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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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Joining Silver Spring Township to Honor Area Vets
I was honored to join veterans, their families and military supporters for Silver Spring Township’s annual Veterans Day ceremony at Willow Mill Park. I had the opportunity to say a few words about the importance of the day, and extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who served, those who are currently serving and their families. I also enjoyed hearing the middle and high school student essay contest entries, which were filled with patriotism and pride. We are truly blessed to live in the land of the free because of the brave!
To watch WGAL Channel 8’s coverage of the event, please click on the video below.
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Standing Up for Victims of Domestic Violence
I joined fellow advocates, including Silver Spring Township Police Department Chief Chris Raubenstine, at the Zonta Club of Harrisburg-Hershey's annual rally against violence toward women. We remain a united voice for survivors of domestic violence and will continue working on legislation that protects, supports and uplifts victims.
I look forward to continued advocacy on this key issue. We will not tolerate violence against friends, family, neighbors and members of our community.
To listen to my remarks from the rally, please click here.
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$250,000 Grant Awarded for Grantham Park Rehabilitation
This week, $250,000 was awarded to a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) project in Upper Allen Township through the Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2).
The award will be used to rehabilitate and further develop Grantham Park in Upper Allen Township. The improvements include the construction of a fishing pier, gazebo, trail development, and expanded parking for outdoorsmen and nature enthusiasts to enjoy.
Grantham Park serves as a key green space for area residents. I am glad to see dollars from the C2P2 grant program invested in this local park, so current and future residents, as well as visitors can enjoy time spent in nature. We are blessed to live in a beautiful part of the Commonwealth where parks and recreational opportunities are abundant and well-used.The C2P2 is funded with a variety of state and federal funding sources, including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93), which includes Key-Community and Key-Land Trust; the Environmental Stewardship Fund (ESF); the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF); Pennsylvania Trails Fund (PRT – federal source); Pennsylvania Heritage Area Program (HA); and the ATV Restricted Management Account Fund (ATV).
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New Law Aims to Boost Early Literacy
Recognizing reading as the foundation of education success, I am pleased to report legislation I supported in the House to boost early literacy has been signed into law.
Statistics show half of Pennsylvania fourth graders are reading below their grade level. In fact, results of the Future Ready PA Index, released earlier this week, show a decrease from 54.5% to 53.9% proficiency in English Language Arts. Proficiency rates in math and science increased slightly.
Since childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and limit our children’s chances at success, it is important we are proactive in advancing child literacy and intervening with students who may need additional help.
Act 135 of 2024 requires the Department of Education to develop and maintain a list of evidence-based reading curricula on its website that must be aligned with academic standards and the science of reading. It also requires the creation of a Reading Leadership Council to develop and maintain lists of approved reading instruction curricula, structured literacy professional development training programs, universal reading screeners and structured literacy intervention approaches.
The law takes effect in 90 days.
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You’re Invited to My Legislative Open House!
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Heating Assistance Program Now Open
With cold weather knocking at the door, residents who struggle with their home heating bills are reminded they can now apply for assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service.
The income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP are set at 150% of the federal poverty income level. For example, the gross income limit for an individual is $22,590 and for a family of four it is $46,800.
Residents may apply for LIHEAP online at www.compass.state.pa.us, by phone at 1-866-550-4355 or by contacting the County Assistance Office in their county of residence.
Click here for additional information. The program runs through April 4, 2025.
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Apply Now for Senior Community Center Grants
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) is now accepting applications for $2 million in new competitive grant funding opportunities for Pennsylvania’s Senior Community Centers (SCCs).
The grants are for projects aimed at increasing participation and programming, attracting a new generation of older adults, and enabling centers to provide a safe and healthy environment for local seniors.
All applications and required documentation must be submitted electronically by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13. To learn more about the grant program and how to apply, click here.
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