Emailed Newsletter - May 26, 2023
5/26/2023
 
Capitol Report
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The latest news from the State Capitol
 
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Students from Cumberland Valley Serve as Guest Pages

I had the opportunity to host several guest pages from Cumberland Valley High School: Olivia Grace Erhard, Evangelina Lamichhane, Samuel Pimental, Kaitlyn Trogner and Ella Frank. They were here serving in the House chamber this week, and it was great to snap a photo of them with Speaker of the House, Joanna McClinton.

  
 
Iron Forge Elementary Tours the Capitol

On Tuesday, students and teachers from Iron Forge Elementary School visited Harrisburg. It was great to meet up with them during their Capitol tour and answer their questions about our beautiful Capitol complex, and what it’s like being a state representative.


  
 
Spending Time with Boiling Springs’ AP Government Class

This week I had the pleasure of spending time with Boiling Springs High School’s AP government class and answering their questions about state government. Thanks for having me and good luck to all the seniors!

 
 
 
Urban Churn Now Scooping Ice Cream in South Middleton

On Tuesday, Urban Churn cut the ribbon at its new location in South Middleton Township. Make sure to stop by on a hot day to show your support!


  
 
Unveiling the Bipartisan Future Caucus


Rep. Justin Fleming (D-Dauphin) and I unveiled the new Bipartisan Future Caucus during a press conference this week at the state Capitol. Together, we will serve as chairmen of the caucus this session.

Pennsylvania residents need future-focused legislators who are willing to reach across the aisle to have important conversations about divisive issues, and the Bipartisan Future Caucus is providing a forum for just that. I am excited to collaborate with my colleagues to advance legislation that will benefit the Commonwealth for generations to come. The Future Caucus knows more unites than divides us and is ready to get to work.

The Future Caucus is comprised of a bipartisan group of legislators aged 45 and younger who are looking to foster a generational shift toward collaboration and bipartisanship. The caucus’ priorities for this legislative session include tackling the rising cost of living, barriers to homeownership, creating a business-friendly environment in Pennsylvania and more. This group of legislators recognize that finding solutions to these issues is critical to Pennsylvania residents and the state’s overall health and success, even if they take a different approach to finding those solutions.

To watch the press conference, please click here.
 
 
Remember the Fallen This Memorial Day


Monday, May 29, is Memorial Day – a day set aside to honor the more than 1.1 million Americans who have died in wars which the United States entered.

Please take a moment this weekend to remember these men and women who sacrificed their lives for us and for our country and consider participating in Memorial Day events in your community.

For more information about Memorial Day and its history, click here.

If you are traveling this Memorial Day, be sure to drive safely and check traffic conditions at www.511pa.com or on Twitter.
 
 
Fish for Free Coming This Weekend!

This Sunday, May 28, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will host a Fish for Free day to allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways. No license is required, but all other fishing regulations still apply.

This is the first of two dates set by the PFBC to enhance fishing opportunities. The next day is Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4. This is a great way to expose the next generation of anglers to the outdoors. More information about fishing in Pennsylvania is available here.
 
 
Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Memorial Day

PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed Saturday, May 27, through Monday, May 29, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov. Services include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services. 
 
 
Grants Offered to Boost Sales, Expand Export Markets for PA Products

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is inviting proposals for projects designed to boost domestic sales and exports of Pennsylvania agricultural products. The department plans to award up to $303,000 in matching funds to PA nonprofits to reimburse up to 50% of costs for promotional and educational projects intended to increase consumer awareness and sales or expand export markets.

Grants will be awarded to PA nonprofit agricultural promotion and marketing organizations for projects ranging from festivals and tourism events to regional buy-local campaigns and statewide promotions of PA products.

Priority consideration will be given to projects that:

  •   Promote PA Preferred® hardwoods, dairy products, fruits and vegetables.
  •   Promote agritourism, Farmers Market Nutrition Programs and farm markets.
  •   Expand or create export markets.
  •   Increase food security and decrease food waste.
  •   Leverage additional private or federal funds.

Complete guidelines for the Pennsylvania Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program are in the May 20 issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

Grant applications must be submitted online through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development Electronic Single Application. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, July 14.