 |
|
| |
|
Capitol Report
|
#Listrak\DateStampLong#
|
The latest news from the State Capitol
|
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
|
Pizza & Policy: Let’s Talk Issues That Matter
I hope you’ll join me for Pizza & Policy on Thursday, Jan. 22. This informal event is a great opportunity to discuss the state-related and community issues that matter most to you—over a slice of pizza. I look forward to hearing your thoughts, answering questions, and continuing the conversation about how we can best serve our community.
To RSVP, call 717-975-2235 or visit www.Repkutz.com/Events.
|
Future Entrepreneurs Start Young!
On Monday morning, I had the honor of serving as a guest judge for Winding Creek Elementary School’s Shark Tank competition. Seven students, selected by their peers, pitched creative inventions ranging from student safety tools and learning aids to environmentally friendly flag designs, all competing for a grand prize of a million bajillion dollars.
Their creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills were truly impressive. I had an absolute blast spending the morning with these young innovators and look forward to joining them again next year.
|
Supporting Early Learning and Development
On Monday morning, I also had the opportunity to tour the Genius Kids Child Development Center in Silver Spring Township. During my visit, I was able to see classrooms in action, learn about the programs supporting children at different developmental stages, and hear more about the important work being done to help kids learn, grow, and thrive. I’m excited to continue this partnership and look forward to touring their new facility in Upper Allen Township once it opens.
|
Celebrating the Future of Agriculture at the PA FFA Mid-Winter Convention
Later Monday afternoon, I attended the Pennsylvania FFA’s 97th Mid-Winter Convention, where Cumberland Valley students were recognized as 2026 Jacket Recipients and Keystone Degree Recipients. These students represent the best and brightest the future of farming has to offer. I was honored to congratulate them during my visit to the PA Farm Show and look forward to seeing everything they accomplish in the years ahead.
|
All in a Day’s Work at the Farm Show!
Wednesday was a busy and memorable day at the PA Farm Show, where I had the privilege of participating in the Feed Scurry with help from the 87th District’s very own Jordyn Nailor. A big thank you to Jordyn for agreeing to muck alongside me, and to everyone who participated and helped make the event such a success. It was a blast and a great way to celebrate Pennsylvania agriculture.
|
Community CPR & AED Certification Classes
The Peyton Walker Foundation is hosting two community CPR/AED certification classes to help community members feel confident and prepared in an emergency. These comprehensive trainings are designed for parents, teachers, health care workers, and anyone interested in learning life-saving skills that can make a real difference when seconds matter.
The following classes are scheduled.
| |
• |
Saturday, Jan. 17, from 9-11 a.m. at Healthy You Café, 4500 Marketplace Way, Enola
|
| |
• |
Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 6–8 p.m. at Members 1st Federal Credit Union Headquarters, 5000 Marketplace Way, Enola
|
Be prepared to save lives. To register, click here.
|
FREE Youth Heart Screening Day
In recognition of National Youth Heart Screening Day, the Peyton Walker Foundation is hosting a FREE youth heart screening for students ages 10–22 who are not currently under the care of a cardiologist. The screening includes multiple stations and takes approximately 45–60 minutes to complete.
Screenings include:
| |
• |
Vitals check including blood pressure, height, and weight
|
| |
• |
EKG (electrocardiogram)
|
| |
• |
Heart sounds and murmur evaluation
|
| |
• |
CPR and AED education
|
Echocardiograms will be available on-site at no cost for students identified as needing additional testing.
The event is Saturday, Feb. 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cedar Cliff High School, 1301 Carlisle Road, Camp Hill.
Volunteers are also needed. Registration and volunteer sign-ups are available at peytonwalker.org.
|
Litter Hawk Youth Award Celebrates America250: 2026 Program Now Open
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting entries for the 2026 Litter Hawk Youth Award Program, open to students in kindergarten through sixth grade. This annual program encourages creativity and environmental stewardship through age-appropriate projects that inspire students to care for their communities.
This year’s theme, “Celebrate America250 – Keep It Beautiful!”, supports the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.
Project Categories:
| |
• |
Grades K–4: Poster
|
| |
• |
Grade 5: Essay
|
| |
• |
Grade 6: Video
|
Students may participate individually or through schools, homeschool groups, Scout troops, 4-H clubs, or other organized groups.
Awards and Recognition:
| |
• |
First and second place winners in each grade level will receive certificates
|
| |
• |
All participants will receive a Litter Hawk sticker |
| |
• |
Winning entries will be displayed at the Pennsylvania State Capitol as part of the 2026 Litter Hawk Youth Award exhibit
|
Submission Deadline: Jan. 3
Winners Announced: April 2
Entry forms, promotional materials, and additional information are available at keeppabeautiful.org.
|
2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Now Open
The application period for the state’s 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is now open for eligible Pennsylvanians to begin claiming rebates on property taxes or rent paid last year.
Income limits increased again this year to $48,110 for both homeowners and renters. This is due to a 2023 law that calls for adjusting the income limit based on annual increases in the Consumer Price Index. Remember to exclude 50% of Social Security when determining your income. The maximum rebate is $1,000.
The program is open to residents aged 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older.
Remember – you do not need to pay anyone for assistance to apply for the rebates. Apply online at mypath.pa.gov or contact my office for help. Additional information about the program is available here.
|
America250PA Embarks on Statewide Tour
The nation’s 250th anniversary celebration is underway! The fun starts in Philadelphia this Friday, Jan. 16, and will be followed by a two-week tour to all 67 of the state’s counties.
County kick-off ceremonies will highlight each county’s unique history, local partnerships and their role in the celebration. Locally, you can help celebrate our nation’s semiquincentennial on Thursday, Jan. 29, from 1-3 p.m. at the Historical Courthouse, 2 Courthouse Sq., Carlisle.
RSVP to the event you plan to attend here.
|
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month: We’re Fighting Back
Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in the nation. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the top states in reported trafficking cases.
To help fight this horrific crime, I recently joined fellow legislators in supporting House Bill 1286, which would establish training requirements for employees of public lodging establishments who have contact with guests or access to guest rooms, and for operators of short-term rentals. Ensuring people who may have the opportunity to intervene on behalf of a victim know what to look for can help save lives. This bill is now awaiting consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
People of all ages and demographics can become victims of human trafficking. Children are especially vulnerable to traffickers reaching them through various online platforms. If you are a victim of human trafficking in need of help, or you suspect someone else is a victim:
| |
• |
Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
|
| |
• |
Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
|
| |
• |
Text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733) to reach the National Human Trafficking Resource Center.
|
Click here to learn more.
|
Attention Students: House Fellowship Program Taking Applications
The Pennsylvania House Legislative Fellowship Program is accepting applications for its summer 2026 semester.
The program is based at Pennsylvania’s Capitol Building in Harrisburg where fellows are assigned to work in House standing committees or leadership offices; are compensated for their work (which may also include college credit); and are provided the opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces, to name a few. The summer semester runs from June 4 to Aug. 6.
Qualified applicants must be undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students or law school students; enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and students of any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
For more information or to apply, visit www.pahousefellowship.us. Applications can be submitted via email to pahousefellowship@pabmc.net. The deadline to apply is March 2.
|
PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
All PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed Saturday, Jan. 17, through Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.
|
|
|
