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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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Happy Thanksgiving!
For centuries, Americans have come together in the spirit of thanksgiving. From the earliest traditions that began in Plymouth, Mass., in 1621 to the first official national observance in 1863, families have gathered in November to celebrate bountiful harvests and all that has been given to them.
In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, my office will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 26, through Friday, Nov. 28. PennDOT Driver License Centers will be closed Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28, though many services are available online at www.dmv.pa.gov.
If you are traveling, be sure to check www.511pa.com for the latest traffic and weather information.
From my family to yours, may you all have a safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving.
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Supporting Small Businesses
Consider showing some love to the small businesses in our community throughout the holiday season but especially on Small Business Saturday, which is coming up on Saturday, Nov. 29.
This day is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to support the small businesses that help drive the economies of our communities.
Learn more about Small Business Saturday here.
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Happening in Harrisburg
Last week, the Berks County Department of Veterans Affairs was invited to the State Capitol to advocate for veterans' issues. They testified before a joint Pennsylvania House Veterans Affairs and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee in support of House Resolution 157, a resolution that urges Congress to pass the Treatment and Relief through Emerging and Accessible Therapy for PTSD Act.
During their visit, they were also welcomed to the House chamber during session. Thank you for your tireless dedication and hard work advocating for the veterans in our community.
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In the Fifth
Bells Across PA
It was an honor to attend the unveiling of Berks County's uniquely designed bell, created as part of the America250PA 'Bells Across PA' program to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
We are grateful to FirstEnergy for sponsoring this important piece of art and to Benjamin E. Hoffman for designing it. What a special way to mark the 250th anniversary of our country!
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Honoring Eagle Scout Kameron Boyer
Congratulations to Kameron Boyer on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout! This is the highest rank attainable in Scouting America. For his required community service project, Kameron enhanced the Schuylkill River Trail by constructing two new benches and planting beds of native flowers.
I was honored to attend his Court of Honor and present him with a House of Representatives citation recognizing this significant accomplishment.
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Unleashing PA’s Energy Industry
House and Senate Republicans joined union and industry leaders last Tuesday to celebrate Pennsylvania’s departure from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), as well as landmark permitting reforms that, together, will create renewed opportunities to grow our energy industry and economy.
RGGI is a multi-state pact that would have added more than a billion dollars in new electricity taxes on families and job creators in the Commonwealth. While it never fully took effect, the mere threat of it caused Pennsylvania to lose out on 22,000 direct energy-related jobs and nearly $8 billion in economic development in recent years.
In addition to freeing the Commonwealth from RGGI, the 2025-26 state budget agreement adopted by the General Assembly and signed by the governor last week removes further impediments to economic growth by streamlining key permitting processes, providing both predictability and accountability for industries looking to invest in our Commonwealth.
These powerful policy changes bring the certainty and stability needed to encourage new and expanded energy investment, generate new job opportunities, stabilize the electric grid and lower consumer energy prices for Pennsylvania.
Watch the full press conference here. |
House GOP Calls for Investigation After Terror-Connected Illegal Alien Obtains PA CDL, REAL ID
In the wake of news that an Uzbeki national illegal immigrant with ties to terrorism obtained a Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License with a REAL ID indication, the leaders of the Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus sent a letter to Attorney General Dave Sunday and Auditor General Tim DeFoor demanding an investigation to find out how this happened and prevent reoccurrence.
The incident raises serious questions about public safety, especially since REAL IDs allow people to gain access to air travel, military installations and other federal buildings. It also raises concerns about the security of our elections due to the Shapiro administration’s automatic voter registration policies.
A copy of the letter is available here. |
Cash Must Be Accepted at School Events
A new state law makes cash an acceptable form of payment for admission to school-sponsored events in Pennsylvania.
