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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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Marking Veterans Day 2025
This Tuesday, Nov. 11, we recognize Veterans Day by remembering the sacrifices these men and women made on behalf of our citizens and people around the world.
Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, first marked the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, and sought to honor the veterans of the World War – the only world war to have occurred at that time. Armistice Day was declared a national holiday in 1938 to acknowledge world peace, and then was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to celebrate the contributions of veterans of all wars.
For more about the history of Veterans Day, click here.
For more information about programs and benefits to support our veterans in Pennsylvania, visit the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website here.
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Coming Together to Honor Veterans and Their Families in New Kingstown
Our Veterans Breakfast this past Saturday morning, co-hosted with the New Kingstown Fire Company, was a truly meaningful time of fellowship, reflection, and gratitude. We gathered to honor the men and women who served our nation, as well as the families that stand beside them.
We were deeply grateful to hear from our guest speaker, Warren William Tafford-Jones, a retired U.S. Army officer, military historical consultant, and veterans advocate. His powerful story spans decades of service from Vietnam to his lifelong work supporting fellow veterans. His words were a moving reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience that define our nation’s heroes.
Thank you to all who joined us for such a special morning and to every veteran and military family for your service to our community and country.
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Sharing in a Morning of Gratitude at VFW Post 7530 Veterans Breakfast
Monday morning’s Veterans Breakfast at VFW Post 7530 in Lower Allen Township was a powerful reminder of what service, sacrifice, and community truly mean. It was an honor to spend the morning with those who have worn the uniform, and the families who support them every step of the way. We were grateful to welcome Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday as our keynote speaker. His remarks on the meaning of service and the strength of the veteran community here in Pennsylvania were heartfelt and inspiring.
A special highlight of the morning was meeting a World War II veteran in attendance, an unforgettable reminder of the living history, courage, and resilience that continue to shape our nation.
My sincere thanks to the VFW Post 7530 leadership and staff for so warmly hosting us, to the Cedar Cliff High School JROTC for their excellent presentation of the colors, and to Penelope Shaw for a beautiful performance of our National Anthem. It was a meaningful morning of reflection, gratitude, and fellowship. I am humbled to stand alongside our veterans and military families every day.
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PennDOT Service Centers Close for Veterans Day
All PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
During the closures, customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, through PennDOT's online Driver and Vehicle Services website.
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Protecting Custody Rights of Deployed Military Parents
Parents who serve their country should never lose custody or visitation simply because they answered the call to duty. That’s why I was honored to vote in favor of a new law protecting a parent’s rights during military deployment.
Act 40 of 2025fixes Pennsylvania child-custody law by preventing any permanent modification of custody or visitation orders while a parent is deployed. The law stops litigants from using the fact of deployment as a reason to alter existing custody arrangements. It also allows parents to delegate visitation rights during deployment and encourages continued communication between parents and children through modern means, such as video calls, when in-person contact is not possible.
The law will take effect in late November.
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Veterans’ Trust Fund Grant Applications Now Open
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is inviting applications for the 2026-27 Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) grant awards.
Funding up to $40,000 is available to veterans’ service organizations and other nonprofit organizations with a mission of serving veterans. Funding up to $15,000 is available to county departments of veterans affairs to support their outreach mission.
Interested applicants are encouraged to join a Teams meeting Thursday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m., where an overview of the grant guidelines, timeline and application will be provided. Interested parties can email ra-mvvettrustfund@pa.gov to receive the Teams link.
Grant applications must be received no later than 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19. Click here for more information about the program and how to apply.
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New Law to Help Veterans, Students
Pennsylvania schools need teachers, and Pennsylvania veterans will soon be able to put their education and experience to work in the classroom under a new state law.
Act 41 of 2025 makes it easier for veterans to obtain a teaching certificate related to their direct experience in various career and technical education (CTE) fields. Specifically, the law requires the Department of Education to issue a CTE Intern or CTE Instructional I Certificate to a veteran who has served in the United States Armed Forces for a minimum of 8,000 hours in the occupational area to be taught.
This will open new pathways for veterans to become educators and share their valuable hands-on skills and expertise with our students. It’s a win for all involved!
The law will take effect in late December.
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Cold Weather Life Jacket Requirements Now in Effect
As temperatures drop and cold-weather boating begins, it’s important to be aware of Pennsylvania’s seasonal life jacket requirements designed to keep boaters safe on the water.
Beginning Nov. 1 through April 30, all boaters are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket while on the water in the following:
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• Boats less than 16 feet in length
• Any canoe, kayak, or paddleboard
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Cold water can quickly become dangerous, even for experienced boaters, and this safety measure helps prevent cold-water shock and drowning during the winter and early spring months.
For additional details and safety guidance, you can read the full announcement here.
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A Boost to Education Savings in November for Youngest Pennsylvanians!
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced a statewide incentive for Keystone Scholars in November which will give children an even bigger head start on education savings!
Families who claim their child’s $100 scholarship from Keystone Scholars in November and open and link their own companion PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account will get an additional $50. Taking this action in November results in initial education savings deposits of $150.
Keystone Scholars provides a $100 scholarship for every child born in Pennsylvania since 2019. This money grows alongside the child and will be available to use after their 18th birthday for costs associated with four-year degrees, community college, technical training, apprenticeships and credential programs.
To learn more, visit PA529.com/keystone.
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