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| The Barb Wire |
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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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2024 Veterans Appreciation Breakfast
I was humbled and privileged to host veterans this morning at the Army Heritage Education Center, in honor of Veterans Day. I want to thank all involved and those who served our great country who were in attendance today. We watched the Chambersburg NJROTC Color Guard post the colors as they go on to state and national competition. We heard from the new U.S. Army chaplain, Col. Eric. Albertson, who gave the invocation and benediction, retired Col. Frank Hancock brought the house down with an awesome first-hand combat experience retelling. And Jo Gavin, from the Quilt of Valor Foundation, presented World War II hero retired Col. Lee Burcham, United States Air Force, with a Quilt of Valor. The program ended with Commander Donald Reoder, MD, U.S. Navy veteran and Cumberland County Honor Guard performing TAPS.
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Election Day This Tuesday
This Tuesday, Nov. 5, is Election Day! Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Click here to verify your polling place for in-person voting.
Voters who have chosen to vote by mail-in or civilian absentee ballot must have those ballots back to their county board of elections no later than 8 p.m. on election day. If you choose to deliver it in person, you can only return your own ballot, not anyone else’s. And no one can deliver your ballot on your behalf unless you are a voter with a disability and have designated someone, in writing, to deliver your ballot, or if you need an emergency absentee ballot. Click here for more frequently asked questions about elections from the Department of State.
More information about voting is available at vote.pa.gov.
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Carlisle Road Closure
The intersection of Carlisle Springs Road and North Hanover Street at the railroad tracks will soon be closed for approximately seven to 10 days. This closure is expected to begin on Thursday, Nov. 7.
During the closure, traffic should follow the detour signs posted by PennDOT. Traffic wishing to remain on state roads can also use Cavalry Road.
This temporary road closure is part of the final phase of the Carlisle Connectivity Project. More information and updates about the project can be found here.
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PPL Electric Utilities’ Price to Compare Changes Dec. 1
PPL Electric delivers electricity to its customers, but it doesn’t own the power plants where that electricity is generated. For those customers who don’t choose an alternative energy supplier, PPL Electric must secure enough electricity to power its customers’ homes and businesses through competitive energy auctions held twice per year. The auctions are designed to secure the lowest costs for electricity under our default supply plan approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). PPL Electric’s default supply rate, also known as the Price to Compare (PTC), changes twice a year.
PPL Electric’s new Price to Compare will go into effect on Dec. 1, 2024:
• Residential customers: The new default rate is 10.771¢/kWh, up from the current price of 10.040¢/kWh.
• Small business customers: The new default rate is 10.446¢/kWh, up from the current price of 9.237¢/kWh.
If approved by the PUC, the new default rate will be in effect from Dec. 1, 2024, through May 31, 2025. This is the price customers should use to compare offers from alternative energy suppliers.
Shopping for energy supply:
All customers have the option to shop around and choose the energy supplier that is right for them. Customers are encouraged to use PPL Electric’s Price to Compare as a reference point to compare offers. Customers can shop by visiting the PUC’s PaPowerSwitch.com website.
PPL Electric reminds customers to carefully read the terms and conditions to understand the price, expiration dates, potential cancellation fees and any other conditions that may apply.
For current default supply rates and shopping tips, visit pplelectric.com/shopping.
Tips to manage energy bills:
PPL Electric offers many programs and tools to help customers manage their energy costs and save money. These resources include:
• Making bills more predictable and affordable with budget billing, payment plans and due dates to fit your budget.
• Saving energy used at home or work through no-cost and low-cost energy-saving programs and products. Residential customers, let one of PPL Electric’s energy advisors guide you with a free virtual home energy audit.
• Providing bill assistance or support programs if you need help paying your bill. PPL Electric has programs and payment arrangements to help every family in need, regardless of income.
• Stay up to date on PTC changes by signing up for alerts on pplelectric.com/alerts.
Access the one-stop digital tool kit at: pplelectric.com/SeasonalSavings.
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November Consumer Financial Protection Events
The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) will be hosting and participating in presentations for groups of senior citizens, service providers and the public throughout the month of November to promote financial capability and provide investor education.
November outreach events, in partnership with the listed organizations, will be held in person and are open to the public unless otherwise noted. Events in Cumberland County include:
• Investing 101: Investing 101 is an introduction to saving and investing. Topics to be covered include why we need to save and invest, the difference between saving and investing, types of investments, the “power” of compound interest, investigating before you invest, technology and investing, and diversification.
o Cleve J. Fredericksen Library, 100 N. 19th St., Camp Hill (Cumberland County) on Nov. 7 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. For additional information contact Amanda Scharrer at ascharrer@cumberlandcountylibraries.org.
Learn more about the free, non-commercial programs and presentation available, or contact us to request a program tailored to your specific needs.
Visit the department's calendar of events to find an event near you. Consumers and community groups can call 1-800-PA-BANKS or email?informed@pa.gov?for more information.
