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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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State Budget Hearings in Full Swing
The House Appropriations Committee’s examination of the governor’s proposed 2026-27 state budget kicked off this week and will continue next week. As a member of the committee, I had the chance to speak with and ask questions of several state agency leaders this week.
Next week, we will hear testimony from several key departments, including Education (Tuesday) and Human Services (Wednesday), whose budgets make up a very large portion of the state’s annual spending. The Office of Attorney General and departments of State, Labor and Industry, Environmental Protection, and Conservation and Natural Resources will also offer testimony and answer questions next week.
The governor proposed a $53.26 billion budget earlier this month, representing a $2.72 billion, or 5.4%, increase over the current fiscal year. The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) projects a large structural deficit, which will need to be addressed as negotiations proceed.
Budget hearings will stream live at www.PABudget.com and www.PAHouseGOP.com. For a full schedule of hearings and video of prior hearings, click here.
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Celebrating National FFA Week!
It’s National FFA Week and we’re shining a spotlight on how agricultural education transforms students into future leaders by offering hands on learning, community engagement, and career exploration in key agricultural fields.
This week, I joined PA Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding and members of the Pennsylvania FFA State Board to officially mark the start of this important week in Harrisburg.
A special shout out goes to the Cumberland Valley FFA chapter, which is recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s strongest programs. I am excited to welcome many Cumberland Valley members to the Capitol next month, where they’ll meet state leaders and celebrate their outstanding achievements!
To watch a video highlighting FFA Week, please click on the video below.
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Recognizing Service at the Lisburn Fire Company Annual Banquet
It was an honor to join friends and neighbors this past Saturday evening at the annual banquet hosted by Lisburn Community Fire Company.
Lisburn is a vibrant community where so many support the fire company, and this event was a meaningful opportunity to recognize the firefighters whose dedication and service help keep our community safe. I am deeply grateful for their commitment and all they do to serve others.
I hope to see you at Lisburn Fire Company’s annual festival this summer to once again support this outstanding fire company and celebrate the Lisburn tradition.
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New Childcare Facility Opens in Upper Allen
Last Friday, I had the chance to attend the ribbon cutting for Genius Kids new location opening in Upper Allen Township. Access to childcare is crucial to support working families, and I was glad to join the Genius Kids team for the opening of their new facility, which is now open for enrollment.
I am always happy to communicate with local childcare providers to ensure they have the support they need. Strong childcare options help families succeed, and I am grateful for the role these centers play to support our workforce and our community.
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Save the Dates for My Upcoming Events
Residents of the 87th District are welcome to join us for events my office will be hosting in the coming weeks. To RSVP for events (unless otherwise noted), please call my office at 717-975-2235 or visit RepKutz.com/Events.
Events are free of charge and open to all residents of the 87th District.
Telephone Town Hall
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Assistance Program
Damaged License Plate Event
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Community Document Shredding Events
My office is hosting two free community document-shredding events to give residents a safe and secure way to dispose of personal documents. Both events are open to residential customers only and include a four-box or bag limit per household. Staples are accepted; please remove paperclips and binder clips.
RSVP is not required.
Mechanicsburg District Office
South Middleton Township Office
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State Police Seek Applicants for Law and Leadership Academy
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is now accepting applications for its 2026 Law and Leadership Academy.
The free, 15-week program is for individuals 18 years or older who have graduated from high school or earned their GED and are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Participants meet twice a week from May through August, with occasional Saturday sessions, and experience what it’s like to train as a cadet. They undergo educational and physical fitness training similar to that provided in real-life police academies, including running, swimming and marching within a structured paramilitary environment.
Those interested can find more information about the program here. The application period is open until April 3.
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Report Potholes to PennDOT
‘Tis the season for potholes on our roads and bridges.
To help combat potholes and prevent them from becoming a danger to vehicles and drivers, you can report potholes on state-owned roads to PennDOT. Simply call 1-800-FIX-ROAD or click here to file a report online.
Be prepared to provide specific information to help crews find the pothole, including the name of the county and municipality in which it is located, name of the road, and the closest intersection.
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Emergency Programs Can Save Lives
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation offers two voluntary programs aimed at saving the lives of residents in emergency situations. Participation in both programs is free of charge.
Under PennDOT’s Yellow Dot program, participants fill out a program form with emergency contact, medical contact and medical information, insert it in the program’s folder along with a photo of their face, and then place it in their vehicle’s glove compartment. A yellow dot sticker affixed to the rear window alerts emergency responders to the availability of information to help them provide better care to crash victims.
The Emergency Contact Information program offers Pennsylvania driver’s license and PennDOT-issued ID holders the opportunity to log into a secure database and list two emergency contacts. Participants can update their records as needed, but only law enforcement officials can view the information in the system. In the event of an emergency, law enforcement can use a participant’s ID to find his or her emergency contact information.
The Yellow Dot program is used only in vehicle crashes, but the Emergency Contact Information program can be used in other emergencies as well as crashes.
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