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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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Kutz Amendment Adopted in House Unanimously to Help Students Compare College Costs and In-Demand Careers
This week, the House adopted an amendment I offered to House Bill 2084, referred to as the PA Promise, aimed at giving Pennsylvania students and families clearer, more actionable information as they navigate decisions about higher education and future careers.
My amendment would require the Pennsylvania Department of Education to maintain a comprehensive online price comparison tool that allows users to evaluate colleges based on tuition, program offerings, institutional type, and other meaningful metrics. The tool is designed to provide up to date, transparent insights into cost and value.
In addition, my amendment incorporates statewide workforce needs by identifying high priority occupations and presenting career information, such as necessary education levels, expected earnings, and regional job demand directly within the platform. Together, these elements aim to better align students’ educational choices with both their financial considerations and Pennsylvania’s most in-demand career opportunities.
To listen to my remarks on my amendment, please click here.
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Advocating for Biker Safety, Road Awareness
Every year, we are joined in Harrisburg by the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE). At their annual rally, ABATE advocates for biker safety and road awareness. I was happy to say a few words about the organization's impact on our Commonwealth.
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Welcoming a Constituent to the Capitol
This week, Rep. Joe Hogan (R-Bucks) and I had the privilege of hosting constituents at the Capitol in Harrisburg.
I was pleased to welcome Cat Booth (pictured to my left), a summer intern with Schafer Government Affairs. The visit allowed her to get a closer look at state government operations on a busy session day.
Internships like Cat’s play a vital role in preparing the next generation of public service professionals. Thanks for visiting!
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Honoring Our Nation’s Newest Citizens
As we prepare to celebrate Flag Day this Sunday and look ahead to America’s 250th birthday next month, my staff had the privilege of attending a naturalization ceremony at the Cumberland County Courthouse this afternoon, welcoming our newest citizens.
Watching individuals from around the world take the Oath of Allegiance is a powerful reminder that the American flag represents not only our nation’s history, but also the freedom, opportunity, and hope that continues to draw people to our communities.
Congratulations to these new Americans as they begin the next chapter of their journey. Their stories, contributions, and commitment to our shared values strengthen our communities and help shape the future of our nation as we approach a historic milestone.
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Bill to Expand Prescription Drug Repository Passes House
To minimize waste and improve access to medications for those in need, I recently joined a unanimous vote in the state House for legislation to expand our Cancer and Prescription Drug Repository Program.
Under House Bill 69, both healthcare facilities and individuals would be able to voluntarily donate unused prescription drugs (other than cancer drugs) to the program. The program would ensure safety by requiring donated drugs to meet strict criteria before being accepted under the program.
The existing Cancer and Prescription Drug Repository Program was created in 2008 to help low-income cancer patients receive access to life-saving medications. The proposed expansion is similar to laws already in place in 44 other states. House Bill 69 now heads to the Senate.
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Fighting Back Against Forever Chemicals
The state House this week approved legislation that would ban so-called “forever chemicals” from popular consumer products in the Commonwealth.
House Bill 2145 would ban the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, in many common household products, such as cosmetics, dental floss, menstrual products, and juvenile products, such as crib mattresses and strollers.
The chemicals have been linked to serious health issues such as cancer; immune-system suppression; reproductive and developmental complications; and increased risk for thyroid disease, liver damage and more.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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Marking Women Veterans Day
Today is Women Veterans Day, marking the 78th anniversary of the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act.
While the law allowed women the right to permanently serve in the regular armed forces, women served in America’s wars and conflicts long before it took effect. According to the U.S. Veterans Administration, women played vital roles in the Revolutionary War, and more than 400 women fought in the Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War. In World War I, about 35,000 women officially served, and by World War II, 350,000 women served in a variety of roles.
In Pennsylvania, drivers have the opportunity to further this recognition by purchasing an “Honoring Our Women Veterans” license plate, now available for passenger cars and trucks, as well as motorcycles. A portion of the cost for the plates goes directly into the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Trust Fund, which provides grants to organizations that serve veterans in need.
For more information about Women Veterans Day, click here.
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Celebrate Flag Day
Sunday, June 14, commemorates the adoption of the United States flag. Since a 1916 proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson, this date has been marked as “Flag Day.” Congressional legislation designating that date as national Flag Day was signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1949.
From 13 stars to 50, the American flag has been a symbol of freedom and liberty throughout the world. To learn more about the history of the American flag, click here.
To learn more about how to treat the flag and how to display it, read the United States Flag Code here.
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511PA Available to Help Travelers Heading to Major PA Events
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is encouraging drivers traveling to FIFA World Cup 26 matches, FIFA Fan Festival, Major League Baseball All-Star Week or America250PA events in Philadelphia to plan their trip using the enhanced real-time travel information available on a specialized webpage at www.511PA.com/PhillyEvents.
The new webpage includes links to traffic maps, along with other helpful links and travel tips for getting to each event. Traffic maps include the average travel time for primary routes to each event. Users can see real-time incidents, construction, traffic cameras, traffic speeds and message board displays on the maps. The maps also include real-time SEPTA information, including status and next departure times.
Travelers using the “My Routes” option will also have access to a list of special points of interest when choosing their starting point or destination, making it easier than ever to find the best route to or from the events.
Read more here.
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2026-27 Hunting Licenses Available Soon
The first day to purchase your 2026-27 Pennsylvania hunting and trapping licenses, as well as resident antlerless licenses for all Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), is Monday, June 22.
Like last year, all resident hunters are guaranteed an antlerless license in any WMU in the first round, as long as they are purchased prior to July 13. There is no need for hunters to wait in line, as you’ll have 21 days to get your guaranteed antlerless license.
One antlerless deer license per hunter can be purchased per round in the first three rounds. More information is available here.
Licenses are available for purchase online at huntfish.pa.gov or in-person at license issuing agents. Click here for a map of agents across the Commonwealth.
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