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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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Funding Secured for Wallenpaupack
Earlier this week, I announced that the Wallenpaupack Area School District will be receiving an $85,000 grant to update or purchase equipment for training of students in approved career and technical education (CTE) programs. The grant is from the Competitive Equipment Grants Program, through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
Skilled trades jobs are in short supply, so we must invest in high-quality training programs to give our students the most advantages possible. “We must make sure our students are well-prepared for the workforce, and I’m excited to see the school district receive this money and enhance the hands-on learning opportunities for the students.
To qualify for funding, school districts and career and technical centers must have eight or more PDE-approved CTE programs.
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Concealed Carry Seminar
We had a packed house and a great discussion on firearm safety and Second Amendment rights last week. A special thank you to Wayne County PA District Attorney A.G. Howell and Wayne County PA Sheriff's Office Chris Rosler for their informative presentations, and to the Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department for hosting us and helping to make this event possible.
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Harrisburg Happenings
I had the opportunity to meet with many groups in Harrisburg this week. Be sure to check out my Facebook page for a recap of the visits, including:
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The one, the only Punxsutawney Phil! |
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Wayne County Sheriff Chris Rosler and Pike County Sheriff Brian Vennie. |
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Penn State Extension representatives. |
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Pennsylvania Bankers Association. |
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Pennsylvania Association of Realtors. |
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Penalties for Using Handheld Devices Take Effect This Weekend
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 5, 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.
Read more here.
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New Law Supports Mothers, Babies
Working to ensure women and families have access to safe, high-quality care throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery, I recently supported legislation that will modernize state laws governing midwives.
Act 14 of 2026 updates licensure requirements for certified midwives, improves collaboration with physicians and expands prescription authority in certain circumstances. The law also addresses healthcare shortages in rural and underserved communities by expanding the number of trained professionals available to provide maternal care services.
Licensed midwives are an integral part of our healthcare provider workforce, as they care for individuals during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and the first 28 days of a newborn’s life. They help identify high-risk pregnancies; monitor women and support them during labor and the birthing process; and teach new and expectant mothers how to care for their babies.
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Remembering D-Day
Tomorrow marks the 82nd anniversary of the Normandy landings during World War II, otherwise recognized as D-Day. D-Day marked the beginning of the final push across Europe to defeat Axis forces during World War II, with more than 10,000 Allied soldiers killed or wounded in that battle alone. For a full history about D-Day, click here.
I wish to extend a special heartfelt thank you to the men and women who served that day, and our gratitude to those who did not come home. Your legacy is not forgotten.
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Attention Students: House Fellowship Program Taking Applications
The Pennsylvania House Legislative Fellowship Program is accepting applications for its fall 2026 semester.
The program is based at Pennsylvania’s Capitol Building in Harrisburg where fellows are assigned to work in House standing committees or leadership offices; are compensated for their work (which may also include college credit); and are provided the opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces, to name a few.
Qualified applicants must be undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students, or law school students; enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
For more information or to apply, visit www.pahousefellowship.us. Applications can be submitted via email to pahousefellowship@pabmc.net. The deadline to apply for the fall term is July 1.
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Junior Game Warden Camps Provide Hands-On Learning
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is holding one-day Junior Game Warden Camps across the Commonwealth, providing those who attend a structured, fun-filled day learning about the career of a Pennsylvania state game warden.
One of the camps will be held on Thursday, July 30, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Moscow Sportsmen’s Club, 230 Union Mill Rd. Covington Township, PA 18444. Registration is limited to 45 participants.
Campers will spend the day with game wardens, gaining insight into the job and the Game Commission’s mission of managing and protecting the state’s wildlife and habitats while promoting hunting and trapping. Campers will join wardens in light physical fitness activities, confidence-building exercises, hands-on learning stations and more.
The program is open to youths ages 12-15 who have not attended a camp held previously. Registration can be completed online.
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Leave Young Wildlife Alone
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is reminding those spending time in the great outdoors to leave young wildlife alone.
While some young animals might appear to be abandoned, usually they are not. It’s likely their mothers are watching over them from somewhere nearby. When encountering young wild animals, whether deer, birds, raccoons or something else, the commission says the best thing you can do is leave them alone.
Interfering with or removing any wild animal from its natural setting can be harmful to both people and wildlife. It also is illegal to take or possess wildlife from the wild. Under state law, the penalty for such a violation is a fine of up to $1,500 per animal.
Only wildlife rehabilitators, who are licensed by the Game Commission, are permitted to care for injured or orphaned wildlife for the purposes of eventual release back into the wild. For those who find wildlife that truly is in need of assistance, a listing of licensed wildlife rehabilitators can be found on the Pennsylvania Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators website, www.pawr.com.
If you are unable to identify a wildlife rehabilitator in your area, contact the Game Commission by phone at 1-833-PGC-WILD or 1-833-PGC-HUNT.
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