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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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New Investments Strengthen Cumberland County Communities
On Tuesday, the Commonwealth Financing Authority approved Local Share Account grants for projects in Cumberland, Berks and York counties.
Among the recipients:
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Cumberland Area Economic Development Corp. was awarded $47,913 to purchase equipment that will outfit the new Keystone FC facility. The sports facility will serve thousands of families and support economic growth for the region. |
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Lower Allen Township was awarded $270,000 to acquire composting equipment. The equipment will process plant material from public works projects, with compost made available to residents of Lower Allen Township, Shiremanstown and Lemoyne. |
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Cumberland County received $200,000 to repair the slate roof of the county courthouse. The project will ensure safety, preserve the building’s historic character, and prevent further deterioration. |
These investments will enhance the quality of life in Cumberland County. I was proud to join the Cumberland County Delegation to the House of Representatives in advocating for these important community projects.
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Congratulating a New Eagle Scout!
This week I had the pleasure to present a citation and flag to Henry Buchanan, Troop 54’s newest Eagle Scout! Henry‘s project consisted of constructing over 30 cardinal nesting boxes on a trail at Lower Allen Community Park. Only 4% of scouts earn the Eagle Scout rank, and Henry continues a family legacy in Scouting. Congratulations to Henry and the Buchanan family on this momentous occasion!
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87th District Students Visit the Capitol
It's always a great day when I get to see local students in Harrisburg!
On Monday, I welcomed fourth graders from Elmwood Academy to the Capitol. I had a great time answering their questions about what it's like to be a state representative and sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how our state government works.
On Wednesday, I had a blast welcoming Cumberland Valley School District students from Green Ridge Elementary to the Capitol. They had excellent questions, and I really enjoyed my conversations with them. Keep up the great work, Gators!
Visits like these are a great reminder of how important it is to engage young students in civics. I always enjoy telling students the story about my third-grade Capitol visit years ago, and how it put me on a path of dedicating my life to public service.
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Mark Your Calendars! Identity Theft Prevention and Document Shredding Event
I am partnering with Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-88) and Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34), as well as Silver Spring and Hampden townships, to host a free identity theft prevention and document shredding event for residents of those municipalities. The event will be held on Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Kohl’s parking lot at 6444 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg.
There will be a limit of five boxes and/or bags per household. Paper that has already been shredded, three-ring binders, plastic, carbon paper, metal, food wrappers and blueprints will not be accepted.
For questions, please call my office at 717-975-2235.
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Keep Up with Our Office
As your state representative, I am committed to serving you with transparency and accountability. I believe it’s essential for you to see firsthand how your government works and how we’re advocating for our community every day.
That’s why I’m excited to invite you to connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! On our social media pages, you’ll get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day operations of our office, including virtual tours, updates on legislative efforts and the ways we’re working to address the issues that matter most to you.
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Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program Applications Open
The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), is now open!
Created by the Legislature under Act 89 of 2024, the program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in an in-demand occupation and agree to work in that occupation in Pennsylvania after graduation.
There are over 460 eligible programs of study or majors that lead to in-demand occupations in a variety of fields, such as agriculture, business, education, computer science, STEM, nursing, allied health and criminal justice. Awards will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis for the 2025-26 academic year.
For details about the program and eligibility, visit PHEAA.org/GrowPA.
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March 25 is National Medal of Honor Day
National Medal of Honor Day, celebrated annually on March 25, recognizes all recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest military award for valor in the United States.
Created in 1861 to honor six members of “Andrews’ Raiders” for their volunteering and participation during an American Civil War raid in April of 1862, commonly known as “The Great Locomotive Chase,” the medal has been awarded to 3,528 of our nation’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coastguardsmen.
Out of the 3,528 recipients, there are 382 from Pennsylvania, with all but Walter Joseph Marm Jr. being deceased. Marm earned his Medal of Honor while a first lieutenant and platoon leader in the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in Vietnam on Nov. 14, 1965, during the Battle of Ia Drang, which was dramatized in the movie “We Were Soldiers.” The battle was the first major clash – and one of the bloodiest and fiercest - between U.S. soldiers and North Vietnamese troops during the Vietnam War. It was also the first use of air cavalry in the war.
Let us remember the gallantry and sacrifice of every recipient of the United States Armed Forces’ highest military decoration.
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New Online Petition Center for Taxpayers to File Appeals
A new online platform is now available for Pennsylvania taxpayers who are filing an appeal or submitting a request for a refund with the state Department of Revenue.
Key features of the new Online Petition Center include a more user-friendly, intuitive interface; a tracker feature to allow taxpayers to follow the status of their petition; improved security and accessibility; and simpler terminology to streamline the process.
The new Online Petition Center also involves a transition to the Keystone Login account management system, meaning users will need to sign up for a new username and password to access the new system. Click here to learn more about how to register for a Keystone Login account.
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Are You Prepared for the Next Storm?
Many people across the state were affected by severe weather over the weekend, including heavy rain, hail, high winds and even tornadoes.
In addition to the safety risks brought on by this kind of weather, many people also lose power in their homes. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency has some valuable tips for preparing yourself for a power outage. Check it out here so you’re ready for the next storm.
To stay on top of the latest weather forecast or other emergencies in your area, consider signing up for CodeRed alerts here. You can choose to receive alerts by phone, text or email.
Stay informed to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe!
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Introducing Our Youth to Trout Fishing!
Just a reminder next Saturday, March 29, is Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day across the Commonwealth.
To participate, youth anglers (those under the age of 16) must have either a free Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License. More information about the mentored youth program, as well as a link to obtain a permit or license, is available here.
The following Saturday, April 5, is the first day of trout season. If you haven’t already, be sure to buy your fishing licenses and permits and get your gear organized. Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) online at www.fishandboat.com or the FishBoatPA mobile app for more information.
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