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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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Supporting Our Local Fire, EMS Agencies
I am happy to announce state grant funding was awarded to nine first responder companies that serve the 87th Legislative District under the PA Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program.
The funding comes from an ongoing grant program created by the Legislature which is administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC). Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt. All funding comes from the proceeds from slot machine gaming, not General Fund tax revenue.
The dollars from this critical grant program will help ensure our dedicated firefighters and EMS personnel have the equipment needed to do their jobs safely and effectively. Our volunteer first responders work hard to serve our communities each day; and I am happy to see these investments made to benefit the 87th District.
Grants awarded to companies that serve 87th District are:
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• Citizens Fire Co. No. 1 of Mt. Holly Springs, $28,136.
• Lisburn Community Fire Company, $14,487.
• Lower Allen Township EMS, $15,000.
• Lower Allen Township Fire Department, $14,487.
• Monroe Fire Co., $14,693.
• Silver Spring Community Fire Co., $13,250.
• Upper Allen Township Fire Department, $12,220.
• Yellow Breeches EMS, $15,000.
• Cumberland Goodwill EMS, $15,000.
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The funding amounts are contingent on the recipients filing their grant agreements with the Office of State Fire Commissioner.
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Thank You, Farmers!
On Thursday morning, our office hosted a breakfast for local farmers and their families.
With so many farms and acres of preserved farmland in the district, I make it a priority to hear directly from our farmers about their needs and what our Commonwealth can do to boost agriculture.
I also want to thank the volunteers at Monroe Fire Company 25 for hosting us and cooking. I'm looking forward to doing this again soon!
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A Closer Look at the Governor’s $53.26 Billion Budget
The House Appropriations Committee’s examination of the governor’s proposed 2026-27 state budget gets underway next week with the start of budget hearings.
The committee will hear from officials with the Judiciary, Department of Corrections, and Board of Probation and Parole on Monday. The departments of Health, Insurance, Agriculture, and Community and Economic Development, along with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, will round out the week.
The governor proposed a $53.26 billion budget earlier this month, representing a $2.72 billion, or 5.4%, increase over the current fiscal year. Under current law, revenues are projected to increase by less than $1 billion, or 1.9%.
Budget hearings will stream live at www.PABudget.com and www.PAHouseGOP.com. For a full schedule of hearings, click here.
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Pro-Consumer Auto Insurance Bill Now Law
Legislation designed to protect consumers who change auto insurance carriers was recently signed into law.
Act 3 of 2026 requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to create an online verification system to modernize its processes for ensuring motorists are carrying insurance on their vehicles, as required by law.
Under prior law, insurance companies would notify PennDOT when an auto insurance policy was canceled, but companies were not required to notify PennDOT when a driver acquires a new policy. If vehicle owners missed written notification from PennDOT to provide proof of insurance, those vehicle owners were then saddled with a three-month suspension of their registration.
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New Law Puts Cursive Instruction Back in Schools
Recognizing the educational and historical value of cursive handwriting, the General Assembly recently passed and the governor signed into law legislation to bring cursive instruction back to Pennsylvania classrooms.
Studies show that writing in cursive activates brain regions tied to memory, language and critical thinking. It also builds fine motor skills, improving coordination and dexterity. These are all benefits that extend well beyond the classroom.
Cursive is also a key to unlocking history. Foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were penned in cursive. Ensuring future generations can read and write in this style keeps those texts accessible, strengthening civic engagement and historical literacy.
Act 2 of 2026 takes effect in mid-April.
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MCAP Offers Service, Education Opportunity
Students looking for an affordable higher education and an opportunity to serve the Commonwealth may be interested in the prestigious Military College Assistance Program (MCAP).
Available through a partnership with the Pennsylvania National Guard and Valley Forge Military College (VFMC), MCAP provides full tuition coverage for all four of a student’s undergraduate years in exchange for eight years of service with the National Guard. Students will receive a $420 monthly stipend as they complete their first two years of education at VFMC and then may transfer to another Pennsylvania school to continue receiving the MCAP tuition benefits.
Learn more about the program here. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28.
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Cumberland County Aging and Community Services Office Closure
Please be aware! Cumberland County’s Aging and Community Services will be relocating to a new office today, Feb. 20. During this time, in-person services will not be available. The office will reopen at its new location, 1615 Ritner Highway in Carlisle, on Monday, Feb. 23.
Please contact my office at 717-975-2235 should you need assistance during this period.
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