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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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Stay Safe in Winter Weather
With the winter weather this weekend for many areas of the state, including our own, it’s a good time to make sure your vehicle is ready before driving in harsh winter conditions.
Make sure your vehicle is in good working order, such as checking fluid levels; that the heater and defroster are working properly, as well as your radio in order to receive weather and traffic reports; tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth; and wipers and lights are working.
Try to avoid traveling in severe winter weather, but if you must go, bring a winter emergency travel kit, including a blanket and warm clothes, jumper cables, small shovel, first aid kit, medications for you and your passengers, and water and nonperishable food. A full list of suggested items is available here.
Also, keep these safe winter driving tips in mind: Slow down and increase your following distance; avoid sudden stops and starts; beware of black ice – roads that look wet but are actually frozen; use extra caution on bridges and ramps, as they tend to freeze first; do not use cruise control while driving on snow-covered roads; remove snow and ice from windows and mirrors; and do not pass or get between trucks plowing in a plow line.
Be sure to remove snow and ice from the hood and roof of your vehicle. Under state law, if snow or ice from your vehicle strikes a vehicle or person and causes death or injury, you can be ticketed. Click here for more information about winter driving safety.
Also, be sure to call first if you plan on visiting my offices when the weather is questionable or there are school delays, to make sure we are open and available.
Be safe out there folks! |
Applications for 2026 Pennsylvania House Scholarship Available
High school seniors interested in receiving financial assistance to help pay for college can now apply for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Scholarship.
Each year the program awards a four-year scholarship to two students preparing for post-secondary education. It is open to graduating high school seniors who are Pennsylvania residents with plans to attend a Pennsylvania college, university or career school as a full-time student.
To qualify, students must have attained a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average in high school. Other factors taken into consideration for the awards are a student’s commitment to community, leadership qualities, extracurricular activities and financial need.
The scholarship program is administered through the Foundation for Enhancing Communities. Click here for more information and an application. The deadline to apply is April 15.
The scholarship is privately funded by individual and corporate donors; no tax or other public funds are used. Scholarships are awarded through an independent panel of judges chosen by the foundation. |
Property Tax Relief Available Through Homestead Exclusion
You may be missing out on property tax relief through the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion Program. Under the Taxpayer Relief Act, the Commonwealth provides property tax reduction funding to school districts, which is applied through a homestead or farmstead exclusion. Most owner-occupied homes and farms are eligible, but only a primary residence qualifies for the tax reduction.
To receive school property tax relief for tax years beginning July 1 or Jan. 1, applications must be filed by March 1 of the preceding year. Once approved, homeowners do not need to reapply annually. For more information about the program, click here.
Applications must be filed through the tax assessment office in the county in which you reside.
More information from Berks County may be found by clicking here.
Homeowners should verify they are not already enrolled before submitting an application. The program is supported through state gaming funds.
Contact my offices for additional information or assistance. |
Applications Open for Youth Camp
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), in collaboration with the Pennsylvania National Guard and American Legion, is seeking applicants for its annual youth camp. The Elmer Hafer-American Legion-State Police-National Guard Youth Camp will be held June 7-13, at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County.
The six-day program is for teenagers ages 15-17 who are interested in exploring careers in Pennsylvania law enforcement or the military. Cadets will take part in a wide range of hands-on learning experiences and physical fitness training designed to build their understanding of law enforcement, as well as their confidence, teamwork and leadership abilities.
Applicants must be 15-17 years old at the start of the camp. Candidates should be physically fit, in good health and maintain a strong academic record. Cadets are sponsored by local American Legion posts, so there is no cost to participate.
More information is available at pa-legion.com, where applicants also can access the online application. |
Blood Donation Saves Lives
Did you know that every two seconds in America, someone urgently needs blood? January is National Blood Donor Month, an opportunity to both honor voluntary blood donors and encourage new donors to help save lives. National Blood Donor Month was first designated by proclamation of President Richard Nixon on Dec. 31, 1969.
The start of the new year is one of the most challenging times to collect blood products as the threat of winter weather builds and can often lead to widespread blood drive cancellations. In addition to winter weather, an active cold and flu season may prevent people from keeping donation appointments as they rest and recover from illness.
Only 3% of Americans currently donate blood. Learn more about blood donation and where to donate here. |
Does Your Home Contain Radon?
January is National Radon Action Month. An estimated 40% of Pennsylvania homes have higher levels of radon than national safety standards, due to the state’s geology. However, residents can perform a simple test to detect this gas, which is considered the second leading cause of lung cancer.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally from the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks and enters homes through cracks in the foundation or other openings. High levels of radon tend to be found in basements, but the gas can be found anywhere in the home.
Winter is a good time to test for radon, because doors and windows are generally closed, providing more accurate results. Simple radon test kits are inexpensive and available at home improvement and hardware stores.
Click here for additional information. |
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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