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Capitol Report
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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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Working for the 87th District
My name is Thomas Kutz, and I am the new State Representative for the 87th House District in Cumberland County. The district encompasses Silver Spring, Upper Allen, Monroe, and part of South Middleton and Lower Allen townships, as well as Mt. Holly Springs Borough. This new district is the result of the redistricting process that occurs every 10 years after the U.S. Census is completed. I’m proud to serve the 87th District for the upcoming legislative session.
Cumberland County is my home, and much of my family still lives here today. My wife Allie and I live in Mechanicsburg and enjoy taking part in so many parts of our shared community. You can read more about me here.
I officially started as State Representative on December 1, and I have already enjoyed attending so many community events and meeting constituents and business leaders.
I invite you to follow along with me throughout the 2023-24 Legislative Session, which kicks off January 3. In order to continue receiving my e-news updates, please click here to sign up. In the meantime, check out the stories below to see what I have been up to in my first week serving you.
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Rep. Kutz Discusses Pennsylvania Competitiveness at Harrisburg Chamber Event
I met with business leaders from the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC to discuss ongoing issues in our Commonwealth and collaborative approaches to solving them. I spoke about the importance of making our region and our Commonwealth more competitive for business in order to create family-sustaining jobs and improve the quality of life for our residents.
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Rep. Kutz Joins Business and Government Leaders for New Traffic Signal Opening near Cumberland Valley High School
The Dapp Lane traffic signal near Cumberland Valley High School is now up and running! On Wednesday, I joined business and government partners to commemorate the signal being activated. This signal will provide a second point of exit eastbound onto the Carlisle Pike for students, staff, and visitors of the Silver Spring Township campus, including those coming for PIAA football championships this weekend. I spoke about the importance of local and state partnerships to complete projects like these and the benefit this signal will have for the safety of motorists in the area.
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AIACPA Annual Gala Held in Cumberland County
It was a pleasure to attend the recent Asian Indian Americans of Central Pennsylvania Annual Gala. My wife and I were grateful to be welcomed by Basava Sankar Sanke, AIACPA President, and his wife, Raji, as well as AIACPA Chairman Deep Gupta. I also had the privilege of speaking with Consul General Randhir Jaiswal from India’s Consulate in New York and enjoyed watching the traditional dance performances. It was an honor to take part in this beautiful celebration of culture and community!
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West Shore Chamber Hosts Annual Meeting, Dinner
This week, I joined local business leaders at the West Shore Chamber Annual Meeting and Dinner. Each year, the Chamber gives awards to business leaders who excel in inspiration and business development. I had the privilege to speak with many of these award winners and enjoyed hearing their ideas for strengthening our local economy. I look forward to engaging with the Chamber to partner in creating policies that support our local businesses.
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Boiling Springs Mill Project to Receive $1.75 million in State Grants
The Boiling Springs Mill had long been a staple in the community until it tragically burned earlier this year. Now, the project to rebuild the mill will receive $1.75 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds. The company redeveloping the mill plans to open a restaurant there. Read more here.
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Capitol Christmas Tree Illuminated
I stopped by the Capitol earlier this week as a 20-foot Douglas fir was lit for the first time this season in the Capitol’s main Rotunda. It was donated by Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Lehighton, Carbon County, and is decorated with handmade ornaments from Pennsylvania senior citizens and preschoolers. Nearly 1,000 LED lights bring the tree to life, along with a star atop its branches.
To watch the tree-lighting ceremony, click here.
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REAL ID Deadline Now Extended to 2025
Earlier this week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it is extending the REAL ID enforcement date by 24 months, from May 3, 2023, to May 7, 2025.
As of May 7, 2025, you will need to present a federally accepted form of identification to board a commercial domestic flight or visit a secure federal building that requires ID at the door. Federally accepted forms of identification include a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, or a military ID.
REAL ID is not mandatory. PennDOT continues to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs.
Full enforcement of the law has been delayed, in part, due to the lingering impacts of the pandemic, which was hindering efforts to process REAL ID applications across the country. DHS said it will also use this time to implement innovations to make the process of obtaining a REAL ID more efficient and accessible.
To learn more about REAL ID, the cost and how to obtain one, visit www.penndot.gov/REALID.
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2023 PA Fishing Licenses, Permits, Gift Vouchers on Sale
Looking for the perfect gift or stocking stuffer for the angler in your life?
Fishing licenses, permits and vouchers for the 2023 season are on sale now through the HuntFishPA online portal, on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website, on your smartphone using the FishBoatPA mobile app, or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents. All 2023 licenses, permits, a unique collectible license button, and vouchers purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from Dec. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2023.
As a reminder, the 2023 Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day is March 25, and the 2023 Opening Day of Trout Season is April 1.
To learn more, click here.
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