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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 the Next Generation at the Cumberland Valley FFA Banquet
It was a pleasure to attend the Cumberland Valley FFA Banquet on Friday evening and celebrate the incredible students, advisors, and supporters who make the program such a success.
Thank you to everyone who helped support Cumberland Valley FFA and the important work they do to prepare the next generation of leaders in agriculture, business, and our community. I am always happy to support FFA and all the opportunities it provides for students to grow, learn, and succeed.
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Honoring Outstanding Educators at the Bubbler Foundation’s Annual Dinner
On Friday evening, I was honored to attend the annual dinner hosted by the Bubbler Foundation and help recognize the incredible educators who go above and beyond every day for their students. During the event, I had the opportunity to present House citations to several award-winning teachers in recognition of their dedication, leadership, and lasting impact in the classroom.
Our teachers play such an important role in shaping the future of our communities, and I am grateful for all they do to support and inspire students each day. Thank you to the Bubbler Foundation for the invitation and for your continued commitment to celebrating excellence in education.
Among those honored were the 2026 “Wall of Acclaim” recipients: former NFL player James Foote, South Middleton Township professional Kurt Uhler, and the late Steve Knisley. It was an honor to join the awardees and their family, friends, and community members.
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Reading with Students at Elwood Academy
On Thursday morning, I had the opportunity to visit Elwood Academy to spend time reading with students and talking about the importance of literacy and education. It was wonderful to see the students’ excitement and engagement throughout the visit.
Thank you to the staff and students at Elwood Academy for the warm welcome. I always enjoy opportunities to connect with young learners and support programs that encourage a love of reading from an early age.
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Penalties for Using Handheld Devices Take Effect June 6
A Pennsylvania law banning the use of handheld devices while driving has been in effect since last June, with violators being issued warnings. Starting June 6, violators will instead face fines.
Paul Miller’s Law limits the use of handheld cellphones or other communication devices while operating a motor vehicle. The law is named for a young man who was killed in a crash involving a distracted tractor-trailer driver in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, in 2010.
Under the law, driving while holding a mobile device is a primary violation, meaning police can pull over drivers solely for the violation. Effective June 6, violators will be issued a summary offense, which carries a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees. If a driver is convicted of homicide by vehicle and driving while distracted, they may be sentenced up to an additional five years in prison.
Drivers can still use their phones if using hands-free technology, such as a docking station, Bluetooth or speaker technology. You may also use your phone to contact emergency responders.
According to PennDOT, more than 11,000 crashes were the result of distracted driving, leading to 65 deaths and 6,700 injuries in 2023. Pennsylvania joins 28 other states with hands-free laws. 0 injuries in 2023. Pennsylvania joins 28 other states with hands-free laws.
Read more here.
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House Approves Alicia’s Law to Protect Kids from Online Predators
I was pleased to join in the unanimous House support of legislation that would create a state grant program to help law enforcement find, investigate and prosecute internet predators who target children.
Alicia’s Law is named for Alicia Kozak, a Pittsburgh-area girl who was abducted in 2002 at the age of 13 by a man she met online. It was one of the first documented cases of its kind in the country. Alicia survived and has spent years advocating for stronger protections so other children don’t go through what she did.
House Bill 1098 would establish the Investigation and Prosecution of Internet Crimes Against Children Program within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). The program creates a state-level funding structure to fund law enforcement task forces made up of state and local prosecutors dedicated to investigating and prosecuting online crimes against minors; supplement federal funding for task forces combating child sexual exploitation online; and train task force members on the latest techniques for detecting, investigating and prosecuting these crimes.
The bill is now pending consideration in the Senate.
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Supporting Our EMS Providers
Next week, May 17-23, is National EMS Week, an opportunity for each of us to recognize and extend special thanks to the men and women who answer the call every day to help save lives. This year’s theme is “Improving Outcomes, Together.”
We all tend to take it for granted that when we call 9-1-1, someone will be there to help. As we mark EMS Week, let’s take the time to thank our emergency medical services providers and think about how we might be able to help support our local ambulance companies and their mission.
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Armed Forces Day Saturday
This Saturday, May 16, is Armed Forces Day, a day set aside to recognize and honor the men and women who are currently serving in a branch of our armed forces.
The day was first celebrated in 1950, soon after the branches of the military were united under the leadership of the U.S. Department of Defense. In his proclamation marking the day, President Harry S. Truman called upon fellow citizens to “display the flag of the United States at their homes on Armed Forces Day and to participate in exercises expressive of our recognition of the skill, gallantry, and uncompromising devotion to duty characteristic of the Armed Forces in the carrying out of their missions.”
In other words, seek out opportunities to thank our men and women in uniform, not just this Saturday but every day.
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Fish for Free Coming Up Next Weekend!
On Sunday, May 24, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will host a Fish for Free day to allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways. No license is required, but all other fishing regulations still apply.
This is the first of two dates set by the PFBC to enhance fishing opportunities. The next day is Independence Day, Saturday, July 4. This is a great way to expose the next generation of anglers to the outdoors. More information about fishing in Pennsylvania is available here.
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