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Capitol Report
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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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Elmwood Academy Hosts Fourth Grade Wonder Showcase
I had such a great time last Thursday at Elmwood Academy walking through their fourth grade Wonder Showcase! Students had the chance to research a topic that interested them and give presentations on what they learned.
We learned about everything from professional sports, to turtles, to Paris, to magnetism; you name it! As always, thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing next year's projects.
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Another New Business in the District!
Last Friday, while I was at the Capitol, members of my staff had the pleasure of joining the team at Tide Cleaners on Carlisle Pike to celebrate its grand opening!
Welcoming new businesses like Tide Cleaners is about more than just cutting a ribbon – it's about fostering economic growth, strengthening our community and laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity throughout our district. Small businesses are the heartbeat of our local economy, and I’m always thrilled to see new ones set up shops and contribute to our community.
Make sure you swing by and check it out. Tide Cleaners is conveniently open 24/7 to fit your busy schedule!
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A Little Rain Couldn’t Stop the Shred
It was wonderful to see so many community members stop by for our document shredding event this past Saturday! Even though the weather didn’t fully cooperate, everyone stuck it out with good spirits. We were able to help hundreds of residents safely dispose of old documents and catch up with familiar faces along the way.
Thank you to everyone who came out and made the event a success! Also, thank you to Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34) and Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-88) for participating with us!
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From the District Office to the House Chamber: A Glimpse into Public Service
On Monday, our district office intern, Owen, had the chance to shadow me at the Capitol! It’s always a pleasure to welcome students to witness state government firsthand and see what we do every day.
From committee meetings to floor votes, Owen got to experience a fast-paced session day and see how legislation takes shape behind the scenes.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to help young people engage with the legislative process and hope this sparks a lifelong interest in public service.
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Celebrating a New Chapter in Local Health Care
I was honored to attend the grand opening of the new Helen Simpson Rehabilitation Hospital at UPMC’s West Shore campus on Tuesday morning. This state-of-the-art facility will provide critical rehab services to patients recovering from strokes, surgeries, injuries and more, right here in our community.
It was a privilege to meet the dedicated care teams and see firsthand the commitment to healing and innovation that UPMC represents. Investments like these in our district not only strengthen our local health care system but also ensure patients and families have access to high-quality care close to home.
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Supporting the Hands That Feed Pennsylvania
I enjoyed a legislative luncheon with the farmers who work hard each day to put food on our tables! During this event with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, we discussed the opportunities and challenges farmers and agribusiness workers are facing. It is always a pleasure to spend time with our Cumberland County farmers and work alongside them to ensure the viability of farming for future generations.
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Welcoming Messiah Students to the Capitol
I had the pleasure of joining a roundtable discussion with a group of graduating seniors and faculty from Messiah University on Tuesday afternoon. We had a great conversation about how they, as future teachers and educators, can effectively engage with state government, advocate for policies they care about and navigate the systems that impact our classrooms.
Answering their questions and hearing their perspectives reinforces how lucky we are to have a new generation of public servants stepping up. I’m grateful I had the chance to be part of their journey as they prepare to make a difference for younger generations.
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Get Ready for REAL ID
The deadline for enforcement of the federal REAL ID Act is less than a month away.
As of May 7, federal law will require you 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 for those residents who do not want or need one. If you’re not sure, PennDOT is offering the REAL ID online wizard to help you decide.
In light of growing reports of long lines and limited hours at the state’s driver license centers, House Republican leaders have called on the Shapiro administration to expand evening and weekend hours to ensure those who choose to obtain a REAL ID are served more efficiently. PennDOT is currently offering a series of dedicated REAL ID Days on Mondays at many driver license facilities. Check the schedule here.
To learn more about REAL ID and how to obtain one, visit www.penndot.gov/REALID.
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Expanded Call Center Hours for Late-Season Tax Filers
As the deadline for filing 2024 Pennsylvania personal income tax returns nears, the Department of Revenue is extending customer service hours in its call center to provide additional phone assistance to taxpayers. The deadline is April 15.
Taxpayers can call 717-787-8201 to connect with the Department of Revenue's Customer Experience Center (CEC). Extended hours will be:
• Through Friday, April 11: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Saturday, April 12: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Monday and Tuesday, April 14-15: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Assistance is also available through the department's Online Customer Service Center and through the department’s district offices.
The department is also reminding taxpayers of free filing resources, including myPATH and Direct File.
For more information, visit the Department of Revenue online.
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Help Limit Spread of Spotted Lanternfly
With the state’s spotted lanternfly quarantine now expanded to 56 counties, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is encouraging everyone to destroy lanternfly eggs in the coming weeks to help protect valuable food and ornamental crops.
Adult insects die off over the winter after laying tiny rows of eggs, covering them with a putty-colored protective coating. The egg masses, which can be on any outdoor surface, from trees and rocks to equipment and lawn furniture, each contain 30-50 eggs approximately the size of a pinhead and have survived winters in sub-zero temperatures. Scraping and smashing them is easy and requires no special tools.
To learn how to recognize and report spotted lanternflies, control them on your property and keep from taking them to new homes when you travel, visit www.agriculture.pa.gov/spottedlanternfly.
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Heating Assistance Program Extended Through
April 18
While the cold weather is finally waning, residents who are struggling with their home heating bills are reminded they can still apply for assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through next Friday, April 18.
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service.
The income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP are set at 150% of the federal poverty income level. For example, the gross income limit for an individual is $22,590 and for a family of four it is $46,800.
Residents may apply for LIHEAP online at www.compass.state.pa.us, by phone at 1-866-550-4355 or by contacting the County Assistance Office in their county of residence.
Click here for additional information.
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PennDOT Invites Pennsylvanians to Share Feedback on Winter Services
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking the public’s feedback on winter services through an online survey.
The survey is available now through April 28 and should take about five minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous.
The 16-question survey asks respondents about their timeline expectations for safe and passable roadways, how they rank snow-removal priorities and how they rate PennDOT’s winter services.
Click here to take the survey.
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