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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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Creating Separate Playoffs for Public and Private Schools
A long overdue piece of legislation was considered this week that would make the PIAA state playoffs fairer. House Bill 41 would compel the PIAA to split the PIAA championships into separate divisions, one for public schools and one for nonpublic schools. Despite my staunch support for school choice, I've witnessed too many instances of public schools, which are bound by geography, falling victim to a team in the state playoffs with a roster filled with players from outside of their locale. Check out my comments below:
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District and Harrisburg Happenings
Be sure to check out my Facebook page for a recap of district events and celebrations, including:
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Welcoming Hopping Eagle Brewing Company to their new location in Hawley. |
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Celebrating with area FFA students at the Wayne/Pike Farm Bureau’s Spring Scholarship Dinner. |
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Presenting a Certificate of Recognition to the incredible fire and EMS first responders of Lackawaxen Township. |
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Meeting with the Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers to discuss issues affecting rural healthcare centers. |
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Watch Out for These Social Media Scams
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), people reported losing $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025.
Shopping scams were the most reported scam on social media. Scammers post ads offering high-priced items for cheap. If you click, you might end up on a site that’s impersonating a well-known brand.
More than half of the reported losses came from investment scams. Scammers use ads and testimonials offering to teach you a fool-proof way to beat the stock market. But investing always comes with risk.
Nearly 60% of people who reported losing money to a romance scam in 2025 said it started on social media. Scammers use what’s in your profile to build a connection only to later invent a problem that requires you to send them money.
To avoid scams on social media:
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Limit who can see your posts and contacts. Visit your privacy settings to set restrictions so scammers have less to work with. |
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Never let someone you meet on social media direct your investment decisions. Instead, learn more about spotting investment scams. |
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Before you buy, check out the company. Search online for its name plus “scam” or “complaint.” |
Learn more ways to spot and avoid scams at consumer.ftc.gov/scams. If you spot a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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Where are They Now?
If you’ve been following our efforts to protect the rights of girls and women in sports, you might be wondering about the bills and where they are now.
Back in late December, the House Education Committee again dodged a vote on the measures by re-referring both the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act(House Bill 158) and the Dads Defending Daughters bill (House Bill 1849) to the House Judiciary Committee.
Earlier this week, without notice and without even identifying the names of the bills or allowing any debate, majority House Democrats on the Judiciary Committee re-referred the bills to the House Health Committee.
It is a travesty the majority in the House refuses to give citizens a voice on this topic.
Polls indicate 80% of people, regardless of political party, support women’s sports being for biological women only. Athletic competitions give women the opportunity to demonstrate their strength and skill, while also providing opportunities for recognition ranging from accolades to college scholarships. We owe it to our female athletes to ensure these rights and opportunities are protected.
Join us in support of this effort by signing the “I Believe” promise at defendingdaughters.com.
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Key Dates for Upcoming Election
Pennsylvania’s primary election is coming up on Tuesday, May 19. Voters will have the opportunity to choose their party’s candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. House of Representatives, state House and Senate (in even-numbered senatorial districts), as well as state and local committee members.
This Monday, May 4, is the deadline to register to vote. You may register online here or visit your county voter registration office. Not sure of your registration status? Check it here.
Tuesday, May 12, is the deadline to apply for mail-in or absentee ballots, which also may be done online or at your county elections office. Ballots must be completed and returned to your county election officials by 8 p.m. on May 19.
More information about voting and elections in the Commonwealth is available here.
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Honoring PA’s Gold Star Families
A new memorial paying tribute to fallen military heroes and their families was officially dedicated at the state Capitol last week. The Gold Star Memorial was created after passage of Act 145 of 2024,
This permanent fixture gives Gold Star families a place to gather, reflect, pray and share in fellowship with one another while honoring the sacrifice of their beloved service members. It also serves as a powerful reminder to all of us that our heroes live on through the impact they made. We honor the bravery of those who served and the steadfast strength of the families who supported them. Freedom is never free, and we remain forever thankful.
Highlights of the dedication ceremony are available here.
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Keep PA Beautiful, PennDOT Invite Students to Join Young Ambassadors Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful are inviting environmentally conscious students in grades 10-12 to help preserve Pennsylvania’s natural resources through the Young Ambassadors of Pennsylvania program.
The program empowers young Pennsylvanians to train and learn from leaders across the private sector, state government, local media, and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to protect Pennsylvania’s environment and build leadership and problem-solving skills.
Ambassadors will learn about topics related to the impact of litter on roadways, litter prevention, waste management and recycling, civic engagement and public policy, volunteer management, and social media marketing.
For more information and how to apply, click here.
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Government Entities Eligible for Railway Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation has opened a round of funding for Railroad Crossing Elimination grants, which are also known as the Crossing Safety grants. Eligible projects include those that are relocating railroad tracks or closing a grade crossing.
The program will host a webinar on Wednesday, May 6. Applications are due Monday, June 8. Learn more at this page.
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Upcoming District Event
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