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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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House Hearing on Second-Degree Murder Sentencing
Last week, I had the privilege of participating in the House Republican Policy Committee hearing about statutory second-degree murder sentencing and the irresponsible solution the House majority party proposed.
During the hearing, I asked testifiers whether current sentencing practices could put communities at risk… their answers were concerning. You can watch the exchange below:
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Fighting Government Overreach
I recently joined more than 80 of my fellow House members in submitting formal comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) calling for the withdrawal of the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s proposed rewrite of regulations that govern communicable and noncommunicable diseases in the Commonwealth.
The 502-page proposal is reminiscent of COVID lockdown-era policy and represents an unprecedented expansion of bureaucratic control, threatening the constitutional liberties, medical privacy and parental rights of citizens across the Commonwealth. Our formal comment letter highlights several alarming provisions within the proposal, including:
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Broadly expanding mandatory vaccine reporting and allowing increased access to private medical records. |
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Granting health officials the authority to enter school buildings and interview minor students privately for disease-control investigations without clear parental knowledge or consent. |
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Providing the ability to enter private residences for disease control investigations while remaining silent about whether a search warrant is required prior to entering a residence. |
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Expanding protocols for contact tracing, isolation and quarantine, while raising concerns over unilateral executive powers to re-impose mask mandates or other coercive measures. |
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Attempting to permanently establish sweeping public health powers through the regulatory process rather than through open legislative debate. |
Click here to read our comment letter.
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Connecting With and Listening to Neighbors and Local Businesses
A look at some of my recent visits in the 47th.
I was able to join The Manufacturers' Association and their partners to commemorate their new Automation Training Center and Robotics Lab. Manufacturing is the No. #1 industry in the 47th and innovation in manufacturing is commonplace in York County.
It was great to tour Like-Kind-Quality (LKQ) Corporation in Conewago Township last week! LKQ specializes in recycled and re-manufactured auto parts. They employ well over 600 workers across Pennsylvania, including their Conewago Township and York Haven locations.
I dropped by Wrightsville to check out the plans and beginning stages of construction of its new kayaking and fishing pier. Once completed, this will add to the appeal of one of the best river towns around.
I recently joined Fair Oaks Wealth Management for its ribbon-cutting ceremony. Welcome to the 47th!
It was a pleasure to join Lucy Jacobs of Manchester Township for her 100th birthday celebration. Lucy is the youngest of 16 children and worked at a machine shop for 43 years. Happy birthday, Lucy!
Earlier this month, I toured York Day Early Learning to discuss with its leadership its successes as well as the regulatory hurdles it faces daily. It’s always fun to interact with the youngest constituents of the 47th!
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Veteran’s Appreciation Breakfast: Registration Now Open
Veterans of the 47th District: Register for our Nov. 6 Veterans Appreciation Breakfast by Oct. 26 or until seats are filled!
Veterans and one guest are invited to attend this FREE event.
RSVP to RepJoeD.com/events or call 717-840-4711.
Join us as we honor and thank the veterans of the 47th Legislative District for their service and sacrifice.
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Free Student Aid Guide, Webinars Available
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is reminding high school students and their families that its 2027-28 PA Student Aid Guide is now available to help them navigate the college planning process.
The PA Student Aid Guide is Pennsylvania’s most comprehensive financial aid publication, offering in-depth information on the federal student aid process and details about Pennsylvania’s aid programs, including the need-based PA State Grant Program. It is available to all students and families at no cost.
The online version of the PA Student Aid Guide is interactive and provides links to information on grants, scholarships, loans, work study programs and more. The online version, along with a link to view and print a PDF file of the guide, is available here.
Also, in honor of National College Savings Month in September, PHEAA is joining the Pennsylvania Treasury Department in encouraging families to take advantage of upcoming webinars about financial aid and tools to save for higher education:
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PFBC Offers Fishing, Boating Grants
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is accepting applications for two grant programs key to building on the Commonwealth’s outdoors heritage.
The Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) Education Grant offers school districts, universities and colleges, community and civic groups, sporting and conservation organizations, and local recreation departments up to $25,000 in funding for projects to promote new and renewed interest in fishing and boating. Learn more here.
The Boating Facility Grant Program provides grants for planning, acquisition, development, expansion and rehabilitation of public boating facilities located on the waters of the Commonwealth. Eligible applicants include townships, boroughs, counties, municipalities and nonprofit organizations such as land trusts, conservancies and watershed groups. Learn more here.
The application deadline for both grant programs is Dec. 1.
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Help Stop Suicide
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to remember and honor those lost to suicide and to try to save lives by educating ourselves about the signs of suicide.
Those signs include feelings of hopelessness or of being a burden to loved ones, sleeping too little or too much, withdrawing or isolating oneself, and starting or increasing use of alcohol or drugs. A full list of warning signs and tips from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is available here.
If you or someone you know is in imminent danger of self-harm, call 911. Help is also available by calling 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
To learn more about suicide risks and how to help someone in crisis, visit www.preventsuicidepa.org.
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Keeping Kids Safe in the Car
In recognition of September being Child Passenger Safety Month, parents and caregivers are reminded to ensure children are correctly buckled in the right seats for their age and size.
State law requires children up to age two to be secured in a rear-facing car seat, while children under the age of four must be restrained in an approved child safety seat. Children must ride in a booster seat until their eighth birthday. Parents are also reminded that due to potential dangers associated with air bag deployment, children age 12 and younger should always ride buckled in a vehicle’s back seat.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends keeping a child in a car seat for as long as possible, provided the child fits within the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements.
Learn more here.
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