Rec Sports

Ease regulatory burdens on small businesses – Scranton Times-Tribune

Published

7 months ago

May 13, 2025

Last week, we observed National Small Business Week — a time to recognize the contributions of small business owners, workers, and entrepreneurs across Pennsylvania and the United States.

But these individuals deserve more than recognition. They deserve real support from their government.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the strength of our communities. They’re the employers, the mentors and the community leaders. From sponsoring youth sports teams to donating to local charities, they are the foundation of Main Street and the heart of towns across our Commonwealth.

As someone who started out in small business, I understand the challenges entrepreneurs face. I was fortunate to help grow a small business into a larger one, but I never lost that small business mindset. That mindset — what we called the WIT principle: “Whatever It Takes” — is grounded in hard work, accountability, and customer service. It continues to guide my work in Congress, where I serve on both the Small Business Committee and the Financial Services Committee.

That work starts with reducing the burden of overregulation. Small businesses don’t have large compliance departments or legal teams to assist them in complying with onerous regulations. Every hour a small business owner spends on paperwork is an hour not spent serving customers or growing their business. That’s why House Republicans and the Trump Administration have prioritized rolling back burdensome regulations that never should have applied to small employers in the first place.

We fought to eliminate the Biden Administration’s Beneficial Ownership Rule, which would have required small businesses to report sensitive ownership information to the federal government — creating compliance burdens and legal risks without solving any actual problem. We also worked with the Trump Administration to stop implementation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s 1071 Rule, which would have required lenders to collect and report extensive demographic and financial data on small business loan applicants — raising costs and potentially limiting access to credit. I’m pleased to see the CFPB plans to repromulgate it.

Beyond regulatory relief, I have introduced targeted legislation to help small businesses better access capital, increase oversight, and reduce red tape:

The Investing in All of America Act expands access to capital in rural and underserved areas by raising the leverage cap for Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs). SBICs are privately managed investment funds licensed and regulated by the SBA to provide financing to small businesses. By allowing these funds to access more federal backing, we can channel much-needed resources to small manufacturers and startups in communities that are too often overlooked.

The 7(a) Loan Agent Oversight Act strengthens the SBA’s most widely used lending program by requiring annual reports to Congress on the practices and performance of loan agents. This transparency will help root out bad actors, protect taxpayer dollars, and ensure the 7(a) program remains reliable and responsive for the small businesses that depend on it.

The Regulatory Review Improvement Act requires federal agencies to regularly review existing regulations and evaluate whether they are still needed — specifically weighing their real-world impact on small businesses. Too often, once a regulation is on the books, it stays there indefinitely, even when it becomes outdated, redundant or harmful. This bill would bring accountability and common sense back into the regulatory process.

Tax relief is another critical priority. Through reconciliation — also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill — we are working to extend key provisions of President Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

These include Section 199A, which allows pass-through businesses to deduct up to 20% of their income; bonus depreciation, which encourages reinvestment in equipment and facilities; and the R&D tax credit, which incentivizes innovation in America. These provisions — and the broader tax provisions — must be extended to protect jobs and make America the most competitive place in the world to do business.

Anyone who says this reconciliation package does not help small businesses either doesn’t understand it or is choosing to ignore what’s in it. Simply put, a vote against this tax package is a vote against small business.

And while we’re working to reduce regulatory burdens in Washington, Pennsylvania’s executive branch and state agencies must do the same. Other pro-growth states have reformed permitting and modernized regulation — and Pennsylvania should follow their lead to create a more competitive business climate.

While National Small Business Week may be over, the work of supporting our small businesses must continue year-round. That means more than expressions of appreciation — it means advancing smart, pro-growth policies that make it easier to start, operate, and expand a business in the United States.

To every entrepreneur, employer, and team member in a small business — as well as to every Chamber of Commerce working to support Main Street — thank you for all you do to deliver for America.

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Jackson Twp., represents the Ninth Congressional District.

Link

Rec Sports

Stempien to seek opening for Branch County Circuit Court Judge | WTVB | 1590 AM · 95.5 FM

Published

2 minutes ago

December 16, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Stempien to seek opening for Branch County Circuit Court Judge | WTVB | 1590 AM · 95.5 FM | The Voice of Branch County

Link

Rec Sports

Parks and Recreation Programs for Teens

Published

9 minutes ago

December 16, 2025

Your Sports Nation

<br /> <br /> Parks and Recreation Programs for Teens | Greensboro, NC <br /> <br />

Link

Rec Sports

Bellingham players reignite adult co-ed flag football action with monthly games

Published

18 minutes ago

December 16, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Flag football has been one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the country over the last decade. In Whatcom County, it’s played at six high schools, youth flag football leagues and intramural leagues at Western Washington University.

However, the sport has struggled to maintain its popularity with adults around the county. Some players meet through Reddit groups and play at the local fields, but the popularity has dropped since COVID-19.

