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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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PUC Urges Consumers to Take Action to Manage Energy Costs
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is urging residents to brace for higher electric bills as a result of soaring power usage during multiple heat waves since mid-June that pushed electricity demand on the regional power grid to its highest level in 14 years.
Electricity customers are encouraged to carefully review their bills, especially the sections regarding monthly usage and current energy supply rates. Consider shopping for lower rates at www.PAPowerSwitch.com.
Households or small businesses struggling with high bills or past due balances should call their utility company now to ask about available assistance programs.
Finally, look for opportunities to conserve electricity, such as raising your thermostat, limit appliance use during peak hours, close blinds or curtains to block the sun, avoid unnecessary lighting or electronics that generate extra heat, and seal windows and doors to keep cool air inside.
Read the full news release from the PUC here.
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District Happenings
Be sure to check out my Facebook page for a recap of district events and celebrations!
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Still Time to Apply for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity reports 423,092 Property Tax/Rent Rebate payments were issued on July 1, totaling $255.8 million.
The program benefits Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Eligibility and approval for payments is determined by the Department of Revenue.
This year’s income limit is $46,520 for homeowners and renters, with a maximum standard rebate of $1,000. Applicants can exclude half of their Social Security income.
Eligible Pennsylvanians can apply through Dec. 31 for the 2024 rebate, but why wait? Click here for more information about the program and to apply online or contact my office at 2523 Route 6, Suite 2, Hawley, PA 18428, 570-226-5959. Assistance is free!
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Ensuring Quality Care for our Veterans
In honor of the service and sacrifice of our veterans, I was proud to support a new law that aims to strengthen accountability and transparency in our state veterans’ homes.
Act 20 of 2025 expands and modernizes the advisory councils that oversee our six state-operated veterans’ homes with the goal of ensuring the best possible care for the men and women who have served our Commonwealth and our country.
The state’s veterans’ homes are strategically located to accommodate veterans from every region and are operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Click here to learn more about them.
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Game Commission OKs Additional Sundays for Hunting
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners met this week and approved 10 additional Sundays for hunting for the 2025-26 season. The additions were made in response to a new state law that lifted the centuries-old ban on Sunday hunting in the Commonwealth.
Every Sunday from Sept. 14 through Dec. 7 will now be open for hunting. The dates reflect all Sundays that fall within established hunting seasons, with the exception of migratory game bird seasons, which are set through federal frameworks.
To read more about the Sunday hunting announcement, click here. Or visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission online at www.pgc.pa.gov.
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Upcoming District Events
My staff and I have a lot of events planned in the coming months. More details to follow, but here is a sneak peek:
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