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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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Empowering Future Teachers Through Legislative Dialogue
On Tuesday afternoon, I had the privilege of joining students from Messiah University for a roundtable focused on the future of education in Pennsylvania.
We had a great conversation with graduating seniors and faculty about how future educators can effectively engage with the legislature, advocate for what matters most to them, and navigate their roles beyond the classroom.
The discussion centered on how we can better support one another in the shared goal of equipping and enriching students across the Commonwealth.
Messiah.
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Celebrating America250 with Winding Creek Elementary School Students
I had a great time visiting Winding Creek Elementary School alongside Sen. Greg Rothman for their America250 Spirit Week!
We got to join students for a game of Jeopardy, which ended in a tie. It was a fun way to celebrate our nation’s history with an engaged group of students.
Thank you for having us!
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Helping Local Veterans with Selfless Service
Tuesday morning, I had the opportunity to join Selfless Service for a wood stacking project that supported two U.S. Navy veterans in our community. It was a great reminder of the power of lending a hand and showing up for neighbors in meaningful, practical ways.
I’m grateful to the volunteers who dedicate their time to helping others and strengthening our community. Efforts like this make a real difference in the lives of others, and it was an honor to be part of it.
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Discussing State, Community Issues in Upper Allen Township
Thank you to everyone who joined us at our Upper Allen Township Pizza and Policy event! It was a great opportunity to connect with residents, hear your perspectives, and have meaningful conversations about the issues that matter most to our community.
These events are all about creating an open, informal space to share ideas, ask questions, and stay engaged in what’s happening at the state level. I always appreciate the thoughtful input and dialogue from those who attend.
If you couldn’t join us this time, be sure to keep an eye out for the next one - we’ll be hosting Pizza and Policy events across the district and would love to see you there!
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Starting a New Chapter: WellSpan Carlisle Hospital Ribbon Cutting
Wednesday afternoon, I attended the ribbon-cutting for WellSpan Carlisle Hospital, a major step forward in expanding access to high-quality, 24/7 health care in our region.
This fully licensed hospital will deliver connected, coordinated care through WellSpan’s network, ensuring patients have a seamless experience every step of the way. Designed with efficiency and patient comfort in mind, it will provide timely, personalized care in a welcoming environment.
I am grateful to the health care professionals, community leaders, and partners who made this possible!
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Supporting a Great Cause: Operation Wildcat Yard Sale
Operation Wildcat is hosting its yard sale today and tomorrow, so be sure to stop by and show your support!
Events like this highlight the generosity and community spirit that make our area so special.
Every purchase helps further their mission, so if you’re out and about this weekend, consider checking it out.
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You’re Invited to My Free 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. RSVPs are not required.
Mechanicsburg District Office
South Middleton Township Office
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Watch Out for These Scams
Investment scams on social media and attempts to steal state benefits are both making headlines in the Commonwealth.
EBT Fraud
Last week, the Department of Human Services (DHS) warned of electronic benefits transfer (EBT) fraud phone calls in which a caller is leaving voicemails and claiming to be “Pennsylvania EBT Customer Service” in an effort to steal benefit card numbers. The agency emphasized it will never call or text an individual to request personal information.
Please report any suspicious texts or calls about DHS benefits by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477). Find tips to keep your accounts safe here.
Social Media Investment Scams
This week, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is warning about the prevalence of fraudulent investment schemes on Meta platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Citizens are urged to scrutinize social media investment advertisements before investing. Most reputable broker-dealers and investment advisors do not post specific investment advice on social media platforms.
To learn more about the scams and tips to protect yourself, click here. Victims of these types of scams should report them to the Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555 or scams@attorneygeneral.gov.
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Donate Life Month
April is Donate Life Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about the growing need for organ donation across the Commonwealth and the country. According to Donate Life PA, 16 people on average die each day while waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.
Across the country, more than 100,000 people are waiting for a transplant to save their lives, and every eight minutes, another person’s name is added to the national waiting list. In Pennsylvania alone, more than 6,000 people are on the waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant.
About 5 million Pennsylvanians have added the donor designation to their driver’s license, learner’s permit or state identification card, but this represents only half of those eligible to register. If you’d like to register as an organ donor, you may sign up here. You are also encouraged to let your loved ones know of your wishes.
For more information about organ donation, visit donatelifepa.org.
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Eligible PA Veterans: Apply Now for Amputee, Paralyzed Veterans Pension
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is encouraging eligible veterans to apply now for a monthly pension offered through the state’s Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension program. The DMVA is promoting the benefit to increase awareness as the Amputee Coalition observes National Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in April.
Pennsylvania veterans who qualify for the pension receive $150 per month. Currently, there are 2,500 veterans across the Commonwealth enrolled in the program.
For more information about the program qualifications, click here.
To apply, contact Keeter Kallum, Director of Veteran Affairs at the Cumberland County Veterans Affairs office:
20 N. Hanover St., Suite 103
Carlisle, PA 17013-3079
(717) 240-6178
kekallam@cumberlandcountypa.gov
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April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Each April, traffic safety professionals and law enforcement agencies across the country highlight National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a campaign aimed at reducing distracted driving crashes, injuries and fatalities.
According to PennDOT statistics, distracted driving caused 9,950 crashes statewide in 2024, resulting in 49 fatalities and 336 suspected serious injuries.
Distracted Driving is anything that causes you to take your attention away from driving, take your eyes off the road or take your hands off the wheel. Eating, drinking, adjusting the controls and even hands-free talking while behind the wheel are examples of distracted driving.
Drivers are reminded of Pennsylvania’s Paul Miller Law, which bans the use of hand-held devices while driving, including when you are stuck in traffic or at a red light or stop sign.
Distractions are everywhere. It’s not worth your life, or anyone else’s. Keep your focus on the road. Don’t drive distracted.
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New ‘Preserve Our Heritage’ License Plate Available
Are you a history buff and fan of the state’s agricultural heritage? You may now purchase the newly designed “Preserve Our Heritage” special fund license plate featuring the Pennsylvania Bank Barn on the state’s new standard Liberty Bell plate.
The Pennsylvania Bank Barn is a distinct and highly efficient agricultural structure that became a defining feature of the American rural landscape. Originating in the early 18th century, it is celebrated for its ingenious integration of architecture and topography.
The special fund license plate is available for cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds. Each plate costs $64, with $23 going directly to support the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s education and exhibit programs. Pennsylvanians who are interested in ordering this new plate can complete the MV-911 form, “Application for Special Fund Registration Plate.”
A complete list of available special fund plates can be found on PennDOT’s website.
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