When Matthew Colston, 32, moved from Oak Harbor to Bellingham in 2022, he hoped to reignite the popularity of flag football for everyone.

“I want to provide an opportunity for people who don’t want to worry about being hurt,” Colston said. “We don’t play that hard but we have a good time, and it is supposed to revolve around people’s lives.”

Matthew Colston, center, points out the field of play boundaries ahead of a flag football game. (Finn Wendt/Cascadia Daily News)

Colston runs the Adult Co-ed Bellingham Flag Football group, which typically plays on the fourth Saturday of each month. Colston made it co-ed so it could be open for all members of the Bellingham community.

“People who are typically not represented in sports are women in men’s sports and people in the LGBTQ community,” Colston said. “Building a group that is friendly to them is a top priority to me so they can feel safe playing sports.”

Colston’s flag football members play at one of the Bellingham high schools or Civic Stadium. On Saturday, Oct. 25, 10 people gathered at Civic Stadium to play a lighthearted match — and about half of the players were women.

Two of those women were Liz O’Rourke and her daughter-in-law, Xisela O’Rourke-Guerrero.

Liz O’Rourke carries the ball as Matthew Colston tries to pull a flag. (Finn Wendt/Cascadia Daily News)

“I’m new to the community and want to get into some activities,” O’Rouke said. “The easiest way as a newcomer is to get out of the house and meet new people.”

O’Rourke, 50, was one of the oldest members competing. Although she was outmatched at times, she still played a pivotal role during a few offensive drives.

“Everybody gave us chances to make plays,” O’Rourke said. “They didn’t make any assumptions that we couldn’t do anything. To be included feels great and everyone was extremely nice and here to have fun.”

The co-ed flag football group is a drop-in event where community members can show up and play without registering or paying anything. The group plays for about two hours when they meet up.

Players are split up evenly, the field is shortened to 40 yards long, about half of the width of a normal football field. Games consist of two 20-minute halves.

There are a few differences compared to tackle football. Instead of trying to get first downs, each team has four attempts to reach the 20-yard line and then four attempts to score. If a ball is fumbled, the play is dead, but an interception can be returned for a touchdown.

Keenan Wilkinson laughs after getting his flag pulled. (Finn Wendt/Cascadia Daily News)

Contact or blocks from offensive players is not allowed. Instead of kicking extra points, teams can go for one point from the 3-yard line or two points from the 5-yard line.

“It was very fun, open and free flowing,” O’Rourke-Guerrero said. “Nobody is too serious about it but there is still some competition. Football is historically a male sport so I am grateful to feel welcomed here.”

As the game finished, Colston and others reflected on their time playing and the memorable moments they created with each other.

“Most people have boring days,” Colston said. “We are giving them a Saturday where they are the superstar they always wanted to be and make somebody confident in their abilities.”

The co-ed flag football group currently draws around six to 20 players each month. As the group becomes settled in the community, Colston’s next goal is to make a league of a few teams.

“It doesn’t have to be a big league, but we play a few games in a month,” Colston said. “I would like to find someone to officiate, too, so we don’t put that pressure on the players or captains.”

Until Colston gets that opportunity, he will continue to bring flags, footballs and smiles to the community each month.

“It was very cool to not have any restrictions,” O’Rourke said. “You just run around, have fun and try to get the ball. I’ll definitely be back because it was fun.”

Anyone interested in learning more or joining the Adult Coed Bellingham Flag Football group can contact Colston via text at 360-499-6140, or by email at mfcolston2224@gmail.com.

Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN’s sports editor; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.

Link

Rec Sports

First responders help kids with Christmas shopping | News, Sports, Jobs

Published

25 minutes ago

December 16, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Photo by Deb Gau
Lyon County Sheriff Eric Wallen and Ka’Mari Deuel browse bookshelves as Deuel searched for the perfect holiday gifts for her family.

MARSHALL — Emergency responders helped make the holidays merry for area families this weekend.

On Sunday, young people teamed up with law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical responders to go shopping for gifts for their families.

“Every year, we’re excited,” Ryan Anthony said., He is one of the organizers of this year’s “Holidays with Heroes” event.

Anthony said it was good to see the response to the event each year, especially the number of emergency responders volunteering.

“They’re putting their time aside for this,” he said.

Organizers said the goal for this year’s Holidays with Heroes was to help provide gifts for about 11 to 13 families. Youth and emergency responders were given a budget, and went shopping for holiday gifts for each of their family members. Afterward, responders also lent a hand wrapping the presents.

Holidays with Heroes has been going on for about five years in Marshall. Downtown Sound Entertainment, the Marshall Walmart, and agencies like the State Patrol, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Marshall Police, Marshall Fire Department and North Memorial Ambulance all worked together to help organize the event. Support from the community is also key to making Holidays with Heroes happen, said Leah Anthony, one of the event organizers.

“The support is amazing. I think it spreads a little more each year,” she said.

