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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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Join Us in South Middleton Township Tomorrow for a Shredding Event!
Swing by our South Middleton Township office (520 Park Drive, Boiling Springs) from 9 a.m. to noon tomorrow and join us for a free Shredding Event hosted in partnership with Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34)!
This event is open to all residents of the 87th District and is a great opportunity to safely dispose of old documents. Simply fill recyclable bags or containers with papers you’d like to shred, bring them to the office, and our team will handle the rest, including the heavy lifting.
We hope to see you there!
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Celebrating Civic Engagement at the Capitol
On Tuesday, I had the privilege of welcoming students, along with their teachers and families, from across the 87th District to the state Capitol as part of my office’s “Ought to Be a Law” contest.
Earlier in the school year, students in fifth grade, eighth grade, and high school were invited to think creatively about how laws impact their communities by developing and explaining their own ideas for new Pennsylvania laws. Students from across the district participated, with those recognized at the Capitol representing standout submissions from their classrooms and schools.
It was inspiring to celebrate these students for their creativity, thoughtfulness, and commitment to civic engagement as they shared their ideas and were honored in the House chamber.
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Recognizing Excellence in Our Schools
On Friday evening, I had the honor of attending Cumberland Valley’s Eagle Foundation Dinner and Awards Ceremony alongside Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-88) and Rep. Barb Gleim (R-199).
Together, we had the privilege of presenting citations and awards to teachers who go above and beyond for their students each and every day. It’s always inspiring to recognize the dedication and impact of educators in our community.
A special congratulations to the Commitment to Excellence recipients, Green Ridge Elementary Principal Todd Franze and Assistance Principal Stacy Ireland, for their outstanding contributions to student success.
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Opening Day with Cumberland Valley Youth Baseball
On Saturday, I had the opportunity to take part in Opening Day for the Cumberland Valley Youth Baseball Association by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.
As George W. Bush was once told by Derek Jeter, “Don’t bounce it—they’ll boo you.” I’m happy to report I didn’t bounce it! It was great to join players, families, and volunteers as they kicked off another exciting season.
Events like this are a great reminder of the strong sense of community and teamwork youth sports bring to our area. Thank you to the organization for the invitation and to Carter for serving as catcher for the first pitch.
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Protecting Your Personal Information
We had great turnout for the shredding event at my district office in Mechanicsburg on Thursday! This was our largest-ever shredding event with 318 cars passing through. We also filled two shredding trucks! Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make the event a success, and thank you to Shredding Solutions for helping us process constituents’ shredding.
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House Prepares for Budget Negotiations
In a largely procedural vote, the House advanced to the Senate a $53.3 billion state budget proposal for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The action helps set the stage for real, substantive budget negotiations; however, I could not in good conscience vote for the bill, as it is essentially the same fiscally irresponsible and unaffordable plan outlined by Gov. Josh Shapiro in February. It represents an increase of $2.72 billion over the current year’s spending. Current state revenues are projected to be $48.95 billion, showing this budget spends too much and it must include policies to grow our economy before any compromise can be reached.
I look forward to the opportunity to vote on a negotiated plan that funds the core functions of government while respecting our taxpayers.
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Aspiring Teachers Take Note
A state program that provides stipends to qualified student teachers in the Commonwealth is now accepting applications, according to the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).
The PA Student Teacher Support Program provides $10,000 to eligible student teachers and up to $2,500 to cooperating teachers who will be working with and mentoring student teachers throughout the student teacher experience. Program recipients must commit to teaching in Pennsylvania for three years following the completion of their teaching certification.
Pennsylvanians who will be student teaching in the fall and spring semesters of the 2026-27 academic year are encouraged to apply. Stipends are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date and time a completed application is received.
Learn more at pheaa.org/StudentTeacher.
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Stay Alert in Work Zones
Next week, April 20-24, is National Work Zone Awareness Week, a time to remind drivers to be cautious, alert and respectful while traveling through areas of roadway and bridge construction. This year’s theme is “Safe Actions Save Lives.”
When you encounter work zones, PennDOT offers the following tips: drive the posted work zone speed limit; stay alert and pay attention to signs and flaggers; maintain a safe distance around vehicles; use flashers if traveling slowly; avoid distractions; and be patient.
State law requires motorists to travel with their headlights on in all posted work zones, not just active work zones. Daytime running lights are not sufficient; drivers must have their headlights on to also activate their taillights.
Drivers also should be aware that interstate work zones with a project cost exceeding $300,000 will have a speed-monitoring device to alert motorists of their speed prior to entering the work zone.
For more information about work zone safety, click here.
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Protecting Children from Abuse
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. While state laws have identified people, such as teachers, health care providers and clergy members, who are mandated to report suspected cases of abuse, we all have a role to play in protecting our children.
Signs of potential physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect may include sudden changes in a child’s behavior or school performance; being overly compliant, passive or withdrawn; always being watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen; and a reluctance to be around a particular person or to return home from school or activities.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call PA ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.
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2026-27 Hunting, Trapping Seasons Set
The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) met recently and gave final approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for the 2026-27 hunting season. According to the announcement from the PGC, all 2026-27 seasons include the Sundays that fall within their listed start and end dates. Also, seasons that previously ended on Saturdays largely will end on Sundays, providing additional days of opportunity throughout the year. The lone exception is for migratory game birds. There will be no Sunday hunting for migratory game birds – including waterfowl, woodcock and mourning doves – this coming season.
Detailed information about the new seasons and bag limits, as well as notable changes, is available here.
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