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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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In the Fifth
Arc Alliance Legislative Breakfast
Recently, I attended a legislative breakfast with The Arc Alliance where we discussed the issues facing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism in Berks County. It was amazing to see the work being done in our district to support those with disabilities and learn about challenges to these types of organizations so that I may better serve our district in Harrisburg.
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Our Office Address is Changing!
In the coming weeks, the official address of the Reading Regional Airport is changing, which means my district office address is changing as well.
While our physical location is not changing, our address, 2501 Bernville Road, Box 4, will soon become 24 Liberator Way, Suite F.
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Legitimate Unclaimed Property Letters vs. Scam Letters
A scam letter is circulating that falsely claims to be from the U.S. Treasury Department, telling recipients they have unclaimed property. This is especially concerning because the Pennsylvania Treasury Department recently announced its Money Match program, which automatically reunites residents with unclaimed property without requiring them to file a claim. Legitimate letters from the Treasury Department will never ask for payment or personal information to release funds.
Here are some red flags that indicate a scam:
• The letter claims funds will be released on a gift card.
• The response address is in South Dakota, but the letter was sent from Kansas.
• A search on the Pennsylvania Treasury Unclaimed Property website may not show any results for the recipient.
If you receive a letter and are unsure if it is legitimate, call my office to verify its validity before taking any action.
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Get Ready for REAL ID
The deadline for enforcement of the federal REAL ID Act is fast approaching.
As of May 7, you will have to present a federally accepted form of identification to board a commercial domestic flight or visit a secure federal building that requires ID at the door. Federally accepted forms of identification include a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, or a military ID.
While all Pennsylvanians must comply with the new law, obtaining a state-issued REAL ID is not mandatory. PennDOT will continue to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs.
To learn more about REAL ID and how to obtain one, visit www.penndot.gov/REALID.
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Education Highlights Second Week of Budget Hearings
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With the state’s acting secretary of Education acknowledging more funding does not always lead to better student performance, members of the House Appropriations Committee questioned various aspects of the governor’s proposal to fund the state’s school districts in the next fiscal year.
During a day-long hearing with the Department of Education Monday, committee members raised concerns about some schools having budgetary reserves while others struggle to make ends meet, waiting lists for students who want to take career and technical education courses, the use of school facility improvement funding for solar projects, and proper management of pupil transportation funding.
Other hearings this week included the departments of Agriculture, Environmental Protection, State, Labor and Industry, and more.
The committee will conclude its assessment of the governor’s proposed 2025-26 state spending plan next week at hearings with the Department of Corrections and Board of Probation and Parole, Department of Human Services, and Treasury, as well as the Office of the Budget.
The governor proposed a $51.47 billion budget last month, representing a $3.57 billion, or 7.5%, increase over the current fiscal year. The proposed spending increase is significantly more than the anticipated $1.3 billion revenue increase.
Budget hearings stream live at www.PABudget.com/livestreams. For a full schedule, along with video and highlights of each completed hearing, click here.
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Substance Abuse Help for Veterans
Did you know more than one in 10 veterans have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder?
When veterans separate from the military, they may face a host of societal challenges adapting back to civilian life. Most will work through these challenges, but some fall on hard times, and sometimes resort to substance abuse as a way to cope. Help is available for veterans, family members and their advocates at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Veterans are also encouraged to make use of PA VETConnect, a program aimed at helping veterans address the challenges of homelessness, employment, mental health, addiction and much more. If you or someone you know requires assistance, or would like more information about PA VETConnect or other DMVA programs and services, visit www.dmva.pa.gov.
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PA Tourism Office Releases 2025 Travel Guide
Suffering with the winter doldrums? Check out the 2025 Pennsylvania Travel Guide and get started on your spring and summer travel plans!
The free guide highlights must-see attractions, kid-focused fun, exciting events and many more great vacation ideas.
Sign up to receive a free hard copy of the guide or click here to view it online.
Happy travels!
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Let's Get Connected
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Our District
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Web Site
rep .com
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| Office Locations |
| District Office: Reading Regional Airport - Main Terminal, 2501 Bernville Road, Box 4, Reading, PA, 19605 | Phone: (610) 378-4407, FAX: (610) 378-4412 | Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
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| Capitol Office: 432 Irvis Office Building, Harrisburg, Pa 17020-2005 | PO Box 202005 | Phone: 717-772-9940 |
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