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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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It’s Official! HB 1877 Signed Into Law
I'm grateful to share that my House Bill 1877 has officially been signed into law, establishing Pennsylvania's State Seal of Biliteracy!
This new law recognizes graduating students who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language, expanding access to the Seal of Biliteracy across the Commonwealth.
Biliteracy is a valuable skill that helps prepare students for college and careers while making them more competitive in today's workforce at no cost to taxpayers.
This industry-recognized state seal would promote college and career readiness and boost job opportunities for graduating students — by as much as 35%, according to Empirica.
I'm especially grateful for the bipartisan, unanimous support this bill received every step of the way. This legislation was inspired by my high school Spanish teacher, making this achievement especially meaningful.
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Republicans Announce 10-Bill Energy Package
This week, I joined House Republicans in unveiling a 10-bill package to ensure affordable and reliable electricity. These bills aim to increase energy production, lower electricity costs, strengthen grid reliability and position Pennsylvania as the nation’s energy leader.
This package reflects House Republicans’ continued commitment, and my own. We have to prioritize Pennsylvanians and keep the lights on and costs down for our communities.
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Supreme Court Moves to Protect Girls’ Sports
In a monumental ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 this week in favor of state efforts to separate sports based on biological sex. This clears a path for states to enact laws consistent with Title IX protections. Despite House Democrats’ repeated efforts to block legislation that would protect our girl athletes, the PIAA and school districts across the Commonwealth now have the authority and the responsibility to act.
House Bills 158 and 1849 (my Dad’s Defending Daughters legislation), along with Senate Bill 9, have been shuffled from committee to committee over the last year as Democrat leaders have painstakingly worked to avoid a vote on the issue. This week, the bills were moved from the House Judiciary Committee to the House Health Committee.
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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Happy 250th Birthday, America!
This Saturday’s Independence Day is extra special as we mark our nation’s 250th birthday.
It is a time to reflect on the enduring spirit that has carried our nation through challenge, change and possibility. This milestone also invites us to celebrate the courage, creativity and resilience that generations have poured into building our country and making it what it is today. While celebrating this weekend, please take a moment to honor where we’ve been and look forward with hope to what we can accomplish together in the years ahead!
Check out this message from me and my fellow legislators wishing you a happy fourth!
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Use Caution with Fireworks
Many of us enjoy celebrating our nation’s independence by watching public displays of fireworks, or by setting off our own.
If you choose to set off your own fireworks, be smart, be careful and be considerate of your neighbors. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission offers the following safety tips for using fireworks:
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Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. |
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Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, even sparklers. |
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Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly. |
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Never point or throw fireworks at another person. |
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Never pick up or try to relight fireworks that have not fully ignited. |
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Never use fireworks after consuming alcohol or other substances that impair judgement or the ability to act quickly. |
For details about the state’s fireworks laws, click here.
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Office Closures for Independence Day
As we prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday, please note my legislative offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of the holiday.
Additionally, PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed on Saturday, July 4. Anyone planning to do business at PennDOT’s Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg or the Pittsburgh Driver License Center should be aware they are closed on Friday, July 3.
PennDOT customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.
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Fish for Free on Independence Day!
This Saturday, July 4, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will host a Fish for Free day to allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways. No license is required, but all other fishing regulations apply. This is a great way to expose the next generation of anglers to the outdoors! More information about fishing in Pennsylvania is available here.
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Upcoming District Event
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Show Me Your Photos of the 47th!
It’s that time of year again! The 47th Legislative District is a beautiful and vibrant community. Help showcase our rich history, natural beauty and economic opportunities of the 47th Legislative District through YOUR eyes by sharing photographs that capture the spirit of the 47th.
Photo submissions from ALL ages and skill levels are open through July 17, at 11:59 p.m.!
Public voting will start Aug. 4 and will conclude Aug. 25, at 11:59 p.m. Photographs with the most votes will win one of three prizes. Learn more about the contest and rules here.
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