Emailed Newsletter - October 17, 2025

October 17, 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 all district events and celebrations, including:

  • Dining at the Gouldsboro Volunteer Fire Co. meatloaf dinner.
• Visiting the Gouldsboro Train Station’s pumpkin patch.
• Shopping at the Western Wayne Craft & Artisan Fair.
• Supporting the Canaan Christian Academy pizza party fundraiser.
• Volunteering at The Ecumenical Food Pantry of Pike County.
 
 
How Do I Vote by Mail in PA?

Voters unsure if they can or want to go to the polls to cast their ballot on Election Day next month have the option of voting by mail instead.

Your first step should be checking your voter registration status to ensure you are registered and your information is up to date. If you are not currently registered, the last day to do so is this Monday, Oct. 20.

Once you’ve confirmed your registration status, you can apply for the mail-in ballot. Applicants must provide a driver’s license or PennDOT identification number, if you have one. If not, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number and upload your signature (if applying online).  

To apply online, or to download a paper copy of the application, click here.

You may also apply in person at your county voter registration office. If your county’s ballots are available, you could also vote at that time, assuming your mail-in ballot application is approved.

The deadline to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28. The deadline to return your ballot to your county election office is 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4. Additional information about voting by mail is available here.
 
 
DCNR to Host Virtual Workshop for Recreation, Conservation Grant Program


The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will host a free, virtual grant workshop next month for those seeking funding assistance for a new park, trail or conservation project.

The workshop will be held Thursday, Nov. 6, from 9 a.m. to noon., and is especially suited for local governments, nonprofits and community groups interested in applying for funding through the 2026 Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

The workshop is free, but pre-registration is required to ensure participants receive needed materials. To register, visit the DCNR Calendar of Events here.

A recording will be made available on the DCNR YouTube channel for those who cannot participate.
 
 
Ways to Protect Yourself Online


October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Online safety is about more than just your computer. It helps safeguard personal information, finances, workplaces and more. Here are steps you can take to stay safe online:

Keep Software Updated: Updates protect your devices from the newest threats. Turn on automatic updates in your phone, computer and apps so you don’t forget.

Use Strong Passwords: A strong password is long (16 characters or more) and includes a mix of letters, numbers and symbols. Never reuse the same password on different accounts.

Use a Password Manager: A password manager creates and stores strong passwords for you, so you can use a unique one for every account without having to remember them all. It also helps protect against fake login pages by only filling in your password when the website address is correct, giving you a warning if something looks suspicious.

Turn on Multifactor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds a second step when signing in, like entering a code from your phone or tapping a fingerprint. Turn it on for your email, bank, social media and shopping accounts.

Watch Out for Phishing: Be alert for fake emails or texts that try to trick you into clicking links or sharing personal information. Signs include urgent messages (“Your account will be closed!”), misspelled addresses (like “Amaz0n.com”), or requests for personal info. When in doubt, delete the message and contact the company directly.
 
 
PennDOT Seeks Feedback on Construction, Maintenance Services

Pennsylvania drivers have a couple more days to weigh in on PennDOT’s construction and maintenance services.

The agency is inviting residents to participate in an online survey, open through Oct. 21, that includes 22 questions about how respondents receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Participants will also be asked about their experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state's 511PA traveler information services.  

The survey is available here.
 
 
Move Over!


This Saturday, Oct. 18, is National Move Over Day. Every state, including Pennsylvania, has laws in place requiring motorists to move over and slow down for emergency or disabled vehicles.

Drivers must move over or slow down for all responders, including police, fire, and ambulance crews, as well as stopped tow trucks and maintenance vehicles. Additionally, a similar regulation requires motorists to move over or slow down when approaching a stationary trash or recycling truck.

If drivers approaching an emergency response area are unable to safely merge into a lane farther away from the scene, the law requires drivers to pass the area at a speed of at least 20 miles per hour under the posted speed limit.

An emergency response area is where an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, or where road crews or emergency responders use lighted flares, signs or other methods to try to warn travelers.

Click here to learn more.
 

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