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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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In the Fifth
Visiting Penn-Bernville Elementary
This week I was able to tour Penn-Bernville Elementary School in the Tulpehocken School District and learn about the district’s AgSTEM Campus, which prepares students in career-oriented subjects like agricultural education, physical and life sciences, and veterinary technology. Thank you, Superintendent Dr. Andrew Netznik, for inviting me!
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Touring Reading Area Community College
I had a fantastic tour of Reading Area Community College (RACC)! It was a pleasure to see firsthand the incredible opportunities it provides to students in our community. I am pictured here with the esteemed RACC president, Dr. Susan Looney, and the dedicated vice president of workforce development, Teri Lampe Melcher. Thank you both for your warm welcome and for the insightful look into RACC's commitment to education and workforce development! |
South Heidelberg Township PD Annual Report
I attended the South Heidelberg Township Police Department's annual report meeting, and it was truly insightful! They provided a comprehensive overview of their law enforcement activities, initiatives and impressive accomplishments throughout the past year, along with a detailed look at the community's current crime statistics. It's incredibly reassuring to witness the dedication and hard work of the South Heidelberg Police Department firsthand. (Pictured are Chief J. Matthew Hook and Det. Sgt. Rob Heiden). |
Visiting Berks County Intermediate Unit
It was a privilege to recently join the Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) leadership team for an engaging discussion on the vital role of Intermediate Units and the impactful programs and services offered by BCIU.
A highlight of the meeting was learning more about BCIU’s Pathways to Adult Living Program, a commendable initiative providing secondary students with disabilities invaluable school-based vocational training. Connecting with some of the remarkable students enrolled in this program was truly inspiring. My sincere gratitude goes to Dr. Jill Hackman for the kind invitation to witness firsthand the dedication and innovation driving BCIU. |
Leaders and Legends Dinner
It was a privilege to attend the 2025 Leaders and Legends Dinner benefiting the Olivet Boys and Girls Club of Reading and Berks County, a truly inspiring evening dedicated to celebrating remarkable young people and the steadfast community that empowers them. Beyond acknowledging this vital support, all funds raised from the event will directly contribute to summer camp operations, offering transformative experiences to our community’s children and teens. Being part of an occasion that supports the potential of our youth and invests in their futures was incredibly rewarding. |
Community and Economic Development across Berks County
I was able to attend the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance State Legislative Breakfast, where some of my fellow elected officials and I were able to speak on connecting community and economic development across the Berks County region and across Pennsylvania. Thank you for the invitation and for the opportunity to connect with the community!
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Touring Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge
I had the amazing opportunity to tour Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge in Rehrersburg. PAATC offers faith-based, comprehensive addiction treatment programs to men and women. It is amazing to see the important programs and services located in our district to better understand their needs and support them in our community and in Harrisburg. |
Hosting a Concealed Carry Seminar
This week, we held our Concealed Carry Seminar for constituents of the district to provide valuable insights on gun laws, safe firearm handling and what to expect when interacting with law enforcement.
Thank you to all who attended and a special thank you to Sheriff Mandy Miller from the Berks County Sheriff’s Office for her expert instruction. |
Celebrating the Spring Appreciation Series
I was able to attend the Miller Keystone Blood Center’s (MKBC) second annual Spring Appreciation Series, which recognizes the MKBC Local Leader award recipients, high school and college blood drive sponsors, generous corporate and foundation supporters and others whose dedication is vital to their lifesaving mission.
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Remembering our Fallen Police Officers
It was a profound honor to attend the Berks Lodge #71, 2025 Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Service this past week.
The service served as a powerful reminder of the immense sacrifice made by the brave men and women who have tragically lost their lives while protecting our communities.
Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten. We owe them and their families a debt of gratitude that can never truly be repaid.
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Growing Greener Plus Grant Program Accepting Applications
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The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now accepting applications for a new round of Growing Greener Plus grants.
This opportunity includes three grant programs, which are intended to address nonpoint source pollution through local, watershed-based planning, restoration and protection efforts. These include:
• Growing Greener Watershed Restoration and Protection Program grants are to restore impaired waters and protect waterways from nonpoint source pollution.
• Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act Grants are intended to help treat abandoned mine discharge sites.
• Act 167 Stormwater Management Planning Grants are to assist in the preparation of stormwater management plans.
Growing Greener grants can be awarded to watershed groups, local or county governments, municipal authorities, county planning commissions, county conservation districts, councils of governments, educational institutions or nonprofit organizations. Applications are due by Friday, June 20. Learn more about the program and application process here.
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Agricultural Deer Program Changes Adopted
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The Pennsylvania Game Commission has adopted four changes to the agency’s agricultural deer control permit program, which allows farmers to address deer damage through hunters harvesting additional antlerless deer on enrolled farms and in longer hunting seasons. The program aims to expand accessibility to agricultural deer depredation programs and provide opportunities to hunters.
Most notably, the rule limiting hunters to four agricultural deer permits, also known as “ag tags” or “red tags,” to harvest antlerless deer for any particular property is removed. Additionally, the time frame during which the tags can be used is more than doubled. A brief closure will be held during the peak of fawning season in spring and early summer.
With ag tags now permitted during regular deer seasons, hunters using those tags will be limited to using the sporting arms allowed in those seasons. Otherwise, hunters may use any lawful sporting arm.
Finally, those who apply to enroll their farms in the program will be required only to certify they are the owner or lessee of both the agricultural interest adversely affected by deer damage and the hunting rights to be covered by the permit. Previously, to be eligible, applicants had to supply a deed or a lease agreement.
Read more here.
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Mental Health Awareness Month
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and continuing the fight against the stigma people face when seeking help.
In Pennsylvania, mental health services are administered through county Mental Health and Developmental Services programs. To learn more about mental health care in Pennsylvania, click here.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
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Let's Get Connected
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Our District
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Web Site
rep .com
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| Office Locations |
| District Office: Reading Regional Airport - Main Terminal, 2501 Bernville Road, Box 4, Reading, PA, 19605 | Phone: (610) 378-4407, FAX: (610) 378-4412 | Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
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| Capitol Office: 432 Irvis Office Building, Harrisburg, Pa 17020-2005 | PO Box 202005 | Phone: 717-772-9940 |
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