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| The Barb Wire |
| #Listrak\DateStampLong# |
The latest news from the State Capitol |
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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It’s Time to Act on Voter ID Constitutional Amendment
With a voter identification constitutional amendment having languished in committee for nearly a year, despite bipartisan support for the concept among both the public and lawmakers, House Republicans have launched a discharge petition in an attempt to advance the measure.
Under the rules of the House, discharge petitions require the signatures of at least 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans to be successful. With 22 House Democrats previously having supported voter ID, I am hopeful we can finally put this question to the voters so they can have the final say.
Requiring ID each time a person casts a ballot would help prevent election fraud, including voting under a fictitious registration, voting multiple times by registered voters in multiple states, impersonating another voter and illegal immigrant voting. There is broad support for expanded voter ID requirements, with a 2021 poll by Franklin & Marshall College showing 74% of Pennsylvanians in favor. This includes 95% of Pennsylvania Republicans, 47% of Pennsylvania Democrats and 77% of Independents.
View Monday’s press conference about the issue here.
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Congratulations Hopewell Fire Company No. 1!
I was happy to attend the check presentation at Newville’s Friendship Hose Company No. 1 when they formally accepted a grant in the amount of $8,644.18 from Energy Transfer, which aided in the purchase of equipment to enhance the department’s emergency response capabilities.
Friendship Hose Company No. 1 is a combination department with fire, rescue and emergency medical services serving five municipalities in Cumberland County and is the only rescue service in a 22-mile stretch between the boroughs of Carlisle and Shippensburg.
The grant was used to purchase a Firefighter Assistance Search Team (FAST) board rescue system and search lights for the department’s response apparatus. FAST boards are utilized to rapidly remove downed patients from areas of grave concern while requiring rescuers to expend less energy, with the use of smooth, rounded bottoms and a built-in webbing harness. The new LED search lights replace antiquated halogen lights, along with new mounting brackets.
Thank you, Energy Transfer, for supporting the great work our first responders do in our district!
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January/February 2024 Economic Brief
January economic data was delayed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics until March, thus, this Economic Brief includes data for both January and February. Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate has held steady at 3.4% for the sixth straight month, despite the U.S. unemployment rate reaching 3.9% in February. Nationally, inflation saw a slight increase of 0.1%; conversely, the bimonthly Pennsylvania inflation report showed a drop of 0.5% to 3.4%. After a January drop in gas prices, February showed a slight increase. Electricity prices were also slightly up and remained above the national average. More information can be found here.
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Governor’s ‘Energy Plan’ Just Another Tax on PA Families
Pennsylvania is the nation’s largest energy exporter, and we have the potential to do so much more to power not only our Commonwealth but our country as well. However, that potential will never be reached if Gov. Josh Shapiro’s “energy plan” is enacted.
Last week, the governor unveiled a proposal that would remove the Commonwealth from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), but only if the Legislature adopts his own cap and tax plan that would have the same devastating impact on energy growth and production, costing us valuable job opportunities and negatively impacting the energy supply here and across the nation.
The governor’s proposal is just another tax on our hard-working families, and it basically tells energy producers they aren’t welcome here. This plan is bad news for consumers and the Commonwealth.
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Bills Aim to Support, Promote Startup Initiatives Across Pennsylvania
A group of state House Republicans this week announced a package of bills designed to support and promote startup initiatives across the Commonwealth.
Aiming to capitalize on Pennsylvania’s many assets, including talented, hard-working people and an ideal geographic location, the measures aim to ensure our Commonwealth can compete with the Silicon Valley, New York, Boston and other startup-friendly areas.
The bills would designate March 18-24 as Commonwealth Startup Week; establish the Student Startup Incubator Network to empower student entrepreneurs to build their companies here; establish the Task Force on Startup Venture Opportunities; provide uncapped and non-expiring operating loss deductions to in-state startups; establish the Startup Investment Tax Credit to connect startups to early-stage investors; leverage the power of the Research and Development Tax Credit to incentivize technology research by startups; restore the Commonwealth’s funding for venture investment back to a level commensurate with the technology sector’s importance; and build a robust venture ecosystem in Pennsylvania to develop home-grown startups.
Read more here.
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Mentored Youth Trout Day Saturday
Just a reminder this Saturday, March 30, is Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day across the Commonwealth.
To participate, youth anglers (those under the age of 16) must have either a free Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License. More information about the mentored youth program, as well as a link to obtain a permit or license, is available here.
Next Saturday, April 6, is the first day of trout season. If you haven’t already, be sure to buy your fishing licenses and permits and get your gear organized. Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) online at fishandboat.com or the FishBoatPA mobile app for more information.
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Make Plans for April 8 Solar Eclipse
With Pennsylvania one of only 13 states in the “path of totality” for the April 8 total solar eclipse, residents and people planning to travel to the state are being encouraged to plan ahead for viewing this rare astronomical event.
The path of the eclipse will impact Pennsylvania starting at approximately 2 p.m. as the moon travels in front of the sun. At approximately 3:16 p.m. to 3:20 p.m., totality will occur in the northwest region, including Crawford and Erie counties, as well as portions of Mercer and Warren counties. At the same time, the remainder of the state will see the moon covering 90% to 99% of the sun. The eclipse will conclude at approximately 4:30 p.m.
To assist Pennsylvania residents and out-of-state visitors traveling to the City of Erie, which will experience one of the longest periods of darkness, PennDOT has developed an event specific 511PA page at 511pa.com/eclipse24. The page offers various suggested routes to help drivers traveling to the area during what is expected to be a high-traffic period.
To help find a location to watch the eclipse or learn about related events happening in the City of Erie and throughout Erie County, go to the VisitErie Eclipse 2024 page.
A variety of resources related to the eclipse are also available through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.
Additional details are available here.
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Free Shredding Event in the 199th
Take steps to protect your identity by safely shredding old documents containing sensitive information. On Saturday, April 6 from 9 a.m. to noon, Sen. Greg Rothman will host a free document shredding event at the Second Presbyterian Church, 528 Garland Drive, Carlisle 17013. For more information visit here.
Please note, there is a limit of five boxes per household. For your convenience, residents will be asked to stay in their vehicles.
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District Office Closed Good Friday
Our district office will be closed on Friday, March 29.
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Happy Easter!
Wishing everyone celebrating Easter this weekend a blessed and holy day filled with hope and peace.
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| Office Locations |
| District Office: 437 E North Street | Carlisle, PA 17013 | Phone: 717-249-1990 |
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| 427 Irvis Office Building | House Box 202199 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2199 | 717-772-2280 |
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