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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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Upper Allen Mechanicsburg Softball Opening Day
It was a great day in Upper Allen last Saturday as the Upper Allen Mechanicsburg Wildcats Girls Softball League officially kicked off its 2025 season with Opening Day.
I enjoyed spending time with the players, coaches, and families who make this league such a strong part of the community. It’s always inspiring to see the excitement and support that surrounds youth sports in our area. Wishing all the teams a fun, competitive, and safe season ahead!
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Still Looking to Get REAL ID?
The deadline for enforcement of the federal REAL ID Act is less than two weeks away. It’s important to remember:
• REAL ID is NOT mandatory in Pennsylvania, though you will need another federally accepted form of identification to meet the requirements of the law in certain circumstances.
• May 7 is the date enforcement of the law begins, but you may obtain a REAL ID anytime after May 7 as well.
As of May 7, federal law will require you to present a federally accepted form of identification to board a commercial domestic flight or visit a secure federal building that requires ID at the door. Federally accepted forms of identification include a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, or a military ID.
Not sure you want or need a REAL ID? Check out PennDOT’s REAL ID online wizard to help you decide.
For more information, including a checklist of documentation needed to obtain REAL ID, visit www.penndot.gov/REALID.
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Bill to Fight Overdose Deaths OK’d by House
Continuing the fight against the opioid epidemic, the state House this week adopted legislation that would require the creation and dissemination of materials to help people recognize the signs of an overdose and how to respond to save lives.
Under House Bill 269, posters and other materials would be created to explain the signs of an opioid-related overdose, what to do in the event of an opioid-related overdose, where to find an opioid antagonist, such as Naloxone, and where to find additional resources and information. The poster would be made available online to download for private use and displayed in public places to increase awareness of how to recognize and respond to opioid-related overdoses.
Almost 3,500 Pennsylvanians died from opioid overdoses in the 12-month period ending in November, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state’s deadliest year of the opioid epidemic was in 2017 when almost 5,500 people died from overdoses. Despite the improvement, opioid overdoses still claim almost 10 lives a day in Pennsylvania.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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Protecting Seniors’ Access to Prescription Drug Assistance
The House this week approved legislation that will help low-income seniors maintain access to prescription drug assistance through the PACE and PACENET programs.
Specifically, House Bill 923 places a “moratorium” on the inclusion of income from a Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) in determining eligibility for the programs.
PACE and PACENET are available to residents ages 65 and older. The annual income limit for PACE recipients is $14,500 or less for a single person and $17,700 for a married couple. The annual income limit for PACENET is between $14,501 and $33,500 for a single person and between $17,701 and $41,500 for a married couple.
Full details on eligibility and how to apply are available here or by contacting my offices.
House Bill 923 is pending consideration in the Senate.
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Call Before You Dig
April is Safe Digging Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of calling 8-1-1 before digging to ensure the safety of excavation projects across the state.
Every time an underground utility line is hit, there is a risk to the contractors or homeowners who are doing the digging; to utility workers and emergency responders who are mobilized to deal with the damage; and to bystanders who live, work or travel near the locations of the incidents.
State law requires contractors and residents to contact PA One Call at least three business days prior to excavation – triggering alerts to all utilities within an intended digging area and prompting utilities to mark where their lines are located. Pennsylvanians can dial 8-1-1 to connect with the One Call system, while out-of-state residents or businesses can call 1-800-242-1776.
Learn more at www.PA1call.com.
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Boosting Autism Awareness, Acceptance
April is Autism Acceptance Month, formerly known as Autism Awareness Month. The designation aims to help empower autistic individuals and their families, and to ensure improved support and opportunities in education, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care and long-term support services.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Programs works to provide an array of support services for individuals of all ages, as well as their families. The Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training Collaborative (ASERT) is a statewide initiative to provide streamlined access to information for Pennsylvanians living with autism.
To learn more, visit www.paautism.org.
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Spring Gobbler Season Nears
Pennsylvania’s 2025 spring gobbler season begins this Saturday, April 26, with a one-day hunt for junior license holders and eligible mentored youth. The regular statewide season kicks off on May 3 with half-day hunting hours through May 17 and full days from May 19-31.
Full details of turkey hunting hours, licensing, safety tips and more are available here.
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