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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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Civic Engagement Starts in the Classroom
I stopped by Boiling Springs High School on Thursday morning to talk with some AP Government classes about what it’s really like to serve as a state representative.
Getting to share my day-to-day work and answer questions they had about our state legislature was a real highlight of my week. The students came prepared with great questions and insights, and I look forward to coming back to visit in the fall.
Our future is in good hands!
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Honoring a Legacy of Leadership at Messiah University
It was a privilege to present a citation and a flag flown over the Capitol to President Kim Phipps in recognition of her incredible two decades of leadership at Messiah University on Thursday afternoon.
As the institution’s first female president, Dr. Phipps not only led with vision but reimagined what the university could be. Building community, expanding programs and championing excellence. Her impact will be felt for generations to come, and her presence will be missed on campus.
Wishing President Phipps all the best as she begins her well-deserved retirement!
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Seizing Opportunity Through AI
Growing the state’s energy industry would reap many benefits for consumers and employers across the Commonwealth. It would also give us the chance to capitalize on the growing economic opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI).
The House Republican Policy Committee recently held a joint public hearing with the Senate Majority Policy Committee in Pittsburgh to learn more about how artificial intelligence is already reshaping Pennsylvania’s economy. We heard from industry-leading experts about how AI is significantly changing operations in health care, aerospace and banking.
Ken Zapinski, director of research and public policy for Pittsburgh Works Together, stated that Pennsylvania must build more power plants, take advantage of old industrial sites that have access to existing gas and electric infrastructure, and minimize permitting and development hurdles to fully take advantage of the rapidly expanding AI industry.
Our AI Opportunity Task Force is also continuing its work on this front, talking with AI business leaders to learn more about the policies necessary to support the growth of this industry.
Click here to watch the hearing.
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Reminder: Voter Registration Deadline Monday
Just a reminder that if you are not already registered to vote but wish to participate in the May 20 municipal primary election, the deadline to register is this 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.
You 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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Growing Greener Plus Grant Program Accepting Applications
The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now accepting applications for a new round of Growing Greener Plus grants.
This opportunity includes three grant programs, which are intended to address nonpoint source pollution through local, watershed-based planning, restoration and protection efforts. These include:
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Growing Greener Watershed Restoration and Protection Program grants are to restore impaired waters and protect waterways from nonpoint source pollution. |
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Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act Grants are intended to help treat abandoned mine discharge sites. |
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Act 167 Stormwater Management Planning Grants are to assist in the preparation of stormwater management plans. |
Growing Greener grants can be awarded to watershed groups, local or county governments, municipal authorities, county planning commissions, county conservation districts, councils of governments, educational institutions or nonprofit organizations. Applications are due by Friday, June 20. Learn more about the program and application process here.
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Agricultural Deer Program Changes Adopted
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has adopted four changes to the agency’s agricultural deer control permit program, which allows farmers to address deer damage through hunters harvesting additional antlerless deer on enrolled farms and in longer hunting seasons. The program aims to expand accessibility to agricultural deer depredation programs and provide opportunities to hunters.
Most notably, the rule limiting hunters to four agricultural deer permits, also known as “ag tags” or “red tags,” to harvest antlerless deer for any particular property is removed. Additionally, the time frame during which the tags can be used is more than doubled. A brief closure will be held during the peak of fawning season in spring and early summer.
With ag tags now permitted during regular deer seasons, hunters using those tags will be limited to using the sporting arms allowed in those seasons. Otherwise, hunters may use any lawful sporting arm.
Finally, those who apply to enroll their farms in the program will be required only to certify they are the owner or lessee of both the agricultural interest adversely affected by deer damage and the hunting rights to be covered by the permit. Previously, to be eligible, applicants had to supply a deed or a lease agreement.
Read more here.
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Mental Health Awareness Month
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and continuing the fight against the stigma people face when seeking help.
In Pennsylvania, mental health services are administered through county Mental Health and Developmental Services programs. To learn more about mental health care in Pennsylvania, click here.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
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