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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 Our Veterans
This Tuesday, Nov. 11, we recognize Veterans Day by remembering the sacrifices these men and women made on behalf of our citizens and people around the world.
Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, first marked the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, and sought to honor the veterans of the World War – the only world war to have occurred at that time. Armistice Day was declared a national holiday in 1938 to acknowledge world peace and then was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to celebrate the contributions of veterans of all wars.
For more about the history of Veterans Day, click here.
For more information about programs and benefits to support our veterans in Pennsylvania, visit the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website here.
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PennDOT Service Centers Close for Veterans Day
All PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
During the closures, customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, through PennDOT's online Driver and Vehicle Services website.
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Protecting Custody Rights of Deployed Military Parents
Parents who serve their country should never lose custody or visitation simply because they answered the call to duty. That’s why I was honored to vote in favor of a new law protecting a parent’s rights during military deployment.
Act 40 of 2025 fixes Pennsylvania child-custody law by preventing any permanent modification of custody or visitation orders while a parent is deployed. The law stops litigants from using the fact of deployment as a reason to alter existing custody arrangements. It also allows parents to delegate visitation rights during deployment and encourages continued communication between parents and children through modern means, such as video calls, when in-person contact is not possible.
The law will take effect in late November.
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New Law to Help Veterans, Students
Pennsylvania schools need teachers, and Pennsylvania veterans will soon be able to put their education and experience to work in the classroom under a new state law.
Act 41 of 2025 makes it easier for veterans to obtain a teaching certificate related to their direct experience in various career and technical education (CTE) fields. Specifically, the law requires the Department of Education to issue a CTE Intern or CTE Instructional I Certificate to a veteran who has served in the United States Armed Forces for a minimum of 8,000 hours in the occupational area to be taught.
This will open new pathways for veterans to become educators and share their valuable hands-on skills and expertise with our students. It’s a win for all involved!
The law will take effect in late December.
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A Boost to Education Savings in November for Youngest Pennsylvanians!
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced a statewide incentive for Keystone Scholars in November which will give children an even bigger head start on education savings!
Families who claim their child’s $100 scholarship from Keystone Scholars in November and open and link their own companion PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account will get an additional $50. Taking this action in November results in initial education savings deposits of $150.
Keystone Scholars provides a $100 scholarship for every child born in Pennsylvania since 2019. This money grows alongside the child and will be available to use after their 18th birthday for costs associated with four-year degrees, community college, technical training, apprenticeships and credential programs.
To learn more, visit PA529.com/keystone.
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District and Harrisburg Happenings
Be sure to check out my Facebook page for a recap of all district events and celebrations, including:
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Celebrating the new Delaware Stare Forest Resource Management Center. |
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Hosting members of the Insurance Agents & Brokers at the Capitol. |
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Attending the 23rd Annual Wayne & Lackawanna County Senior Expo. |
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Senior Expo Recap
Thank you again to the Dingman Township Volunteer Fire Department for hosting this year’s Senior Expo. Here is a quick recap of the expo – and stay tuned for another video highlighting the fire department!
Click here to watch the video.
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