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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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Discussing Cumberland County Ag at Farm Bureau Meeting
On Monday, I had the opportunity to join fellow members of the Cumberland County legislative delegation at a Cumberland County Farm Bureau meeting. It was great to touch base with leaders in our local ag community and learn more about the ideas and initiatives they are focusing on.
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Recognizing Cumberland Valley Cheerleaders
This week, we recognized the Big 33 football players and cheerleaders who will square off against Maryland this summer. I was happy to present certificates to many of the honorees and congratulate our Cumberland Valley High School cheerleaders who were selected for Big 33.
Later in the week, the entire CV cheer squad visited the Capitol to be recognized for bringing home their sixth PIAA title in program history. Congratulations on this awesome achievement! We are proud of you.
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Threefold Schoolhouse Tours the Capitol
Last week students from Threefold Schoolhouse in Mechanicsburg toured the Capitol. It was great to chat with them about state government and being a legislator. I hope they had a great time in Harrisburg!
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87th District Spotlight: Water Colours Interior Design
This week, the 87th District Spotlight shines on Water Colours Interior Design in Lower Allen Township. I had the opportunity to meet with owner Mary Andres who has a real passion for interior design. Her business specializes in interior and exterior design in any style; there's truly something for everyone. Check out Water Colours Interior Design in Arcona!
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Mark Your Calendar for My Shredding Event
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Bills Aim to Support, Promote Startup Initiatives Across Pennsylvania
A group of state House Republicans this week announced a package of bills designed to support and promote startup initiatives across the Commonwealth.
Aiming to capitalize on Pennsylvania’s many assets, including talented, hard-working people and an ideal geographic location, the measures aim to ensure our Commonwealth can compete with the Silicon Valley, New York, Boston and other startup-friendly areas.
The bills would designate March 18-24 as Commonwealth Startup Week; establish the Student Startup Incubator Network to empower student entrepreneurs to build their companies here; establish the Task Force on Startup Venture Opportunities; provide uncapped and non-expiring operating loss deductions to in-state startups; establish the Startup Investment Tax Credit to connect startups to early-stage investors; leverage the power of the Research and Development Tax Credit to incentivize technology research by startups; restore the Commonwealth’s funding for venture investment back to a level commensurate with the technology sector’s importance; and build a robust venture ecosystem in Pennsylvania to develop home-grown startups.
Read more here.
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Make Plans for April 8 Solar Eclipse
With Pennsylvania one of only 13 states in the “path of totality” for the April 8 total solar eclipse, residents and people planning to travel to the state are being encouraged to plan ahead for viewing this rare astronomical event.
The path of the eclipse will impact Pennsylvania starting at approximately 2 p.m. as the moon travels in front of the sun. At approximately 3:16 p.m. to 3:20 p.m., totality will occur in the northwest region, including Crawford and Erie counties, as well as portions of Mercer and Warren counties. At the same time, the remainder of the state will see the moon covering 90% to 99% of the sun. The eclipse will conclude at approximately 4:30 p.m.
To assist Pennsylvania residents and out-of-state visitors traveling to the City of Erie, which will experience one of the longest periods of darkness, PennDOT has developed an event specific 511PA page at www.511pa.com/eclipse24. The page offers various suggested routes to help drivers traveling to the area during what is expected to be a high-traffic period.
To help find a location to watch the eclipse or learn about related events happening in the City of Erie and throughout Erie County, go to the VisitErie Eclipse 2024 page.
A variety of resources related to the eclipse are also available through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.
Additional details are available here.
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Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Open for Applications
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is inviting proposals for 2024 Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grants to stimulate market growth or boost the competitive position for high-priority crops.
Crops eligible for the grant program and deemed “high priority” include hardwoods; honey; hemp and flax for fiber; and hops, barley, rye and wheat for brewing, distilling and malting.
Also targeted for priority funding are crops not eligible for funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which the department administers for the federal government. The USDA program defines specialty crops as, "fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture)."
Eligible applicants must submit a proposal describing how their project will enhance competitiveness or benefit Pennsylvania’s growers, rather than an individual grower. Find more information, including a proposal template, and map of previous recipients at www.agriculture.pa.gov/pafarmbill under Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Program.
Proposals must be submitted through the Department of Community and Economic Development's Electronic Single Application and must be received by 5 p.m. on April 19.
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Stay Connected!
Whether it's highlighting important legislative updates, sharing moments from community events or offering a glimpse into the halls of the Capitol, I want you to be right there with me. Your feedback and engagement truly make a difference. So, let's stay connected. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and X, and let's continue to make our community and our state a better place together. See you there!
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