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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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Expanding Access to Homeownership in Pennsylvania
Earlier this week, I hosted the Pennsylvania House Republican Policy Committee for a public hearing on expanding homeownership, workforce housing shortages, and the growing barriers facing Pennsylvania families and communities. We heard a consistent message: Pennsylvania faces a growing shortage of attainable housing driven by rising construction costs, permitting delays, infrastructure mandates, labor shortages, utility costs, zoning barriers, environmental regulations, and a lack of available housing inventory.
Testimony focused heavily on inventory shortages, escalating construction costs, second-home market pressures, workforce housing concerns, and environmental and permitting requirements that witnesses said continue pricing local families out of the market.
In Wayne and Pike counties, trying to build a multifamily unit is extremely difficult and at the expense of our youth. Throughout the hearing, witnesses described how lengthy permitting timelines, septic requirements, stormwater mandates, and development uncertainty continue discouraging new housing construction across rural Pennsylvania.
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A Well Deserved Recognition
When the Grey Towers Heritage Association received the Heritage Partnership Award from the PA Route 6 Alliance last year, multiple scheduling conflicts got in the way of properly recognizing this momentous achievement. I was finally able to present a House Citation to Bill Rosado of Milford Hospitality Group, who graciously accepted the citation on their behalf. Bill, a respected businessman whose many contributions have strengthened the community, is a longtime supporter and advocate of Grey Towers. Bill has helped reinvigorate Milford’s long history as a cultural destination by restoring landmark properties, fostering business growth, and offering award-winning dining and luxury accommodations that draw visitors from across the region and around the globe. This recognition highlights the shared commitment of Grey Towers and its supporters to preserving heritage, promoting cultural tourism, and enriching the community.
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District Happenings
Be sure to check out my Facebook page for a recap of visits and celebrations, including:
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Having a delicious chicken and biscuit dinner at South Canaan Church. |
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Honoring World War II veteran Michael Messina for his 100th birthday. |
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Enjoying breakfast at the Tafton Fire Company pancake fundraiser. |
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Celebrating Katherine Lemon at the Trailblazing Women of Valor luncheon. |
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Participating in the Hawley Borough Memorial Day Parade. |
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Visiting Stephens Pharmacy & Northeast Med-Equip. |
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Chowing down at the Ecker Haupt VFW 5635 Chicken Barbecue |
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Application Deadline Extended for 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
The deadline for senior citizens and Pennsylvanians with disabilities to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2025 has been extended to Dec. 31.
Income limits for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program increased again this year to $48,110 for both homeowners and renters. Remember to exclude 50% of Social Security when determining your income. The maximum rebate is $1,000.
The program is open to residents age 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older.
Remember – you do not need to pay anyone for assistance to apply for the rebates. Apply online at mypath.pa.gov, or contact my office for help. Additional information about the program is available here.
Rebates will be distributed beginning July 1, as required by law.
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Tips to Protect Against Common Scams Ahead of Large-Scale Events
With half a million fans expected to take part in the FIFA World Cup festivities starting next month in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is offering tips to help visitors and residents protect themselves from crimes and potential scams commonly associated with large-scale events.
These include:
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Ticket Scams: Only purchase tickets from verified platforms. |
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Accommodations Fraud: Be cautious of rentals, hotels or travel packages at “too good to be true” prices. |
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Malware/Phishing: Social media may be used to send links to photos and videos of important event moments. The links may appear valid, but when clicked, malware is downloaded. |
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QR Codes: Fraudulent QR codes may be placed in areas surrounding event venues to mislead unsuspecting attendees into believing the link is for legitimate sites to purchase merchandise, tickets, parking, meet and greet opportunities, or other goods. Avoid QR codes that are stickers, and always check the website URL after scanning a QR code. |
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ATM Cash Traps/Skimming Devices: Use caution when using ATMs and points-of-sale terminals to withdraw funds or pay for items. Avoid using standalone ATMS or ones that show signs of tampering. If the cash doesn’t dispense immediately, report it to local law enforcement. |
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Prevent Lyme: Check for Ticks
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. As you spend time outdoors, it is important to check yourself, loved ones and pets for ticks and be aware of the symptoms of Lyme disease and other tick-related ailments.
The first line of defense against Lyme is to take precautions outdoors by treating clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin, using insect repellent, and avoiding wooded and brushy areas with high grass or leaf litter. When you return indoors, check your clothing, gear and pets for ticks; shower as soon as possible after being outdoors; and check your body for ticks, particularly in areas such as under the arms, in and around the ears, back of the knees and other similar areas.
If bitten, an individual should monitor the area for the appearance of a bull’s eye rash, though the rash does not develop in all cases. Early symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, fatigue, headache and muscle aches. However, symptoms may progress to arthritic, neurologic and cardiac symptoms if not treated.
Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by the bite of a blacklegged tick or deer tick. If you pull a tick from yourself, a loved one or your pet, you may have it tested to determine if it carries Lyme or other tick-borne diseases. More information about how to get a tick tested at the East Stroudsburg University Tick Lab is available here.
Learn more about Lyme disease symptoms, treatment and prevention here.
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Grants Available to Protect At-Risk Wildlife, Native Plants
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is now accepting applications for the 2026 Wild Resource Conservation Program (WRCP), which offers grants to support research and conservation projects that protect Pennsylvania’s native wildlife, plants and ecosystems.
The program will invest more than $500,000 in projects across the Commonwealth that support conserving non-game animals, native plants and fungi, and invertebrates such as insects — species that are often left out of traditional conservation programs but are vital to the Commonwealth’s ecosystems.
The deadline to apply is June 30. For additional information and a link to apply, click here.
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Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. By consistently following safe driving and riding practices and sharing them with others, all motorists can help reduce the number of motorcyclist fatalities on America’s roads.
The following are safe driving and riding practices that all road users – vehicle drivers and motorcyclists alike – should follow to help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our roadways:
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Observe all traffic laws and always obey the speed limit. |
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Drive and ride alcohol- and drug-free. |
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Avoid distractions while driving or riding. |
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Drivers should yield to motorcyclists, especially while turning at intersections. |
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Motorcyclists should wear high-visibility protective gear. |
One other significant step that motorcycle riders can take toward promoting road safety for all motorists is completing a rider education and training course. Please visit www.pamsp.com to learn about Pennsylvania’s free motorcycle training courses.
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