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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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Happy Thanksgiving!
For centuries, Americans have come together in the spirit of thanksgiving. From the earliest traditions that began in Plymouth, Mass., in 1621 to the first official national observance in 1863, families have gathered in November to celebrate bountiful harvests and all that has been given to them.
In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, state offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28, including my offices. PennDOT Driver License Centers will be closed on those dates as well, though many services are available online at www.dmv.pa.gov.
If you are traveling, be sure to check www.511pa.com for the latest traffic and weather information.
From my family to yours, may you all have a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving.
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Students Shine at Upper Allen’s World Expo Day
I kicked off the week at Upper Allen Elementary’s World Expo Day, where students visited more than a dozen countries where parents and volunteers shared about their culture, geography, and delicious foods.
I enjoyed the opportunity to speak with students, parents, and teachers about this unique event at Upper Allen Elementary. I learned so much by engaging with so many different countries, and I am excited to return for next year’s event.
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Celebrating the Carlisle Cannons in Harrisburg
On Monday morning, I had the chance to welcome the Carlisle Cannons Girls Soccer Team to the Capitol, and their visit brought a spark of energy to the building. These young athletes had an incredible season, topping it off with a win at the Presidents Cup tournament in Florida. I was inspired to learn about each player’s journey and commitment to the team, and I enjoyed connecting with them about my time playing soccer in some of these same tournaments as well.
It’s always special to see students recognized for their accomplishments, and I loved being able to celebrate a group that represents our community with so much pride and determination. They truly earned this moment and recognition.
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Career Connections in Action at REMCO
I stopped by REMCO’s Career Connections Open House on Thursday morning as local electricians welcomed students from across our region to learn more about their work and to try out some projects for themselves to see if this career path is a fit for them.
I spoke to the students about the growing need for skilled workers in our region and how programs like this can create long-term opportunities for students who might not see a straight path forward after graduation.
It was encouraging to see such a thoughtful, community-minded approach to workforce development happening right here at home.
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Talking Childcare and Early Learning in Cumberland County
This week I joined the team at Kindercare in Upper Allen Township for a tour and for meaningful discussion about early childhood education. I was excited to speak with them about the recent investments in childcare recruitment and retention and in Pre-K Counts, as well as the working families tax credit that will help make childcare more affordable for so many families.
I enjoyed seeing the work each room was doing and meeting the dedicated staff who are committed to creating a warm, safe, and engaging environment for families who rely on them.
Visits like this help shape the work we do in Harrisburg highlight how essential accessible, high-quality childcare is for families across Cumberland County.
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Welcoming CPCTC Students to the Capitol
On Thursday afternoon, I had the chance to meet with students from the Cumberland Perry Area Career and Technical Center (CPCTC) during their visit to the Capitol. They asked questions about how state government works and shared what they’re learning in their programs; everything from health sciences to the skilled trades.
It’s always energizing to spend time with students who are already developing real-world skills and preparing for careers our community depends on. I appreciated hearing their perspectives and was glad to give them a look at the place where many of the policies that impact their future are shaped.
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Unleashing PA’s Energy Industry
House and Senate Republicans joined union and industry leaders Tuesday to celebrate Pennsylvania’s departure from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), as well as landmark permitting reforms that, together, will create renewed opportunities to grow our energy industry and economy.
RGGI is a multi-state pact that would have added more than a billion dollars in new electricity taxes on families and job creators in the Commonwealth. While it never fully took effect, the mere threat of it caused Pennsylvania to lose out on 22,000 direct energy-related jobs and nearly $8 billion in economic development in recent years.
In addition to freeing the Commonwealth from RGGI, the 2025-26 state budget agreement adopted by the General Assembly and signed by the governor last week removes further impediments to economic growth by streamlining key permitting processes, providing both predictability and accountability for industries looking to invest in our Commonwealth.
These powerful policy changes bring the certainty and stability needed to encourage new and expanded energy investment, generate new job opportunities, stabilize the electric grid and lower consumer energy prices for Pennsylvania.
