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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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Over $2.1 Million Awarded for 87th District Projects
I am pleased to announce that five projects across the 87th Legislative District have been awarded more than $2.1 million in Local Share Account (LSA) grants.
Working alongside Sen. Greg Rothman, I was proud to advocate for these investments, which will support recreation, historic preservation, municipal improvements, and public safety throughout our communities.
The funding includes $816,326 for a new athletic field for Keystone FC, $500,000 for a new rescue pumper for the Upper Allen Township Fire Department, $381,433 for municipal campus improvements in Monroe Township, $300,000 to transform the former Fair Oaks School into a community center, and $139,000 for site improvements at the historic Junkin House.
These investments reflect my continued commitment to strengthening our communities and making Cumberland County an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.
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Join Us Tonight for Our Veterans Legislative Tailgate!
Join us tonight, Friday, Sept. 18, at Mechanicsburg Area High School for a special Legislative Tailgate honoring our veterans! The event is free of charge and complimentary for veterans, active-duty service members, and their friends and families.
We hope you’ll stop by to learn more about state programs and resources as we recognize the men and women who have served our country and enjoy an evening with neighbors from throughout the community. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Saluting Those Who Serve at Cumberland Valley
Last Friday evening, I was honored to attend Cumberland Valley High School’s Salute to Service Game, recognizing the brave men and women who have served our nation. It was a great evening bringing the community together to show our appreciation for our veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.
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Remembering 9/11 at VFW Post 7530
Also last Friday evening, my office joined the Lower Allen VFW Kimberly Ann Fahnestock Voelz Post 7530 for its 25th anniversary commemoration of the Sept. 11 attacks. I am grateful to the VFW and everyone who participated in this meaningful ceremony to remember the lives lost that day and honor the first responders, service members, and countless Americans whose courage defined the days that followed.
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Raising the Flag in Memory of Our Heroes
On Sunday afternoon, I joined Crossroads Church in Mechanicsburg for its 9/11 Flag Raising. It was a privilege to gather with members of our community to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, recognize the heroism displayed that day, and ensure that the sacrifices of so many are never forgotten.
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Honoring Our Veterans at Annual Breakfast
On Tuesday morning, I was proud to host my annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast at the Lower Allen VFW Kimberly Ann Fahnestock Voelz Post 7530. It is always a privilege to bring together veterans from across our community to recognize their service, sacrifice, and commitment to our country.
A special thank you to our featured speakers, Rep. Joe Kerwin and Sen. Greg Rothman; the Cedar Cliff High School JROTC for presenting the colors; Penelope Shaw of Mechanicsburg for leading us in the national anthem and Pledge of Allegiance; and the staff at VFW Post 7530 for helping make the morning possible. Most importantly, thank you to all of our veterans for everything you have done in service to our nation.
Click here to watch a video highlighting some of the special moments from this year’s Veterans Breakfast.
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Joining Encompass Health for the Neuro Games
On Wednesday afternoon, members of my team had the pleasure of attending the Encompass Health Neuro Games, joining patients, families, caregivers, and staff for a special afternoon celebrating the hard-work, determination, and progress of individuals undergoing neurological rehabilitation.
It was inspiring to see participants come together in a spirit of friendly competition, demonstrating the perseverance and dedication that are so important throughout the rehabilitation process.
Congratulations to all the participants and winning teams!
• 1st Place: Holy Spirit
• 2nd Place: Residential
• 3rd Place: Country Meadows
Thank you to Encompass Health for hosting this wonderful event and for the important work you do to support patients and their families throughout their recovery journeys!
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Speaking About the Constitution at Elmwood Academy
Thursday morning began with a visit to Elmwood Academy, where I had the opportunity to spend some time with Ms. King’s class. I always enjoy getting into our local schools, meeting with students and educators, and hearing directly about what is happening in their classrooms. Thank you to Ms. King and her students for welcoming me!
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Discussing Priorities for the ID/A Community
Later Thursday morning, I participated in The Arc of Cumberland and Perry Counties’ (CPARC) Legislative Roundtable. The discussion provided an important opportunity to hear directly about the challenges facing individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A), their families, and the professionals who support them.
I appreciate CPARC bringing stakeholders and policymakers together not only to raise awareness of these issues, but also to discuss meaningful solutions that can strengthen services and support in our communities.
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Celebrating Constitution Day at Mechanicsburg Middle School
On Thursday afternoon, I visited Mechanicsburg Middle School to speak with students about Constitution Day and the document that has served as the foundation of our government for more than two centuries.
We talked about the Constitution, the role it plays in our everyday lives, and the responsibilities that come with citizenship. I also made sure each student had a pocket Constitution of their own to take home!
