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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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Uncovering PA History at State Archives Building
Last week, I had the opportunity to tour the new State Archives building to get an inside look at the upgraded facilities. In addition to learning about the many resources for Pennsylvania residents, like free access to genealogy reports, records and photos, I saw the 1780 act that gradually abolished slavery in the Commonwealth and the United Flight 93 response notes. It was fascinating to see these preserved documents, which will be available for future generations to learn from.
To watch my tour of the State Archives, click here.
For more information about the State Archives, please click here.
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You’re Invited to My Upcoming Events
Toast with Thomas
Understanding Human Trafficking Seminar
For questions, please call my office at 717-975-2235.
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‘Jail Scam’ Reports on the Rise
Pennsylvania State Police are again warning people to be aware of scammers claiming their loved one is in jail and promising to release them in exchange for cash.
Scammers will usually make contact by phone and claim a loved one (typically a grandchild) is either currently in jail, or faces the possibility of jail, and will even cite specific names. They will then ask for an address where they can pick up the money.
State police offer these tips to protect yourself from this and other scams:
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Don’t feel pressured to provide payment for something or to someone. |
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Do not give out sensitive information over the phone. |
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NEVER place money in your mailbox or at your doorstep for someone to pick up. |
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Do not give remote access to anyone for any of your devices. |
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Never make a payment to someone with gift cards – it’s a scam! |
Click here for additional tips to protect yourself from scams.
If you or anyone you know is a victim of a scam, contact state or local law enforcement to have it investigated.
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Kids are Heading Back to School: Learn About Saving for Higher Education with PA 529!
Kids across the state are or soon will be heading back to class, and now is the perfect time to start saving for their next steps! Whether a child in your life is starting kindergarten or heading into their senior year, it’s never too early, or too late, to start saving with the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program.
Saving with PA 529 has big tax advantages and doesn’t impact Pennsylvania state financial aid eligibility. There are two great plans to choose from, the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) and the PA 529 Investment Plan (IP).
Both plans can be used to help pay for a wide variety of education costs like tuition and fees, books, supplies, room and board, and more at technical schools, community colleges, four-year institutions and apprenticeship programs. Learn more at pa529.com today!
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While Summer Winds Down, Bugs are Still Buggin’
Summer is winding down, but ticks and mosquitoes are as active as ever, so it’s important to continue taking steps to protect yourself outdoors.
Pennsylvania typically ranks in the top 10 in the country for Lyme disease cases per 100,000 residents. Most cases can be treated successfully with a short course of antibiotics. However, if the infection is left untreated, it can spread to joints, heart and nervous system.
The state Department of Health offers an online dashboard to show where ticks are prevalent and help people prepare to take appropriate precautions while enjoying outdoor activities.
Tips include covering exposed skin; wearing light colors to help detect ticks; using insect repellent that is EPA-approved for tick prevention; and spraying permethrin on shoes, clothes and gear. After being outside, check yourself, your kids, and your pets thoroughly for ticks and remove any attached. Shower to help remove any ticks you may have missed. Throw your clothes in the dryer using high heat to help kill any remaining ticks.
Residents should also take steps to prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and by wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during peak mosquito activity times, like dusk and dawn.
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PA Elk Cam Back for Another Season!
You can once again check in on the state’s elk herd from the comfort of your own home!
The Pennsylvania Game Commission, in partnership with HDOnTap and the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission, has installed a camera on Elk County game lands that are typically a hub of elk activity as the bugling season heats up. In the coming weeks, bulls will become more vocal as they compete with one another for available cows.
In addition to the elk, viewers can expect to see turkeys, deer and other wildlife as well. The best times to view elk are at dawn and dusk.
If you’d like to see the bugling season in person, the PA Game Commission reminds visitors to always be “Elk Smart.” Give elk space, never feed elk and do your part to ensure the welfare of the herd. Learn more here.
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PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Labor Day Holiday
All PennDOT driver license and photo centers, including the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, Aug. 31, through Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of Labor Day.
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.
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