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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
It is always an honor to work on behalf of the people in my district. This was a busy week. In Monday’s House Education Committee meeting, I voted no on House Bill 1500 which would essentially eliminate outside cyber charters for 65,000 students in the Commonwealth and put a moratorium on opening new ones. You can’t make one option for education stronger by eliminating another one, and all students should have an opportunity for success.
This bill was a budget gimmick that we received at the last minute and was not a serious attempt at cyber charter reform. As a matter of fact, most of the policy had already been implemented in previous budgets. The cap of $8,000 was never defended. While I agree some reform is needed, I will always fight for the students and parents to have the education options they need.
Please click here to view my committee comments.
I had several meetings at the Capitol with associations interested in their own budget line items. I also attended a press conference to educate the public on the reckless budget spending of the Shapiro administration. I spoke at an education summit on my cell phone bill legislation, which was an honor after two years of work. I voted no on every budget vehicle we were asked to consider because every single one will be amended and sent to us again. I won’t vote yes on a bill that will change, or I haven’t read. I have learned valuable lessons in the past as a new legislator on this front and am always hopeful that the process will get better.
Thursday evening in West Pennsboro Township, I hosted a stop on the listening tour being held by Rep. David Maloney (R-Berks), Republican chairman of the House Game and Fisheries Committee. You can watch the hearing here.
Friday morning, I attended the United States War College graduation ceremony and said goodbye to this past year’s students. We hosted many student seminars at the Capitol and had great discussions.
The Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) visited the Capitol and presented its scholarship award on Monday.
On Tuesday, I attended the Rotary Club of Carlisle’s Sunrise Meeting with Sen. Greg Rothman.
I took part in Wednesday’s “Hold the Line at 47.9” budget press conference hosted by Americans for Prosperity.
I was honored to present an official House of Representatives citation to Kent Mohler for 25 years of service as an emergency medical dispatcher with the Cumberland County Office of Public Safety. Thank you for your service, Kent!
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Remembering D-Day
June 6 marks the 81st anniversary of the Normandy landings during World War II, otherwise recognized as D-Day. D-Day marked the beginning of the final push across Europe to defeat Axis forces during World War II, with more than 9,000 Allied soldiers killed or wounded in that battle alone. For a full history on D-Day, click here.
I wish to extend a special heartfelt thank you to the men and women who served that day, and our gratitude to those who did not come home. Your legacy is not forgotten.
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Marking Women Veterans Day
Thursday, June 12, is Women Veterans Day, marking the 77th anniversary of the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act.
While the law allowed women the right to permanently serve in the regular armed forces, women served in America’s wars and conflicts long before it took effect. According to the U.S. Veterans Administration, women played vital roles in the Revolutionary War, and more than 400 women fought in the Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War. In World War I, about 35,000 women officially served, and by World War II, 350,000 women served in a variety of roles.
In Pennsylvania, drivers have the opportunity to further this recognition by purchasing an “Honoring Our Women Veterans” license plate, now available for passenger cars and trucks, as well as motorcycles. A portion of the cost for the plates goes directly into the Pennsylvania Veterans' Trust Fund, which provides grants to organizations that serve veterans in need.
For more information about Women Veterans Day, click here.
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Scam Alert: Traffic Tickets
The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) is advising the public to stay vigilant against a recently reported text message scam involving the Pennsylvania court system.
The scam text messages claim “records show that as of today, there is an outstanding traffic ticket” which must be paid via a scam URL. The text goes on to outline fictitious actions and penalties that will be taken if the ticket is not paid including license and vehicle suspension, criminal prosecution and negative impacts to personal credit scores.
The AOPC will never place calls or send text messages to anyone soliciting payment by credit card, gift card or any other means of electronic funds transfer for any reason.
If you receive this text, contact state and/or local police as well as the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555 or scams@attorneygeneral.gov.
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Protecting Our Children, Holding Offenders Accountable
Effectively protecting our children from predators also means holding offenders accountable. That’s why I recently voted in favor of a bill that would provide a sentencing enhancement for courts to consider in sexual assault cases where the defendant is a mandated reporter.
The people we encourage our children to trust – such as school employees, health care professionals, child care providers, law enforcement, clergy and social service workers – are mandated reporters. It is especially egregious when someone who is required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect instead chooses to victimize a child.
House Bill 355 now goes to the state Senate for consideration.
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Major General “Harry” Harold Greene Bridge Dedication
Registration appreciated online by Friday, June 20 by clicking here.
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Wills for Heroes Program
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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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