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Breaking Ground on South Middleton’s Future Community Center
Thursday afternoon also brought me to South Middleton Township, where I joined Sen. Greg Rothman for a groundbreaking marking the beginning of utility work that will ultimately serve the township’s future community center.
I’m proud to have worked alongside Sen. Rothman to help secure $2.1 million in grant funding to date for this project. I’m excited to see another important investment taking shape in the South Middleton community.
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More Friday Night Lights Tailgates Ahead!
There are two more opportunities to join us for some fall fun before our local high school football teams take the field under the Friday night lights! My team and I will be providing free food and light refreshments, along with state-related information about important programs and resources.
Cumberland Valley High School
Friday, Oct. 9 | 5:30–7 p.m.
Search Dental, 17 Waterford Drive, Mechanicsburg
Boiling Springs High School
Friday, Oct. 16 | 5:30–7 p.m.
Citizens Fire Co. Station 2, 405 Forge Road, Boiling Springs
These events are free to attend, but RSVPs are encouraged. To RSVP, call my office at 717-975-2235 or visit RepKutz.com/Events. We hope to see you before the games!
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Key Dates for Upcoming Election
The 2026 General Election is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The ballot includes candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. House of Representatives, and state House and Senate (in even-numbered senatorial districts).
If you are not already registered to vote, the deadline to do so is Monday, Oct. 19. You may register in person at your county elections office, by mail or by visiting the state’s online voter registration website.
The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 27. Completed ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
For more information about voting in the Commonwealth, including how to check your registration and voting location, visit www.vote.pa.gov.
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Sept. 21 Deadline Approaching to Apply for Fruit Grower Freeze Disaster Grants
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is offering up to $10 million in relief to Pennsylvania fruit growers whose crops were damaged by freezing temperatures between April 1 and April 21, 2026.
Eligible specialty crops that produced 30% less than expected due to freeze damage may qualify for this program.
For purposes of this grant, “eligible specialty crop” is defined as a pome fruit, stone fruit, grape, or berry grown in the Commonwealth.
The application deadline is Monday, Sept. 21, at 11:59 p.m.
Eligible growers are encouraged to review the program guidelines and application instructions before applying and submit their applications by the Sept. 21 deadline. That information and more is available here.
Send application electronically to RA-AGFREEZEREIMBURSE@pa.gov or via U.S. mail to the attention of Jake Tatge at the PA Department of Agriculture, 2301 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, PA 17110.
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Grants for Dairy Producers Now Open
The Center for Dairy Excellence is now accepting applications for the Dairy Decisions Consultants (DDC) Grant Program and the Transition/Transformation Team Grant Program for the 2026-27 program year.
Dairy producers can utilize the grants to work one-on-one with professional consultants in one of seven strategic areas of business or form an advisory team to help create a transition plan or major business transformation plan.
Leveraging funds provided through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and PA Dairymen’s Association, the grant program is now open with limited grants available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Farmers must complete an application and submit the required $100 application fee to participate in each program. Visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/grants to learn more and apply online.
Contact Melissa Anderson at 717-788-0296 or manderson@centerfordairyexcellence.org with questions about which grant might be the best fit for your operation
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Attention Students: House Fellowship Program Taking Applications
The Pennsylvania House Legislative Fellowship Program is accepting applications for its spring 2027 semester.
The program is based at Pennsylvania’s Capitol in Harrisburg where fellows are assigned to work with House standing committees or leadership offices; are compensated for their work (which may also include college credit); and are provided the opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces, to name a few.
Qualified applicants must be college undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students or law school students; enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
For more information or to apply, visit www.pahousefellowship.us. Applications can be submitted via email to pahousefellowship@pabmc.net. The deadline for applying is Oct. 1.
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Farmers, First Responders: Liquid Fuels Tax Applications Due Sept. 30
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity is reminding farmers and first responders to submit their Liquid Fuels Tax applications by Sept. 30 for eligible purchases of unleaded gasoline and on-road, clear diesel used for machinery and vehicle operations.
Treasury’s Board of Finance and Revenue (BF&R) sent applications to eligible organizations – including farming operations, volunteer fire companies, ambulance providers and rescue squads incorporated as nonprofits.
Electronic applications and supporting documents, which are preferred, must be received by Sept. 30, and mailed applications and documents must be postmarked by that date.
To request a form or to file electronically, claimants can send completed forms and required documents to BFRLiquidFuels@patreasury.gov. Forms can also be uploaded directly on Treasury’s website, patreasury.gov/bfr. Treasury’s BF&R can also be reached by calling 717-787-6534.
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