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PPL Electric Utilities Plans to Rebuild Existing 500 kV Transmission Line in Carlisle
The rebuilt transmission lines will connect PPL Electric’s Juniata Substation in New Bloomfield to a new substation, proposed to be built off Country Club Road in Carlisle. As part of the rebuild project, a section of an adjacent existing 69 kV transmission line will be relocated. The rebuilt transmission lines are located in Silver Spring and Middlesex townships, Cumberland County, as well as Rye, Carroll and Centre townships, Perry County. The improvements are needed to provide a new power supply for a customer in the Carlisle area.
The new lines will consist of steel poles designed to weather to a dark-brown protective coating. Based on preliminary engineering, it is anticipated the 500 kV poles will range in height from 90 to 260 feet, with an average height of approximately 200 feet and the 69 kV poles will range in height from 50 to 120 feet with an average height of approximately 85 feet.
They are hosting an informational open house for area residents on Nov. 19, at the Bongiorno Conference Center, 430 Union Hall Road, Carlisle, PA 17013. Project teams will be on hand to share information about the project and answer any questions you may have. There is no set agenda for the open house nor presentations, so feel free to visit at your convenience anytime between 6 and 8 p.m.
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Grants Awarded in the 199th
Congratulations to our area grant recipients of funding for Local and Municipal Projects in the 199th!
Local Share Account Grants recipients include:
• South Middleton Township Municipal Authority will receive $90,000 for hydrogeologic planning.
• Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation, on behalf of the Shippensburg University Foundation, has been awarded $323,381 for the purchase of updating lab equipment used in the university’s chemistry, biotechnology and engineering labs.
• Letort Regional Authority will receive $331,834 to reconstruct two footbridges in South Middleton Township, along a connector to the Letort Nature Trail from a parking area on Bonnybrook Road.
• Newville Water and Sewer Authority will receive $848,250 for the construction of an additional water tank and booster upgrades in West Pennsboro Township.
• North Middleton Township, on behalf of North Middleton Police Department, has been awarded $157,275 to purchase three new patrol vehicles, including the necessary emergency kit upgrades.
Public School Facility Improvement Grants recipients include:
• Carlisle Area School District has been awarded $500,000 toward the Carlisle High School window and HVAC replacement project.
• Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technology Center will receive $330,000 toward its HVAC upgrade project.
• East Pennsboro Area School District has been awarded $500,000 for the East Pennsboro High School roof replacement project.
• South Middleton School District will receive $1 million for the Boiling Springs High School window replacement project and connectivity upgrades.
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Juvenile Justice Reforms Become Law
Two new laws adopted by the General Assembly aim to help ensure the juvenile justice system is working as it should to protect public safety and hold offenders accountable, while also aiming to steer young offenders away from committing future crimes.
Act 107 of 2024 requires more frequent review hearings of juvenile offenders who are in detention centers to determine whether their progress is consistent with the placement plan. The hearings will now occur every three months, rather than every nine months.
Act 108 of 2024 addresses how juveniles can seek expungement of their criminal record. Previously, a juvenile was only eligible for expungement for most misdemeanor crimes after waiting five years. Now, the wait time will be two years. It is still a five-year wait for those convicted of felonies, misdemeanor firearms crimes and indecent assault.
Both laws are based on recommendations made by Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Justice Task Force.
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Don’t Forget to ‘Fall Back’ Saturday Night
Daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3. Be sure to turn your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.
It’s also a good time to check or change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in your home. In addition to regular battery changes, experts say the alarm devices should be replaced every 10 years to better ensure your safety.
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‘Tis the Season to Watch for Deer
With deer becoming increasingly active, and daylight-saving time soon to put more vehicles on the road between dawn and dusk, when deer move most, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is reminding motorists to slow down and stay alert.
Data from around the country indicates Pennsylvania drivers face some of the highest risks of a vehicle collision with a deer or other large animal. A recent report shows Pennsylvania led the country in animal-collision insurance claims in fiscal year 2023-24. The same report indicates Pennsylvania drivers have a 1-in-61 chance of a vehicular accident involving a big game animal, one of the highest rates nationwide.
Drivers can reduce their chances of collisions with deer by staying alert and better understanding deer behavior. Be especially alert in “Deer Crossing” areas, and remember deer tend to travel in family groups, so if you see one deer, more are likely coming. For more information about what to do if you hit a deer, click here.
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.
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Oh, Say, Can You Sing?
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is a little more than two months away, and the Department of Agriculture is inviting Pennsylvania singers to enter “Oh, Say, Can You Sing?” a star-spangled sing-off to win a chance to sing live at the event.
Each morning, from Jan. 4-11, the Farm Show will start by featuring an individual or group singing the national anthem live. Top vote-getters may also be selected to sing at special events, such as the opening ceremony on Jan. 6.
The contest is open to Pennsylvania residents of all ages, both individuals and groups, and the deadline for submissions is Nov. 17. For details, including how to enter, click here.
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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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