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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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Celebrating Our Troops at Mechanicsburg's Salute to Service Game
On Friday evening, I had the pleasure of joining the Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School community for its Salute to Service football game and our legislative tailgate! It was a privilege to join Sen. Dawn Keefer in leading the American flag onto the field as we came together to recognize the brave men and women who have answered the call to serve our nation.
Thank you to the Mechanicsburg Wildcat Football Booster Club parents for their hard work in helpingto make the evening possible and to everyone who stopped by our tailgate to enjoy some food, fellowship and Friday night football. It was a wonderful evening celebrating our community, our country and those who serve.
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Celebrating a Wildcats Victory at the Mechanicsburg Football Pancake Breakfast
Saturday morning began with a visit to the Mechanicsburg Football pancake breakfast, where I had the opportunity to celebrate Friday night's victory with the players, coaches, families and supporters!
It was a great way to kick off a busy Saturday while recognizing the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes. Thank you to everyone who helped organize the breakfast and congratulations to the Wildcats on a great win!
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Celebrating 50 Years of Holly Days in Mount Holly Springs
I was glad to join the Mount Holly Springs community on Saturday for the 50th annual Holly Days celebration!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our office's booth to say hello, ask questions and learn more about the state resources available to them. It was wonderful to see so many residents enjoying the festivities, visiting local vendors and supporting the small businesses that help make our communities special.
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Walking Together for Down Syndrome Awareness
On Saturday, I had the pleasure of participating in the Central PA Down Syndrome Awareness Group's Down Syndrome Buddy Walk! This special event brought together individuals with Down syndrome, their families, friends and supporters to celebrate inclusion, promote awareness and show support for a wonderful cause.
I am grateful for the opportunity to join so many members of our community in recognizing the abilities and accomplishments of individuals with Down syndrome. Thank you to the organizers, volunteers and everyone who participated for making the day such a meaningful celebration!
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Celebrating Young Entrepreneurs at Kidpreneurs Fair PA
It was a pleasure to visit Kidpreneurs Fair PA on Saturday and see the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of our community's young people firsthand! I enjoyed meeting the students, learning about their businesses and hearing how they turned their ideas into reality. Their enthusiasm, hard work and willingness to take on new challenges were wonderful to see.
I was honored to be invited to participate and sponsor certificates for all of the young entrepreneurs who took part in the fair. Congratulations to every participant, and thank you to the organizers for providing students with this valuable opportunity to develop their skills and explore their interests!
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Enjoying the Oak Grove Fall Festival
Saturday's beautiful weather provided the perfect opportunity to spend some time outdoors at the Oak Grove Fall Festival!
I enjoyed visiting with local vendors, catching up with members of the community and seeing so many families out enjoying the start of the fall season. Events like this one are a great reminder of the strong sense of community we are fortunate to have throughout our area. A special thank you to the Monroe Fire Co. for its involvement in the festivities and for the important work its members do to keep our communities safe!
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Supporting Local Agriculture at the Cumberland County Farm Bureau Fall Picnic
I had a great time joining the Cumberland County Farm Bureau for its fall picnic on Saturday! It was a pleasure to spend time with our local farmers and agricultural families, hear about their work and even get a little hands-on experience milking a cow!
Agriculture is an important part of Cumberland County's heritage and economy, and I am always grateful for opportunities to connect with the hardworking men and women who help put food on our tables. Thank you to the farm bureau for welcoming me and for its continued dedication to supporting our agricultural community!
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Cheering on the Eagles at Rally in the Valley
I was happy to support the Cumberland Valley High School volleyball team at its annual Rally in the Valley tournament on Saturday!
It was great to see our student-athletes in action and spend time with the families and supporters who do so much to encourage our local teams. These events provide a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their hard work, sportsmanship and dedication to their sport. Thank you to the coaches, volunteers and everyone who helped make the tournament possible. Wishing the Eagles a successful rest of the season. Go Eagles!
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Supporting Our Agricultural Community
On Monday evening, I had the pleasure of joining the Cumberland County Farm Bureau for its annual fall meeting. I always appreciate the opportunity to spend time with our local farmers and agricultural leaders, hear about the issues affecting their operations and discuss how we can continue supporting Pennsylvania's agricultural industry.
Thank you to the farm bureau for welcoming me and for its continued dedication to advocating for our farming community. A special thank you to Marci and the crew at Penn Township Fire Co. for preparing such a wonderful meal!
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Discussing the Importance of Home Visiting
On Tuesday morning, I visited the Nurse-Family Partnership program's campus in Harrisburg for a tour and roundtable discussion about the services it provides to mothers and families in our communities. During the visit, I had the opportunity to speak with Carla, a mother who has participated in the program, and hear firsthand about her experience and the support she received.
It was also valuable to learn more about the program's work connecting first-time mothers with nurses who provide guidance, education and support throughout pregnancy and the early years of their children's lives.
