Mar. 17, 2023

 
Capitol Report
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Rep. Kutz Announces Grant Funding for District Projects


State grant funding totaling over $1.6 million has been awarded to three community development projects in the 87th District under the Local Share Account (LSA) grant program.

LSA grants assist municipalities with the cost of important building improvements and other revitalization efforts. It’s always great to see this funding reinvested locally. These grants will have a positive impact on our communities for generations to come.

LSA grants are funded by revenue collected as part of Pennsylvania’s Gaming Act, not by taxpayer dollars.

Awarded on a competitive basis, the local grants are as follows:

  •   Silver Spring Township, $998,975 for the development to the Paul Walters Memorial Park. The project will complete the internal trail network, exercise stations along the primary asphalt trail, as well as a restroom facility, shade structures, shade trees and a pavilion.
  •   South Middleton Township, $500,000 to construct public water and sewer infrastructure at the former Fair Oaks School as part of the transition to a community center complex. The complex will be used exclusively by the township's Parks and Recreation Department. In addition to township office space, the community center will include office space, a multi-purpose room/gymnasium, classrooms, conference space, restrooms and a catering kitchen.
  •   Monroe Township, $130,000 to construct a railroad turnout and railroad track, repair the broiler and replace the broiler flues to restore the antique Model C-D 20-ton steam locomotive.

The funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) yesterday. CFA is an independent agency that holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvania’s economic growth. 
 
 
You’re Invited to My District Office Open Houses

I hope to see you at one of my upcoming district office Open Houses! This is a great opportunity to meet me, my staff and ask any state-related questions you may have.

  
 
Mark Your Calendar for Community-Wide Shred Day


  
 
Join me at Local Diners for Toast with Thomas

In addition to open houses at my offices, I will be providing breakfast at local diners in our community for constituents who wish to come. Breakfast is provided at no cost to constituents. Please join me at any of our upcoming Toast with Thomas events and stay tuned for more information on upcoming weekend and early-riser Toast with Thomas events as well.

Wednesday April 5, Toast with Thomas from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Silver Spring Diner, 6520 Carlisle Pike #260, Mechanicsburg.

Tuesday, April 18, Toast with Thomas from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Brothers Family Restaurant 705 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg.

Thursday, May 11, Toast with Thomas from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Caffe 101, 101 Front Street in Boiling Springs.  
 
 
Hearings to Analyze Budget Begin Next Week


Working to ensure your tax dollars are spent wisely, the House Appropriations Committee will launch a series of hearings next week to examine the governor’s nearly $46 billion spending proposal.

The committee will hear from officials with the state Department of Education all day Monday, and then discuss higher education, including state-related universities, community colleges and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency on Tuesday.

The PA State System of Higher Education will appear before the committee on Wednesday morning, followed by the Department of Agriculture in the afternoon.

The first week of hearings will conclude on Thursday with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in the morning and the Department of Environmental Protection in the afternoon.

As a member of the House Republican Appropriations Committee, I am looking forward to combing through the governor’s proposed budget, and establishing Pennsylvania’s priorities for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Tune in to the hearings which will be live streamed at www.PAHouseGOP.com.

For a schedule of upcoming hearings and video of completed hearings, click here.
 
 
Investigating PA’s Roads and Bridges

Recognizing how vital safe, reliable transportation and infrastructure systems are to the Commonwealth’s future, the House Republican Policy Committee has held two hearings recently on the subject.

In early March, the committee traveled to New Castle, Lawrence County, to discuss obstacles to improving the state’s transportation and infrastructure systems, as well as potential solutions. The committee heard from PennDOT, a trucking company, paving contractor and manufacturer.

Earlier this week, the committee joined with the Democrat Policy Committee to conduct a joint hearing about the impact of the Norfolk Southern train derailment just across the border in East Palestine, Ohio.

For more information about the committee’s efforts, visit www.PAGOPPolicy.com. 
 
 
Policy Committee Meets to Discuss Educational Opportunities

Yesterday, the House Republican Policy Committee met at Logos Academy in York County. The hearing highlighted the opportunities parents and children have to secure a quality education in Pennsylvania. Hearing testifiers included Director of Fiscal Policy and Analysis for Ed Choice Martin Leuken, President and CEO of Logos Academy Aaron Anderson and local parents and students.


   
 
Think Spring…Trout Fishing Season is Almost Here!


The statewide opening day of trout season is coming up in just two weeks on Saturday, April 1. If you haven’t already, it’s time to buy your fishing licenses and permits and get your gear organized. Be sure to check out the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) online for licensing details and access to trout stocking schedules. Information is also available on the FishBoatPA mobile app.

Next weekend, on Saturday, March 25, the commission will hold its statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day, a great opportunity to expose a new generation of anglers to the joy of fishing.

To participate, youth anglers (those under the age of 16) must have either a free Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License. More information about the mentored youth program, as well as a link to obtain a permit or license, is available here. 
 
 

Report Potholes to PennDOT

While it’s always great to welcome the spring thaw, it also brings with it more potholes on our roads and bridges.

Extreme fluctuations in temperatures can contribute to more potholes on our roads.

To help combat potholes and prevent them from becoming a danger to vehicles and drivers on the road, you can report potholes to PennDOT. Simply call 1-800-FIX-ROAD or click here to file a report online.
   
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