Rep. Thomas Kutz

Kutz: State Budget Delivers for Cumberland County by Investing in Education, Supporting First Responders HARRISBURG— The General Assembly on Sunday approved a $50.8 billion state budget that strengthens investments in education and supports first responders, according to Rep. Thomas Kutz (R-Cumberland), a member and subcommittee chair of the House Appropriations Committee. The 2026-27 budget provides meaningful increases in education funding for every school district in Cumberland County. It also establishes a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for pre-Act 9 retirees, including municipal police and firefighters. The budget also reflects substantial investments in roads and bridges, provides support for Career and Technical Education, improves access and staffing for childcare, aids efforts to prevent human trafficking, and invests in school facilities. These investments are made while preserving all of the state’s Rainy Day fund, a key safeguard for crises and economic downturns.  “This year’s budget is balanced, protects the Rainy Day fund, and invests in our communities, our schools, and our first responders,” Kutz said. “This budget importantly avoids any new taxes—a top priority of mine and for families in Cumberland County.” “By investing in our communities and families, we can continue making Cumberland County and Pennsylvania great places to live, work, and raise a family. I am proud to support a budget that does just that,” Kutz added. Questions about the state budget can be directed to Kutz’s office at 717-975-2235.

Today we reflect on the courage, hope, and enduring spirit that shaped our nation. May this Independence Day inspire community, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to the ideals that bring us together. Happy 250th birthday, America! Let freedom ring. 🦅🇺🇸

Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.

One of my favorite days in history. The Lee Resolution was adopted by the Second Continental Congress unanimously on this date, July 2, 1776. More from the National Archives: archives.gov/milestone-docu….

Last night, the House Finance Committee unanimously voted to level the playing field, removing a $500 million tax exemption for data centers. We're supporting local control and putting our constituents first as many families across the state struggle to keep up with the rising cost of living. I introduced this measure as an amendment in committee last week and am hopeful it will soon receive consideration by the full House.

This week, the House adopted an amendment I offered to House Bill 2084, referred to as the PA Promise, aimed at giving Pennsylvania students and families clearer, more actionable information as they navigate decisions about higher education and future careers.

Government was made by the people, for the people. That's why in Pennsylvania, the process of amending the state Constitution requires such a long & in depth stretch of public input. Little known fact - since our current Constitution was adopted in 1968, there have been 44 amendments... a little under one every year and a half!

🚨ATTN Upper Allen Township🚨 🚧 Traffic Alert – Cumberland Parkway 🚧 A sinkhole has developed at 101 Cumberland Parkway near Dove's Auto Repair and is expanding into the roadway. A lane shift is currently in place to safely direct traffic around the affected area. A contractor is scheduled to begin repairs on Monday, June 15. Work is expected to take 7–10 days, though the duration may be extended if necessary. Please use caution when traveling through this area and expect delays.

According to NAEP, only one in three of our fourth graders is a proficient reader, meaning 67% of children are struggling with a foundational skill that shapes every future opportunity. Literacy matters! That's why I was proud to speak at a press conference hosted by the Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition. If we invest now, we won’t just improve reading scores. We will strengthen our economy, uplift communities, and open doors for an entire generation of Pennsylvania’s children.

My office will be hosting a Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) Program event FREE OF CHARGE tomorrow, June 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Amelia S. Givin Library in Mt. Holly Springs. RSVPs are not required! Qualifying residents are welcome to stop by with the required documentation and our staff will assist you in filling out your application. Please note. The deadline to apply has been extended to Dec. 31. Rebates will be distributed beginning July 1, as required by law.

My office is partnering with @SenMcCormickPA and his Pennsylvania staff to host mobile office hours in Mechanicsburg this Thursday, June 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m! Residents of Cumberland County and the surrounding communities are encouraged to stop by and meet with our constituent services teams for assistance with matters involving federal or state agencies. Whether you need help navigating a government program, resolving an issue, or connecting with an agency, our teams are here to help.

My office will be hosting a Property Tax/Rent Rebate event FREE OF CHARGE on June 2 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Amelia S Givin Library in Mt. Holly Springs. RSVP is not required to participate. Qualifying residents are welcome to stop by with the required documentation and our staff will assist you in filling out your application. In order for your application to be processed by the Department of Revenue, each application must be submitted with the following documentation: - Proof of Income for Tax Year 2024-2025 - Paid Property Tax Receipt (Homeowners) / Landlord Signed OR Notarized Rent Certificate (Renters) - Proof of ID

It's time to vote in the #PAPrimary in Pennsylvania. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Remember, if you are in line by 8 p.m., you can vote. 🗳️ Voting in person? Find your polling place: vote.pa.gov/Polls ✉️ Need to return your completed mail ballot? Find a drop-off location: vote.pa.gov/ReturnBallot

Fun Fact - if you walk down the House hallway you'll see portraits of all the former Speakers of the House! A fun way to honor another piece of our Commonwealth's history.

Bright & early this morning at Elmwood Academy! Thank you to the teachers & students for the warm welcome… I always enjoy opportunities to connect with our young learners & support programs that encourage a love of reading from an early age.

Today, my colleagues House Majority Leader Matt Bradford, House Republican Leader Jesse Topper, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa & I issued a statement condemning threats against the General Assembly. Political violence has no place in our Commonwealth. #PAHouse #MadameSpeaker

We must reject all political violence. All on this list are colleagues & many of them are my friends. Political differences should be debated & settled at the ballot box. Totalitarian regimes have enemy lists. We are America. 🇺🇸 🙏 youtu.be/rHtBgjForks

I’m grateful for our law enforcement who investigate these threats, and Allie and I continue to pray for the safety of public officials—of every political affiliation—and share a hope that one day we will defeat all those who wish to resolve our differences through violence.

Political violence is absolutely and unequivocally not acceptable in any form. I’m angered by those who see threats of violence as a means to effect change. When we lose sight of the humanity of those who disagree with us, we let barbaric extremism win. penncapital-star.com/justice-the-co…

Ryan Atrium part two - but this time you get to take in all the views. If you don't want to hear my commentary, watching the video on it's own is a very etherial experience, but if you're into the fun facts, volume up!