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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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State Grant Awarded to Address Spongy Moth Infestation
I was pleased to join Sen. Lisa Baker in announcing a $400,000 state grant to help address the severe spongy moth infestation in Pike County. The two of us worked with county officials to obtain the funding through the Department of Community and Economic Development.
The spongy moth, formerly known as the gypsy moth, has caused significant tree mortality and defoliation statewide. Pike County reported a high presence of spongy moth this year, with mapping by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) indicating the serious threat posed by the pest locally will continue for several years.
This is a major issue for Pike County and its residents, businesses and developments. At the urging of the Pike County commissioners, and in collaboration with Sen. Baker, I am thrilled to be able to offer the county some relief. I worked very hard alongside the senator to secure this funding to help our constituents.
The county will use the grant to create a cost-share program for landowners seeking aerial application to suppress the spongy moth. Although DCNR does treat portions of state lands, there are currently no state cost-share or local residential spraying programs, leaving landowners on their own when it comes to taking care of a spongy moth outbreak.
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New Law Aims to Boost Early Literacy
Recognizing reading as the foundation of education success, I am pleased to report legislation I supported in the House to boost early literacy has been signed into law.
Statistics show half of Pennsylvania fourth graders are reading below their grade level. In fact, results of the Future Ready PA Index, released earlier this week, show a decrease from 54.5% to 53.9% proficiency in English Language Arts. Proficiency rates in math and science increased slightly.
Since childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and limit our children’s chances at success, it is important we are proactive in advancing child literacy and intervening with students who may need additional help.
Act 135 of 2024 requires the Department of Education to develop and maintain a list of evidence-based reading curricula on its website that must be aligned with academic standards and the science of reading. It also requires the creation of a Reading Leadership Council to develop and maintain lists of approved reading instruction curricula, structured literacy professional development training programs, universal reading screeners and structured literacy intervention approaches.
The law takes effect in 90 days.
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House GOP Elects Leadership Team for 2025-26 Session
With the 2025-26 Legislative Session set to begin Dec. 1, I joined my fellow members of the House Republican Caucus at the state Capitol last week to elect our new leadership team.
Rep. Jesse Topper of Bedford County (center) is the newly elected Republican leader and previously served as Republican chairman of the House Education Committee.
Other members new to the leadership team include Rep. Jim Struzzi of Indiana County (second from right) as Appropriations Committee chair, Rep. Clint Owlett of Tioga County (far left) as caucus secretary and Rep. David Rowe of Snyder County (far right) as House Republican Policy Committee chair.
Members returning to the leadership team include Rep. Tim O’Neal of Washington County (third from left) as whip and Rep. Sheryl Delozier of Cumberland County (second from left) as administrator. Rep. Martina White of Philadelphia County (third from right), who previously served as secretary, was elected caucus chairman for next session.
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Heating Assistance Program Now Open
With cold weather knocking at the door, residents who struggle with their home heating bills are reminded they can now apply for assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service.
The income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP are set at 150% of the federal poverty income level. For example, the gross income limit for an individual is $22,590 and for a family of four it is $46,800.
Residents may apply for LIHEAP online at www.compass.state.pa.us, by phone at 1-866-550-4355 or by contacting the County Assistance Office in their county of residence.
Click here for additional information. The program runs through April 4, 2025.
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DHS Warns of Potential EBT Cards Scam
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is informing Pennsylvanians of a potential text message scam targeting individuals who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The text claims the user’s EBT card has been deactivated and directs the user to call a number to reactivate it. This is a scam. DHS will never text an individual to say that an EBT card has been deactivated.
Please report any texts or calls about DHS benefits that seem suspicious by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).
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Apply Now for Senior Community Center Grants
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) is now accepting applications for $2 million in new competitive grant funding opportunities for Pennsylvania’s Senior Community Centers (SCCs).
The grants are for projects aimed at increasing participation and programming, attracting a new generation of older adults, and enabling centers to provide a safe and healthy environment for local seniors.
All applications and required documentation must be submitted electronically by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13. To learn more about the grant program and how to apply, click here.
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