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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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Over $1.65 Million Secured for Local Infrastructure Improvements
I’m happy to announce that, through months of advocacy and ongoing conversations with local residents and township leadership, more than $1.65 million in state funding is coming back to Cumberland County to support critical infrastructure projects across the 87th Legislative District!
These investments will fund essential water, sewer, and transportation improvements that strengthen public safety, protect residents, and support long-term economic growth.
Through the PA Small Water and Sewer Program, the following grants were awarded:
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Silver Spring Township, $300,000 for improvements to the Woods Drive storm sewer.
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South Middleton Township Municipal Authority, $300,000 for replacement of the water main along Walnut Street.
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Mount Holly Springs Borough, $190,718 for rehabilitation of the Orange Street sewer.
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Monroe Township, $300,000 for improvements to the Southern Sewer District.
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In addition, $560,896 from the Multimodal Transportation Fund was approved for improvements to Boiling Springs Road in Monroe Township.
I’m proud to help secure these significant state resources for our communities. These projects will modernize aging infrastructure, improve reliability, and ensure Cumberland County continues to grow safely and sustainably.
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Advocating for School Funding and Honoring a CVSD Leader
On Monday morning, I welcomed members of the Cumberland Valley School District (CVSD) community to our Mechanicsburg district office to discuss recent improvements to the school funding adequacy formula included in this year’s state budget. It was a meaningful opportunity to highlight ongoing advocacy for fair and responsible education funding and to hear directly from those impacted.
While they were there, I was also honored to present a citation to Michael Willis, longtime director of business and support services and chief financial officer of CVSD. For more than 30 years, Michael’s steady leadership, fiscal responsibility, and commitment to students helped shape the district’s success, including turning a projected $5 million deficit into a $5 million surplus in his final year. His service leaves a lasting legacy for CVSD and our entire community.
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Supporting Small Businesses at the Mechanicsburg Chamber’s Annual Dinner
I was glad to attend the Mechanicsburg Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner and meeting on Wednesday evening. The event brought together local business owners, community leaders, and partners who are deeply invested in the success of Mechanicsburg and the surrounding region.
Small, local businesses are the backbone of our communities, and the chamber plays a critical role in advocating for their growth, sustainability, and success. It was a great opportunity to connect with those on the front lines of our local economy and reaffirm my commitment to supporting policies that help small businesses thrive.
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Pizza & Policy: Thank You for Joining the Conversation
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Pizza & Policy this Thursday. It was great to connect with so many community members, share ideas, and have thoughtful conversations about the issues that matter most to our district.
As we approach budget hearing season, I appreciated the opportunity to hear your questions, perspectives, and priorities, and I’m grateful to everyone who took the time to participate and engage. Events like this are an important part of staying connected and making sure your voices are reflected in my advocacy in Harrisburg.
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Celebrating Community at Keystone FC’s Annual Club Social
Last Saturday evening, I was glad to attend Keystone FC’s fifth annual Club Social. The event was a great opportunity to connect with players, families, coaches, and supporters who make the club such an important part of our local community. It was also exciting to see Keystone FC unveil its plans for a new facility in South Middleton Township, which I have been proud to support through grants for infrastructure improvements for its first phase.
Keystone FC continues to provide young athletes with opportunities to grow both on and off the field, and it was wonderful to see so many people come together in support of the program. Thank you to everyone who helped organize a successful and enjoyable evening.
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A Conversation About the Future of Pennsylvania Agriculture
While at the Farm Show last week, I had the opportunity to sit down with Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding to discuss the vital role agriculture plays in our Commonwealth and across the country. From the economy to food security, Pennsylvania farmers are at the heart of so much of what keeps our communities strong. I appreciated the chance to talk about how we can continue supporting this essential industry.
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Free Community Shred Events This April
As tax documents begin to roll out, now is a great time to think about safely disposing old records and other sensitive personal documents. To help residents protect themselves from identity theft, my office will be hosting two free community shred events this April.
The first shred event will be held at our Mechanicsburg district office and is open to all residents looking to securely shred personal documents.
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Wednesday, April 16, from 3-6 p.m., at 2 Market Plaza Way, Ste. 9, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. |
The second shred event will take place later that week and will be co-hosted with Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34) at our South Middleton district office and municipal building.
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Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to noon, 520 Park Drive, Boiling Springs, PA 17007. |
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Applications for 2026 Pennsylvania House Scholarship Available
High school seniors interested in receiving financial assistance to help pay for college can now apply for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Scholarship.
