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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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Investing in Cumberland County’s Families, Schools, and Future
This year’s budget strikes a responsible balance by protecting the Rainy Day Fund while putting Pennsylvania’s economy on more stable footing. At $50.09 billion, this budget represents a modest increase in state spending. This number is higher than I had hoped, but it avoids new taxes, preserves our Rainy Day Fund, helps energy affordability, and keeps business taxes stable. These are responsible choices that will benefit both our Commonwealth and families here in Cumberland County.
In the 87th District, this budget restores state education funding to schools like Cumberland Valley and Mechanicsburg school districts, which will codify the funding reforms I have championed since day one as your state representative and have worked collaboratively with my House and Senate colleagues to achieve. In addition to investing in education, the Commonwealth is also investing in childcare recruitment and retention to ensure Pennsylvania remains a place where young families can plant roots and build their future. This investment is a good start to making Pennsylvania a better place to raise a family.
Pennsylvanians will see additional wins in the energy and permitting sectors, where this budget helps lower household costs and improves our business climate. By re-examining outdated energy policies that have driven up utility bills, and by expanding permitting reform to include faster approvals and online transparency, Pennsylvania can once again become a strong competitor for new jobs and investment.
This plan also strengthens accountability and oversight in benefit programs, ensuring state resources serve those who truly need them. The new Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) Tax Credit Program provides working Pennsylvanians with a credit equal to 10% of their federal Earned Income Tax Credit, which will offer real relief for families striving to make ends meet while working hard and contributing to our economy and our communities.
Most importantly, this budget safeguards the Commonwealth’s long-term fiscal stability. By targeting investments that deliver measurable results, it strengthens education, supports families, and promotes economic growth while keeping the Rainy Day Fund intact and maintaining Pennsylvania’s strong credit rating.
While no budget is ever perfect, this compromise reflects Pennsylvania’s diverse interests. Long-term budgeting will require additional conversations in the coming year to ensure progress is made on lasting reforms and spending is appropriated thoughtfully and with the next generation in mind.
I’m encouraged by the progress this year’s budget represents, and I was proud to cast my vote in support of our Commonwealth’s economic future and our children. By investing in our communities and families, we can continue our work to make Cumberland County and Pennsylvania the best places to live, work, and raise a family.
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Improving Guardianship Law
A new state law aims to protect incapacitated Pennsylvanians by requiring courts to promptly conduct a hearing on any petition to modify or terminate guardianship.
This change recognizes the unfortunate truth that there are times when an individual’s appointed guardian exploits, neglects, abuses or otherwise fails to act in their best interests, and the family of that individual is compelled to petition the courts to modify or terminate the guardianship. To ensure timely and just outcomes for the individual and their family, the law requires such petitions to be heard within 30 days.
The law, Act 39 of 2025, will take effect in late December.
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Support for Family Caregivers
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize the nearly one quarter (23%) of adults in Pennsylvania who are providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses and other loved ones.
According to AARP, family caregivers provide $22 billion in unpaid care each year in the Commonwealth, helping family members live independently at home and in their communities. Caregiving duties may range from bathing and dressing to grocery shopping, meal prep, managing medications, arranging transportation and more.
Both new and experienced caregivers can find help and support through the PA CareKit, unveiled earlier this year by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. It is available here.
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Oh, Say, Can You Sing?
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is less than two months away, and the Department of Agriculture is inviting Pennsylvania singers to enter “Oh, Say, Can You Sing?” a star-spangled sing-off to win a chance to sing live at the event.
Each morning, from Jan. 10-17, the Farm Show will start by featuring an individual or group singing the national anthem live. Top vote-getters may also be selected to sing at special events and competitions.
The contest is open to Pennsylvania residents of all ages, both individuals and groups, and the deadline for submissions is Nov. 24. For details, including how to enter, click here.
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Fall Driving Tips
Fall is well underway, and winter is just around the corner. PennDOT is reminding motorists that wet leaves, fog, sun glare and frost are a few driving hazards they will encounter this season. Weather conditions can be unpredictable in the fall and an increase in deer activity adds yet another danger to be aware of.
Here are a few steps drivers can take to help make their commutes safer:
• Increase your following distance in severe weather, at dusk and dawn, and when in an area with wet leaves. If you are being tailgated, let the other driver pass.
• Check your vehicle's headlights, taillights and turn signals to ensure they are working properly since darkness will be a part of many drivers’ morning and/or evening commutes. Make sure you turn on your headlights as the sunlight fades.
• Have your vehicle's heating and wiper systems checked to ensure they are working properly.
• Be sure you have tires with sufficient tread depth in case of an early season snow.
• Watch for deer. Autumn brings an increase in deer activity, and drivers are reminded to watch carefully for deer darting across and along roadways.
For more traffic safety information, click here.
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