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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 the Life of Wendell Kay
I offer my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Wendell Kay. Wendell was a true gentleman and dedicated community leader whose decades of service left a lasting impact on Wayne County. From his years as Commissioner and County Solicitor to his work with our local libraries, schools and nonprofit organizations, his commitment to public service was unwavering. My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
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District Happenings
Be sure to check out my Facebook page for a recap of the recent 4th of July events, including the Lake Ariel Volunteer Fire Company parade, the Hawley 4th of July parade. Rick Shema’s 5th Annual Flag Raising ceremony and the Breakfast in a Bag fundraiser by the PA Order of the Eastern Star!
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Budget Talks Need to Look Beyond This Year’s Spending
The 2025-26 fiscal year is now underway, and the Commonwealth does not yet have a budget in place to guide spending over the next 12 months.
Overall spending remains a key sticking point, as Gov. Josh Shapiro and majority Democrats in the House are pushing to spend far more than we anticipate collecting in revenues during the next year. Depleting the state’s emergency and reserve funds, and relying on new taxes on skill games and legalizing recreational marijuana, is not sustainable budgeting.
While we focus on getting spending under control this year, House Republicans are also focused on long-term solutions. We must enact policies to grow the economy, boost the energy industry, eliminate fraud and waste in the state’s benefits programs, and ensure our students – the future leaders of our Commonwealth – get the kind of education they need to succeed.
Watch Republican Leader Jesse Topper’s comments on the issue here.
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Last Week…
Unanimous! My bill, House Bill 18, which addresses guardianship disputes and seeks to make Pennsylvania’s guardianship system more responsive and protective of the rights and needs of incapacitated individuals passed the House by a vote of 202-0, and heads to the Senate. Now, it only needs an affirmative vote before the full Senate and then the Governor's signature. You can watch my comments below:
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Burdensome Child Care Regulations are Failing Families, Businesses
The availability of affordable, quality child care is a significant challenge facing many families across the Commonwealth. Overregulation of the industry is a big reason why.
The House Republican Policy Committee recently held a hearing about the issue, taking testimony from Aaron Riggleman of the PA Chamber of Business and Industry, Jen Segelken of the YMCA of Greater Philadelphia, and Ambria Salavantis of Small Wonders and Wilkes-Barre Academy.
All agree Pennsylvania’s child care regulations are not only excessive, but they also lack flexibility and common sense. As a result, child care providers are being driven out of business. At the same time, the child care crisis is taking an immense toll on parents – especially working moms and dads – who are desperate for safe, reliable child care but are met with waitlists and closures.
Watch the hearing here.
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Legislation to Protect Firefighters’ Income Passes House
Recently, I joined in the unanimous support of a bill to exempt length-of-service awards for volunteer firefighters from state income taxes.
At a time when fire companies are struggling to meet personnel needs, length-of-service awards are a valuable recruitment and retention tool. The hardworking men and women who put their lives on the line to protect public safety in communities across the Commonwealth should not have to give up a portion of that award to state government.
House Bill 1306 would exclude distributions from a length-of-service award program from the definition of income for purposes of the Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax.
More than 90% of Pennsylvania’s 2,400 fire companies are volunteer based. We owe a debt of gratitude to these dedicated men and women who sacrifice their time and personal safety to protect us.
The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration
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Fun for All Ages Awaits at PA Fairs
Summer is in full swing, and so is Pennsylvania fair season! Communities across the Commonwealth are hosting dozens of fairs featuring food, fun and entertainment, as well as competitive exhibits highlighting animals, produce, crops, crafts, baking and more.
To plan your fair visit, check out the 2025 PA Fair Guide here.
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Upcoming District Events
My staff and I have a lot of events planned in the coming months. More details to follow, but here is a sneak peek:
September 5: Senior Expo and the Dingman Township Volunteer Fire Department in Milford
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