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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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Local Students Win Civics Competition with Innovative Proposals
To encourage civic engagement among students in the 87th District, I hosted a “There Ought to Be a Law” contest for fifth grade and high school students. Participants submitted individual proposals for laws to address various issues people face across the Commonwealth.
Encouraging civic engagement and participation among our future leaders is very important. I was glad to offer an opportunity for local students to think critically about solutions to the problems they perceive while learning more about government and the legislative process.
Congratulations to all the winners! There were many submissions to choose from; selecting 11 students was no easy task! Also, thank you to our independent judges from every corner of the 87th District who selected the winners.
The students’ proposals covered topics ranging from requiring daily physical education classes to streamlining fishing licenses in Pennsylvania. They were recognized in Harrisburg on Wednesday for their innovative proposals. Stay tuned for a video interview with the winners!
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Iron Forge Elementary Students Tour the Capitol
On Tuesday, students from Iron Forge Elementary School toured the Capitol. It was a pleasure to host them with Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34) and show them around the Senate chamber. It's always a fun day in Harrisburg when local students come to visit!
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Congratulating Local Girl Scouts
It was a pleasure to help celebrate the achievements of local Girl Scouts at their recent Bridging Ceremony. There were Scouts from Cumberland Valley and Mechanicsburg Area school districts ranging in age from Daisies to adults, and even a few Gold Awards were presented (this is the highest award achievable for Girl Scouts). Congratulations to all! The skills you learn in Scouting will take you far in life!
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Bill to Ease the Burden of First Time Homeownership Advances in the House
Closing costs have become a barrier to first-time homeownership, but we're working to change that here in Pennsylvania.
This week legislation I authored, House Bill 1387, which would exempt first time homebuyers from the Realty Transfer Tax, unanimously passed the Housing and Community Development Committee. This bill is a tax cut that would help incentivize sales to individual buyers and save first-time buyers $4,500 on average at closing.
This is a win for buyers, sellers, taxpayers and the free market. I look forward to seeing this bill advance to the full House for consideration.
To read more about the legislation, please click here.
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Get Ready for REAL ID
The deadline for enforcement of the federal REAL ID Act is set to begin less than a year from now, on May 7, 2025.
As of that date, you will have to present a federally accepted form of identification to board a commercial domestic flight or visit a secure federal building that requires ID at the door. Federally accepted forms of identification include a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, or a military ID.
While all Pennsylvanians must comply with the new law, obtaining a state-issued REAL ID is not mandatory. PennDOT will continue to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs.
Full enforcement of the law has been delayed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was hindering efforts to process REAL ID applications across the country.
To learn more about REAL ID and how to obtain one, visit www.penndot.gov/REALID.
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Fighting the Ongoing Drug Epidemic
Working to ensure law enforcement has the tools it needs to keep another dangerous drug off the streets, the General Assembly passed a new law that permanently classifies xylazine, a powerful animal tranquilizer commonly known as tranq, as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act.
Xylazine mixed with narcotic compounds and used in illicit drug trafficking has been identified as an emerging public health threat. However, it is also a common animal sedative used by veterinarians to facilitate safe handling and treatment of many species, especially large animals.
While the new law criminalizes illicit possession of xylazine, it allows for continued use by licensed veterinarians and requires them to safely store xylazine to protect from theft or improper access.
Act 17 of 2024 takes effect immediately.
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Remember the Fallen This Memorial Day
Monday, May 27, is Memorial Day – a day set aside to honor the more than 1.1 million Americans who have died in wars which the United States entered.
Please take a moment this weekend to remember these men and women who sacrificed their lives for us and for our country and consider participating in Memorial Day events in our community.
For more information about Memorial Day and its history, click here.
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Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Memorial Day
PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed Saturday, May 25, through Monday, May 27, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov. Services include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.
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Fish for Free This Sunday!
On Sunday, May 26, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will host a Fish for Free day to allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways. No license is required, but all other fishing regulations still apply.
This is the first of two dates set by the PFBC to enhance fishing opportunities. The next day is Independence Day, Thursday, July 4. This is a great way to expose the next generation of anglers to the outdoors. More information about fishing in Pennsylvania is available here.
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Save with PA 529 in May for a Chance to Win $5,529!
The Pennsylvania Treasury Department is celebrating 529 Day (May 29) throughout the month of May! Families that save with the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) have the opportunity to win some of more than $30,000 in total awards.
Families that open a new PA 529 GSP account and make at least $10 in contributions between May 1 and May 31, 2024, will be eligible to win one of two statewide awards of $5,529 – enough to pay for a year’s tuition at a Pennsylvania community college – or one of six regional awards of $2,529.
Families already saving with a PA 529 GSP account are also eligible to win a top award of $5,529 if their account had a balance of $10 or more as of April 30, 2024, and they make an additional contribution of at least $10 during the month of May.
With the tax-advantaged PA 529 GSP, families can save at today’s tuition rates to meet tomorrow’s tuition costs, meaning paying for a credit at today’s prices will result in enough to pay for a credit in the future, no matter how much tuition increases. PA 529 GSP accounts can be used to help pay for education costs at a wide variety of technical schools, colleges and universities, and apprenticeship programs.
Save with the PA 529 GSP in the month of May for a chance to win! For official rules and more about how to start saving, visit www.pa529.com/529day.
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