|
|
|
| |
|
Capitol Report
|
#Listrak\DateStampLong#
|
The latest news from the State Capitol
|
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
|
Fall Fishing and Boating with the PFBC
With summer behind us, I recently had a chance to join the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) to learn more about fishing and boating opportunities this fall and winter.
If you're boating, remember that wearing life jackets is required from Nov. 1 through April 30 on boats less than 16 feet including all canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.
For more information, click here to visit PFBC's website.
|
Happening in Harrisburg
Bernie the Golden Wolf Visits the Capitol
Last week, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania held its second annual Mascot Day at the Capitol, where I had a chance to catch up with Alvernia University’s new Golden Wolf mascot, Bernie!
|
In the Fifth
Honoring our Heroes
I had the distinct honor of participating in a ceremony with state Sen. Chris Gebhard to celebrate the designation of a portion of Bernville Road (Route 183) in Penn Township. The portion of Route 183 from the intersection with Mt. Pleasant Road southbound to the bridge over Licking Creek in Penn Township has been named the SSgt. Norman W. Reifsnyder Memorial Highway.
Staff Sergeant Reifsnyder served in the United States Army during World War Two in the 80th Division in radio communications and served in France; Luxembourg; and Rhineland, Germany; and at the Battle of the Bulge.
SSgt. Reifsnyder was awarded the Bronze Star and Soldiers Medal for his honorable service.
SSgt. Reifsnyder was raised in North Heidelberg Township and graduated from the Penn Bernville High School in 1939. He and his family were dairy farmers for 21 years and in 1962 were selected as the Reading Fair Outstanding Farm Family.
After a life dedicated to the service of others, SSgt. Reifsnyder passed away Feb. 24, 2025, at the age of 103.
I was excited to be a small part of such a well-deserved honor.
|
Powering the Mid-Atlantic
Last week, the House Republican Policy Committee welcomed lawmakers from Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia for the first-ever multi-state policy hearing focused on restoring energy affordability and reliability across the Mid-Atlantic region.
The message from energy advocates and the region’s lawmakers was clear: We urgently need coordinated, commonsense reforms to our energy policies to ensure the stability of our electric grid and bring down the cost of energy for our residents and businesses. That includes leaving the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, improving permitting for new energy projects, and ensuring new generation is up and running before older facilities are taken offline.
A representative from PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization serving 67 million people across 13 states and the District of Columbia, outlined the challenges posed by accelerating energy demand, premature plant retirements and delays in new generation. He warned that, “without a significant course correction, the region could face a resource adequacy deficit by 2030 — or even sooner.” He emphasized that load growth from artificial intelligence, data centers and electrification is outpacing new generation and underscored the need for all resources — natural gas, coal, nuclear and renewables — to meet future demand.
We also heard testimony from Rob Jennings, American Petroleum Institute; Rachel Gleason, Pennsylvania Coal Alliance; Maddie Milam, Consumer Energy Alliance; and Elizabeth Stelle, Commonwealth Foundation.
Click here to watch the hearing. |
Election Day Tomorrow!
Tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 4, is Election Day! Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Click here to verify your polling place for in-person voting.
Voters who have chosen to vote by mail-in or civilian absentee ballot must have those ballots back to their county Board of Elections no later than 8 p.m. tomorrow.
If you choose to deliver it in person, you can only return your own ballot, not anyone else’s. And no one can deliver your ballot on your behalf unless you are a voter with a disability and have designated someone, in writing, to deliver your ballot, or if you need an emergency absentee ballot. Click here for more frequently asked questions about elections from the Department of State.
Click here to check ballot return locations.
More information about voting is available at www.vote.pa.gov. |
Fairness in Women’s Sports Update
House Republicans are still working to protect the rights of girls and women to compete on a level playing field by prohibiting biological males from participating in women’s sports.
Majority House Democrats continued their legislative gymnastics last week to avoid a vote on the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act by again re-referring Senate Bill 9 to another committee to avoid a discharge petition. A new petition has been launched to force a vote on the House version of the bill, House Bill 158, which I signed last week.
Additionally, dozens of lawmakers, myself included, joined student athletes, parents and advocates last Wednesday issuing a call to action for dads to defend their daughters’ rights to fair play and safe locker rooms.
Athletic competitions give women the opportunity to demonstrate their strength and skill, while also providing opportunities for recognition ranging from accolades to college scholarships. We owe it to our female athletes to ensure these rights and opportunities are protected. |
‘Tis the Season to Watch for Deer
With deer becoming increasingly active, and the end of daylight saving time soon to put more vehicles on the road when deer move most, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is reminding motorists to slow down and stay alert.
Pennsylvania again led the country in animal-collision insurance claims in Fiscal Year 2024-25. The Commonwealth’s drivers have a 1-in-62 chance of a vehicular accident involving a big game animal, one of the highest rates nationwide.
You can reduce your chances of collisions with deer by staying alert and better understanding deer behavior. Be especially alert in “Deer Crossing” areas, and remember deer tend to travel in family groups, so if you see one deer, more are likely coming.
To report a dead deer for removal from state roads, motorists can call the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at 1-800-FIX-ROAD. If the deer is on a locally owned road, contact the appropriate municipality. More information for drivers who want to claim the deer should click here. |
District Offices Closed on Election Day
My offices will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 4 for Election Day. Please feel free to reach out if you need assistance and my staff will get back to you the following day when possible. |
Let's Get Connected
|
Our District
 |
Web Site
rep .com
|
|
| 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 |
|
|