Watch the full press conference here.
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Cash Must Be Accepted at School Events
A new state law makes cash an acceptable form of payment for admission to school-sponsored events in Pennsylvania.
Many schools across the Commonwealth have been rejecting cash as a form of payment for school-sponsored events and activities, instead requiring spectators to use credit or debit cards, or order tickets online or through an app. This doesn’t work for people who, for various reasons, may not have credit cards or smart phones, or the technical capabilities to access the internet to purchase tickets.
Ticket purchases via the internet or apps also require buyers to surrender a lot of personal information, which is particularly troublesome for senior citizens, a group often targeted by scams.
For many who simply want to see their child, grandchild or friends play ball, the new law will permit them to purchase tickets with cash – the legal currency of the United States.
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Beware ‘Veteran Savings Program’ Scam
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is alerting veterans to a scam now circulating that involves a direct-mail postcard claiming to offer eligible veterans an additional $160 per month through something called the “PA Veteran Savings Program 2025.”
The postcard appears official at first glance, using formal language and referencing programs such as CHAMPVA and TRICARE for Life. It urges recipients to call within five days to “help manage call volume,” a tactic often used to pressure veterans into responding quickly. However, the postcard contains several red flags. It does not include a return address, and it lists a bogus phone number (855-600-2411) designed to lure callers into sharing personal information.
If you or someone you know receives suspicious mail, emails or phone calls promising new benefits, financial increases or requests for personal information, it’s important not to respond directly. Instead, seek verification from trusted sources.
Pennsylvania veterans and family members who are uncertain about any solicitation are encouraged to contact the DMVA at 800-547-2838.
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Supporting Small Businesses
Consider showing some love to the small businesses in our community throughout the holiday season but especially on Small Business Saturday, which is coming up on Saturday, Nov. 29.
Launched by American Express in 2010, this day is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to support the small businesses that help drive the economies of our communities.
Learn more about Small Business Saturday here.
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Safety Tips for this Hunting Season
Firearms deer season opens Saturday, Nov. 29. As you prepare to head out to our fields and forests, be sure to keep safety in mind. The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers these important tips:
Basic Safety
• Positively identify the target. Be sure you are shooting at legal game. Never shoot at sounds or movement.
• Stay in the zone! Hunters should be spaced 25 to 40 yards apart, and always in sight of one another. Each hunter’s zone of fire spans about 45 degrees directly in front of the hunter. Never shoot at game moving between you and someone else.
• Plan your hunt! Let someone know where you're hunting and when you'll return.
• Buckle up! If you hunt from an elevated stand, always wear a full-body, fall-restraint device as soon as your feet leave the ground and until they return.
• Keep fit! Hunting is hard work. Don't become a statistic. Keep physically fit. Start with a check-up and follow your doctor's advice.
• Stay found! Become familiar with your hunting area. Learn how to use a map and compass or GPS unit. Be prepared for emergencies. Carry a basic survival kit and know how to use it.
• Be seen! Wear or display the required amount of fluorescent orange clothing.
SMART Firearms Safety
When using a firearm, follow these five primary safety rules:
• Safe Direction: Keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times.
• Make sure: Positively identify your target.
• Always check: Know what's beyond your target before shooting.
• Respect firearms: Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
• Trigger caution: Don't touch the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
Click here for more hunting safety information.
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Hunters Can Share Their Harvest
The state Department of Agriculture and Pennsylvania Game Commission are again encouraging hunters to consider sharing their deer harvest to provide thousands of pounds of venison to people in need.
Hunters Sharing the Harvest (HSH) is Pennsylvania’s venison donation program for hunters who share their extra venison via a statewide network of participating meat processors to food pantries and community assistance centers across the Commonwealth. One deer provides about 200 servings of high-protein, low-fat venison.
HSH has distributed 3 million pounds of donated venison since 1991. More information about the program and how to participate is available at www.sharedeer.org.
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