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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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District Highlights
Be sure to check out my Facebook page for a recap of District happenings. Check out the latest:
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Celebrating with Dingman Township Volunteer Fire Department at their annual banquet. |
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Enjoying Green-Dreher Lion’s Club’s Annual Night at the Races. |
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Stopping in at the Annual Convention of Township Officials of Pike County. |
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Doug, from my office, presenting certificates of recognition at the Chamber of the Northen Poconos’ Annual community Awards Banquet. |
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Being on hand to announce a $37 million USDA loan to support the new Wayne Pike Career & Technical Center. |
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Voter Hall of Fame!
Last week, it was an honor to join the Wayne County Board of Elections for their Voter Hall of Fame Ceremony, where we recognized 13 Wayne County residents who have voted in 50 consecutive elections. And this week, Jill, from my office, attended the Pike County Voter Hall of Fame ceremony. Congratulations to all this year’s honorees. Your dedication to participating in our elections and staying engaged in your community is something worth celebrating. Thank you for being an example of what civic participation looks like!
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Closing the GAP: Easing Costs and Expanding Opportunities
I was proud to stand with my colleagues earlier this week as we introduced a 10-bill package, named the Pennsylvania Growth and Affordability Plan (GAP). The bill package aims to lower costs for families, strengthen the state’s economic climate and ensure Pennsylvania remains a competitive state in which to live, work and do business.
The Pennsylvania Growth and Affordability Plan (GAP) comes in response to growing pressures on Pennsylvanians as we face rising costs for everyday essentials, including groceries, utilities, childcare and housing.
The GAP package includes targeted tax relief, measures to reduce energy and housing costs, support for working parents, and reforms aimed at strengthening business competitiveness. For example, one of the bills would lower the Personal Income Tax (PIT) in two phases and trigger an automatic refund when state surpluses, apart from the Rainy Day Fund, exceed $1 billion.
The bills are currently being circulated for co-sponsorships.
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Key Dates for Upcoming Election
The 2026 General Election is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The ballot includes candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. House of Representatives, and state House and Senate (in even-numbered senatorial districts).
If you are not already registered to vote, the deadline to do so is Monday, Oct. 19. You may register in person at your county elections office, by mail or by visiting the state’s online voter registration website.
The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 27. Completed ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
For more information about voting in the Commonwealth, including how to check your registration and voting location, visit www.vote.pa.gov.
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Bill Supports Families of Fallen Law Enforcement Officers
I recently joined in the unanimous support of legislation that would ensure the dependents of fallen municipal police officers continue to have health insurance coverage.
House Bill 911 would provide insurance to the surviving spouse of the officer for his or her lifetime, and children would be covered until age 26. The proposal mirrors the benefits already available to Pennsylvania State Police families experiencing line-of-duty deaths.
When an officer gives his or her life in service to our Commonwealth, their mourning family members should not have to worry about access to insurance benefits. The bill is now pending consideration by the Senate.
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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 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 one in three) 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.
I may have a better link tomorrow when, I presume, the next report will come out. For now, it’s the general DCNR link and the first report is posted in its “news” section.
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Where Can I See the Best Fall Colors?
Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year in the Commonwealth! If you want to do some leaf peeping, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is once again offering its weekly fall foliage reports to help you pick out the best places to visit for the best color!
The reports are available here.
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PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Columbus Day Holiday
All PennDOT driver license and photo centers, including the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, Oct. 10, through Monday, Oct. 12, in observance of Columbus Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.
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Be Smart Activity Book Contest for Students!
This October, we’re joining the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General to celebrate Financial Planning Month!
Students in grades K-12 can participate in the department’s Be Money $mart Activity Book Cover Contest. Create a drawing or design and submit it for consideration by Oct. 30. The winning submission will be announced by the auditor general at the end of the month!
Learn more, access templates and participate here.
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Grants Available to First Responders in Gas Well Drilling Areas
The Office of State Fire Commissioner is now accepting applications for its Act 13 Unconventional Gas Well Fund (UGWF) grant program.
The grants are available to volunteer and career fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and rescue companies in counties throughout the Commonwealth where unconventional gas well drilling has been permitted. A map of eligible counties is available here.
Funding may be used to acquire the specialized training, skills and equipment needed to respond to gas well-related emergencies to keep communities safe.
Applications will be accepted through Monday, Nov. 30. More information is available here.
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