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I’m proud to share that my bill (H.B. 2633) to restart Pennsylvania’s school facility reimbursement program, PlanCon, which has been inactive since 2016, was approved by the Education Committee earlier this month!

Without state support, school districts have had to delay construction projects, take on additional debt, or increase property taxes. My bill would activate an updated "PlanCon 2.0" program, allowing school districts to receive state reimbursement for approved construction and renovation projects.

The goal is to ease the financial burden on local taxpayers while ensuring students and teachers have safe, modern, and adequate learning environments.

This week, the PA House also passed H.B. 2632, legislation designed to help students from the lowest-earning households in the state receive scholarships to attend private school. 

There has been a lot of misinformation circulating about this bill and what it means for students, families, and schools. The truth is this legislation is about transparency, accountability, and making sure taxpayer dollars are reaching the students who need them most by adding oversight to the program without cutting any scholarships.

Right now, Pennsylvania is investing $680 million in educational tax credit programs, but we do not have enough information about where that money is going. This bill would require participating schools to report basic information and help ensure that program funds are reaching their intended recipients.

Most importantly, it doesn’t cut a single penny from EITC.

Instead, the legislation removes the $8,500 per-student scholarship cap to expand access to students from low-income families.

It also expands eligibility to include early childhood education by allowing EITC scholarships to support Pre-K programs and childcare costs, increasing access to early learning opportunities.

These changes will help ensure that EITC funding goes to students in need.

This week, the House also passed legislation to help municipalities navigate data centers and other impactful bills. I was proud to vote YES on the following bills:

• H.B. 138 – Supporting children of incarcerated parents by ensuring children can maintain meaningful relationships with incarcerated parents when appropriate.
• H.B. 1127 – Expanding access to dental care by authorizing Pennsylvania to join the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact.
• H.B. 2224 – Limiting excessive profits for utility companies by imposing a new regulatory framework on a utility's allowable return on equity.
• H.B. 2496 – Allowing municipalities to place a 180-day pause on consideration of data center applications while they develop the proper ordinances for their community.
• H.B. 2650 – Limiting the data center equipment sales tax exemption to those that earn Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development certification.

If you’re interested in following along with what we do at the House, head here for breakdowns on the latest votes, recent enactments, and a full weekly schedule of committee meetings.

Last week, I joined my colleagues and members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus at the Capitol to celebrate Venezuelan Independence Day.

July 5 marks the anniversary of the 1811 Venezuelan Declaration of Independence, when Venezuela became the first Spanish colony in South America to declare independence from Spain. It was an honor to recognize this historic milestone and celebrate the many contributions Venezuelans have made to communities across Pennsylvania.

As we reflect on this celebration, my heart is also with the people of Venezuela following Wednesday's devastating earthquake. I am keeping the victims, their families, and everyone affected in my thoughts and prayers.

World heavyweight champion Larry Holmes was a special guest in the Pennsylvania House Chamber last week!

In 2015, Larry and his wife Diana founded Heart of a Legend, which partners with local community groups to support neighborhoods and encourage and empower the next generation of leaders. It was incredible to meet this boxing legend!

I was happy to welcome Andrew, Jodie, Chris, and Marianne Kline and Dolores Johnson to the House Chamber this week! The family won a Day at the Capitol contest, so it was great to show them around and give a little behind-the-scenes tour of what we do in Harrisburg!

I had a wonderful meeting with Bob Hoffmaster, Labor Chair of the United Labor Council of Reading & Berks County, who was in Harrisburg advocating on behalf of working men and women across our Commonwealth.

Unions play a vital role in building a stronger Pennsylvania by fighting for good-paying jobs, fair wages, safe working conditions, quality benefits, and protections that help workers and their families thrive. I appreciate Bob's advocacy and his commitment to ensuring workers have a strong voice in the workplace.

Applications for the Fall PA House Fellowship Program are due July 1!

The Fellowship Program offers students the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the legislative process. Fellows are assigned to work in House standing committees or House leadership offices and have opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with public officials, and more.

Fellows are paid, may earn college credit, and gain hands‑on experience working inside the Capitol.

Don’t wait — share with students who belong in Harrisburg this fall and send them to www.pahousefellowship.us to apply before the deadline.

Summer is officially here and there’s no better place to enjoy it than our community!

I’ve already begun my summer adventures with plenty of long walks and kayaking. I’m looking forward to supporting our local outdoor farmers’ markets, attending community festivals, and enjoying outdoor concerts.

Summer is a great time to explore all the incredible small businesses and restaurants we have in the district.

I’m grateful to represent such a beautiful, welcoming community. Have an amazing summer!

I’d like to shine a spotlight on a local business that I’m sad to see go.

Andrea and Francesco ‘Frenchy’ Amato revamped Frank’s Pizza into Fresh Frenchy’s in 2024. After a medical diagnosis turned Andrea’s health around, the couple realized there was a huge community demand for healthier food and gluten-free and vegan options.

They took their business on the road and have been operating a successful food truck for a full year! Unfortunately, this summer will be the final for Frenchy’s as the couple prepares for a fall move, but they’ll be out and about in the community until then!

I am a huge fan of their food and story. As I said, it’ll be tough to see this local business go, but there are so many incredible stories in our local small business scene, which is why I encourage shopping small and eating local!

I recently joined my fellow elected officials at a breakfast with the Berks Conservation District!

We learned more about The Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Road Program, which began in 1997 from an initiative by Trout Unlimited in conjunction with Penn State University’s Center for Dirt and Gravel Roads, the State Conservation Commission and local Conservation Districts. The goal is to reduce pollution to nearby streams while improving the rural road network.

The Reading Water Authority gave us a tour around Lake Ontelaunee to show us the city’s solar panels that produce gentle ultrasound technology to help drinking water utilities clean of harmful algae infestations.

The project works to keep our water supply clean and it was so neat to see!

I attended an event at Centro Hispano Senior Center celebrating students who recently earned their CDA certification and the childcare centers in our neighborhoods that achieved higher STARS designations.

Investing in our children is one of the most effective ways to build strong communities, close opportunity gaps, and set our youngest learners up for success.

I had the great honor of presenting our very own WWII veteran Robert ‘Bob’ Hartline with a citation for his 102nd birthday! I called Bob on his birthday on June 8 and then presented him with the citation at the Mount Penn Diner two weeks later.

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy in November 1942. After 17 months of intensive training, he earned his wings as a Naval Aviator, becoming one of the youngest aviators in United States military history, missing the distinction of being the youngest by only two days!

Bob later joined the United States Marine Corps and served honorably as a fighter pilot with squadrons VFR-1 and VMF-223 during WWII, piloting aircrafts including the renowned F6F Hellcat and attaining the rank of captain.

I’d like to thank Ronald Tiderman, a fellow veteran and Bob’s friend, for letting me know about this amazing man! Thank you both for your service. 

We’re celebrating Muhlenberg Township’s 175th and America’s 250th birthdays with a FREE concert at Jim Dietrich Park! On Sunday, July 26 from 2-4 p.m. the Ringgold Band will hold a special patriotic performance for attendees. Stop by to celebrate our incredible township and country!

My team and I are ready to help you with a range of services. Please stop by my office (4933 Kutztown Road), call us at (610) 921-8921 or email RepRusnock@pahouse.net to learn more about the services we offer and get started!

District Office

4933 Kutztown Rd.
Temple, PA 19560

(610) 921-8921

Pennsylvania State Capitol
152 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 783-3290

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