Many schools across the Commonwealth have been rejecting cash as a form of payment for school-sponsored events and activities, instead requiring spectators to use credit or debit cards, or order tickets online or through an app. This doesn’t work for people who, for various reasons, may not have credit cards or smart phones, or the technical capabilities to access the internet to purchase tickets.
Ticket purchases via the internet or apps also require buyers to surrender a lot of personal information, which is particularly troublesome for senior citizens, a group often targeted by scams.
For many who simply want to see their child, grandchild or friends play ball, the new law will permit them to purchase tickets with cash – the legal currency of the United States. |
Beware ‘Veteran Savings Program’ Scam
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is alerting veterans to a scam now circulating that involves a direct-mail postcard claiming to offer eligible veterans an additional $160 per month through something called the “PA Veteran Savings Program 2025.”
The postcard appears official at first glance, using formal language and referencing programs such as CHAMPVA and TRICARE for Life. It urges recipients to call within five days to “help manage call volume,” a tactic often used to pressure veterans into responding quickly. However, the postcard contains several red flags. It does not include a return address, and it lists a bogus phone number (855-600-2411) designed to lure callers into sharing personal information.
If you or someone you know receives suspicious mail, emails or phone calls promising new benefits, financial increases or requests for personal information, it’s important not to respond directly. Instead, seek verification from trusted sources.
Pennsylvania veterans and family members who are uncertain about any solicitation are encouraged to contact the DMVA at 800-547-2838. |
Safety Tips for this Hunting Season
Firearms deer season opens Saturday, Nov. 29. As you prepare to head out to our fields and forests, be sure to keep safety in mind. The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers these important tips:
Basic Safety
• Positively identify the target. Be sure you are shooting at legal game. Never shoot at sounds or movement.
• Stay in the zone! Hunters should be spaced 25 to 40 yards apart, and always in sight of one another. Each hunter’s zone of fire spans about 45 degrees directly in front of the hunter. Never shoot at game moving between you and someone else.
• Plan your hunt! Let someone know where you're hunting and when you'll return.
• Buckle up! If you hunt from an elevated stand, always wear a full-body, fall-restraint device as soon as your feet leave the ground and until they return.
• Keep fit! Hunting is hard work. Don't become a statistic. Keep physically fit.
• Stay found! Become familiar with your hunting area. Learn how to use a map and compass or GPS unit. Be prepared for emergencies. Carry a basic survival kit and know how to use it.
• Be seen! Wear or display the required amount of fluorescent orange clothing.
SMART Firearms Safety
When using a firearm, follow these five primary safety rules:
• Safe Direction: Keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times.
• Make sure: Positively identify your target.
• Always check: Know what's beyond your target before shooting.
• Respect firearms: Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
• Trigger caution: Don't touch the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
Click here for more hunting safety information. |
Hunters Can Share Their Harvest
The state Department of Agriculture and Pennsylvania Game Commission are again encouraging hunters to consider sharing their deer harvest to provide thousands of pounds of venison to people in need.
Hunters Sharing the Harvest (HSH) is Pennsylvania’s venison donation program for hunters who share their extra venison via a statewide network of participating meat processors to food pantries and community assistance centers across the Commonwealth. One deer provides about 200 servings of high-protein, low-fat venison.
HSH has distributed 3 million pounds of donated venison since 1991. More information about the program and how to participate is available at www.sharedeer.org.
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Don’t Wait, Deadline Approaching for Property Tax/Rent Rebate
The deadline to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2024 is Dec. 31.
Income limits for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program increased this year to $46,520 for both homeowners and renters. If you were earning too much to qualify before, you may be eligible now. Remember to exclude 50% of Social Security when determining your income. The law I supported to expand the program also increased the maximum rebate to $1,000.
The program is open to residents age 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older.
Remember – you do not need to pay anyone for assistance to apply for the rebates. Apply online at mypath.pa.gov, or contact my offices for help. Additional information about the program is available here. Please do not hesitate to reach out as my staff are knowledgeable and able to answers questions you may have regarding this.
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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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