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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 Read Across America Week!
Getting into classrooms and engaging with students is far and away one of my favorite parts of this job. There’s nothing better than sharing a story, answering questions, and seeing firsthand the excitement our students bring to learning.
This week, in between budget hearings, I had the opportunity to read with students at Winding Creek Elementary School on Wednesday and Elmwood Academy on Friday. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of reading and connect with classrooms across our community.
I truly enjoyed reading our way across the 87th District and look forward to many more classroom visits ahead!
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Sweet Start to the Season at Rakestraw’s Express in Arcona
On Monday afternoon, I was happy to stop by and help celebrate the seasonal opening of Rakestraw's Express in Arcona. Don’t let the weather fool you, there’s never a bad time for ice cream! It was great to see the community out and excited to welcome another season of sweet treats.
If you haven’t had a chance to visit yet, be sure to swing by. The original location in the heart of Mechanicsburg will open for the season on Monday.
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Budget Hearings Continue
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee and chair of the Subcommittee on Fiscal Policy, I’ve been participating in budget hearings at the Capitol to review agency priorities, spending proposals, and the overall fiscal direction of the Commonwealth.
These hearings are an important opportunity to ask tough questions, demand accountability, and ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly and effectively. Here is a brief recap of what I’ve been asking about in Harrisburg. You can watch my Q&As from each of the following hearings by visiting www.RepKutz.com/video/latestvideo.
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR):
During the March 2 Appropriations Committee meeting with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), I had the opportunity to ask state agency leaders about the expansion of the SPEED Program, which was created to modernize and expedite PA’s permitting process.
Department of Education:
Representing growing schools like those in the 87th District brings a unique set of challenges. On March 3, I asked Pennsylvania Department of Education (DOE) leaders about how we can address the long-term infrastructure needs of schools experiencing a surge in student enrollment.
Department of Labor and Industry:
On March 3, I had the opportunity to ask state agency leaders at the PA Department of Labor and Industry about unemployment compensation fraud and overpayments.
Budget hearings will end next week with testimony from the Pennsylvania departments of Transportation, Revenue, Health and Aging, along with the Pennsylvania State Police and higher education institutions. The governor’s Office of the Budget will also testify.
As a reminder, all budget hearings will stream live at www.PABudget.com and www.PAHouseGOP.com.
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Grant Awarded
Great news for local manufacturing!
The Manufacturers’ Association of South Central PA has been awarded $250,000 to expand its Schools-to-Work exposure and training programs across Cumberland, Adams, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, York, and Chester counties.
This investment will help connect more students with hands-on learning, industry pathways, and the high-demand skills needed to support our region’s growing manufacturing workforce.
Learn more about it here.
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Traffic Delays Expected
Utility pole replacement work is scheduled this week in South Middleton Township along York Road/Route 74 (from Fairview Street to Connector Road) and Forge Road (from Fairview Street to Forgedale Drive).
Work will take place daily between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., including Saturday and Sunday, if necessary. Lane closures will be in effect on both roads with flaggers directing traffic.
Motorists are advised to remain alert and use caution when traveling through the work zone.
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Celebrate PA History on Charter Day!
Help celebrate the Commonwealth’s 345th birthday this Sunday, March 8, with special programming at several of the state’s museums and historic sites.
Pennsylvania was established when England’s King Charles II granted a charter to William Penn in March 1681. The 345-year-old charter, often referred to as Pennsylvania’s birth certificate, is written on parchment using iron gall ink. The Pennsylvania State Archives preserves the document in a high-security vault, shielding it from strong light and environmental fluctuations.
At the State Museum in Harrisburg this Sunday, guests can visit hands-on stations to learn about William Penn, view a replica of the Penn Charter and explore colonial life. Admission is free at the museum on March 8 from noon to 4:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Several other sites on the state’s Trails of History are offering free admission and/or special programming in honor of the Commonwealth’s birthday. Click here for information!
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Beware of Tax Season Scams
Tax season has arrived, and with it the threat of tax-related scams.
The Internal Revenue Service reminds you to watch out for these warning signs:
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A big payday – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Bad tax advice on social media may convince you to lie on tax forms or mislead you about credits you can claim.
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Demands or threats – Impersonators want you to pay “now or else.” They threaten arrest or deportation. They don’t let you question or appeal the amount of tax you owe.
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Website links – Odd or misspelled web links can take you to harmful sites instead of IRS.gov.
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Taxpayers should also be aware of IRS impersonators. The IRS will never contact you using social media or text message. The first contact from the IRS usually comes in the mail.
To learn more about tax scams and how to protect yourself, click here.
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PA ABLE Celebrates $200 Million Saved by Pennsylvanians with Disabilities
The PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program continues to grow, with Treasurer Stacy Garrity announcing recently that the program has surpassed $200 million in assets.
PA ABLE is an important program that provides savings opportunities to Pennsylvanians with disabilities that don’t impact important benefits they rely upon. It also provides significant tax benefits. Money saved with PA ABLE can be used for a wide variety of disability-related expenses to cover day-to-day things like groceries and rent and bigger expenses like assistive technology and vehicle adaptations.
PA ABLE is a powerful program that helps individuals with disabilities improve financial security and live more independently. In January, PA ABLE expanded eligibility to include those whose disabilities began prior to age 46 (previously age 26).
For information about eligibility and how to start saving with PA ABLE, visit www.paable.gov or call 855-529-ABLE (2253).
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Spring Ahead: Turn Clocks Ahead One Hour This Weekend
Daylight saving time will begin on Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m. Be sure to turn your clocks ahead one hour Saturday night before going to bed.
This is also a good time to check and/or change batteries in both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. It is also recommended the alarms be replaced every 10 years.
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PGC Opens Shooting Range Improvement Grant Program
The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Shooting Range Improvement Program is now accepting applications for shooting range projects.
Eligible applicants include existing shooting ranges, shooting clubs, recreational shooting organizations, archery clubs and education groups. Applicants must demonstrate public use of current facilities, such as public range times, educational outreach/training or organized shooting competitions. Retail ranges are not eligible to apply for this program.
A maximum of $50,000 will be awarded per project. Submissions are due to the Game Commission by Friday, May 8, with project selection by July 1. Click here for more information.
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