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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
This past week, I had the pleasure of celebrating America's birthday in a truly special way: by participating in the annual Wyomissing Independence Day Parade. It was a fantastic day, filled with fun and patriotic cheer! I hope everyone had a wonderful day of celebration!
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Budget Talks Need to Look Beyond This Year’s Spending
The 2025-26 fiscal year is now underway, and the Commonwealth does not yet have a budget in place to guide spending over the next 12 months.
Overall spending remains a key sticking point, as Gov. Josh Shapiro and majority Democrats in the House are pushing to spend far more than we anticipate collecting in revenues during the next year. Depleting the state’s emergency and reserve funds, and relying on new taxes on skill games and legalizing recreational marijuana, is not sustainable budgeting.
While we focus on getting spending under control this year, House Republicans are also focused on long-term solutions. We must enact policies to grow the economy, boost the energy industry, eliminate fraud and waste in the state’s benefits programs, and ensure our students – the future leaders of our Commonwealth – get the kind of education they need to succeed.
Watch Republican Leader Jesse Topper’s comments on the issue here.
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Burdensome Child Care Regulations are Failing Families, Businesses
The availability of affordable, quality child care is a significant challenge facing many families across the Commonwealth. Overregulation of the industry is a big reason why.
The House Republican Policy Committee recently held a hearing about the issue, taking testimony from Aaron Riggleman of the PA Chamber of Business and Industry, Jen Segelken of the YMCA of Greater Philadelphia, and Ambria Salavantis of Small Wonders and Wilkes-Barre Academy.
All agree Pennsylvania’s child care regulations are not only excessive, but they also lack flexibility and common sense. As a result, child care providers are being driven out of business. At the same time, the child care crisis is taking an immense toll on parents – especially working moms and dads – who are desperate for safe, reliable child care but are met with waitlists and closures.
Watch the hearing here.
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Legislation to Protect Firefighters’ Income Passes House
I recently joined in the unanimous support of a bill to exempt length-of-service awards for volunteer firefighters from state income taxes.
At a time when fire companies are struggling to meet personnel needs, length-of-service awards are a valuable recruitment and retention tool. The hardworking men and women who put their lives on the line to protect public safety in communities across the Commonwealth should not have to give up a portion of that award to state government.
House Bill 1306 would exclude distributions from a length-of-service award program from the definition of income for purposes of the Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax.
More than 90% of Pennsylvania’s 2,400 fire companies are volunteer based. We owe a debt of gratitude to these dedicated men and women who sacrifice their time and personal safety to protect us.
The bill went to the Senate for its consideration.
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Fun for All Ages Awaits at PA Fairs
Summer is in full swing, and so is Pennsylvania fair season! Communities across the Commonwealth are hosting dozens of fairs featuring food, fun and entertainment, as well as competitive exhibits highlighting animals, produce, crops, crafts, baking and more.
Upcoming Berks County fairs:
• Kempton Fair, June 12-14.
• The Berks County Fair, July 9-12.
• Kutztown Fair, Aug. 4-9.
• Oley Valley Fair, Sep. 18-20.
Other nearby fairs:
• Lebanon Area Fair, July 19-26
• Schuykill County Fair, July 28 through Aug. 2.
• Denver Fair, Sep. 9-13.
To plan your fair visit, check out the 2025 PA Fair Guide here.
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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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