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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
Union Fire Company No. 1's 125th Anniversary
It was an honor to present a House citation to the dedicated men and women of Union Fire Company No. 1 as they celebrate their 125th anniversary!
One hundred and twenty-five years of unwavering service, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our community is an incredible milestone. Thank you for your continued bravery and for being a cornerstone of public safety. Your legacy of service truly sets an example for us all.
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Western Berks Fire Department Open House
I had a great time yesterday at the Western Berks Fire Department’s annual Fire Prevention Week open house! It was fantastic to meet so many local families and see all the amazing work this department does.
Special congratulations to Green Valley Elementary’s second grade class, taught by Mrs. Peterson, and Conrad Weiser East’s second grade class, taught by Mrs. James, for winning the Fire Prevention Week poster coloring contest!
Thank you, Western Berks Fire Department, for hosting and for everything you do to keep us safe! Your dedication is deeply appreciated.
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Eagle Scout Citation for Oliver Messner
I would like to extend a huge congratulations to Oliver Messner on achieving the highest rank in Scouting: Eagle Scout!
It was my pleasure to present him with a House citation in recognition of this incredible achievement. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout requires years of commitment, leadership and service to the community.
The future is bright with young leaders like Oliver! Congratulations again!
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Treasury Offers Bridge Loans as Budget Impasse Continues
The Pennsylvania Treasury announced last week it is making $500 million in loans available to county governments and Head Start providers to help them meet the needs of the state’s most vulnerable citizens during the ongoing budget impasse.
The budget is now more than three months past due, and despite being back in session this week, Democrats – who control the agenda in the House – did not advance a budget bill to the governor’s desk that could immediately get funds flowing, not only to counties and Head Start but to all programs and agencies funded by the Commonwealth.
Senate Bill 160 would essentially set this year’s funding at the same level as last year. Adopting this plan would allow state money to be disbursed while negotiations continue on specific areas of disagreement.
I appreciate the Treasurer for offering this funding option, but as lawmakers, we have a duty to act NOW and get a responsible and sustainable budget done for the Commonwealth.
Click here to read more about the program. |
Standing Up for Your Second Amendment Rights
Majority House Democrats called up four gun-control bills for votes this week, and I voted “no” on every one of them.
Three of the four measures failed by a vote of 101-102. House Bill 1859, often called the Red Flag law, would have allowed for the confiscation of a person’s firearm without due process, a clear violation of the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions. House Bill 1099 would have limited the types of materials that could be used to construct firearms. House Bill 1866 would have banned gun conversion devices.
I am disappointed that a bill to expand background check requirements to include private sales of long guns narrowly passed. However, it is unlikely House Bill 1593 will ever be taken up by the Senate. |
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
To honor those who have fought breast cancer or who are fighting it now, the fountain at the Pennsylvania State Capitol’s East Wing has been dyed pink again this year in recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers. It accounts for about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer.
The pink fountain is also a reminder to all women of the importance of mammograms and early detection. People with low to moderate income who are uninsured or underinsured and meet certain age requirements may qualify for testing through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To learn about the program and eligibility, click here. |
Lithium-Ion Batteries Focus of Fire Prevention Week
National Fire Prevention Week kicks off this Sunday, Oct. 5, with the theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”
The campaign aims to educate people about using these batteries safely. The National Fire Protection Association offers these tips:
• Buy only listed products: When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
• Charge devices safely: Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
• Recycle batteries responsibly: Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
More information from the National Fire Protection Association is available here. |
House Archives Internship Opportunity
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives Internship Program is currently accepting applications for the spring 2026 semester.
The 13-week internship is based at the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Interns work with archivists and learn several facets of the job, including processing paper collections, crafting exhibits for display in the Capitol Complex, conducting research for inquiries and more. Interns gain a better understanding of the PA House of Representatives and its members through opportunities such as meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, as well as tours of some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces.
At the time of the internship, students must be attending a college or university in Pennsylvania OR be a resident of Pennsylvania; be a second-semester junior, senior or graduate student; and have a GPA of at least 3.0.
For more information or to fill out the application, click here. Applications are due by Saturday, Nov. 1. |
Get Your Free Student Aid Guide
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is reminding high school students and their families that its 2026-27 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 on 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. |
Fall, Winter Trout Stocking Underway
Now through mid-December, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will be conducting its fall and winter trout stocking at dozens of waterways across the Commonwealth.
PFBC will stock approximately 116,500 hatchery-raised adult Rainbow, Brown and Brook Trout in 118 stream sections and lakes. These stockings will replenish some of the most popular fishing spots across the Commonwealth and provide ice fishing opportunities as conditions allow throughout the winter. Trout stocked during fall and winter can be fished immediately.
Click here to learn more and access stocking schedules. |
Let's Get Connected
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Our District
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Web Site
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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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