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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
Honoring Service to our Nation
I was privileged to attend the formal ceremony to witness the pinning of a Bronze Star for Charles Ziegler and to present him with a House citation.
The United States Army recognized Mr. Ziegler's extraordinary service and combat efforts in Vietnam from over half a century ago. Seeing that oversight finally corrected was a powerful moment.
The ceremony was a beautiful tribute to his sacrifice, bravery and honor. Mr. Ziegler was surrounded by his family, Berks County commissioners, fellow Vietnam veterans and members of the Etchberger Veterans Center. The Bronze Star, which is the fourth-highest ranking award for a heroic or meritorious deed in armed conflict, was formally pinned on him by Army Maj. Gen. Michael Wegscheider.
It was a profound experience to share this day with Mr. Ziegler and his community as he finally received the recognition he so deeply deserves.
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Mobile Ag Lab at Green Valley
I had the pleasure of visiting Green Valley Elementary this past Friday to see the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation's Mobile Agriculture Education Science Lab in action!
This fantastic Mobile Ag Lab brings agriculture-based STEM learning directly to students. Equipped with a certified teacher and all necessary supplies, it offers over 30 hands-on science experiments that emphasize different aspects of agriculture, including Pennsylvania's key commodities, biotechnology, food/fiber production and the environment.
It was truly amazing to witness this program supporting our industry and see the students having such a fun and educational time learning about Pennsylvania's largest industry – agriculture!
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PGC Opens New Archery Range
I was happy to attend the ribbon cutting for the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s newest archery range in Berks County! The range is located on State Game Lands 280 at Blue Marsh Lake on Route 183 just north of Old Church Road.
This range is the latest of three new ranges the commission opened this fiscal year, which aim to improve free archery access across the Commonwealth.
At the end of the event, pheasants were released to support the upcoming hunting season!
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Volunteer Fire Assistance Program Grant
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is now accepting applications for grants for the Volunteer Fire Assistance Program.
Applications must be submitted electronically through DCNR’s grant website by 4 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 31. To expedite processing, only online applications will be accepted.
The maximum grant award in 2026 is $15,000 per fire company, with funding provided on a 50/50 cost-share basis — grants for any project during a fiscal year cannot exceed 50% of the actual expenditures of local, public, and private nonprofit organizations in the grant project. Eligible applicants include local firefighting forces in rural areas or communities with fewer than 10,000 residents. Funding can be used for training and equipment purchases directly related to fighting brush and forest fires. Recipients are selected based on vulnerability and adequacy of existing fire protection, with a focus on improving volunteer readiness and protecting lives and property in under-protected areas.
Priority will be placed on projects that include the purchase of wildfire suppression equipment and protective clothing. Grants may also be used to purchase mobile or portable radios; install dry hydrants; conduct wildfire prevention and mitigation work; train wildland firefighters; or convert vehicles into wildland fire engines. If you are eligible and apply, please let my office know. |
Drug Take Back Day
This past Saturday, Oct. 25, was National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the event is aimed at reminding citizens across the nation and the Commonwealth that safe disposal of unused prescription drugs is one of the best ways to fight drug abuse.
In addition to prescription medications, DEA regulations allow for the disposal of over-the-counter medications; prescription patches and ointments; vitamins; and pet medicines. Please note, each take-back location has the right to determine what items it will accept.
To learn more about Pennsylvania’s drug take-back program, including finding a take-back location near you, click here. |
DCNR Seeks 2026 River of the Year Nominations
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is calling on Pennsylvanians to nominate their favorite waterway for the 2026 River of the Year. The winner is featured in a year-long series of events and activities to celebrate the river, including the popular River of the Year Sojourn.
All Pennsylvania waterways are eligible for nomination, except for the past five years of winners: Delaware River (2025), Allegheny River (2024), Susquehanna North Branch (2023), French Creek (2022) and Shenango River (2021).
The nomination period is open through Friday, Nov. 21, at 5 p.m. Selected nominations will be voted on by the public beginning in late November. For more information about the River of the Year program, visit the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers’ (POWR) website.
To nominate a river or waterway, visit the Grants and Awards webpage and scroll down to “Apply.” |
Students Invited to Design Activity Book Cover
The Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General is inviting Pennsylvania students, in kindergarten through 12th grades, to enter a contest to help design the cover of the new Be Money $mart activity book!
The book aims to help students and their caregivers learn how to plan for their financial future. It will be distributed statewide during the Pennsylvania Farm Show and through libraries, YMCAs and credit unions.
Submissions are due by Oct. 31. Learn more about the contest here. |
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, which is a time to celebrate our friends with Down syndrome and make others aware of their many abilities and accomplishments.
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States and is associated with delays in physical growth, characteristic facial features and intellectual challenges. Approximately 5,700 babies are born with Down syndrome in the United States each year. However, due to improved research and medical treatments, children born with Down syndrome can live long, happy and productive lives. |
Stay Safe this Halloween
Halloween is a fun time for many kids and families, but safety must always remain a top priority. According to the National Safety Council, the following are some tips to keep in mind while trick-or-treating:
• All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.
• If children are out after dark, fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks.
• Opt for non-toxic Halloween makeup over masks, which can obscure vision.
• A responsible adult should accompany young children.
• If older children are going alone, plan and review a route and establish a return time.
• Teach children never to enter a stranger’s home or car.
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stay with friends.
• Tell children not to eat any treats until they return home, where they can be inspected by an adult.
Motorists traveling on neighborhood trick-or-treat nights should remember to stay alert, slow down, and enter and exit all driveways and alleys carefully.
For more on these and other safety tips, click here.
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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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