter and Oswayo Valley School Districts, with their regional and commonwealth partners.
Thompson said “I was particularly pleased to learn that of 336 applications submitted to EPA, 34 requests were funded and that, of all submissions, the grant submitted by the Potter County consortium was ranked number one, throughout the country.”
According to David Wishard, Superintendent of the Galeton School District, the goal of this program is to “Improve 7th-12th grade students’ awareness of threats to the environment and natural habitats; enhance students’ knowledge and application of math, science and technology (MST) content as it relates to environmental concerns; and prepare district students to become environmental stewards as they monitor the water quality of rivers (Allegheny, Genesee and Susquehanna Rivers), streams, creeks and local aquifers in Potter County to determine the environmental impacts attendant with natural gas extraction from Marcellus Shale and other activities in the region.”
Thompson said, “Collectively, the five partner districts serve the entirety of Potter County, characterized by its more than one million acres of wilderness and more than 800 miles of streams. Communities must be knowledgeable about the quality of the local water sources that are critical to the habitat health of the area. Students will have a chance to do objective, scientific studies about the Marcellus and how the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection seriously is monitoring the environment related to gas extraction, and making sure companies are vigilant.”
Wishard and Superintendents Matthew Hutcheson (Austin), Alanna Huck (Coudersport), Scott Graham (Northern Potter) and Charles Wicker (Oswayo Valley) stated that: “EPA funding will make possible the integration of the Project WET curriculum and the Healthy Water, Healthy People (HWHP) water quality program into standards-based math, science and technology (MST) instruction to establish a formal environmental education curriculum that will improve the academic achievement of ±1200, 7th-12th grade students. Project WET will enable students to understand: the physical/chemical properties of water; the hydrologic cycle; the role of water in Earth systems; the cultural/social significance of water; the common methods of water/non-point pollution management; and the importance of environmental stewardship. Used in conjunction with Project WET curriculum, HWHP lessons will enable district educators to use nearby water bodies as living learning laboratories for understanding water quality issues. The proposed project also calls for participation of 35 district MST teachers will participate in 80 hours of professional development that will enhance their environmental education teaching skills and improve their content knowledge of water resource issues.”
Wishard also noted that: “At present, there are no environmental education classes in the districts nor is environmental education integrated into the districts’ PA standards based curriculum. On our own, our districts do not have the means to provide environmental education programs for our students and communities so we are most grateful for the EPA funding that will make possible this needed environmental education initiative.”
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Washington, D.C.—U.S Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a $119,525 Environmental Education grant to the Galeton (lead organization), Austin, Coudersport, Northern Potter and Oswayo Valley School Districts, with their regional and commonwealth partners.
Thompson said “I was particularly pleased to learn that of 336 applications submitted to EPA, 34 requests were funded and that, of all submissions, the grant submitted by the Potter County consortium was ranked number one, throughout the country.”
According to David Wishard, Superintendent of the Galeton School District, the goal of this program is to “Improve 7th-12th grade students’ awareness of threats to the environment and natural habitats; enhance students’ knowledge and application of math, science and technology (MST) content as it relates to environmental concerns; and prepare district students to become environmental stewards as they monitor the water quality of rivers (Allegheny, Genesee and Susquehanna Rivers), streams, creeks and local aquifers in Potter County to determine the environmental impacts attendant with natural gas extraction from Marcellus Shale and other activities in the region.”
Thompson said, “Collectively, the five partner districts serve the entirety of Potter County, characterized by its more than one million acres of wilderness and more than 800 miles of streams. Communities must be knowledgeable about the quality of the local water sources that are critical to the habitat health of the area. Students will have a chance to do objective, scientific studies about the Marcellus and how the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection seriously is monitoring the environment related to gas extraction, and making sure companies are vigilant.”
Wishard and Superintendents Matthew Hutcheson (Austin), Alanna Huck (Coudersport), Scott Graham (Northern Potter) and Charles Wicker (Oswayo Valley) stated that: “EPA funding will make possible the integration of the Project WET curriculum and the Healthy Water, Healthy People (HWHP) water quality program into standards-based math, science and technology (MST) instruction to establish a formal environmental education curriculum that will improve the academic achievement of ±1200, 7th-12th grade students. Project WET will enable students to understand: the physical/chemical properties of water; the hydrologic cycle; the role of water in Earth systems; the cultural/social significance of water; the common methods of water/non-point pollution management; and the importance of environmental stewardship. Used in conjunction with Project WET curriculum, HWHP lessons will enable district educators to use nearby water bodies as living learning laboratories for understanding water quality issues. The proposed project also calls for participation of 35 district MST teachers will participate in 80 hours of professional development that will enhance their environmental education teaching skills and improve their content knowledge of water resource issues.”
