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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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Barb’s Update:
The House was in session this week and Tuesday started off early with a regional caucus discussion regarding the budget. All members had ethics training this week, and we then focused on policy and votes. We have to keep in mind our state is facing a structural deficit, yet the bills that continue to cross our desks are not only requiring additional funding but are expanding existing programs.
I had the great pleasure of having dinner with Riley Gaines to discuss House Bill 158, my Women in Sports legislation. Riley is a remarkable woman filled with grace and experience beyond her years. I am hopeful the Senate will pass Senate Bill 9 (a companion to my House Bill 158) on May 5 and move the bill to the House for consideration.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited the War College Wednesday morning and spoke to the upcoming graduating class, along with other officials. I was present for his update regarding U.S. military readiness on the 100th day of the Trump administration being in office. Sec. Hegseth’s speech was very inspiring to the students as he explained the America First Agenda.
The Carlisle Christian Academy toured the state Capitol, and we are always happy to have students visit and see the beautiful building we are privileged to work in. On Saturday, I will be in Lancaster for a House Education Committee hearing on cyber charter schools, the state budget and opportunities to give our students a better education using funding our taxpayers can afford.
Check your local listings for the events happening this weekend within the district. This includes Spring Carlisle at Carlisle Events, Carlisle YMCA Healthy Kids Day, the Upper Frankford Fire Company Spring Raffle Bash and Newburg Volunteer Meat Raffle. Don't forget to purchase a fishing license and try out our beautiful streams with a friend or family member, take a hike on our trails or enjoy our historical places outdoors.
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199th Ag Roundtable and Farm Tour
Last Thursday, we had the pleasure of hosting Congressman John Joyce in Upper Frankford Township for an agricultural roundtable with county commissioners, local supervisors and farmers to discuss ag-related issues in our district. A tour of Chestnut Farms in Upper Mifflin Township followed our discussion (special thanks to Todd Chestnut and his family for hosting our tour).
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Still Looking to Get REAL ID?
The deadline for enforcement of the federal REAL ID Act is less than two weeks away. It’s important to remember:
• REAL ID is NOT mandatory in Pennsylvania, though you will need another federally accepted form of identification to meet the requirements of the law in certain circumstances.
• May 7 is the date enforcement of the law begins, but you may obtain a REAL ID any time after that date.
To help expedite processing for those who wish to obtain a REAL ID, PennDOT is hosting a series of REAL ID Days on Mondays at several driver license locations across the Commonwealth, including Carlisle. Please click here to find the dates, times and locations.
As of May 7, federal law will require you to present a federally accepted form of identification to board a commercial domestic flight or visit a secure federal building that requires ID at the door. Federally accepted forms of identification include a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, or a military ID.
Not sure you want or need a REAL ID? Check out PennDOT’s REAL ID online wizard to help you decide. For more information, including a checklist of documentation needed to obtain REAL ID, visit penndot.gov/REALID.
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Protecting Seniors’ Access to Prescription Drug Assistance
The House this week approved legislation that will help low-income seniors maintain access to prescription drug assistance through the PACE and PACENET programs.
Specifically, House Bill 923 places a “moratorium” on the inclusion of income from a Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) in determining eligibility for the programs.
PACE and PACENET are available to residents ages 65 and older. The annual income limit for PACE recipients is $14,500 or less for a single person and $17,700 for a married couple. The annual income limit for PACENET is between $14,501 and $33,500 for a single person and between $17,701 and $41,500 for a married couple.
Full details on eligibility and how to apply are available here or by contacting my office(s). House Bill 923 is pending consideration in the Senate.
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Call Before You Dig
April is Safe Digging Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of calling 8-1-1 before digging to ensure the safety of excavation projects across the state.
Every time an underground utility line is hit, there is a risk to the contractors or homeowners who are doing the digging; to utility workers and emergency responders who are mobilized to deal with the damage; and to bystanders who live, work or travel near the locations of the incidents.
State law requires contractors and residents to contact PA One Call at least three business days prior to excavation – triggering alerts to all utilities within an intended digging area and prompting utilities to mark where their lines are located. Pennsylvanians can dial 8-1-1 to connect with the One Call system, while out-of-state residents or businesses can call 1-800-242-1776.
Learn more at PA1call.com.
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Boosting Autism Awareness, Acceptance
April is Autism Acceptance Month, formerly known as Autism Awareness Month. The designation aims to help empower autistic individuals and their families, and to ensure improved support and opportunities in education, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care and long-term support services.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Programs works to provide an array of support services for individuals of all ages, as well as their families. The Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training Collaborative (ASERT) is a statewide initiative to provide streamlined access to information for Pennsylvanians living with autism.
To learn more, visit paautism.org.
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Protecting Children from Abuse
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. While state laws have identified people, such as teachers, health care providers and clergy members, who are mandated to report suspected cases of abuse, we all have a role to play in protecting our children.
Signs of potential physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect may include sudden changes in a child’s behavior or school performance; being overly compliant, passive or withdrawn; always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen; and a reluctance to be around a particular person or to return home from school or activities.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call PA ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.
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Spring Gobbler Season Nears
Pennsylvania’s 2025 spring gobbler season begins this Saturday, April 26, with a one-day hunt for junior license holders and eligible mentored youth. The regular statewide season kicks off on May 3 with half-day hunting hours through May 17 and full days from May 19-31.
Full details of turkey hunting hours, licensing, safety tips and more are available here.
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April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Distracted Driving Awareness Month is recognized each April to remind drivers of the dangers of distracted driving and to decrease the traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries.
Distracted driving includes anything that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel and your mind off the task of driving. Examples include eating, drinking, smoking, adjusting the radio, texting, talking with passengers and talking on a cell phone.
To help combat distracted driving, Pennsylvania will soon implement “Paul Miller’s Law,” which prohibits a driver from using a hand-held device while driving. The law is named after Paul Miller, who was tragically killed in a crash with a tractor trailer in 2010 in Monroe County as a result of a distracted driver who reached for their phone.
Enforcement of the law begins on June 5, and violations during the first 12 months will result in a written warning. Effective June 5, 2026, the penalty for violations will be elevated to a summary offense with a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees.
To learn more about distracted driving, please visit penndot.pa.gov/safety.
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It’s Getting to be Farm Market Time!
Farmers on the Square
The market is open from 3-7 p.m. through mid-October and is located at the intersection of Hanover and High streets in Carlisle.
Ship Market
The market is held at Memorial Park, 100 Park Place, Shippensburg, near the Peace Garden and features food trucks and local food, craft and artisan vendors. Hours are Thursdays from 3:30-6:30 p.m., from May 9 through the end of September.
Maplewood Farm Market
Maplewood in Shippensburg is a produce market and greenhouse which sells local produce and plants. You’ll find it all at this one-stop shop, including a dine-in restaurant serving breakfast and lunch just off Interstate 81 at 8564 Old Scotland Road, Shippensburg.
Farmers Market on the Lawn
This small market hosted by the John Graham Public Library offers locally grown produce, plants and handcrafted items. The address is 9 Parsonage St., Newville. They are open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, from May through October.
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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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