Emailed Newsletter - May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

 
Capitol Report
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The latest news from the State Capitol
 
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Honoring the Ultimate Sacrifice

This Memorial Day, I had the humble privilege of joining veterans, friends, and families at Mount Zion Cemetery and Willow Mill Park to remember and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the rights and freedoms that we inherited.

Memorial Day is not simply a holiday - it is a day for profound reflection. It is a moment when we come together as a nation to recognize the courage and sacrifice of those who gave everything in service to our country and our freedoms.

To those who have served, and to those who have lost a loved one, our gratitude is boundless. Their sacrifice was the ultimate act of love - for God, for man, and for country. Thank you for your service.

 
 
Big 33 Classic Comes Back to Chapman Field

What a busy few days it's been! We had so many events happening around the 87th District, including the Big 33 football classic! I was so happy to be able to see everyone roll into Chapman Field to watch the game.

A special shoutout to Cumberland Valley's player and cheerleaders: Nolan Buzalka, Leah Basehore, Madelyn Paetzold, and Karlee Steigleman.

Thanks to everyone who participated and made it such a great event!!

 
 
End-of-Year Capitol Tours

It was a pleasure to welcome students from Winding Creek Elementary School on Tuesday morning alongside my friend, Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34).

This particular day of tours then came full circle when I was able to welcome Rossmoyne Elementary School students at the Capitol!

When my third-grade class at Rossmoyne went on our Capitol tour in 2003 (picture down below; I'm in the top row, fourth in from the left.) it was then that I knew I wanted to devote my life to public service.

I hope the students felt inspired to pursue a life of public service, but I know they will do great things no matter what career path they choose in the future.

Thanks for stopping by!








   
 
Spending Time in the Classroom

On Thursday afternoon, I had the pleasure of spending time with some first-grade students at Shepherdstown Elementary School! We read books and chatted about local government, and I was happy to answer their questions.

Every time I visit a school, I’m reminded of how sharp and inquisitive this next generation is, and it gives me so much hope for the future. I’m already looking forward to my next visit. Thank you for having me!


  
 
Your Summer Electric Bill

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is reminding consumers that nearly every electric distribution company across the state will be increasing electric generation prices on June 1 for non-shopping, or default service, customers.

While you are encouraged to shop for options at PAPowerSwitch.com, PUC officials note rising wholesale energy prices have reduced the number of available offers below default rates.  

For a list of new residential default rates, as well as tips to conserve energy usage and save on your energy bills, click here.

The price hikes underscore the need to boost energy production in the Commonwealth so our supply can keep up with demand.  
 
 
Highlighting Veteran-Owned Businesses

Many veterans who have honorably served our country return home and continue contributing to their communities by starting their own business. I recently voted in support of legislation that would create a logo signifying a business is owned by a veteran.

House Bill 993 calls on the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to work with the state Department of Community and Economic Development to create a logo and process by which a veteran business owner could apply and receive approval to use the logo. Any business owner falsely using the logo would be subject to fines.

The bill received unanimous support in the House and is now pending consideration in the Senate.
 
 
Education Aid for Military, Veterans

In recognition of May as National Military Appreciation Month, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is encouraging veterans, service members and their families to take advantage of the financial aid opportunities available to them, especially through the PA Military State Aid Programs.

The PA National Guard Military Family Education Program (MFEP) is a tuition assistance program for dependents (spouses and children) of PA Guard members who commit to an additional six years of service with the National Guard. More information is available at www.pheaa.org/MFEP.

The PA National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP) provides financial assistance for guard member students who enter into a six-year service commitment with the PA National Guard. More information is available at www.pheaa.org/EAP.

Additional resources on funding opportunities available to service members and their families can be found at www.pheaa.org/militarybenefits.
 
 
PHEAA Announces Financial Aid Webinars


The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is hosting free webinars in June and July aimed at helping students and families.

In June, the webinar titled “Deep Dive into Covering the Gap” will be offered at noon on Tuesday, June 10, and at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 26. This one-hour session aims to help students and their families understand their bill and financial aid package, and determine what, if any, borrowing is needed to cover the difference between aid and actual cost.

The “Deep Dive” webinar will also be offered in July, at noon on Thursday, July 11, and 6:30 p.m. on Thursday July 25.

Also in July, the webinar titled “Borrow for Education – Which Loan is Right for Me” will be offered at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, and at noon on Wednesday, July 24. This one-hour session aims to help students and their families understand the advantages and disadvantages of different types of education loan programs.

For a full schedule, and to register your participation, visit www.pheaa.org/virtual.
 
 
Attention Artists!


America250PA – the organization planning the state’s participation in the United States’ 250th anniversary next year – is seeking submissions from local artists for its “Bells Across PA” art series.

Selected artists will execute their designs on a fiberglass bell sculpture. The goal is to place at least one bell in each of the state’s 67 counties, but the hope is for many more.

Bells Across PA is open to all Pennsylvania artists and groups from the acclaimed to the amateur. Painters, sculptors, craftsmen, multi-media artists and other wildly creative people are all encouraged to apply. Each commissioned bell will receive one honorarium, regardless of group size. Learn more here.
 

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