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Capitol Report
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#Listrak\DateStampLong#
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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In the Classroom at Boiling Springs High School
This week, I had the opportunity to join Mrs. Lauren Bozart’s AP government class at Boiling Springs High School to talk about state government. I enjoyed answering their questions about the legislative process, state civics and public service. Best of luck to all the students as they prepare to take the AP exam in a few weeks! Thank you for having me!
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Important Update for Students Seeking Financial Aid
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has announced the submission deadline for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), with relation to the Pennsylvania State Grant Program, has been extended to June 1.
The launch of the FAFSA application for the upcoming academic year was delayed almost three months as the FAFSA underwent changes as a result of the FAFSA Simplification Act, which was intended to streamline the financial aid application process. The U.S. Department of Education rolled out the new FAFSA on Dec. 31 for the 2024-25 academic year, but it has since encountered a number of issues, delays and errors in processing student applications.
The PA State Grant Program uses the FAFSA form as its primary application point to determine student eligibility for a PA State Grant award. Historically, May 1 was used as the deadline for students to complete their FAFSA for PA State Grant purposes.
More information is available at www.pheaa.org.
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House GOP Leads Effort to Reclaim Earth’s Critical Elements
A package of six House bills unveiled this week would lay the groundwork to help recover Earth’s critical elements, which are vital components of modern-day technologies, including smartphones, computers, defense systems and automobiles.
Currently, most extraction of these elements occurs in other countries, some of which are not reliable trading partners with our country or use unacceptable refinement methods. The critical element recovery process in Pennsylvania would be fair and safe, create jobs, boost national security and clean up former industrial sites.
The proposals would update the Commonwealth’s tax structure to reflect the economic realities of the reclamation of Earth’s critical elements; extend reasonable protections to owners of real property with mine waste and other legacy industrial byproducts that are used to reclaim Earth’s critical elements; establish an experimental permit program for new technologies to reclaim Earth’s critical elements from Pennsylvania’s former industrial sites; prevent taxpayer money from being used to purchase electric vehicles using components produced with forced labor; leverage existing industrial site reuse programs for responsible reclamation of Earth’s critical elements; and leverage the Energy Development Authority to provide financial assistance necessary to demonstrate the financial viability of reclaiming Pennsylvania’s critical elements.
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Call Before You Dig
April is Safe Digging Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of calling 8-1-1 before digging to ensure the safety of excavation projects across the state.
Every time an underground utility line is hit, there is a risk to the contractors or homeowners who are doing the digging; to utility workers and emergency responders who are mobilized to deal with the damage; and to bystanders who live, work or travel near the locations of the incidents.
State law requires contractors and residents to contact PA One Call at least three business days prior to excavation – triggering alerts to all utilities within an intended digging area and prompting utilities to mark where their lines are located. Pennsylvanians can dial 8-1-1 to connect with the One Call system, while out-of-state residents or businesses can call 1-800-242-1776.
Learn more at www.PA1call.com.
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Spring Gobbler Season Underway
Pennsylvania’s 2024 spring gobbler season begins this Saturday, April 27, with a half-day hunt for junior hunters and mentored hunters 16 and under. All participants must be accompanied by adults, and hunting hours are from a half hour before sunrise until noon.
The regular season runs May 4-31, with hunting hours going from a half hour before sunrise until noon from May 4-18, then from a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset from May 20-31.
For details, including licensing and safety tips, click here.
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