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Capitol Report
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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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2025-26 State Budget Completed
More than four months after the June 30 due date, the House, Senate and governor came together earlier this week to complete the 2025-26 state budget process.
The final plan spends $50.1 billion, a cut of $1.4 billion from the governor’s original proposal back in February.
Beyond the numbers, the budget agreement makes several policy changes that will help set up the Commonwealth for success in the future:
• A major roadblock for the state’s energy industry is removed as Pennsylvania is officially withdrawn from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Due to uncertainty and the threat of higher costs with RGGI, our Commonwealth has missed out on 22,000 direct energy-related jobs and nearly $8 billion in economic development. With this policy change, we will see more jobs, greater energy production, a more reliable electric grid and stabilized utility costs.
• Reforms to the state’s permitting process will enhance economic growth opportunities and increase our competitiveness while holding bureaucrats accountable. Key permits will be deemed approved if not reviewed and processed in a timely manner, and each state agency is required to establish a secure permit tracking system.
• An additional $50 million will increase the number of children in economically disadvantaged schools (EDS) who are eligible for assistance to go to the school of their choice through the EDS scholarship program. The budget plan also aims to boost literacy rates across the Commonwealth through the use of evidence-based reading instruction curriculum in schools, along with required screenings and reading intervention programs for any K-3 student who is identified as having a reading deficiency.
• Taxpayer dollars are protected and directed to those most in need through several initiatives to ensure the integrity of benefit programs such as Medical Assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Taxpayer dollars will be returned to working Pennsylvanians through the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) Tax Credit Program. The credit will equal 10% of their federal Earned Income Tax Credit.
Click here to learn more about the 2025-26 state budget.
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Celebrating Berks County Veterans
It was an incredible honor to speak at the Tulpehocken Area High School Veterans Day assembly this past Tuesday. Educating the next generation about the importance and sacrifice of our veterans is essential. I extend my profound gratitude to all veterans for their contributions to our country, and I appreciate Tulpehocken Area High School's effort to recognize and support our local veterans.
This past week, I also had the honor of attending the Annual Berks Veterans Celebration Luncheon. It was a privilege to meet with and celebrate our local veterans in recognition of Veterans Day. Witnessing the opportunity to honor the sacrifices and service of the brave men and women in our community, who have given so much to our nation, was truly inspiring.
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In the Fifth
Visiting Reading Area Community College
This past week, I was able to attend the Reading Area Community College (RACC) Scholarship Dinner.
The event was a vibrant celebration of education and reaffirmed RACC's profound commitment to making learning accessible and affordable for individuals from all backgrounds. Attendees shared in an amazing night that highlighted the crucial role RACC plays in providing opportunities and supporting the dreams of its diverse student body through dedicated scholarship efforts.
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Improving Behavioral Health in Our Area
I recently attended our region's Behavioral Health Regional Summit, bringing together state employees from across Pennsylvania.
This event is a key component of the Behavioral Health in the Courts initiative, which aims to counter the widespread behavioral health crisis currently affecting the state and the country.
The summit centered on implementing concrete strategies such as enhancing collaboration, developing diversion programs, improving crisis response and providing accessible, person-centered care.
It was inspiring to witness the commitment to addressing this urgent crisis.
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Improving Guardianship Law
A new state law aims to protect incapacitated Pennsylvanians by requiring courts to promptly conduct a hearing on any petition to modify or terminate guardianship.
This change recognizes the unfortunate truth that there are times when an individual’s appointed guardian exploits, neglects, abuses or otherwise fails to act in their best interests, and the family of that individual is compelled to petition the courts to modify or terminate the guardianship. To ensure timely and just outcomes for the individual and their family, the law requires such petitions to be heard within 30 days.
The law, Act 39 of 2025, will take effect in late December. |
Support for Family Caregivers
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize the nearly one quarter (23%) of adults in Pennsylvania who are providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to older parents, spouses and other loved ones.
According to AARP, family caregivers provide $22 billion in unpaid care each year in the Commonwealth, helping family members live independently at home and in their communities. Caregiving duties may range from bathing and dressing to grocery shopping, meal prep, managing medications, arranging transportation and more.
Both new and experienced caregivers can find help and support through the PA CareKit, unveiled earlier this year by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. It is available here. |
Go ‘Glamping’ in PA in 2026!
Love the outdoors but not into “roughing it?”
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) recently announced it is teaming up with Timberline Glamping Company to offer “glamping” at eight state parks starting in 2026!
Each glamping site (short for “glamorous camping”) features safari-style tents with real beds, heat and air conditioning, lighting, décor and outdoor seating. Each park with glamping sites will include one ADA-accessible tent, ensuring access for all visitors. Add-ons – such as local experiences, firewood bundles, games and gourmet s’mores kits – are also available.
Learn more here. |
Oh, Say, Can You Sing?
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is less than two months away, and the Department of Agriculture is inviting Pennsylvania singers to enter “Oh, Say, Can You Sing?” a star-spangled sing-off to win a chance to sing live at the event.
Each morning, from Jan. 10-17, the Farm Show will start by featuring an individual or group singing the national anthem live. Top vote-getters may also be selected to sing at special events and competitions.
The contest is open to Pennsylvania residents of all ages, both individuals and groups, and the deadline for submissions is Nov. 24. For details, including how to enter, click here. |
Fall Driving Tips
Fall is well underway, and winter is just around the corner. PennDOT is reminding motorists that wet leaves, fog, sun glare and frost are a few driving hazards they will encounter this season. Weather conditions can be unpredictable in the fall and an increase in deer activity adds yet another danger to be aware of.
Here are a few steps drivers can take to help make their commutes safer:
• Increase your following distance in severe weather, at dusk and dawn, and when in an area with wet leaves. If you are being tailgated, let the other driver pass.
• Check your vehicle's headlights, taillights and turn signals to ensure they are working properly since darkness will be a part of many drivers’ morning and/or evening commutes. Make sure you turn on your headlights as the sunlight fades.
• Have your vehicle's heating and wiper systems checked to ensure they are working properly.
• Be sure you have tires with sufficient tread depth in case of an early season snow.
• Watch for deer. Autumn brings an increase in deer activity, and drivers are reminded to watch carefully for deer darting across and along roadways.
For more traffic safety information, click here. |
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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