Thank you to the Nurse-Family Partnership team for welcoming me and for the important work it does to support families. I always appreciate opportunities to hear directly from constituents about their experiences and better understand how programs like this are making a difference in our communities.
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Exploring Careers in Government and Public Service
On Wednesday morning, I was honored to participate in a legislative panel at the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry as part of Penn State's Career Exploration Day. I joined fellow Reps. Carol Hill-Evans, Dave Madsen and Catherine Wallen for a discussion about our experiences in the General Assembly and the many career opportunities available in government, public policy, advocacy and public service.
Thank you to Penn State and the Pennsylvania Chamber for organizing this valuable opportunity, to our moderators for facilitating a thoughtful discussion and to the students for their engaging questions and interest in public service!
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Upcoming Events and Reminders
Tonight: Upper Allen Fall Fest!
Friday, Sept. 25 | 4–9 p.m.
Winding Hill Park North
Join us tonight for Upper Allen Township's Fall Fest! My team will have a table with legislative information and state-related resources, and we look forward to connecting with residents throughout the evening. Be sure to stop by our table to say hello, ask questions and enjoy a great evening with our community!
Join Us at Silver Spring Township Fall Fest!
Saturday, Oct. 3 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Stony Ridge Park
My team and I look forward to joining the Silver Spring Township community for its annual Fall Fest! Our office will have a table with legislative information and resources available through state government. Stop by to meet members of our team, ask questions and learn more about how our office can assist you. We hope to see you there!
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More Friday Night Lights Tailgates Ahead!
There are still 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, PA 17050
Boiling Springs High School
Friday, Oct. 16 | 5:30–7 p.m.
Citizens Fire Co. Station 2
405 Forge Road, Boiling Springs, PA 17007
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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Honoring Those Who Answer the Call to Serve
I am pleased to invite first responders and their families who serve the 87th Legislative District and its communities to a special dinner recognizing their service and dedication.
Our police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and other first responders make tremendous sacrifices to keep our communities safe. This dinner is an opportunity to come together, express our appreciation and recognize the individuals and families who support this important work.
Wednesday, Oct. 28 | 5:30–7 p.m.
Upper Allen Township Fire Department
104 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg
RSVPs are requested. Please call my office at 717-975-2235 or register online at RepKutz.com/Events.
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Free Student Aid Guide, Webinars Available
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is reminding high school students and their families that its 2027-28 PA Student Aid Guide is now available to help them navigate the college planning process.
The PA Student Aid Guide is Pennsylvania’s most comprehensive financial aid publication, offering in-depth information on the federal student aid process and details about Pennsylvania’s aid programs, including the need-based PA State Grant Program. It is available to all students and families at no cost.
The online version of the PA Student Aid Guide is interactive and provides links to information on grants, scholarships, loans, work study programs and more. The online version, along with a link to view and print a PDF file of the guide, is available here.
Also, in honor of National College Savings Month in September, PHEAA is joining the Pennsylvania Treasury Department in encouraging families to take advantage of upcoming webinars about financial aid and tools to save for higher education:
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PFBC Offers Fishing, Boating Grants
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is accepting applications for two grant programs key to building on the Commonwealth’s outdoors heritage.
The Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) Education Grant offers school districts, universities and colleges, community and civic groups, sporting and conservation organizations, and local recreation departments up to $25,000 in funding for projects to promote new and renewed interest in fishing and boating. Learn more here.
The Boating Facility Grant Program provides grants for planning, acquisition, development, expansion and rehabilitation of public boating facilities located on the waters of the Commonwealth. Eligible applicants include townships, boroughs, counties, municipalities and nonprofit organizations such as land trusts, conservancies and watershed groups. Learn more here.
The application deadline for both grant programs is Dec. 1.
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Help Stop Suicide
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to remember and honor those lost to suicide and to try to save lives by educating ourselves about the signs of suicide.
Those signs include feelings of hopelessness or of being a burden to loved ones, sleeping too little or too much, withdrawing or isolating oneself, and starting or increasing use of alcohol or drugs. A full list of warning signs and tips from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration are available here.
If you or someone you know is in imminent danger of self-harm, call 911. Help is also available by calling 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
To learn more about suicide risks and how to help someone in crisis, visit www.preventsuicidepa.org.
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Keeping Kids Safe in the Car
In recognition of September being Child Passenger Safety Month, parents and caregivers are reminded to ensure children are correctly buckled in the right seats for their age and size.
State law requires children up to age 2 to be secured in a rear-facing car seat, while children under the age of 4 must be restrained in an approved child safety seat. Children must ride in a booster seat until their eighth birthday. Parents are also reminded that due to potential dangers associated with air bag deployment, children age 12 and younger should always ride buckled in a vehicle’s back seat.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends keeping a child in a car seat for as long as possible, provided the child fits within the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements.
Learn more here.
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