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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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Join us Tomorrow for a Shredding Event!
Bring your documents and join us for a document shredding event tomorrow, April 5, from 9 a.m. to noon at Kohl’s Parking Lot, 6444 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg!
Please note that shredded paper, three-ring binders, plastic, carbon paper, metal, and cardboard are prohibited. Paper should not be brought in plastic reusable bags.
There will be a five-box limit per customer and all containers will be returned.
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Making Pennsylvania a More Affordable Place to Live, Work, and Raise a Family
One of the things I hear most from families is how expensive it is to raise children. The cost of child care, essential items and activities adds up quickly, and I believe we can do more to ease that burden. That’s why I’m proposing legislation to exempt cribs, crib mattresses and strollers from the state sales tax. I’m also working on a separate proposal to exempt children’s books, library books, toys, and youth sports equipment.
By cutting these taxes, we can make Pennsylvania a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. I’m committed to supporting parents and ensuring that every child has the resources they need to grow and thrive. Stay tuned for updates as we work to get this done!
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Celebrating Music in Our Schools Month with Cumberland Valley’s Soaring Voices!
March was Music in Our Schools Month, a time to highlight the role of music education and its importance to students nationwide.
Last week, I hosted the Cumberland Valley School District Soaring Voices, which performed in the Capitol to mark the occasion. We are lucky to have some great educators and programs that foster student talent and help shape the next generation. Great job, Eagles!
To watch their full performance, click here.
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Advocating for Homeownership with GHAR
I recently had the privilege of participating in the Greater Harrisburg Area Realtors’ legislative breakfast and panel.
I've been pushing real estate-focused legislation through the House, advocating for tax incentives for first-time homebuyers and active-duty military, along with making Private Mortgage Insurance tax deductible. I've also worked to cut through the red tape that drives up the cost of building a home and am developing tax reform legislation to help more young families achieve homeownership in our region.
My focus is on making our region more competitive, attracting new residents and boosting the real estate market.
Advocating for Homeownership with GHAR
I recently had the privilege of participating in the Greater Harrisburg Area Realtors’ legislative breakfast and panel.
I've been pushing real estate-focused legislation through the House, advocating for tax incentives for first-time homebuyers and active-duty military, along with making Private Mortgage Insurance tax deductible. I've also worked to cut through the red tape that drives up the cost of building a home and am developing tax reform legislation to help more young families achieve homeownership in our region.
My focus is on making our region more competitive, attracting new residents and boosting the real estate market.
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Welcoming Silver Spring Elementary Students to the Capitol!
On Wednesday, students from Cumberland Valley School District's Silver Spring Elementary School visited Harrisburg to learn about civics and the history of our beautiful Capitol building. I hope they enjoyed their time in the halls of the statehouse!
To schedule a tour, please click here.
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Trout Season Opens Saturday!
Good luck to all the anglers heading out this weekend for the opening day of trout season on Saturday, April 5. For everything you need to know about fishing in the Commonwealth, including licensing and stocking information, visit www.fishandboat.com or check out the FishBoatPA mobile app.
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Voter Registration Deadline May 5
Pennsylvanians who are not already registered to vote but wish to participate in the May 20 municipal primary election should be sure to register no later than Monday, May 5.
To be eligible to vote in the primary, you must be a citizen of the United States for at least one month before the election; a resident of the election district in which you register to vote for at least 30 days before the primary; and at least 18 years of age on or before the date of the primary.
Under state law, only voters registered as Republicans or Democrats may vote for candidates in the primary election.
Citizens may register to vote online here or visit your county voter registration office. Not sure of your registration status? Check it here.
Voters who prefer to vote by mail-in or absentee ballot have until May 13 to apply for the ballot and until 8 p.m. on May 20 to return it. For more information, click here.
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PBDA Accepting Applications for Program to Provide Laptops
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has announced the application period is open for the second round of its Digital Connectivity Technology Program.
The program provides laptops for use by eligible public-facing institutions such as libraries, municipalities, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations and other community anchor institutions that can offer internet access to individuals who otherwise lack the technology.
More than 9,000 laptops were distributed in the first round of the program late last year. It is funded through the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Online applications can be made through the PBDA website.
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Boost Your Financial Literacy
April is Financial Literacy Month, a reminder that it’s never too early – or too late – to learn more about managing your finances.
Financial literacy is the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting and investing. When you are financially literate, you have the essential foundation for a smart relationship with money.
Learn more about the building blocks for managing and growing your money here.
Financial education resources for students are available here.
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PGC Opens Shooting Range Grant Program
The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Shooting Range Improvement Program is now accepting applications for shooting range projects.
The program seeks to provide funding to sportsmen clubs to develop new or unique projects that will positively impact Pennsylvania’s hunters and recreational shooters.
A maximum of $50,000 will be awarded per project. Eligible projects could include training, storage and clubhouse facilities; new construction, renovation, relocation; construction of backstops and safety berms; signage; lead remediation; and more.
Submissions are due to the Game Commission by June 1 with project selection by July 1. Click here for more information.
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April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Distracted Driving Awareness Month is recognized each April to remind drivers of the dangers of distracted driving and to decrease the traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries.
Distracted driving includes anything that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel and your mind off the task of driving. Examples include eating, drinking, smoking, adjusting the radio, texting, talking with passengers and talking on a cell phone.
To help combat distracted driving, Pennsylvania will soon implement “Paul Miller’s Law,” which prohibits a driver from using a hand-held device while driving. The law is named after Paul Miller, who was tragically killed in a crash with a tractor trailer in 2010 in Monroe County as a result of a distracted driver who reached for their phone.
Enforcement of the law begins on June 5, and violations during the first 12 months will result in a written warning. Effective June 5, 2026, the penalty for violations will be elevated to a summary offense with a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees.
To learn more about distracted driving, please visit www.penndot.pa.gov/safety.
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