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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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Girl Scouts in the Heart of Central PA Honored for Earning the Silver Star
It was a pleasure to welcome Girl Scouts in the heart of Central Pennsylvania to our district office yesterday to celebrate their impressive achievement of earning the Silver Star! These young leaders have worked tirelessly on projects that demonstrate their commitment to community service, teamwork and personal growth. As part of the celebration, I was proud to present them with citations in recognition of their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to each of these incredible young leaders on this well-deserved honor!
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Honoring Our Local Centenarian
This week started off with a celebration! I met Mr. John George, who celebrated his 100th birthday on Tuesday. It’s not every day that you get to recognize a century of life, wisdom and contributions to our community. I had the privilege of presenting John with a citation in recognition of his remarkable 100 years. Wishing John many more happy, healthy years ahead.
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Celebrating a Special Retirement: Lower Allen Township Manager, Tom Vernau
Tom Vernau, our Lower Allen Township manager, will be retiring after 37 years of dedication and public service. I had the privilege of working with Tom for three years as a Lower Allen Township Commissioner. Tom’s love for our community has shown in his hard work and the progress he has implemented for Lower Allen Township and our families. I wish him well, and hope he gets some much-deserved rest after all these years!
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A Closer Look at Clean Water Efforts
This week, I had the privilege of touring the Rabold Water Treatment Plant. Veolia serves a large part of the 87th District. I was happy to walk through with directors at the plant and see firsthand the process that brings safe, clean water to our communities.
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Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC’s Catalyst Awards
I was honored to join the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC for the annual Catalyst Awards, and I am deeply humbled to have received the Government Leader of the Year Award alongside my colleague Rep. Justin Fleming (R-105).
Our work this session has been centered on a singular principle to make Pennsylvania a better place to live, work and raise a family. I’m honored to serve you in the 87th District, and I’m excited to continue that work in the next Legislative Session by advocating for policies that promote family-sustaining jobs and strengthen the future for our next generation.
Thank you to the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC for this honor. Let’s get to work!
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Cumberland County Treasurer’s Office “Deck the Paws”
Kick off the holidays with the Cumberland County Treasurer's Office “Deck The Paws” Photo Contest! Show off your dog in festive decor (dog license visible) for a chance to win a prize! Dog owners can purchase their 2025 annual dog licenses at the Treasurer’s Office or online. A license is your dog’s ticket home!
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You’re Invited to My Legislative Open House!
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‘Tis the Season!
Capitol staff and visitors gathered Tuesday for the official lighting of the Capitol Christmas tree! The 24-foot Douglas Fir comes from Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Carbon County and is adorned with 1,250 LED lights and more than 700 handmade ornaments donated by Pre-K for PA students and older adults from across the Commonwealth. This is the tallest tree to grace the Capitol Rotunda in at least 10 years.
The tree in the Rotunda will be lit daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Jan. 8. An additional tree, located outdoors on the Capitol steps, will be lit daily from 5 p.m. to midnight, also through Jan. 8.
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More Retirees Eligible for Reduced-Fee Vehicle Registration
A new state law I supported to allow more Pennsylvania retirees to qualify for a reduction in their vehicle registration fee takes effect this Sunday.
The benefit now will be available to retired persons earning up to $29,906, an increase of more than $10,000 from the prior income eligibility limit. Those who qualify will pay an $11 processing fee to register their vehicle each year, rather than the standard $45 registration fee.
Qualified applicants must be retired and receiving Social Security or other pension payments. Please note, 100% of a veterans' benefit payment or payment to the unmarried surviving spouse, upon the death of a veteran, should be excluded from the income calculation.
The applicant must be listed as an owner on the vehicle’s registration and only one vehicle per qualified applicant may be registered for the reduced fee. Qualifying vehicles must be a passenger car or truck with a registered gross weight of not more than 9,000 pounds.
Click here to learn more about the program or contact my offices for assistance.
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New Military-Themed License Plates Honor PA Veterans
Six new license plates honoring the service of the Commonwealth’s veterans are now available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The new plates were authorized under Act 60 of 2024.
Three of the new plates recognize service members who received medals or honors for individual achievements or deployments. They include the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Registration Plate, Operation Inherent Resolve Veterans Plate, and Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Registration Plate.
The other three new plate designs recognize women veterans. Two are available for motorcycles and the third is for passenger cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds. They include the Honoring Our Women Veteran Motorcycle Registration Plate, Women Veteran Motorcycle Registration Plate and the Women Veteran Registration Plate.
To learn more about all license plate options, fees and how to apply for them, click here.
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Applications Open for Broadband Funding
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) recently announced the $1.16 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program will accept its first round of applications through Jan. 21. BEAD is a federal grant program that provides states with funding to deploy broadband infrastructure and connect residents to the internet.
The goal is to expand broadband in unserved and underserved areas of the state to make sure high-speed internet is available to every resident by the end of the decade. It is estimated that over 100,000 Pennsylvanians in 42 counties currently have no service or struggle with poor service.
Eligible BEAD applicants include cooperative organizations; not-for-profit organizations; public-private partnerships; private companies; public or private utility companies; public utility districts; municipalities or units of local government; and internet service providers registered through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
For more information about the program, how funding can be used and how to apply, click here.
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Art of the State Showcases PA’s Talents
The State Museum of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation are inviting artists and craftspeople to submit applications to exhibit their work in Art of the State 2025. Now in its 58th year, this prestigious juried exhibition boasts a tradition of presenting highly creative art by Pennsylvanians, chosen by a distinguished panel of jurors.
The call for entry for Art of the State 2025 is open to Pennsylvania residents who are at least 18 years of age. Artists may submit work in one or more of five categories: painting, work on paper, sculpture, craft and photography/digital media. More than $5,000 in cash awards will be presented.
The deadline for entries is Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. The exhibition will be open from Sunday, June 8, 2025, through Sept. 14, 2025.
The Art of the State 2024 exhibition is currently in place at the state museum and will close Sunday, Jan 5, 2025.
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