Capitol Report, 8.4.25: Upcoming Events

August 4, 2025


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Capitol Report
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The latest news from the State Capitol
 
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Upcoming Events
Ice Cream Open House

Join us on Monday, Aug. 18, at my district office in the Reading Regional Airport from 3-6 p.m. for an Ice Cream Open House.

Legislative Bingo
 

Please RSVP for the Legislative Bingo by calling our office at 610-378-4407.
PUC Urges Consumers to Take Action to Manage Energy Costs

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging residents to brace for higher electric bills as a result of soaring power usage during multiple heat waves since mid-June that pushed electricity demand on the regional power grid to its highest level in 14 years.

Electricity customers are encouraged to carefully review their bills, especially the sections regarding monthly usage and current energy supply rates. Consider shopping for lower rates at www.PAPowerSwitch.com.

Households or small businesses struggling with high bills or past due balances should call their utility company now to ask about available assistance programs.

Finally, look for opportunities to conserve electricity, such as raising your thermostat, limit appliance use during peak hours, close blinds or curtains to block the sun, avoid unnecessary lighting or electronics that generate extra heat, and seal windows and doors to keep cool air inside.

Read the full news release from the PUC here.
Game Commission OKs Additional Sundays for Hunting

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners have approved 10 additional Sundays for hunting for the 2025-26 season. The additions were made in response to a new state law that lifted the centuries-old ban on Sunday hunting in the Commonwealth.

Every Sunday from Sept. 14 through Dec. 7 will now be open for hunting. The dates reflect all Sundays that fall within established hunting seasons, with the exception of migratory game bird seasons, which are set through federal frameworks.

To read more about the Sunday hunting announcement, click here. Or visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission online at www.pgc.pa.gov.
Still Time to Apply for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity reports 423,092 Property Tax/Rent Rebate payments were issued on July 1, totaling $255.8 million.

The program benefits Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Eligibility and approval for payments is determined by the Department of Revenue.

This year’s income limit is $46,520 for homeowners and renters, with a maximum standard rebate of $1,000. Applicants can exclude half of their Social Security income.

Eligible Pennsylvanians can apply through Dec. 31 for the 2024 rebate, but why wait? Click here for more information about the program and to apply online, or contact my office. Assistance is free!
Ensuring Quality Care for our Veterans

 
In honor of the service and sacrifice of our veterans, I was proud to support a new law that aims to strengthen accountability and transparency in our state veterans’ homes.

Act 20 of 2025 expands and modernizes the advisory councils that oversee our six state-operated veterans’ homes with the goal of ensuring the best possible care for the men and women who have served our Commonwealth and our country.

The state’s veterans’ homes are strategically located to accommodate veterans from every region and are operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Click here to learn more about them.
PHEAA Announces Financial Aid Seminars

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is hosting several free webinars over the next few months to help students and families navigate the costs of higher education.

From instructions for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other key documentation, to financial aid planning, scholarship search tips and budgeting, the webinars provide valuable information in hour-long sessions online.

Please note: The webinar titled “PA State Grant Form Completion” will be offered on Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m. The one-hour session will provide an overview of the 2025-26 State Grant application process.

For a full schedule of all available webinars, and to register your participation, visit www.pheaa.org/virtual.
Let's Get Connected


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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.
 
Capitol Office: 432 Irvis Office Building, Harrisburg, Pa 17020-2005 | PO Box 202005 | Phone: 717-772-9940

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