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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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Tele-Town Hall: Hearing What Matters Most to You
This past Tuesday, I hosted a telephone town hall. This event gave me the opportunity to share legislative updates and to talk directly with you. I appreciate everyone who tuned in and asked a question. Throughout the event, I asked several survey questions to better understand the issues that matter most to you. I’m happy to share the results below:
I look forward to our next Java with Joe on Thursday, Oct. 8, at my district office where we can dive more into these topics. As always, if you have legislative or state-related questions or concerns, please reach out to my office.
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Unclaimed Property Event: Oct. 9
Did you know the PA Treasury keeps track of unclaimed financial assets such as lost paychecks, unused bank accounts and more? Many times, this property goes unclaimed because of simple mistakes, like misspelled names or out-of-date home addresses.
To see if you have unclaimed property:
--Submit online at PATreasury.gov/Unclaimed-Property
--Call the Treasury at 800-222-2046.
--Call my office at 717-840-4711 or use my website contact form for assistance.
--Come to my Unclaimed Property event Friday, Oct. 9, any time from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at my district office. (No appointment or RSVP needed.)
We’re here to help! This is money that already belongs to you — it’s time to get it back in your hands.
Event attendees should bring their driver’s license/state ID and, if managing a deceased person’s unclaimed property, a death certificate.
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Just Say ‘No’ to More Government Overreach
I’m calling on the Shapiro administration to withdraw proposed Department of Health regulations reminiscent of COVID lockdown-era government policy that would infringe upon constitutional norms and civil liberties. You can join me by submitting your feedback.
As proposed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the regulations would allow government officials to institute school or community mask mandates, enter private residences without warrants and seek private health information without consent. The department also would have the authority to enter any school building to interview a student of any age in private, without notification to the parent or guardian, to gather information for contact tracing and partner services. If you’d like to read the proposed regulations in full, they are available here for review.
Policies with such significant impacts on students, families and communities should be debated openly by the Legislature, not imposed through regulation. We learned important lessons about government overreach during COVID, and we should not repeat those mistakes.
Go to my website at https://repjoed.com/comment for instructions on how to submit comments on the proposed regulations.
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Thanking Our Workers
This Monday, Sept. 7, is Labor Day, a day set aside to recognize the achievements of American workers and the vital role they play in shaping the nation’s strength and prosperity. The holiday emerged in the late 19th century as states began adopting a day to honor workers; by 1894, Congress officially established Labor Day as a federal holiday.
Today, Labor Day serves as a moment to pause and appreciate the dedication, innovation and hard work that drive progress in every community. Whether marked with gatherings, parades or a well-earned day of rest, it’s a celebration of the people whose contributions continue to move our country forward.
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Photo Contest Winners Announced!
Thank you to everyone who submitted photos for this year’s Photo Contest. It was great to see the community submit photos that highlight our district’s rich history, natural beauty and economic vitality. Thank you as well to all who took the time to vote for your favorites.
The winners are:
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1st place: George K: “Columbia Wrightsville bridge at dusk moonrise” photo |
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2nd place: Gina F: “A classic journey through the woods” photo |
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3rd place: Anastasia B: “Camp Security Park” photo |
Next year's photo contest is planned to open in the summer of 2027!
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We Will Never Forget!
Next Friday marks the 25th anniversary of one of the worst days in our nation’s history. On Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 men and women were killed in devastating terrorist attacks in New York; Washington, D.C.; and Pennsylvania. Among the dead were more than 400 first responders who ran toward the danger, rather than away, in the effort to save the lives of others.
In addition to the annual remembrance events, special programming is planned at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in lower Manhattan and Pennsylvania’s own Flight 93 Memorial to help ensure the 100 million Americans who are too young to remember 9/11 learn about the significance of the day and the stories of bravery, compassion, unity and service it produced. To further the educational effort, on Sept. 10, officials will break ground for construction of a Visitor Education Center adjacent to the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Washington, D.C.
I will be attending a remembrance ceremony presented jointly by York County and the York Suburban School District on Friday. Following the ceremony will be a symbolic stair climb at the football stadium representing the 110 floors of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers- 2,071 steps.
The House of Representatives has also produced a 9/11 Remembrance video titled “We Were One That Day.” Only six current members of the House were in office when the tragedy occurred 25 years ago, and it is interesting to hear their perspectives on what happened that day and beyond. You can watch it here.
Also, if you are in the Harrisburg area, the House Archives has teamed up with the National Park Service and Flight 93 Memorial for a 9/11 exhibit on display in the Capitol’s East Wing Rotunda through Oct. 27.
It is important we remember this horrible tragedy and honor those who lost their lives that day and in the aftermath. Share your memories and perspectives with those who did not experience it firsthand to ensure these men and women are never forgotten.
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PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Labor Day Holiday
All PennDOT driver license and photo centers, including the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, Sept. 5, through Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day.
Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.
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House to Convene in Philadelphia’s Congress Hall
On Wednesday, Sept. 9, I will take part in an historic session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
In honor of the nation’s 250th birthday – and the foundational role Pennsylvania has played in our nation’s development – the House will convene legislative session in Philadelphia’s historic Congress Hall. The hall once served as the meeting place of the United States Congress, from 1790-1800.
The legislative session will be livestreamed here starting at 5:45 p.m.
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Congrats, Emeline Strautin!
Congratulations to our constituent, Emeline Strautin, a 10th grader at Central York High School for being named a Young Ambassad++or to promote environmental sustainability in Pennsylvania!
She and her fellow PA ambassadors will develop civic leadership skills and gain hands-on experience as they champion and advocate for clean and beautiful communities across Pennsylvania.
Learn more here.
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