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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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How Can We Help You?
My district offices serve as your local connection to state government. My team and I are happy to hear your questions or concerns about state and local issues. We are also available to assist you with an array of state programs and services, including:
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PennDOT paperwork, including driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and renewals. |
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Information and applications for senior citizen benefit programs, including Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE/PACENET prescription drug programs. |
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Information and applications for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). |
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Help with securing birth and death certificates (photo identification required). |
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Information about legislation. |
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Assistance with resolving matters relating to state agencies. |
Call or stop by the offices at:
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2 Market Plaza Way, Suite 9, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
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Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday |
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717-975-2235 |
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520 Park Drive, Boiling Springs, PA 17007
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Office Hours: By appointment |
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Call 717-975-2235 to make an appointment for our Boiling Springs office |
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Help is also available through our website at www.RepKutz.com.
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Applications Open for Broadband Funding
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) recently announced the $1.16 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program will accept its second and final round of applications through Aug. 1. BEAD is a federal grant program that provides states with funding to deploy broadband infrastructure and connect residents to the internet.
The goal is to expand broadband in unserved and underserved areas of the state to make sure high-speed internet is available to every resident by the end of the decade. It is estimated that over 100,000 Pennsylvanians in 42 counties currently have no service or struggle with poor service.
Eligible BEAD applicants include cooperative organizations; not-for-profit organizations; public-private partnerships; private companies; public or private utility companies; public utility districts; municipalities or units of local government; and internet service providers registered through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
For more information about the program, how funding can be used and how to apply, click here.
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New Law Extends Military Family Education Benefits
Recognizing the sacrifices made by National Guard members and their families, I recently joined in the unanimous support of legislation to allow family of Pennsylvania National Guard members to claim additional education benefits each time the Guard member reenlists or renews their service commitment.
Act 32 of 2025 (formerly House Bill 865) amends the state’s Military Family Education Program to clarify that the program’s education assistance is a renewable benefit each time a Guard member reenlists or renews their service obligation for an additional six-year term.
The bill also allows funds to be used for a wider range of educational programs, including remedial programs and advanced degrees, and provides for debt forgiveness when a member separates from the Guard for reasons beyond the member’s control.
The law takes effect in early September.
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Help Available for Veterans in Need
Veterans and their dependents facing financial hardship can apply for up to $1,600 per year to help with necessities such as food, shelter, fuel and clothing through the state’s Veterans Temporary Assistance Program.
To be eligible, a veteran must have served a period of active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and received a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. A veteran who suffered a service-connected disability, regardless the length or status of their service is also eligible, as well as the surviving dependents of an eligible veteran or those of a service member who died in line of duty or was killed in action.
Since its inception, the program, operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, has awarded more than $7.4 million to assist over 6,800 service members, veterans, and their families with emergent financial needs. Click here for more information. Applications are made to the County Veterans Affairs Department in the county of residence.
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Important Student Aid Deadline!
First-time applicants planning to attend a community college, trade school or other eligible school have until Friday, Aug. 1, to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for a PA State Grant in 2025-26.
The PA State Grant Program is offered through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and provides funding to eligible undergraduate students that does not have to be repaid. Complete your FAFSA now at StudentAid.gov.
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Protect Your Vehicle from Theft
July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging vehicle owners to take preventive steps to keep their vehicles safe.
Last year, more than 850,000 vehicles were stolen, approximately one every 37 seconds. Passenger cars make up most of the stolen vehicles, and summer months have the highest reported occurrences of vehicle thefts in the United States. NHTSA urges you to take the following steps to protect your vehicle:
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Park in well-lit areas. |
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Close and lock all windows and doors when parked. |
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Hide valuables. |
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Do not leave keys in the vehicle. |
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Do not leave the area while the vehicle is running. |
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Consider purchasing extra layers of protection for a vehicle if the vehicle’s manufacturer does not provide an anti-theft system. These can easily be purchased online or in a store. |
For more information on motor vehicle theft prevention, visit www.NHTSA.gov/theft.
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