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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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Rep. Kutz Visits Local Schools
Last week, I visited my alma mater, Cedar Cliff High School, and stopped by the aquaponics lab. The lab presents a unique opportunity to engage in several different projects related to aquaponics and to sell some of the lettuce they produce.
Throughout the week, I also visited with students, teachers and administrators from Mechanicsburg and South Middleton school districts. It was an eventful week at our local schools!
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Rep. Kutz Attends Carlisle Chamber Reception
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| I enjoyed spending some time with business and community leaders at a Carlisle Chamber event last week. Communication between all levels of government and the business community is vital to our community and economic development. |
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Rep. Kutz Joins POWER Gala
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| My wife, Allie, and I enjoyed attending the annual POWER Gala recently. POWER is a collaborative of South Asian and American women and an organization that focuses on helping female entrepreneurs in business and in our community. It was a pleasure to join so many inspiring community leaders. |
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Thanks for Stopping by My Open House
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| This morning, I hosted an Open House at the South Middletown Township office. My team and I had a great time chatting with constituents about the issues that matter to them most. If you were unable to make it to this one, make sure to mark your calendars for my other upcoming events! |
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Mark Your Calendar for My Upcoming Events!
Open Houses
I hope to see you at one of my three remaining district office Open Houses! This is a great opportunity to meet me and my staff and ask any state-related questions you may have.
Community-Wide Shred Day
Toast with Thomas
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 my upcoming Toast with Thomas events and stay tuned for more information on upcoming weekend and early-riser Toast with Thomas events as well.
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Wednesday, April 5, from 9-10:30 a.m. at Silver Spring Diner, 6520 Carlisle Pike #260, Mechanicsburg.
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Tuesday, April 18, from 9-10:30 a.m. at Brothers Family Restaurant 705 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg.
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Thursday, May 11, from 9-10:30 a.m. at Caffe 101, 101 Front St. in Boiling Springs.
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Focusing on Education Investments, Results
Education makes up one of the largest portions of the annual state budget at more than $16 billion for K-12 and higher education. The return on that investment for both taxpayers and students was scrutinized this week during annual state budget hearings conducted by the House Appropriations Committee, of which I am a member.
Ensuring students have the best opportunities to learn, and to learn in a safe environment, regardless of where they reside was the focus of several questions to the Department of Education. We also asked about tuition rates and meaningful degree programs to prepare students for in-demand careers upon graduation from higher education institutions.
To hear any of my questions or comments on the topics covered during the hearings, please visit my website at RepKutz.com/video/latestvideo.
In addition to education, the committee also held hearings with the state departments of Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, and Environmental Protection.
Hearings will continue next week with the Pennsylvania State Police and Department of Aging on Monday, followed by the Department of Health and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the hearings will focus on the Department of State which, among other things, has jurisdiction of the administration of elections in the Commonwealth. The week will conclude on Thursday with the Department of Corrections and Board of Probation and Parole in the morning, followed by the Department of Transportation in the afternoon.
All hearings will be live streamed at PAHouseGOP.com. Find a schedule of upcoming hearings and video of completed hearings here.
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Shop for Lower Electricity Rates
Consumers concerned about their electric bills are being encouraged by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to shop for lower prices through PAPowerSwitch.com.
According to the PUC, after an extended period of rising energy prices, offers from competitive suppliers in many parts of the state can now be found at well below the electric generation price currently available from many utilities. Because energy costs typically make up more than half a total utility bill, lower energy prices can have a noticeable impact on the size of monthly bills.
According to data compiled by the PUC’s PAPowerSwitch website, more than 3.9 million residential customers across Pennsylvania could cut the size of their monthly bills by using competitive electric suppliers.
When selecting an electric supplier, take note of whether you are signing up for a fixed rate or variable rate contract, since the latter will fluctuate based on demand. Also pay attention to any additional fees that may be included.
Read more about how you can save here.
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Grab That Rod and Reel!
Just a reminder that this Saturday, March 25, is Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day across the Commonwealth.
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.
Next Saturday, April 1, is the first day of trout season. If you haven’t already, be sure to buy your fishing licenses and permits and get your gear organized. Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) online at fishandboat.com or the FishBoatPA mobile app for more information.
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PFBC Offers Grants to Inspire Interest in Fishing and Boating
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is seeking applicants for grants to support education programs that promote new and renewed interest in fishing and boating.
The grants aim to connect Pennsylvanians with the fun of Commonwealth waterways by teaching fishing and boating skills and providing quality locations where these activities can be enjoyed. Organizations are encouraged to engage groups under-represented in the fishing or boating population to learn the benefits of these activities, including community, wellness and taking advantage of the outdoors.
The grants will reimburse qualifying organizations up to $25,000 for eligible expenses for the period of July 1 to June 30, 2024. The grants require a minimum of 25% match of total project costs. The deadline to submit applications is April 14.
More information, including the application, can be found on the PFBC R3 Grant Program page on the PFBC website.
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