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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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$2.5 Million in Local Grants Approved to Strengthen Communities Across the 87th District
I’m pleased to share an update on $2.5 million in Local Share Account (LSA) grants that have been approved to support important infrastructure, recreation, and community development projects across the 87th Legislative District. Many of these grants were secured in collaboration with Sen. Greg Rothman, and together we worked closely with local leaders to help deliver meaningful investments for our region.
These projects reflect a continued focus on improving quality of life for residents—whether that means safer and more efficient transportation, expanded recreational opportunities, or stronger community and educational facilities. The approved funding includes:
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$1 million to widen Woods Drive and add multimodal infrastructure in Silver Spring Township to accommodate rapid population growth.
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$500,000 to renovate the former Fair Oaks School into a community center in South Middleton Township.
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$350,000 to support phases two and three of the Beacon Hill Park rehabilitation project in Lower Allen Township.
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$300,000 to develop a new public park off Widder Drive in Monroe Township.
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$250,000 to construct a new gymnasium at West Shore Christian Academy in Upper Allen Township for school and community athletics.
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$100,000 to help Greenlight Operation renovate a property to support female survivors of human trafficking.
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I’m grateful to our municipal and community partners for their collaboration and commitment to these projects. These investments will have a lasting impact and help strengthen our communities for years to come.
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Ringing in America 250 in Carlisle
This morning, our community gathered at Veterans Memorial Park in Carlisle for the unveiling of the America 250 Bell. This event brought together residents, local leaders, and veterans to celebrate our nation’s history and look ahead to its future.
As Pennsylvania prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, the bell serves as a powerful symbol of liberty, service, and the enduring ideals that unite us as Americans. It was a meaningful moment to reflect on our shared past, honor those who have served, and celebrate the pride we have in our country and our community.
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Celebrating the Career of a Cumberland County Public Servant
Yesterday, Rep. Barb Gleim (R-199) and I presented a House citation to constituent Carl Goshorn on behalf of Cumberland County elected officials. Carl served as Cumberland County Conservation District manager, and now he is beginning a new chapter as he enters retirement. It was a privilege to mark his dedicated service to our county.
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Allie and I would like to extend the warmest holiday wishes to you and your family. May you have a wonderful and safe season that is full of peace and cheer.
So my team can spend more time with their families during the holidays, my offices will be closed on Dec. 24, 25, 26, and 31, as well as Jan. 1. If you have any questions about our schedule, please call in advance to make sure we’re open.
Also, PennDOT Driver License Centers will be closed Thursday, Dec. 25, for Christmas Day and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, for New Year’s Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.
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PA Budget Invests in Reading Education
With only about one-third of our fourth graders reading at grade level in Pennsylvania, this year’s state budget makes a $10 million investment in improving literacy education.
The 2025-26 Public School Code will require school entities – including school districts, intermediate units, area career and technical schools, charter schools, cyber charter schools and regional charter schools – to use evidence-based reading instruction, screen students early and intervene when a child is struggling.
The changes must be in place by the beginning of the 2027-28 school year.
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Celebrate Agriculture at 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show
The Pennsylvania Farm Show – the country’s largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof – kicks off Saturday, Jan. 10, in Harrisburg. The show will run through Saturday, Jan. 17.
This year’s theme is “Growing a Nation,” a nod to the Commonwealth’s role – and Pennsylvania agriculture’s role – in building our country as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America in 2026.
The 2026 Farm Show will feature fan-favorites like the 1,000-pound butter sculpture, delicious Farm Show Food Court, thousands of competitive agricultural events, homegrown celebrity cooking demonstrations at the PA Preferred® Culinary Connection, and more than 1 million square feet of hands-on agriculture education opportunities and chances to engage with the people who are growing Pennsylvania and our nation through agriculture.
Admission to the show is free, but parking is $15 per vehicle. Shuttle service is provided.
For all the latest news about the Farm Show, follow it on Facebook or click here.
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PHEAA Announces Financial Aid Webinars
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is hosting several free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families in correctly completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The webinars are planned as follows:
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FAFSA Overview – Line by Line: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 6-7 p.m., and Wednesday, March 11, 6-7 p.m.
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FAFSA Completion Workshop: Thursday, Jan. 22, 5-7 p.m., and Tuesday, April 21, 5-7 p.m.
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PHEAA also provides free FAFSA resources online and offers a free FAFSA toolkit to aid counselors and partners in assisting students and families with FAFSA completion.
To register for these webinars, and view a full schedule of future webinars, visit
www.pheaa.org/virtual.
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License Your Dog for the New Year
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is reminding dog owners to license their pets for 2026.
All dogs must be licensed when you buy or adopt them (earliest is eight weeks old) or three months of age, whichever comes first. Dog owners may choose to purchase single-year licenses or a lifetime license. To purchase a lifetime license, the dog must have some form of permanent identification, such as a microchip or tattoo. Single-year licenses must be purchased each year by Jan. 1.
Single-year licenses cost $10.80, while lifetime licenses cost $52.80. Senior citizens or people with disabilities may purchase a single-year license for $8.80 or a lifetime license for $36.80.
Licenses are available for purchase through county treasurers. For additional information, including links to forms and a list of treasurers and their contact information, click here.
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Enter Now for Litter Hawk Youth Award Program
Submissions are now being accepted for the 2026 Litter Hawk Youth Award Program, a recognition program for students in kindergarten through sixth grade to share how they help keep Pennsylvania beautiful.
This year’s theme is Celebrate America250 – Keep It Beautiful, inviting Pennsylvania students to share their creativity and inspire pride in our communities as we approach America’s 250th anniversary.
Students in kindergarten through grade four are invited to submit a poster, while students in grade five are asked to submit an essay and students in grade six should submit a video.
First place and second place winners will receive a certificate. All participants will receive a litter hawk sticker. The deadline to participate is Saturday, Jan. 31. Winners will be announced in April in conjunction with a display of winning entries at the Capitol. For more information and an application, click here.
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Help Kids Protect Their Devices
Online safety starts with protecting your kids’ devices from hackers and scammers.
The Federal Trade Commission offers these steps to help keep kids safer and encourages parents to teach their children about how to secure their devices and build good online habits:
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Set automatic updates on phones, tablets and laptops to protect your kids’ apps, web browsers and operating systems.
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Use strong passwords. Make sure your kids’ accounts and devices are protected by unique passwords. Consider helping teenagers set up and use a password manager, or the device’s password generator. Remind them not to leave devices unattended in public places.
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Secure your home wi-fi network. Change your router’s default name and password. Turn off remote management, and log out as the administrator once the router is set up.
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Use parental controls to help reinforce good online habits and create safer spaces for kids to learn and play online. And, to have a better handle on what kids might be spending online, consider using parental controls to disable in-app purchases or require a password for all purchases on phones or tablets.
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Learn more information about protecting kids online while enhancing their safety, privacy and healthy development at ftc.gov/KidsOnline.
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