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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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Upper Allen Township’s Fall Festival
Join me tonight at Upper Allen Township’s Fall Festival from 4-9 p.m. Be sure to stick around for the special drone show at 8 p.m.! I’ll have a booth set up, so please stop by to say hello and pick up some legislative materials. I’m looking forward to connecting with many of you there as we celebrate another great community tradition.
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Honoring Service at Cumberland Valley & Mechanicsburg Football Games
I was truly honored to be part of the Salute to Service games at both Cumberland Valley and Mechanicsburg high schools this past Friday, Sept. 19. Seeing our students, athletes, and community members come together to honor the men and women who serve our nation was incredibly moving. Thank you to all who continue to answer the call to serve.
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Celebrating Community at Mt. Holly Springs Holly Days
On Saturday, I had the privilege of joining neighbors and friends at the 49th annual Holly Days festival in Mt. Holly Springs. The turnout was amazing with families, local vendors, and volunteers all coming together to celebrate a tradition that has become such a centerpiece of our community. I am always grateful to see events like this continue to bring people closer year after year.
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Walking for Awareness at the Central PA Buddy Walk
Also on Saturday, I joined the Central PA Down Syndrome Awareness Group at their annual Buddy Walk at South Middleton Park. It was inspiring to see so many families, advocates, and friends walking side by side to raise awareness and support for individuals with Down syndrome. Events like this shine a light on the importance of awareness and the strength of our community when we walk together.
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Supporting Our Farmers at the PA Farm Bureau Picnic
Saturday afternoon, I had the chance to join the Cumberland County Farm Bureau for its annual picnic. I enjoyed connecting with our farmers and so many families as they came through to learn more about our vibrant central Pennsylvania agricultural community.
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Starting the Week at Elmwood Academy
I spent another early morning at Elmwood Academy, and what a great way to start the week! One of my favorite parts of this job is stepping into classrooms, chatting with young students, and answering their thoughtful questions about government. Their curiosity and excitement are always inspiring. Thank you again to Elmwood Academy for welcoming me into your classrooms!
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Speaking with Local Farmers at the Cumberland County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
On Monday evening, I attended the Cumberland County Farm Bureau’s annual meeting. It was great to hear directly from our farmers about the challenges they’re facing and the opportunities ahead. Agriculture is at the heart of our district and our state, and I am committed to continuing to support the men and women who make Pennsylvania a leader in farming.
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Building a Stronger Cumberland County: Supporting Growth, Cutting Red Tape, Strengthening Communities
On Tuesday morning, I had the opportunity to welcome attendees to the Cumberland County Housing and Redevelopment Authority conference. I highlighted the importance of policies that foster economic growth and competitiveness for our community and our Commonwealth, and cutting red tape that adds costs and expenses which are passed on to consumers. I’m committed to continuing to work with community partners toward making Cumberland County a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
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Join Us for Friday Night Lights to Cheer on the Bubblers at BSHS!
Before the Boiling Springs Bubblers take the field next Friday night, Oct. 3, I invite you to join me for a community tailgate at Citizens Fire Co. Station 2 (405 Forge Road). Starting at 5:30 p.m., we’ll have free food, along with information about important state programs and resources.
It’s a great opportunity to connect with neighbors, enjoy some fall fun, and get ready to cheer on the Bubblers under the Friday night lights. I hope to see you all there!
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Fraudulent Texts Target Pennsylvanians in Refund Scam
The Pennsylvanians Department of Revenue issued a warning this week about a phishing scam involving fraudulent text messages that impersonate Revenue officials and attempt to trick recipients into sharing sensitive personal and financial information.
Similar reports have surfaced in Philadelphia, where the city’s Department of Revenue has also seen residents targeted by deceptive texts. These messages often include links to fake websites and request banking details under the pretense of processing a refund.
Officials advise all taxpayers to verify the status of their refund only through official channels. Taxpayers can check the status of their refunds online by visiting the department’s official online tax hub, myPATH, or by calling 1-888-PATAXES. Taxpayers will be prompted to provide their Social Security number and requested refund amount to obtain the current status.
To protect yourself:
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Do not click on links from unknown or suspicious senders. |
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Never share your Social Security number, bank account details or other personal information via text. |
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Report suspicious messages or calls to the Department of Revenue at 717-425-2495, Ext. 72267. |
To verify potentially fraudulent contact from the department or to report suspicious activity, visit revenue.pa.gov.
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Don’t Miss Out on PA’s Fall Foliage!
Pennsylvania residents and visitors will get a new way to plan their autumn adventures as the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has launched a redesign of its weekly fall foliage reports.
An updated report will be posted every Thursday during peak foliage season on DCNR’s website. It will feature a fresh design, dedicated pages for each week, and detailed information by region. DCNR experts will also be available to provide regional insights and answer questions throughout the fall.
Visitors can also explore Pennsylvania’s fall offerings through Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway, a statewide campaign highlighting public lands, scenic drives, festivals, pick-your-own farms, and family-friendly autumn activities. Be sure to check out these options to enjoy all our Commonwealth has to offer!
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Nominate Your Favorite Trail
If you have a favorite trail that provides unique opportunities, encourages and celebrates diverse user groups, or enhances your community, please nominate it for Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year.
Each year, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and its Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee (PTAC) designate a Trail of the Year to help build enthusiasm and support for trails and raise public awareness about the economic, environmental and health benefits trails bring. The winning trail will be recognized through a commemorative poster for statewide distribution, a trailhead marker along the trail, and a grant for educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection on the trail.
Click here to nominate your favorite trail. The deadline for nomination is Friday, Oct. 31.
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PennDOT Invites Pennsylvania High School Students to Join Ninth Annual ‘Innovations Challenge’
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is inviting high school students throughout the state to participate in this year’s PennDOT Innovations Challenge, which encourages students to use their problem-solving, creative and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world transportation challenges in a competition among their peers.
For this year’s challenge, students are asked to develop a concept for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in work zones to dramatically improve safety for work crews and road users. The concept must outline how PennDOT can use smarter systems to prevent accidents and protect those who are working to build a better Pennsylvania.
The Innovations Challenge is open to all students in grades 9-12, regardless of their school’s learning model. For complete Innovations Challenge details, click here. The submission deadline is Jan. 30, 2026.
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Raising Cancer Awareness
Among many designations, the month of September is recognized as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Blood Cancer Awareness Month, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, and Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month.
It is an important reminder for all Pennsylvanians, regardless of age, to be aware of changes in their health that may indicate the development of cancer or other illness or disease. The American Cancer Society offers valuable resources to help people educate themselves on cancer risks and symptoms at www.cancer.org. Of course, you are encouraged to consult with a doctor for a specific diagnosis.
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