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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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Make Your Plan for National Night Out!
National Night Out is an annual event that brings neighbors, law enforcement, and local officials together to strengthen community ties and promote public safety. It's a great opportunity to meet the people who help keep our townships safe, learn about local initiatives, and enjoy an evening of family-friendly fun.
Whether you’ve attended in the past or are thinking about going for the first time, I encourage you to stop by one of the events happening across our district. Here’s where you can join in:
Tuesday, Aug. 5
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Upper Allen Township
Allen Distribution
251 Allen Distribution Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
5–8 p.m. |
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Lower Allen Township
Lower Allen Township Municipal Services Center
2233 Gettysburg Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011
6-8 p.m. |
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Silver Spring Township
Stony Ridge Park
50 Bernheisel Bridge Road, Carlisle, PA
6-8 p.m. |
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South Middleton Township
Spring Meadows Park
640 West First St., Boiling Springs, PA 17007
6-8 p.m. |
Saturday, Aug. 9
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Mount Holly Springs Citizens Fire Company
100 Chestnut St., Mt. Holly Springs, PA 17065
1-3 p.m. |
National Night Out is a reminder that safe, connected communities don’t just happen; they’re built by showing up and working together. I hope to see you there!
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Celebrate Culture and Community at India Day 2025
Mark your calendars for one of the most vibrant cultural celebrations in our region! Hosted by the Asian Indian Americans of Central Pennsylvania (AIACPA) and supported by numerous local organizations, India Day 2025 promises a full day of festivities, food, and family fun.
Saturday, Aug. 9
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
HACC, 1 HACC Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110
This free community fair is open to everyone and offers something for all ages and interests. Attendees can enjoy: ethnic Indian cuisine and traditional sweets; a colorful cultural parade; Indian dance performances; kids activities and games; and ethnic apparel, jewelry, and arts.
Admission and parking are free, and the atmosphere is always lively, welcoming, and inclusive. Come out to experience the rich traditions of India, support local vendors and performers, and connect with neighbors from across Central Pennsylvania.
Learn more at www.IndiaDayPA.org. I hope to see you there!
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PUC Urges Consumers to Take Action to Manage Energy Costs
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging residents to brace for higher electric bills as a result of soaring power usage during multiple heat waves since mid-June that pushed electricity demand on the regional power grid to its highest level in 14 years.
Electricity customers are encouraged to carefully review their bills, especially the sections regarding monthly usage and current energy supply rates. Consider shopping for lower rates at www.PAPowerSwitch.com.
Households or small businesses struggling with high bills or past due balances should call their utility company now to ask about available assistance programs.
Finally, look for opportunities to conserve electricity, such as raising your thermostat, limit appliance use during peak hours, close blinds or curtains to block the sun, avoid unnecessary lighting or electronics that generate extra heat, and seal windows and doors to keep cool air inside.
Read the full news release from the PUC here.
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Still Time to Apply for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity reports 423,092 Property Tax/Rent Rebate payments were issued on July 1, totaling $255.8 million.
The program benefits Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Eligibility and approval for payments is determined by the Department of Revenue.
This year’s income limit is $46,520 for homeowners and renters, with a maximum standard rebate of $1,000. Applicants can exclude half of their Social Security income.
Eligible Pennsylvanians can apply through Dec. 31 for the 2024 rebate, but why wait? Click here for more information about the program and to apply online, or contact my office at (717) 975-2235.
Assistance is free!
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Ensuring Quality Care for our Veterans
In honor of the service and sacrifice of our veterans, I was proud to support a new law that aims to strengthen accountability and transparency in our state veterans’ homes.
Act 20 of 2025 expands and modernizes the advisory councils that oversee our six state-operated veterans’ homes with the goal of ensuring the best possible care for the men and women who have served our Commonwealth and our country.
The state’s veterans’ homes are strategically located to accommodate veterans from every region and are operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Click here to learn more about them.
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PHEAA Announces Financial Aid Seminars
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is hosting several free webinars over the next few months to help students and families navigate the costs of higher education.
From instructions for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other key documentation, to financial aid planning, scholarship search tips and budgeting, the webinars provide valuable information in hour-long sessions online.
Please note: The webinar titled “PA State Grant Form Completion” will be offered on Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m. The one-hour session will provide an overview of the 2025-26 State Grant application process.
For a full schedule of all available webinars, and to register your participation, visit www.pheaa.org/virtual.
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Game Commission OKs Additional Sundays for Hunting
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners met this week and approved 10 additional Sundays for hunting for the 2025-26 season. The additions were made in response to a new state law that lifted the centuries-old ban on Sunday hunting in the Commonwealth.
Every Sunday from Sept. 14 through Dec. 7 will now be open for hunting. The dates reflect all Sundays that fall within established hunting seasons, with the exception of migratory game bird seasons, which are set through federal frameworks.
To read more about the Sunday hunting announcement, click here. Or visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission online at www.pgc.pa.gov.
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