 |
|
| |
|
Capitol Report
|
#Listrak\DateStampLong#
|
The latest news from the State Capitol
|
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
|
Remembering D-Day
Today marks the 81st anniversary of the Normandy landings during World War II, otherwise recognized as D-Day. D-Day marked the beginning of the final push across Europe to defeat Axis forces during World War II, with more than 9,000 Allied soldiers killed or wounded in that battle alone. For a full history on D-Day, click here.
I wish to extend a special heartfelt thank you to the men and women who served that day, and our gratitude to those who did not come home. Your legacy is not forgotten.
|
Budget Season is Heating Up at the Capitol
The Capitol fountain is flowing, the sun is out, and session is in full swing. The energy is high and work is underway as we kick off this critical three-week period to finalize the state budget before the June 30 deadline.
It’s an exciting and fast-paced time here at the Capitol, and every decision we make has a real impact on our communities. I’ll be working hard to advocate for the issues that matter most to our district, and I want to hear from you!
Be sure to follow along and share your thoughts as we shape Pennsylvania’s path forward.
|
Bringing Clear Vision to Pennsylvania Students
I was honored to visit the Vision to Learn mobile clinic during its stop at the Capitol on Tuesday.
Vision to Learn, in partnership with the Eagles Charitable Foundation, is a mobile clinic dedicated to providing free vision screenings and glasses to students in need. This incredible initiative helps ensure every child has the tools they need to succeed in the classroom.
Programs like this make a real difference in students’ lives, and I’m proud to support efforts that remove barriers to learning. Be sure to check them out and learn more about the impact they’re making across the Commonwealth!
|
Honoring a Trailblazer in Upper Allen Township
I was honored to present a House citation to Ginnie Anderson on Wednesday evening in celebration of her retirement from Upper Allen Township.
As the first woman ever elected to the Upper Allen Township Board of Commissioners, her decades of leadership and dedication to public service have left a lasting legacy in our community. It was a privilege to recognize her historic contributions.
Congratulations, Ginnie, and thank you for paving the way for so many others. Enjoy retirement!
|
Explore Archival Work with a Paid Fall Internship in Harrisburg
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archival Internship Program is now accepting applications for its Fall 2025 session. This 13-week paid internship, based in Harrisburg, offers both full- and part-time opportunities for students interested in history, public service, and archival research.
Eligible applicants include second-semester juniors, seniors, or graduate students who attend a Pennsylvania college or university, or are Pennsylvania residents, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The program requires an application, resume, official college transcripts, and two letters of recommendation.
To learn more and apply, visit https://archives.house.state.pa.us/internship.
|
Application Deadline Extended for 2024 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
The deadline for senior citizens and Pennsylvanians with disabilities to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2024 has been extended to Dec. 31.
Income limits for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program increased this year to $46,520 for both homeowners and renters. If you were earning too much to qualify before, you may be eligible now. Remember to exclude 50% of Social Security when determining your income. The law I supported to expand the program also increased the maximum rebate to $1,000.
The program is open to residents age 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older.
Remember – you do not need to pay anyone for assistance to apply for the rebates. Apply online at mypath.pa.gov, or contact my office for help. Additional information about the program is available here.
Rebates will be distributed beginning July 1, as required by law.
|
Scam Alert: Traffic Tickets
The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) is advising the public to stay vigilant against a recently reported text message scam involving the Pennsylvania court system.
The scam text messages claim “records show that as of today, there is an outstanding traffic ticket” which must be paid via a scam URL. The text goes on to outline fictitious actions and penalties that will be taken if the ticket is not paid including license and vehicle suspension, criminal prosecution and negative impacts to personal credit scores.
The AOPC will never place calls or send text messages to anyone soliciting payment by credit card, gift card or any other means of electronic funds transfer for any reason.
If you receive this text, contact state and/or local police as well as the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555 or scams@attorneygeneral.gov.
|
Attention Students: House Fellowship Program Taking Applications
The Pennsylvania House Legislative Fellowship Program is accepting applications for its fall 2025 semester.
The program is based at Pennsylvania’s Capitol Building in Harrisburg where fellows are assigned to work in House standing committees or leadership offices; are compensated for their work (which may also include college credit); and are provided the opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces, to name a few.
Qualified applicants must be undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students; enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
For more information or to apply, visit www.pahousefellowship.us. Applications can be submitted via email to pahousefellowship@pabmc.net. The deadline to apply for the fall term is July 1.
|
Marking Women Veterans Day
Thursday, June 12, is Women Veterans Day, marking the 77th anniversary of the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act.
While the law allowed women the right to permanently serve in the regular armed forces, women served in America’s wars and conflicts long before it took effect. According to the U.S. Veterans Administration, women played vital roles in the Revolutionary War, and more than 400 women fought in the Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War. In World War I, about 35,000 women officially served, and by World War II, 350,000 women served in a variety of roles.
In Pennsylvania, drivers have the opportunity to further this recognition by purchasing an “Honoring Our Women Veterans” license plate, now available for passenger cars and trucks, as well as motorcycles. A portion of the cost for the plates goes directly into the Pennsylvania Veterans' Trust Fund, which provides grants to organizations that serve veterans in need.
For more information about Women Veterans Day, click here.
|
Protecting Our Children, Holding Offenders Accountable
Effectively protecting our children from predators also means holding offenders accountable. That’s why I recently voted in favor of a bill that would provide a sentencing enhancement for courts to consider in sexual assault cases where the defendant is a mandated reporter.
The people we encourage our children to trust – such as school employees, health care professionals, child care providers, law enforcement, clergy and social service workers – are mandated reporters. It is especially egregious when someone who is required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect instead chooses to victimize a child.
House Bill 355 now goes to the state Senate for consideration.
|
|
|
