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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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Honoring a Hero
I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Officer Jose Albert Duran Jr., who gave his life in the line of duty on September 28, 2025, while serving as a Public Safety Officer for the Hideout. Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with his family, loved ones, and fellow officers during this difficult time. Officer Duran’s service and sacrifice to protect our community will never be forgotten.
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Treasury Offers Bridge Loans as Budget Impasse Continues
The Pennsylvania Treasury announced last week it is making $500 million in loans available to county governments and Head Start providers to help them meet the needs of the state’s most vulnerable citizens during the ongoing budget impasse.
The budget is currently three months overdue. As negotiations continue, Treasury’s offer of a short-term loan is a lifeline to some service providers. Click here to read more about the program.
While I appreciate the Treasurer offering this funding option, we have a duty as lawmakers to act NOW and get a responsible and sustainable budget done for the Commonwealth.
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District Happenings
Be sure to check out my Facebook page for a recap of all district events and celebrations, including:
• Blue Mass at the Church of St. Patrick in Milford.
• Settlers Cares Gala.
• Pike County Association of Township Officials Annual Convention.
• Honoring the 50+ year voters in Wayne County.
• House Citation to DVHS Coach Keith Olsommer.
• Roadsters & Runways Car and Airplane Show.
• Hawley Harvest Festival.
• Wayne/Pike Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.
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Standing Up for Your Second Amendment Rights
Majority House Democrats called up four gun-control bills for votes this week, and I voted “no” on every one of them.
Three of the four measures failed by a vote of 101-102. House Bill 1859, often called the Red Flag law, would have allowed for the confiscation of a person’s firearm without due process, a clear violation of the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions. House Bill 1099 would have limited the types of materials that could be used to construct firearms. House Bill 1866 would have banned so-called machine gun conversion devices.
I am disappointed a bill to expand background check requirements to include private sales of long guns narrowly passed. However, it is unlikely House Bill 1593 will ever be taken up by the Senate.
We have laws on the books already that would address these issues without violating the Constitution. I will always stand up for your Second Amendment rights.
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
To honor those who have fought breast cancer or who are fighting it now, the fountain at the Pennsylvania State Capitol’s East Wing has been dyed pink again this year in recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers. It accounts for about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer.
The pink fountain is also a reminder to all women of the importance of mammograms and early detection. People with low to moderate income who are uninsured or underinsured and meet certain age requirements may qualify for testing through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To learn about the program and eligibility, click here.
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Lithium-Ion Batteries Focus of Fire Prevention Week
National Fire Prevention Week kicks off this Sunday, Oct. 5, with the theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”
The campaign aims to educate people about using these batteries safely. The National Fire Protection Association offers these tips:
• Buy only listed products: When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
• Charge devices safely: Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
• Recycle batteries responsibly: Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
More information from the National Fire Protection Association is available here.
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House Archives Internship Opportunity
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives Internship Program is currently accepting applications for the spring 2026 semester.
The 13-week internship is based at the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Interns work with archivists and learn several facets of the job, including processing paper collections, crafting exhibits for display in the Capitol Complex, conducting research for inquiries and more. Interns gain a better understanding of the PA House of Representatives and its members through opportunities such as meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, as well as tours of some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces.
At the time of the internship, students must be attending a college or university in Pennsylvania OR be a resident of Pennsylvania; be a second-semester junior, senior or graduate student; and have a GPA of at least 3.0.
For more information or to fill out the application, click here. Applications are due by Saturday, Nov. 1.
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Get Your Free Student Aid Guide
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is reminding high school students and their families that its 2026-27 PA Student Aid Guide is now available to help them navigate the college planning process.
The PA Student Aid Guide is Pennsylvania’s most comprehensive financial aid publication, offering in-depth information on the federal student aid process and details on Pennsylvania’s aid programs, including the need-based PA State Grant Program. It is available to all students and families at no cost.
The online version of the PA Student Aid Guide is interactive and provides links to information on grants, scholarships, loans, work study programs and more. The online version, along with a link to view and print a PDF file of the guide, is available here.
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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 116,500 hatchery-raised adult Rainbow, Brown and Brook Trout in 118 stream sections and lakes. These stockings will replenish some of the most popular fishing spots and provide ice fishing opportunities as conditions allow throughout the winter.
Here are the upcoming locations, dates and times for the 139th:
Lackawaxen River, at Dollar General in Hawley – 10.09.25, 1 p.m.
Lower Lake, at Promised Land State Park Office – 11.05.25, Noon
Click here to learn more and access stocking schedules.
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