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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
Youth Detention Center
I joined some of my fellow legislators on a visit to the proposed site for a new regional juvenile detention center in Berks County. Berks, Dauphin, and Lehigh Counties are collaborating to establish a new regional juvenile detention center by reopening the former Berks County Youth Detention Center at 1261 County Welfare Road in Leesport.
This facility, which operated as a detention center from 1995 to 2012, is slated for renovations that will create 30 beds, equally distributed among the three counties. The initiative aims to address the critical shortage of youth detention beds across Pennsylvania, which has led to more serious juvenile offenders being released due to lack of space.
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Memorial Day Parade
I was honored to ride in the Wernersville Memorial Day parade this past Memorial Day. It was a beautiful day to remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Thank you to all our veterans and active military – your service will never be forgotten.
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Bethany Children’s home
It was truly inspiring to visit Bethany Children's Home in our district! I had the privilege of learning more about the incredible work they do and how I can best support their mission as a state representative. Their dedication to the children in our community is truly remarkable.
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Planning Commission
I had the pleasure of meeting with David Hunter and Ashley Showers from the Berks County Planning Commission. We delved into the important work they do in shaping our communities and the future of Berks County through their regional plans. Thank you for the great discussion!
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Your Summer Electric Bill
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is reminding consumers that nearly every electric distribution company across the state increased electric generation prices yesterday, June 1 for non-shopping, or default service, customers.
While you are encouraged to shop for options at PAPowerSwitch.com, PUC officials note rising wholesale energy prices have reduced the number of available offers below default rates.
For a list of new residential default rates, as well as tips to conserve energy usage and save on your energy bills, click here.
The price hikes underscore the need to boost energy production in the Commonwealth so our supply can keep up with demand.
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Bill to Provide Homebuying Help
I recently voted in support of legislation that would help first-time homebuyers achieve the goal of home ownership.
House Bill 818 would allow potential homebuyers to deposit money into a designated savings account to be used solely for purchasing their first home. The bill would also allow account holders to deduct that money from their state income tax.
The First-Time Homebuyers Savings Accounts would be established under the state Treasury and operate similar to the PA 529 program families use for college and career education. This means family and friends can also contribute to these accounts.
House Bill 818 is awaiting consideration by the Senate.
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Highlighting Veteran-Owned Businesses
Many veterans who have honorably served our country return home and continue contributing to their communities by starting their own business. I recently voted in support of legislation that would create a logo signifying a business is owned by a veteran.
House Bill 993 calls on the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to work with the state Department of Community and Economic Development to create a logo and process by which a veteran business owner could apply and receive approval to use the logo. Any business owner falsely using the logo would be subject to fines.
The bill received unanimous support in the House and is now pending consideration in the Senate.
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Education Aid for Military, Veterans
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In recognition of May as National Military Appreciation Month, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) encouraged veterans, service members and their families to take advantage of the financial aid opportunities available to them, especially through the PA Military State Aid Programs.
The PA National Guard Military Family Education Program (MFEP) is a tuition assistance program for dependents (spouses and children) of PA Guard members who commit to an additional six years of service with the National Guard. More information is available at www.pheaa.org/MFEP.
The PA National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP) provides financial assistance for guard member students who enter into a six-year service commitment with the PA National Guard. More information is available at www.pheaa.org/EAP.
Additional resources on funding opportunities available to service members and their families can be found at www.pheaa.org/militarybenefits.
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PHEAA Announces Financial Aid Webinars
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is hosting free webinars in June and July aimed at helping students and families.
The webinar titled “Deep Dive into Covering the Gap” aims to help students and their families understand their bill and financial aid package, and determine what, if any, borrowing is needed to cover the difference between aid and actual cost.
The one-hour session will be offered twice in June, at noon on Tuesday, June 10, and 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 26. It will also be offered twice in July, at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, and at noon on Tuesday July 29.
For a full schedule of webinars, and to register your participation, visit www.pheaa.org/virtual.
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Attention Artists!
America250PA – the organization planning the state’s participation in the United States’ 250th anniversary next year – is seeking submissions from local artists for its “Bells Across PA” art series.
Selected artists will execute their designs on a fiberglass bell sculpture. The goal is to place at least one bell in each of the state’s 67 counties, but the hope is for many more.
Bells Across PA is open to all Pennsylvania artists and groups from the acclaimed to the amateur. Painters, sculptors, craftsmen, multi-media artists and other wildly creative people are all encouraged to apply. Each commissioned bell will receive one honorarium, regardless of group size.
Learn more here.
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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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