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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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Toast with Thomas!
Monday morning, I hosted Toast with Thomas at Brothers Diner, where constituents joined me for breakfast and thoughtful discussion on the issues that matter most to our community.
It was a great opportunity to hear directly from residents, share updates on state initiatives, and exchange ideas about how we can continue to make our district an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. Thank you to everyone who joined us!
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Penn State Hampden Opens State-of-the-Art Cancer Treatment Center
On Monday, I was honored to attend the grand opening of Penn State Hampden’s new cancer treatment center. It’s a first-of-its-kind facility that brings cutting-edge technology, expanded patient capacity, and world-class care right here to our community.
This center represents an incredible step forward in providing local patients and families with the support and treatment they need close to home. It’s inspiring to see this level of innovation and compassion taking root in our region.
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PennSSI Groundbreaking Ceremony
Wednesday morning, I attended the groundbreaking of a new facility in Mechanicsburg that will soon house the Pennsylvania School Safety Institute (PennSSI).
As the child of a special education teacher, school safety has always been deeply personal to me. This project represents an important step forward in ensuring that educators and first responders have access to realistic, hands-on training and the tools they need to keep our schools safe. Once complete, the facility will feature state-of-the-art simulation technology to help strengthen school safety efforts across Pennsylvania.
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Winding Creek Elementary Capitol Visit
It was a pleasure welcoming students and educators from Winding Creek Elementary to the State Capitol on Thursday and Friday morning. Their curiosity and thoughtful questions made for a meaningful visit, and it’s always inspiring to see young Pennsylvanians learning about state government firsthand.
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Boiling Springs High School Classroom Visit
This morning, we stopped by Ms. Bozart’s government class at Boiling Springs High School to speak with students about the legislative process and public service. The students came prepared with great questions and a clear interest in how government decisions shape their communities. Thank you as always for having me. I’m looking forward to coming back!
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Save the Dates for Upcoming Events
First Responders Dinner
Nov. 1 Veterans Breakfast
Nov. 3 Veterans Breakfast
RSVPs are requested for these events. Please call 717-975-2235 or visit www.RepKutz.com/Events to let us know you’re coming.
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Students Invited to Design Activity Book Cover
The Auditor General’s Office is hosting a statewide competition for Pennsylvania students in grades K–12 to design the cover of the new Be Money $mart activity book!
The book will feature fun, financial literacy–focused activities like coloring pages, word searches, crosswords, and budgeting sheets. The winning artwork will appear on the cover, and the student will be recognized at the PA Farm Show. Plus, their class or school will win a visit from the Pennsylvania Auditor General!
Learn more and submit your design at paauditor.gov/take-action/be-money-smart/activitybook.
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Drug Take Back Day Saturday
This Saturday, Oct. 25, is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the event is aimed at reminding citizens across the nation and the Commonwealth that safe disposal of unused prescription drugs is one of the best ways to fight drug abuse.
In addition to prescription medications, DEA regulations allow for the disposal of over-the-counter medications; prescription patches and ointments; vitamins; and pet medicines. Please note, each take-back location has the right to determine what items it will accept.
To learn more about Pennsylvania’s drug take-back program, including finding a take-back location near you, click here.
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DCNR Seeks 2026 River of the Year Nominations
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is calling on Pennsylvanians to nominate their favorite waterway for the 2026 River of the Year. The winner is featured in a year-long series of events and activities to celebrate the river, including the popular River of the Year Sojourn.
All Pennsylvania waterways are eligible for nomination, except for the past five years of winners: Delaware River (2025), Allegheny River (2024), Susquehanna North Branch (2023), French Creek (2022) and Shenango River (2021).
The nomination period is open through Friday, Nov. 21, at 5 p.m. Selected nominations will be voted on by the public beginning in late November. For more information about the River of the Year program, visit the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers’ (POWR) website.
To nominate a river or waterway, visit the Grants and Awards webpage and scroll down to “Apply.”
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October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, which is a time to celebrate our friends with Down syndrome and make others aware of their many abilities and accomplishments.
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States and is associated with delays in physical growth, characteristic facial features and intellectual challenges. Approximately 5,700 babies are born with Down syndrome in the United States each year. However, due to improved research and medical treatments, children born with Down syndrome can live long, happy and productive lives.
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Stay Safe this Halloween
Halloween is a fun time for many kids and families, but safety must always remain a top priority. According to the National Safety Council, the following are some tips to keep in mind while trick-or-treating:
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All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant. |
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If children are out after dark, fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks. |
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Opt for non-toxic Halloween makeup over masks, which can obscure vision. |
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A responsible adult should accompany young children on neighborhood rounds. |
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If older children are going alone, plan and review a route and establish a return time. |
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Teach children never to enter a stranger’s home or car. |
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Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stay with friends. |
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Tell children not to eat any treats until they return home, where they can be inspected by an adult. |
Motorists traveling on neighborhood trick-or-treat nights should remember to stay alert, slow down, and enter and exit all driveways and alleys carefully.
For more on these and other safety tips, click here.
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