Emailed Newsletter - September 30, 2025

September 30, 2025


 
Capitol Report
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The latest news from the State Capitol
 
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link
 
District Happenings


Be sure to check out my Facebook page for a recap of district events and celebrations, including:

  •   Shredding your documents at my Paper Shredding Event.
  •   Visiting the Milford Farmers Market.
  •   Celebrating the dedication ceremony for the Pedranti Pavilion in front of the Milford Community House.
  •   Attending the 8th Annual Keyfoods Rev It Up community event to benefit the Pike County Veterans Affairs.
 
 
Fraudulent Texts Target Pennsylvanians in Refund Scam

The Pennsylvanian Department of Revenue issued a warning this week about a phishing scam involving fraudulent text messages that impersonate Revenue officials and attempt to trick recipients into sharing sensitive personal and financial information.

Similar reports have surfaced in Philadelphia, where the city’s Department of Revenue has also seen residents targeted by deceptive texts. These messages often include links to fake websites and request banking details under the pretense of processing a refund.

Officials advise all taxpayers to verify the status of their refund only through official channels. Taxpayers can check the status of their refunds online by visiting the department’s official online tax hub, myPATH, or by calling 1-888-PATAXES. Taxpayers will be prompted to provide their Social Security number and requested refund amount to obtain the current status.

To protect yourself: 
  •   Do not click on links from unknown or suspicious senders.
  •   Never share your Social Security number, bank account details or other personal information via text.
  •   Report suspicious messages or calls to the Department of Revenue at 717-425-2495, Ext. 72267.

To verify potentially fraudulent contact from the department or to report suspicious activity, visit revenue.pa.gov.
 
 
Don’t Miss Out on PA’s Fall Foliage!


Pennsylvania residents and visitors will get a new way to plan their autumn adventures as the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has launched a redesign of its weekly fall foliage reports.  

An updated report will be posted every Thursday during peak foliage season on DCNR’s website. It will feature a fresh design, dedicated pages for each week, and detailed information by region. DCNR experts will also be available to provide regional insights and answer questions throughout the fall:

Visitors can also explore Pennsylvania’s fall offerings through Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway, a statewide campaign highlighting public lands, scenic drives, festivals, pick-your-own farms, and family-friendly autumn activities. Be sure to check out these options to enjoy all our Commonwealth has to offer!
 
 
Nominate Your Favorite Trail


If you have a favorite trail that provides unique opportunities, encourages and celebrates diverse user groups, or enhances your community, please nominate it for Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year.

Each year, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and its Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee (PTAC) designate a Trail of the Year to help build enthusiasm and support for trails and raise public awareness about the economic, environmental and health benefits trails bring. The winning trail will be recognized through a commemorative poster for statewide distribution, a trailhead marker along the trail, and a grant for educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection on the trail.

Click here to nominate your favorite trail. The deadline for nomination is Friday, Oct. 31.    
 
 
PennDOT Invites Pennsylvania High School Students to Join Ninth Annual ‘Innovations Challenge’


The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is inviting high school students throughout the state to participate in this year’s PennDOT Innovations Challenge, which encourages students to use their problem-solving, creative and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world transportation challenges in a competition among their peers.

For this year’s challenge, students are asked to develop a concept for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in work zones to dramatically improve safety for work crews and road users. The concept must outline how PennDOT can use smarter systems to prevent accidents and protect those who are working to build a better Pennsylvania.

The Innovations Challenge is open to all students in grades 9-12, regardless of their school’s learning model. For complete Innovations Challenge details, click here. The submission deadline is Jan. 30, 2026.
 
 
Raising Cancer Awareness


Among many designations, the month of September is recognized as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Blood Cancer Awareness Month, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, and Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month.

It is an important reminder for all Pennsylvanians, regardless of age, to be aware of changes in their health that may indicate the development of cancer or other illness or disease. The American Cancer Society offers valuable resources to help people educate themselves on cancer risks and symptoms at www.cancer.org. Of course, you are encouraged to consult with a doctor for a specific diagnosis.
 

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