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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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Working Together for the 47th District
Thank you for the opportunity to continue serving the residents of the 47th District! It is an honor to be your voice in Harrisburg. Your perspective matters so know that you can always call, email or stop by my office to share your legislative ideas, state-related concerns and questions. Your input helps shape stronger, more effective legislation and ensures that our district's priorities are represented.
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Heating Assistance Program Now Open
Residents who struggle with their home heating bills may now apply for help through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. The minimum cash grant is $200 and the maximum is $1,000. Households may receive one cash grant per LIHEAP season.
The program also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service. The minimum crisis grant is $25 and the maximum is $1,000. Households may apply and be eligible for more than one crisis grant if they experience more than one emergency per LIHEAP season.
To qualify for LIHEAP, you must meet income requirements, which are set based on your household size. For example, the maximum annual income for an individual is $23,940 and for a family of four, it is $49,500. For each additional person, add $8,520 to the income limit.
Residents may apply for LIHEAP online at www.dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS, by phone at 1-866-857-7095 or by contacting the County Assistance Office in their county of residence.
Click here for additional information. The program runs through April 23, 2027.
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Honoring Our Veterans
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, we recognize Veterans Day by remembering the sacrifices these men and women made on behalf of our citizens and people around the world.
Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, first marked the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, and sought to honor the veterans of the World War – the only world war to have occurred at that time. Armistice Day was declared a national holiday in 1938 to acknowledge world peace and then was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to celebrate the contributions of veterans of all wars.
For more about the history of Veterans Day, click here.
For more information about programs and benefits to support our veterans in Pennsylvania, visit the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website here.
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PennDOT Service Centers Close for Veterans Day
All PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
During the closures, customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, through PennDOT's online Driver and Vehicle Services website.
Our office(s) will also be closed for the holiday and reopen on Thursday, Nov. 12.
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New Laws Help Nonprofits Raise Money
I recently voted in support of two new state laws that will allow our small games of chance (SGOC) license holders —including clubs, nonprofits, and fire and ambulance companies— use more modern methods to raise money and continue supporting their communities.
Act 94 of 2026, formerly Senate Bill 416, will allow all SGOC license holders to accept credit and debit cards, as well as mobile payment services or other electronic online payments for raffles. Act 93 of 2026, formerly Senate Bill 398, will establish a pilot program for fire companies to conduct two online raffles in the upcoming year.
Prior laws limited nonprofits and fire companies with small games of chance licenses to only receive money for their fundraising efforts through cash or check, making it difficult for people to contribute. These new laws make payments more accessible, embrace new technology and broaden how these organizations are able to interact with their communities.
The new laws also increase the aggregate prize limit from $35,000 weekly to $60,000 weekly and change the distribution of proceeds for club licensees (those organizations with a liquor license) to 50% for public interest purposes and 50% for general operating expenses of the club.
Act 93 takes effect immediately, while Act 94 will take effect in late December.
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Still Time to Apply for 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
Eligible senior citizens and Pennsylvanians with disabilities have until Dec. 31 to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2025.
Income limits for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program increased again this year to $48,110 for both homeowners and renters. Remember to exclude 50% of Social Security when determining your income. The maximum rebate is $1,000.
The program is open to residents age 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older.
Remember – you do not need to pay anyone for assistance to apply for the rebates. Apply online at mypath.pa.gov, or contact my office for help. Additional information about the program is available here.
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‘Tis the Season to Watch for Deer
With deer becoming increasingly active and the return of Eastern Standard Time putting more vehicles on the road when deer move most, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is reminding motorists to slow down and stay alert.
Data from around the country has shown that Pennsylvania drivers face some of the highest risks of vehicle collisions with deer or other large animals.
You can reduce your chances of collisions with deer by staying alert and better understanding deer behavior. Be especially alert in marked “Deer Crossing” areas, and remember deer tend to travel in family groups, so if you see one deer, more are likely coming.
To report a dead deer for removal from state roads, motorists can call the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at 1-800-FIX-ROAD. If the deer is on a locally owned road, contact the appropriate municipality. More information for drivers who want to claim the deer should click here.
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