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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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Honoring PA’s Gold Star Families
A new memorial paying tribute to fallen military heroes and their families was officially dedicated at the state Capitol last week. The Gold Star Memorial was created after passage of Act 145 of 2024, which I was honored to support.
This permanent fixture gives Gold Star families a place to gather, reflect, pray and share in fellowship with one another while honoring the sacrifice of their beloved service members. It also serves as a powerful reminder to all of us that our heroes live on through the impact they made. We honor the bravery of those who served and the steadfast strength of the families who supported them. Freedom is never free, and we remain forever thankful.
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Watch Out for These Social Media Scams
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), people reported losing $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025.
Shopping scams were the most reported scam on social media. Scammers post ads offering high-priced items for cheap. If you click, you might end up on a site that’s impersonating a well-known brand.
More than half of the reported losses came from investment scams. Scammers use ads and testimonials offering to teach you a fool-proof way to beat the stock market. But investing always comes with risk.
Nearly 60% of people who reported losing money to a romance scam in 2025 said it started on social media. Scammers use what’s in your profile to build a connection only to later invent a problem that requires you to send them money.
To avoid scams on social media:
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Limit who can see your posts and contacts. Visit your privacy settings to set restrictions so scammers have less to work with. |
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Never let someone you meet on social media direct your investment decisions. Instead, learn more about spotting investment scams. |
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Before you buy, check out the company. Search online for its name plus “scam” or “complaint.” |
Learn more ways to spot and avoid scams at consumer.ftc.gov/scams. If you spot a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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House Republicans Take Action to Lower Costs for Pennsylvania Families
House Republicans are working to make Pennsylvania a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family. At a time when many across our Commonwealth are feeling the strain of rising costs, we’ve introduced a package of bills aimed at delivering real relief where it matters most.
This legislation would establish sales tax holidays on everyday essentials - putting money back in your pocket and easing the burden on working families. By cutting taxes on the items Pennsylvanians rely on most, we’re focused on practical solutions that help you keep more of what you earn.
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Key Dates for Upcoming Election
Pennsylvania’s primary election is coming up on Tuesday, May 19. Voters will have the opportunity to choose their party’s candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. House of Representatives, state House and Senate (in even-numbered senatorial districts), as well as state and local committee members.
This Monday, May 4, is the deadline to register to vote. You may register online here or visit your county voter registration office. Not sure of your registration status? Check it here.
Tuesday, May 12, is the deadline to apply for mail-in or absentee ballots, which also may be done online or at your county elections office. Ballots must be completed and returned to your county election officials by 8 p.m. on May 19.
More information about voting and elections in the Commonwealth is available here.
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Keep PA Beautiful, PennDOT Invite Students to Join Young Ambassadors Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful are inviting environmentally conscious students in grades 10-12 to help preserve Pennsylvania’s natural resources through the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program.
The program empowers young Pennsylvanians to train and learn from leaders across the private sector, state government, local media, and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to protect Pennsylvania’s environment and build leadership and problem-solving skills.
Ambassadors will learn about topics related to the impact of litter on roadways, litter prevention, waste management and recycling, civic engagement and public policy, volunteer management, and social media marketing.
For more information and how to apply, click here.
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Government Entities Eligible for Railway Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation has opened a round of funding for Railroad Crossing Elimination grants, which are also known as the Crossing Safety grants. Eligible projects include those relocating railroad tracks or closing a grade crossing.
The program will host a webinar on Wednesday, May 6. Applications are due Monday, June 8.
Learn more at this page.
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