Wishard also noted that: “At present, there are no environmental education classes in the districts nor is environmental education integrated into the districts’ PA standards based curriculum. On our own, our districts do not have the means to provide environmental education programs for our students and communities so we are most grateful for the EPA funding that will make possible this needed environmental education initiative.”
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Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Thompson Rallies with Students for Education Rights
September 29, 2010 2:01 PM
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today told a rally of a thousand students that, “You have every right to determine your own educational needs; you have every right to determine your future career path; and, you have every right to make your own destiny.”
Thompson joined his colleagues Reps. Rob Andrews (D-NJ); Alcee Hastings (D-FL); and Brett Guthrie (R-KY) at the foot of the U.S. Capitol in a bipartisan show of support for the students’ concerns about U.S. Department of Education proposed regulations on “gainful employment”.
If the “gainful employment” rules go into effect, they will eliminate access to higher education for as many as 400,000 students per year. These rules apply almost exclusively to the for-profit sector of higher education, while ignoring the same issues concerning student debt found at public and private non-profit institutions.
One of the requirements for for-profit institutions to participate in the federal student aid program is that they offer a course of study that leads to “gainful employment” in a recognized occupation. Despite over forty years of existing precedent, the Education Department is considering regulations to define “gainful employment” by establishing an arbitrary 12 percent debt-to-earnings threshold based on student debt for recent graduates of each program offered by the institution. One way of explaining that is a question posed by the Department: Are graduates with typical student debt able to repay their loans in ten years without taking 12 percent of the expected earnings in the occupation?
Once again, these new regulations do not affect public and private not-for-profit universities and colleges.
“The President has promoted a policy to have 5 million new college graduates by 2020,” said Thompson. “I commend the President for that goal, however, I have to stop and wonder how we’re going to achieve the mission if the Department of Education is going to put up road blocks—or—decide that you can only attend one type of school over another.”
“I represent a very rural district in Pennsylvania,” Thompson told the rally. “Many of my constituents don’t have access to a community college and live a significant distance from universities. Many proprietary schools have sprung up out of necessity.”
The effect of these regulations will be that student choice will be limited, because for-profit institutions may not be able to continue offering certain programs, to ensure the proposed debt-earnings-ratio.
“Many students in Pennsylvania choose these schools because of their convenience. They realize that career colleges offer course work of all types and work to accommodate the busy schedules that we all have. They realize that life does not just stop for four years—so you can go to school. And they realize these institutions will give them the skills they need to enter the work force and earn a decent living,” added Thompson.
In May, Thompson joined 9 members of the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation in sending a letter in opposition to Education Secretary Arne Duncan on this issue, requesting that the Department vacate the proposed changes. In August, the Department of Education released a formal proposal. Since, Thompson has joined with several of his colleagues on the House Education & Labor Committee in submitting formal comments in opposition to the rules as proposed.
This week, the Department of Education, due to extensive public comment, has decided to move the scheduled publication date of the rules from November 1, 2010, to July 1, 2011.
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today told a rally of a thousand students that, “You have every right to determine your own educational needs; you have every right to determine your future career path; and, you have every right to make your own destiny.”
Thompson joined his colleagues Reps. Rob Andrews (D-NJ); Alcee Hastings (D-FL); and Brett Guthrie (R-KY) at the foot of the U.S. Capitol in a bipartisan show of support for the students’ concerns about U.S. Department of Education proposed regulations on “gainful employment”.
If the “gainful employment” rules go into effect, they will eliminate access to higher education for as many as 400,000 students per year. These rules apply almost exclusively to the for-profit sector of higher education, while ignoring the same issues concerning student debt found at public and private non-profit institutions.
One of the requirements for for-profit institutions to participate in the federal student aid program is that they offer a course of study that leads to “gainful employment” in a recognized occupation. Despite over forty years of existing precedent, the Education Department is considering regulations to define “gainful employment” by establishing an arbitrary 12 percent debt-to-earnings threshold based on student debt for recent graduates of each program offered by the institution. One way of explaining that is a question posed by the Department: Are graduates with typical student debt able to repay their loans in ten years without taking 12 percent of the expected earnings in the occupation?
Once again, these new regulations do not affect public and private not-for-profit universities and colleges.
“The President has promoted a policy to have 5 million new college graduates by 2020,” said Thompson. “I commend the President for that goal, however, I have to stop and wonder how we’re going to achieve the mission if the Department of Education is going to put up road blocks—or—decide that you can only attend one type of school over another.”
“I represent a very rural district in Pennsylvania,” Thompson told the rally. “Many of my constituents don’t have access to a community college and live a significant distance from universities. Many proprietary schools have sprung up out of necessity.”
The effect of these regulations will be that student choice will be limited, because for-profit institutions may not be able to continue offering certain programs, to ensure the proposed debt-earnings-ratio.