The teams of kids and emergency responders each had different shopping strategies as they headed out through the aisles at Walmart. Some knew just what they were looking for, while others had to think a bit. The fun part was “figuring out what to buy,” said Kash Novelli.

Tatem Fennell said he knew what he wanted to get for each of his family members.

“I just took it off their Christmas lists,” he said.

“I knew the big presents I wanted to get for my mom and sister,” Ka’mari Deuel said.

She said she was looking forward to seeing her family unwrapping the presents.

“I just feel I’m happy to give it to them on Christmas,” she said.

In addition to spreading holiday cheer, one of the other good things about Holidays with Heroes is that it gives kids a chance to meet emergency responders in a fun and positive situation, Leah Anthony said.

“To be able to have those interactions be positive … I think it’s amazing, because it shows another side of it,” she said.

Link

Rec Sports

U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Roger Marshall, John Boozman Seek to Formally Reestablish Presidential Fitness Test to Counter Childhood Obesity

Published

3 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Your Sports Nation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.) introduced the Presidential Fitness Test Act of 2025. This legislation would codify President Trump’s Executive Order by formally establishing the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition to advise the President and advance national priorities related to physical fitness, sports participation, and nutrition awareness. It is designed to reverse declining fitness trends and return national attention to measurable, achievable youth health goals.

“‘Make America Healthy Again’ starts with making sure our children are physically active and develop healthy habits early in their lives. One way to achieve this is by building on President Trump’s effort to bring back the Presidential Fitness Test in our schools so the next generation learns to love fitness and understands the countless benefits that come with leading an active lifestyle,” said Senator Britt.

The Presidential Fitness Test Act of 2025 creates and codifies the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, comprising up to 30 presidential appointees, reestablishes the Presidential Fitness Test and award, and addresses obesity and inactivity by developing school-based physical education challenges and expanded access to sports.

“For decades, the Presidential Fitness Test, enacted by Kansas’ own President Eisenhower, motivated millions of young Americans to push themselves, stay active, and take pride in their physical accomplishments,” said Senator Marshall.“That same competitive spirit is what built America, and it’s time to restore that legacy.”

The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition was first created in 1956 to promote youth health and physical activity nationwide, encouraging millions of students to pursue active lifestyles and physical achievement. In 2012, the Obama Administration’s move to replace the Presidential Fitness Test with the Presidential Youth Fitness Program disincentivized the use of established fitness tests and measurable goals. Youth fitness has declined sharply, and approximately 1 in 6 children ages 10-17 have obesity.

“It’s important to help young Arkansans build good habits including engaging in a physically active, healthy lifestyle,” said Senator Boozman. “This bill uses a proven tool to accomplish that in addition to promoting long-term benefits for public health and personal well-being that serve to strengthen our nation.”

You can read the full text of the bill here.

Senator Britt is a consistent advocate for commonsense solutions to Make America Healthy Again, seeking improved FDA oversight and reporting through the Better Food Disclosure Act and supporting efforts to remove harmful synthetic dyes from our foods.

###

Link

Rec Sports

John Richard Gaudet – Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Published

3 hours ago

December 16, 2025

Your Sports Nation

City of Binghamton Fire Department, New York • Line of Duty Death: February 12, 2025

Firefighter John (JR) Richard Gaudet was a firefighter for 11 years with the City of Binghamton Fire Department, NY. He was killed when a wall collapsed at the scene of a fire, trapping him in the debris. He was rescued but succumbed to his injuries at the hospital on February 12th, 2025. He was 40 years old.

Gaudet was born at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton. His mother has worked as a nurse there for 40 years, his sister works there, and his 3 children were born there. He was raised by his parents, Charles and Mary Ellen Gaudet, along with his sister Katherine. He graduated from Binghamton High School in 2002, then attended Binghamton University and later transferred to the State University of NY (SUNY) at Cortland. John’s love of sports started early. He picked up a lacrosse stick at 8 years old and never put it down. He played in High School and then Binghamton University where his skills helped the Bearcats win their first America East Conference championship in 2004. He played lacrosse at SUNY Cortland during the 2007-2008 seasons, finishing as Division III national runners-up- a huge accomplishment he was incredibly proud of. He coached multiple youth sports teams including Binghamton High and Seton Catholic Central School. He also coached his son’s football, basketball and lacrosse teams.

Gaudet met his wife Felly online in a chat room, shortly after joining the Binghamton Fire Department. They met in person a few months later and after just three dates, they knew it was meant to be. They married in 2015 and went on to have three children, Charles, Vanessa and Michael. Gaudet always said “Binghamton is my city” and was proud to serve his community and protect the people in it. He had the ability to bring out the best in everyone the moment he walked into the firehouse. He made everyone else his priority and was the heartbeat of his squad. Gaudet set the standard for all who knew him, for how to live, how to love and how to serve others.

Fireman John “JR” Gaudet is survived by his loving wife Felly, his children Charles, Vanessa and Michael, his parents Charles and Mary Ellen Gaudet, his sister Katherine and many loving family members and friends.

Link