Jan. 24, 2025

 
Capitol Report
#Listrak\DateStampLong#
  
The latest news from the State Capitol
 
 Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link
 
Celebrating Our State Row Officers

On Tuesday, I was honored to join the swearing in ceremonies for Treasurer Stacy Garrity, Auditor General Tim DeFoor, and Attorney General Dave Sunday. These three extraordinary leaders grace their offices with integrity and conviction, and I know PA residents are in good hands. I look forward to all they will continue to champion for our Commonwealth.

 
 
Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC Legislator’s Forum

Wednesday morning, I had the privilege of joining my colleagues for the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC Legislator’s Forum. We discussed a wide variety of topics, and had productive conversations about the ways we can make Pennsylvania a better place to live, work, and raise a family. It is always a pleasure to take part in these discussions, and I look forward to the next one.


 
 
Face the State – CBS 21

I had the opportunity to sit down at CBS 21 on Thursday afternoon to discuss key issues I plan to focus on this upcoming session. While we are making good progress across the Commonwealth, we need to come together and focus on initiatives that make Pennsylvania a better place to live, work and raise a family. I am always appreciative for an opportunity to discuss my vision for the future of our Commonwealth.

Be sure to tune in and watch the full interview this Sunday on CBS 21!


 
 
Keep Up with Rep. Kutz

As your state representative, I am committed to serving you with transparency and accountability. I believe it’s essential for you to see firsthand how your government works and how we’re advocating for our community every day.

That’s why I’m excited to invite you to connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! On our social media pages, you’ll get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day operations of our office, including virtual tours, updates on legislative efforts, and the ways we’re working to address the issues that matter most to you.
 
 
House Returns to Session Monday


The state House is scheduled for its first voting session day of the 2025-26 Legislative Session this Monday, Jan. 27. The current makeup of the chamber is 101 Republicans and 101 Democrats, due to the tragic passing of Rep. Matt Gergely of Allegheny County over the weekend.

The start of a new session means we must reintroduce any legislation we have worked on during the last two years that did not make it to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. I am especially energized to introduce legislation that would support job creators by allowing tax deductions for Net Operating Losses; support military families by exempting them from Realty Transfer Taxes if they move to or within the Commonwealth; and more.

Most of the standing committees of the House will be meeting next week to organize, including the committees on which I serve: Appropriations; Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities; Finance; Insurance; Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations; and Rules.

Remember, all House sessions and committee meetings are streamed live at www.PAHouseGOP.com.

You can also keep up with the news from Harrisburg by visiting my website, https://repkutz.com/.
 
 
New Permit Tracking Tool Available


On the heels of permitting reforms approved by the General Assembly last year, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) have launched a new tool to track the progress of permit applications submitted to DEP.

The Permit Status Tracker can:
• Search by authorization ID or keyword.
• Filter by county, program area, permit type, application type, status and submission date.
• View application status, details and estimated processing time.
• Find contact information for your reviewer.

The tracking system was one of three initiatives aimed at improving the state’s permitting process adopted last year as part of the 2024-25 state budget. Act 54 of 2024 also allows applicants to use third-party entities approved by the state to expedite the review process for air, land and water permits issued by DEP and county conservation districts. It also holds DEP accountable for permit delays.
 
 
Does Your Home Contain Radon?


January is National Radon Action Month. An estimated 40% of Pennsylvania homes have higher levels of radon than national safety standards, due to the state’s geology. However, residents can perform a simple test to detect this gas, which is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks and enters homes through cracks in the foundation or other openings. High levels of radon tend to be found in basements, but the gas can be found anywhere in the home.

Winter is a good time to test for radon, because doors and windows are generally closed, providing more accurate results. Simple radon test kits are inexpensive and available at home improvement and hardware stores. 

Click here for additional information.
 
 
PGC Seeks Help for Winter Turkey Survey


The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) is asking for the public’s help finding turkey flocks to trap for ongoing projects. Pennsylvanians are encouraged to report the location of any turkey flocks they see across the state. Information is being collected online here through March 15.

Among other things, visitors to that webpage are asked to provide the date of the sighting, the location and the type of land (public, private or unknown) where birds are seen.

Trapping turkeys during winter is part of the commission's ongoing population monitoring, and it provides information for large-scale turkey studies.

Read more here.
 
 
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period


The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) is reminding older adults the annual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period runs now through March 31. During this time, beneficiaries who currently have a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to a different plan or to original Medicare. Changes to their enrollment will take effect on the first of the month following the month in which they enroll.

Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) – the Commonwealth’s Medicare counseling program – is available through the 52 local Area Agencies on Aging to help beneficiaries with Medicare questions. Older adults can receive unbiased, no-cost Medicare assistance from trained PA MEDI counselors who can walk them through their options to assist in making informed health insurance decisions that optimize their cost savings and access to health care and benefits.

Medicare Advantage is a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that offers an alternative to original Medicare for health and drug coverage. These “bundled” plans include Part A Hospital Insurance, Part B Medical Insurance and usually Part D Drug Coverage.

PA MEDI counselors do not sell Medicare insurance products, nor do they endorse any insurance company, product or agent. Counselors will not recommend policies, companies or insurance agents but will provide free, confidential and unbiased personalized assistance.

Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to schedule a personalized counseling session. For more information, call the toll-free PA MEDI Helpline at 1-800-783-7067 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
 
Share