“Many students in Pennsylvania choose these schools because of their convenience. They realize that career colleges offer course work of all types and work to accommodate the busy schedules that we all have. They realize that life does not just stop for four years—so you can go to school. And they realize these institutions will give them the skills they need to enter the work force and earn a decent living,” added Thompson.
In May, Thompson joined 9 members of the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation in sending a letter in opposition to Education Secretary Arne Duncan on this issue, requesting that the Department vacate the proposed changes. In August, the Department of Education released a formal proposal. Since, Thompson has joined with several of his colleagues on the House Education & Labor Committee in submitting formal comments in opposition to the rules as proposed.
This week, the Department of Education, due to extensive public comment, has decided to move the scheduled publication date of the rules from November 1, 2010, to July 1, 2011.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Thompson Receives Endorsement from NRA - PVF
Sept 20, 2010
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Glenn 'GT' Thompson received the endorsement of the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund.
"On behalf of our nearly four million members, the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund endorses your candidacy for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives in the fifth congressional district of Pennsylvania. Based on your solid pro-gun voting record and your support on gun issues in Congress, you have earned an "A" rating from the NRA-PVF in this election," stated Charles H. Cunningham, Director of Federal Affairs.
Cunningham goes on to say "As a member of Congress, you have demonstrated a proven and consistent commitment to our Second Amendment rights. You signed the pro-gun congressional amicus brief in the McDonald case, arguing that the Second Amendment guarantees a fundamental right that protects all Americans. We also appreciate your cosponsorship and support for legislation to force much-needed reform at the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Finally, we appreciate your cosponsorship of the national Right-to-Carry reciprocity bill which would allow any person with a valid concealed firearm carrying license or permit to carry a concealed firearm in other states."
Congressman Thompson is most appreciative of this endorsement.
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Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Glenn 'GT' Thompson received the endorsement of the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund.
"On behalf of our nearly four million members, the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund endorses your candidacy for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives in the fifth congressional district of Pennsylvania. Based on your solid pro-gun voting record and your support on gun issues in Congress, you have earned an "A" rating from the NRA-PVF in this election," stated Charles H. Cunningham, Director of Federal Affairs.
Cunningham goes on to say "As a member of Congress, you have demonstrated a proven and consistent commitment to our Second Amendment rights. You signed the pro-gun congressional amicus brief in the McDonald case, arguing that the Second Amendment guarantees a fundamental right that protects all Americans. We also appreciate your cosponsorship and support for legislation to force much-needed reform at the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Finally, we appreciate your cosponsorship of the national Right-to-Carry reciprocity bill which would allow any person with a valid concealed firearm carrying license or permit to carry a concealed firearm in other states."
Congressman Thompson is most appreciative of this endorsement.
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Thursday, September 23, 2010
Mifflin County Industrial Development Authority to Receive Grant
September 22, 2010
The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded a $457,500 grant to the Mifflin County Industrial Development Authority (MCIDA) which will translate into 50 new jobs at Kardex USA, announced U.S. Representative 'GT' Thompson.
"Kardex USA is an existing tenant in the Plaza. These funds will mean jobs to the Lewistown area. The money comes from the Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Community Trade Adjustment Assistance Program, which is designed to increase competition and create jobs to bolster the local economy. The funds will allow Kardex USA to expand production, hire additional employees and begin exporting its products abroad," said Thompson.
Kardex USA manufactures machinery for logistics and material retrieving systems.
Gary Oden, Chairman of the Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation, said "The Plaza has been a source of employment for years. We appreciate the EDA support that will allow us to continue to improve the Plaza for new and expanding employers."
Construction on the improvements should begin in the Spring 2011. MCDIC is contributing $152,000 to be combined with the EDA grant.
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The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded a $457,500 grant to the Mifflin County Industrial Development Authority (MCIDA) which will translate into 50 new jobs at Kardex USA, announced U.S. Representative 'GT' Thompson.
"Kardex USA is an existing tenant in the Plaza. These funds will mean jobs to the Lewistown area. The money comes from the Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Community Trade Adjustment Assistance Program, which is designed to increase competition and create jobs to bolster the local economy. The funds will allow Kardex USA to expand production, hire additional employees and begin exporting its products abroad," said Thompson.
Kardex USA manufactures machinery for logistics and material retrieving systems.
Gary Oden, Chairman of the Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation, said "The Plaza has been a source of employment for years. We appreciate the EDA support that will allow us to continue to improve the Plaza for new and expanding employers."
Construction on the improvements should begin in the Spring 2011. MCDIC is contributing $152,000 to be combined with the EDA grant.
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Congressman 'GT' Thompson Receives Endorsements
August 26, 2010
The Board of Directors of the Wholesaler-Distributor Political Action Committee (WDPAC) has voted to endorse the candicacy of US Congressman 'GT' Thompson.
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The Board of Directors of the Wholesaler-Distributor Political Action Committee (WDPAC) has voted to endorse the candicacy of US Congressman 'GT' Thompson.
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