Each year the program awards a four-year scholarship to two students preparing for post-secondary education. It is open to graduating high school seniors who are Pennsylvania residents with plans to attend a Pennsylvania college, university or career school as a full-time student.
To qualify, students must have attained a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average in high school. Other factors taken into consideration for the awards are a student’s commitment to community, leadership qualities, extracurricular activities and financial need.
The scholarship program is administered through the Foundation for Enhancing Communities. Click here for more information and an application. The deadline to apply is April 15.
The scholarship is privately funded by individual and corporate donors; no tax or other public funds are used. Scholarships are awarded through an independent panel of judges chosen by the foundation.
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Property Tax Relief Available Through Homestead Exclusion
You may be missing out on property tax relief through the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion Program. Under the Taxpayer Relief Act, the Commonwealth provides property tax reduction funding to school districts, which is applied through a homestead or farmstead exclusion. Most owner-occupied homes and farms are eligible, but only a primary residence qualifies for the tax reduction.
To receive school property tax relief for tax years beginning July 1 or Jan. 1, applications must be filed by March 1 of the preceding year. Once approved, homeowners do not need to reapply annually. For more information about the program, click here.
Applications must be filed through the Cumberland County tax assessment office. Contact information is as follows:
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Physical Address: 2 Courthouse Square, Carlisle, PA 17013.
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Mailing Address: 1 Courthouse Square, Rm 107, Carlisle, PA 17013.
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Phone: 717-240-6350
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Fax: 717-240-6354
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Homeowners should verify they are not already enrolled before submitting an application. The program is supported through state gaming funds.
Contact my offices for additional information or assistance.
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Applications Open for Youth Camp
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), in collaboration with the Pennsylvania National Guard and American Legion, is seeking applicants for its annual youth camp. The Elmer Hafer-American Legion-State Police-National Guard Youth Camp will be held June 7-13, at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County.
The six-day program is for teenagers ages 15-17 who are interested in exploring careers in Pennsylvania law enforcement or the military. Cadets will take part in a wide range of hands-on learning experiences and physical fitness training designed to build their understanding of law enforcement, as well as their confidence, teamwork and leadership abilities.
Applicants must be 15-17 years old at the start of the camp. Candidates should be physically fit, in good health and maintain a strong academic record. Cadets are sponsored by local American Legion posts, so there is no cost to participate.
More information is available at pa-legion.com, where applicants also can access the online application.
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Blood Donation Saves Lives
Did you know that every two seconds in America, someone urgently needs blood? January is National Blood Donor Month, an opportunity to both honor voluntary blood donors and encourage new donors to help save lives. National Blood Donor Month was first designated by proclamation of President Richard Nixon on Dec. 31, 1969.
The start of the new year is one of the most challenging times to collect blood products as the threat of winter weather builds and can often lead to widespread blood drive cancellations. In addition to winter weather, an active cold and flu season may prevent people from keeping donation appointments as they rest and recover from illness.
Only 3% of Americans currently donate blood. Learn more about blood donation and where to donate here.
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Does Your Home Contain Radon?
January is National Radon Action Month. An estimated 40% of Pennsylvania homes have higher levels of radon than national safety standards, due to the state’s geology. However, residents can perform a simple test to detect this gas, which is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks and enters homes through cracks in the foundation or other openings. High levels of radon tend to be found in basements, but the gas can be found anywhere in the home.
Winter is a good time to test for radon, because doors and windows are generally closed, providing more accurate results. Simple radon test kits are inexpensive and available at home improvement and hardware stores.
Click here for additional information.
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Be Prepared for Winter Weather
With some winter weather in the forecast this weekend for many areas of the state, it’s a good time to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter travel.
Make sure your vehicle is in good working order, such as checking fluid levels; that the heater and defroster are working properly, as well as your radio in order to receive weather and traffic reports; tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth; and wipers and lights are working.
Try to avoid traveling in severe winter weather, but if you have to go, bring a winter emergency travel kit, including a blanket and warm clothes, jumper cables, small shovel, first aid kit, medications for you and your passengers, and water and nonperishable food. A full list of suggested items is available here.
Also, keep these safe winter driving tips in mind: Slow down and increase your following distance; avoid sudden stops and starts; beware of black ice – roads that look wet but are actually frozen; use extra caution on bridges and ramps, as they tend to freeze first; do not use cruise control while driving on snow-covered roads; remove snow and ice from windows and mirrors; and do not pass or get between trucks plowing in a plow line.
Be sure to remove snow and ice from the hood and roof of your vehicle. Under state law, if snow or ice from your vehicle strikes a vehicle or person and causes death or injury, you can be ticketed. Click here for more information about winter driving safety.
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