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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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Curbing Soaring Healthcare Costs
Earlier this year, I urged Attorney General Dave Sunday to take action against pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their role in increasing healthcare costs for Pennsylvanians. I’m grateful that the Attorney General heard my concerns, along with many others who have spoken up about this issue.
Read more about the lawsuit here.
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Our Office Helped Constituents File More Than $70,000 in Unclaimed Property
Over the past 40 days, my office has identified more than $70,000 in unclaimed property belonging to constituents and businesses — including nonprofits in the 47th District. We’ve submitted claims to help return these funds to their rightful owners—many of whom were unaware this money was owed to them.
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 Many times, this property goes unclaimed because of simple mistakes, like misspelled names or out-of-date home addresses.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 or a relative have unclaimed property:
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Submit online at PATreasury.gov/Unclaimed-Property. |
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Call the Treasury at 800-222-2046. |
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Call my office at 717-840-4711 or use my website contact form for assistance. |
This is money that already belongs to you — it’s time to get it back in your hands.
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Tackling E Bike Safety Concerns with Local Leaders
This week, I hosted an e-bike policy and safety roundtable with members of the York County delegation and regional police. E-bikes have presented many challenges for both law enforcement and our drivers. It was an informative time working towards viable solutions for the community.
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Walking with the York Area Down Syndrome Association
It was an honor to stand alongside Danny’s incredible “A” Team at the York Area Down Syndrome Association’s annual Buddy Walk to raise awareness and show support for an amazing community.
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Touring JLS Automation LLC in Springettsbury
It was my pleasure to visit one of the nation's leaders in robotic packaging systems right here in Springettsbury Township. JLS Automatic LLC was founded in 1955 and employs around 120 people. They are innovators in product handling, case packing and cartoning. Thank you, Craig and team, for having me!
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Skill Games Update
A PA Supreme Court ruling that deemed skill game machines to be illegal slot machines in the Commonwealth took effect earlier this week after no legislation to properly authorize and regulate them was enacted.
The court issued its ruling in June but placed a 120-day stay on the decision to give lawmakers time to address the issue. The stay ended on Oct. 13.
Skill games have been around in the Commonwealth for more than a decade, used in small businesses as well as veterans and other social clubs to generate revenue to help keep their doors open and support community initiatives.
Majority House Democrats, who are in control of the House agenda, have failed to call up legislation that could have helped our small business owners, veterans, emergency responders and others by allowing the games to stay in place. Primary points of contention have been how much to tax the machines – Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a 52% tax – and how to spend the revenue that would be generated.
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Voter Registration Deadline Oct. 19
The 2026 General Election is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The ballot includes candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. House of Representatives, and state House and Senate (in even-numbered senatorial districts).
If you are not already registered to vote, the deadline to do so is Monday, Oct. 19. You may register in person at your county elections office, by mail or by visiting the state’s online voter registration website.
The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 27. Completed ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
For more information about voting in the Commonwealth, including how to check your registration and voting location, visit www.vote.pa.gov.
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Veteran’s Appreciation Breakfast: Registration Open
Veterans of the 47th District: Register for our Nov. 6 Veterans Appreciation Breakfast by Oct. 26 or until seats are filled! U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, brigadier general, U.S. Army (retired), will be the special guest speaker.
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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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, domestic violence affects an average of 24 people per minute. Statistics show one in four women (24.3%) and one in seven men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the United States have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month aims to help people recognize and put a stop to this pattern of abusive behavior used to establish power and control over an intimate partner, causing both physical and emotional harm. Victims may be subjected to abuse, harassment, threats, vandalism, trespassing, burglary, theft and stalking.
As one of the most chronically underreported crimes, domestic violence affects men and women in all racial, ethnic, religious, educational, social and economic backgrounds.
More information about domestic violence and services available to help victims is available here.
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Help Available During Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare’s annual open enrollment period is underway, and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) is reminding people they can receive free, unbiased help understanding their options by talking with specially trained Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) counselors.
PA MEDI counselors can help older adults make informed health insurance decisions that best fit their needs and budgets. They can also determine if an older adult may be eligible for any of Pennsylvania’s Medicare cost-savings programs, such as PACE/PACENET or Extra Help.
The counselors do not sell insurance products, nor do they endorse or recommend any insurance company, product or agent.
Call your local Area Agency on Aging or locate a PA MEDI event in your area by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s website. More information is available by calling the toll-free PA MEDI helpline at 1-800-783-7067 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Medicare Open Enrollment lasts until Monday, Dec. 7.
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Looking for a Career in Law Enforcement?
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is accepting applications from people interested in a rewarding career in public service as a state trooper.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid driver’s license from any state. They must be at least 20 years old at the time of application, and they must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached age 40 upon entry into the PSP academy.
Applications for the current cadet hiring cycle should be submitted via the Commonwealth’s employment website by Nov. 27.
For more information on becoming a state trooper, including applicant requirements and job benefits, visit PATrooper.com.
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House Archives Internship Opportunity
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives Internship Program is currently accepting applications for the spring 2027 semester.
The 13-week internship is based at the Pennsylvania State Capitol and focuses on teaching archival processes and procedures, which include arranging and describing paper-based collections, housing materials in a safe and secure manner, and preparing finding aids for potential researchers using ArchivesSpace. Additionally, interns learn techniques on preparing and installing museum displays, photographing objects and much more.
At the time of the internship, students must be attending a college or university in Pennsylvania OR be a resident of Pennsylvania; be a second-semester junior, senior or graduate student; and have a GPA of at least 3.0. Both full-time and part-time opportunities are available, and interns are paid $12 per hour.
For more information or to fill out the application, click here. Applications are due by Sunday, Nov. 1.
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Pumpkin Palooza: Where Gourds Go Glam
Put your artistic talents to the test by entering a painted or carved pumpkin in the PA Preferred Pumpkin Palooza contest, hosted by the PA Department of Agriculture.
To be eligible, pumpkins must be purchased from a Pennsylvania farm, market or pumpkin patch. Enter your creation in one of three age categories: child (11 and under), youth (12-17) or adult (18+).
Email a photo of your pumpkin to agcontests@pa.gov by Oct. 26. The subject line should say “PA Pumpkin Palooza Entry” and the message must include your name, age, hometown, county, contact information, and the PA farm or market where you bought your pumpkin. Participants must give the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania permission to use your name and photos of your submission; those under the age of 18 must have the consent of a parent/guardian.
Click here for more details!
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