Emailed Newsletter - October 2, 2026

October 2, 2026

 
Capitol Report
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The latest news from the State Capitol
 
 Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link. 
 
Celebrating Fall in Upper Allen Township

This past Friday, I had a great time attending Upper Allen Township’s Fall Fest. It was wonderful to see so many families and neighbors out enjoying the fall weather, local vendors, activities, and everything our community has to offer. Thank you to Upper Allen Township and everyone involved in putting together another great community event!


 
 
Learning More About Our Local Water Supply

Thursday afternoon, my office attended Pennsylvania American Water’s Source Water Protection Seminar and Plant Tour. The visit provided an opportunity to learn more about the work that goes into protecting our local water sources, maintaining reliable service, and providing safe drinking water to our communities. Thank you to Pennsylvania American Water for hosting us and providing an informative look at the facilities and processes that help serve our region.


 
 
Welcoming a Four Diamonds Family to the Capitol


This week, we had the privilege of welcoming a Four Diamonds family to the Capitol. I was grateful for the opportunity to meet Lennon “Lenny” Therkildsen, her parents, and her oncologist, Dr. Smita Dandekar.

Dr. Dandekar specializes in pediatric hematology and oncology and serves in several academic roles, including associate professor, pediatrics director, and leader of the childhood cancer survivorship clinic.

I’m thrilled to share that Lenny is in remission, and we look forward to welcoming her back to the Capitol with her Elmwood Academy classmates later this school year. I’m thankful for the mission of Four Diamonds and inspired by the strength and bravery of Lenny and her family.


 
 
Save the Dates for My Upcoming Events!

Silver Spring Fall Fest Tomorrow
Date: Saturday, Oct. 3
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Stony Ridge Park

My office will be at Silver Spring Township’s Fall Fest tomorrow! Stop by our table to say hello, meet members of my team, and pick up information about state programs and services.

We look forward to seeing you there!




Cumberland Valley Football Tailgate
Date: Friday, Oct. 9
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Cumberland Valley High School
Address: 17 Waterford Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

My office will host a free community tailgate before the Cumberland Valley football game! Join us for free food, family fun, and state information before heading into the stadium to cheer on the Eagles.

RSVP: Visit www.RepKutz.com/events or call my office at 717-975-2235.



Boiling Springs Football Tailgate
Date: Friday, Oct. 16
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Citizens Fire Company Station 2
Address: 405 Forge Road, Boiling Springs, PA 17007

My office will host a free community tailgate before the Boiling Springs football game! Stop by for free food, family fun and state information before cheering on the Bubblers.

RSVP: Visit www.RepKutz.com/events or call my office at 717-975-2235.



First Responders Dinner
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 28
Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
Location: Upper Allen Township Fire Department
Address: 104 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg

My office will host a First Responders Dinner for first responders and their families who serve the 87th District and its communities. Please join us for a free dinner as we recognize and thank the men and women who dedicate themselves to keeping our communities safe.

RSVP: Visit www.RepKutz.com/events or call my office at 717-975-2235.


 
 
Avoid Health Insurance Scams

With annual open enrollment periods set to begin soon for both Medicare and Pennie, the state’s health insurance marketplace, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is offering tips for consumers to avoid being scammed.

When researching options online, type the name of the website directly into the search engine. For Medicare, it’s Medicare.gov, or call 800-633-4227. Pennie’s website is www.Pennie.com or call 844-844-8040.

Take your time. Look for small “Ad” or “Sponsored” labels next to search results to identify paid ads and scroll past them.

Get help to compare costs, coverage and plans. Assistance with Medicare is available through Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI), provided by the Department of Aging. Call the PA MEDI Helpline at 800-783-7067 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or reach out to your local county Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for one-on-one phone, virtual or in-person counseling sessions.

Suspect a health insurance scam? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. If the scam involves Medicare, report it at Medicare.gov or call 800-633-4227.
 
 
Safe Charging is Focus of Fire Prevention Week

National Fire Prevention Week kicks off this Sunday, Oct. 4, with the theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower.”

The campaign focuses on everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer. The National Fire Protection Association offers these tips: 
  •   Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer.
  •   Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk or bare floor.
  •   Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, smells strange, leaks, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds.
  •   Unplug your device when it’s fully charged.
  •   Charge large items like e-bikes, scooters and power tools outside when possible. Do not block exits when charging.
  •   When on a plane, keep devices where you can see them while charging. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane.

More information from the National Fire Protection Association is available here.
 
 
Attention First-Time Hunters!

Hunter-Trapper Education courses are required for all first-time hunters and trappers before they can buy a license in the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) offers both in-person and online options.

The course covers responsible hunting behavior, firearms basics and safety, basic shooting, wildlife conservation and management, outdoor safety and survival, hunting techniques, trapping and furtaking basics, and hunting safety.

The following options are available:  
  •   PGC’s Basic Hunter-Trapper Education In-Person Course is offered free of charge to anyone age 11 and older. Classes are held in various locations across the Commonwealth. A schedule is available at www.pgc.pa.gov.
  •   An interactive online version of PGC’s Basic Hunter-Trapper Education Course is offered to Pennsylvania residents age 11 and older. The fee for this course is $49.95.
  •   PGC’s official online course is offered to Pennsylvania residents age 16 or older. The fee for this course is $34.95.
  •   The National Rifle Association offers a free online hunter education course to Pennsylvania residents age 11 and older.

Visit www.pgc.pa.gov for more information.
 
 
Fall, Winter Trout Stocking Underway

Now through mid-December, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will be conducting its fall and winter trout stocking at dozens of waterways across the Commonwealth.

PFBC will stock approximately 114,700 hatchery-raised adult Rainbow, Brown and Brook Trout in 117 stream sections and lakes. These stockings will replenish some of the most popular fishing spots across the Commonwealth and provide ice fishing opportunities as conditions allow throughout the winter. Trout stocked during fall and winter can be fished immediately. 

Click here to learn more and access stocking schedules.
 
 
Design the Be Money Smart Activity Book Cover

Pennsylvania Auditor General Tim DeFoor is inviting students in grades K-12 to put their creativity to work and help promote financial literacy through the Be Money Smart Activity Book Cover Contest.

Students are encouraged to design the cover of the Auditor General’s upcoming Be Money Smart Activity Book, which will feature coloring pages, word searches, crosswords, budgeting sheets and other activities focused on building important financial literacy skills. The winning student’s artwork will be featured on the cover of this year’s Activity Book, and their class or school will receive a special visit from Auditor General DeFoor.

The contest is open now, and submissions are due Friday, Oct. 30.


 

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