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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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Sitting Down with Our Future Change-Makers
Last Tuesday, I had the pleasure of visiting the students in Mrs. King’s third grade class at Upper Allen Elementary School. I am always inspired to see bright young minds so eager to learn and engage with our community. These students are not only the future of our community, but also the future of our Commonwealth. Education plays an invaluable role in preparing students to become successful leaders, innovators and change-makers. I am honored to be able to support them on their educational journey.
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Celebrating Community and Culture at AIACPA Gala
Last night, I had the pleasure of attending Asian Indian Americans of Central PA's (AIACPA) annual gala, which celebrated its 31st anniversary. I was joined by Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-88) and Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34) for this special occasion. AIACPA events are always a vibrant celebration of culture and community in central Pennsylvania, and it was particularly meaningful to come together in celebration of Diwali Day being officially recognized as a holiday in the Commonwealth.
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Recognizing an Area National Coca-Cola Scholar
It was an honor to meet Sahti Kulkarni at AIACPA’s gala. Sahti was recently selected for the 2025 National Coca-Cola Scholars program! Out of more than 150,000 applicants, Sahti is one of just 1,336 to make it this far, and it’s clear why. Her leadership, hard work and commitment to her community are truly inspiring. Sahti’s dedication to making a positive impact is exactly what our future needs. I’m excited to see all the incredible things she will continue to accomplish.
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You’re Invited to My Legislative Open House!
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Deadline Nears for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Older adults and Pennsylvanians with disabilities have until Dec. 31 to apply for the state’s 2023 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. Remember, assistance through my office(s) is always free. You need not pay a private firm for assistance.
Income limits increased this year to $45,000 for both homeowners and renters, so if you were earning too much to qualify before, you may be eligible now. Remember to exclude 50% of Social Security when determining your income. The maximum rebate also increased to $1,000.
The program is open to residents age 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older.
Click here for additional information or to apply online or contact my office(s) for assistance. If you applied previously but have not received your rebate, click here. The 2024 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program will open for applications in mid- to late January.
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Supporting First Responders
A new state law will give first responders greater access to workers’ compensation benefits for a post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI).
Under Act 121 of 2024, which I was proud to support, firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics will be entitled to benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation law for psychological traumas arising from individual traumatic events or cumulative highly stressful experiences resulting from their employment – even in the absence of physical injuries requiring medical treatment.
At a time when first responders are in short supply, it is vital we provide proper support to the men and women who choose to put their lives on the line for us and our communities.
The law will take effect next fall.
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Warning for Energy Supply Shoppers
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is cautioning energy consumers about an increase in look-alike websites mimicking the state’s official energy shopping platforms.
Unofficial copycat or look-alike sites often top search engine results or appear prominently in social media ads, misleading consumers who are looking for fair and unbiased information about energy shopping.
The PUC’s energy shopping websites – clearly marked as “The Official Electric Shopping Websites of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” – are designed to provide consumers with impartial and comprehensive information.
For safe and effective energy shopping and to ensure you are accessing the correct resources, please visit PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com. Stay safe online and make informed decisions with trusted resources from your Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
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New Resource for State Grants
The Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) recently launched a new resource to make it easier for residents, businesses, nonprofits, schools and local governments to find and apply for grants from state agencies.
The new discovery tool allows users to search for, sort and filter information about grants based on the type of applicant, category, application deadline, location and other criteria. The search results include links to each program, including information about who the funding is intended for, the application process, key dates and deadlines, eligibility criteria, and where to apply.
Check it out here.
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Need a Gift for an Angler?
Fishing licenses, permits and gift vouchers for the 2025 fishing season are now available for purchase from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The cost remains the same at $27.97 for a resident annual license and $14.47 for a senior resident annual license. Please click here to make a purchase and check out the full list of license options. Licenses may also be purchased through the FishBoatPA mobile app or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents.
Now is also a good time to mark your 2025 calendars for the statewide opening day of trout season on Saturday, April 5, and statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day on Saturday, March 29.
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Remembering Pearl Harbor
Last Saturday we paused to remember Dec. 7, 1941 – the “date which will live in infamy” – and honor the lives lost 83 years ago. The attack on Pearl Harbor near Honolulu, Hawaii, killed 2,403 Americans, wounded 1,178 others, and led to the United States’ entrance into World War II.
As President Ronald Reagan stated in his 1986 proclamation for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, “Every honor is appropriate for the courageous Americans who made the supreme sacrifice for our Nation at Pearl Harbor and in the many battles that followed in World War II. Their sacrifice was for a cause, not for conquest; for a world that would be safe for future generations. Their devotion must never be forgotten.”
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