The Barb Wire 10-17-2025

October 17, 2025


Facebook Website Bio Latest News Contact

 
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.

 
BARB’s Update:
We have a few carryovers from the previous week. Here is a quick video I provided to constituents advocating for my cell phone bill, which limits the use of cell phones in schools during the 45-minute instructional time.

I participated in a policy hearing in York county about stormwater management. York County, with the help of USDS and sponsored water monitoring systems, has waived out of the stormwater management mandates from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The entire county waived out. We can do that here in Cumberland County if we have a task force willing to take that on. I encourage you to at least watch the testimony of the York County commissioner and my subsequent questioning of the deputy secretary of DEP here.

I toured the new Carlisle YMCA Olympic-size pool they purchased from Keystone Aquatics and spoke with the events representatives about the future plans for the region. Already, schools at all levels are signing up to use the facility and it is obvious a great need is being filled with this new opportunity. We are looking forward to the soft opening and future plan update. For more information go to carlislefamilyymca.org and hit “Aquatic Center.”

   
On Wednesday, we had our first Senior Expo at the Expo Center in Carlisle. Hundreds of people took part in the event, which was a great success. We are already looking forward to next year and have begun planning for Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, so mark your calendars. Thank you to all of the vendors, sponsors and the Newville Lions Club for their tasty food.

   

Yellow Breeches Interview.
                  
Yesterday, I visited Green Ridge Village and had an opportunity to give an update on the budget and answer questions regarding senior needs as a member of the House Aging Committee. I also fielded local concern questions, which were very good. Thank you to everyone who attended.

Today, I met with Black Pastors United for Education in Harrisburg to talk about school choice and how their future mission to help kids is so important.

Later in the day, I attended a bridge dedication ceremony for Sgt. Patrick C. Hawkins, who was killed in action on Oct. 6, 2013, in Afghanistan in support of the War on Terror. The bridge on Route 34 across from the North Middleton Township Volunteer Fire Company 39 is now dedicated in his name.

Soon after the bridge dedication, I also attended the five-year anniversary of Bethany House, which has done amazing work on behalf of foster teens and at-risk teens in our area.

 
How Do I Vote by Mail in PA?
 
Voters unsure if they can or want to go to the polls to cast their ballot on Election Day next month have the option of voting by mail instead.

Your first step should be checking your voter registration status to ensure you are registered and your information is up to date. If you are not currently registered, the last day to do so is this Monday, Oct. 20.

Once you’ve confirmed your registration status, you can apply for the mail-in ballot. Applicants must provide a driver’s license or PennDOT identification number, if you have one. If not, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number and upload your signature (if applying online).

To apply online, or to download a paper copy of the application, click here.

You may also apply in person at your county voter registration office. If your county’s ballots are available, you could also vote at that time, assuming your mail-in ballot application is approved.

The deadline to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28. The deadline to return your ballot to your county election office is 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4. Additional information about voting by mail is available here.
 
 
DCNR to Host Virtual Workshop for Recreation, Conservation Grant Program
 
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will host a free, virtual grant workshop next month for those seeking funding assistance for a new park, trail or conservation project.

The workshop will be held Thursday, Nov. 6, from 9 a.m. to noon, and is especially suited for local governments, nonprofits and community groups interested in applying for funding through the 2026 Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

The workshop is free, but pre-registration is required to ensure participants receive needed materials. To register, visit the DCNR Calendar of Events here.

A recording will be made available on the DCNR YouTube channel for those who cannot participate.
 
 
Ways to Protect Yourself Online
 
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Online safety is about more than just your computer. It helps safeguard personal information, finances, workplaces and more. Here are steps you can take to stay safe online:

Keep Software Updated: Updates protect your devices from the newest threats. Turn on automatic updates in your phone, computer and apps so you don’t forget.

Use Strong Passwords: A strong password is long (16 characters or more) and includes a mix of letters, numbers and symbols. Never reuse the same password on different accounts.

Use a Password Manager: A password manager creates and stores strong passwords for you, so you can use a unique one for every account without having to remember them all. It also helps protect against fake login pages by only filling in your password when the website address is correct, giving you a warning if something looks suspicious.

Turn on Multifactor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds a second step when signing in, like entering a code from your phone or tapping a fingerprint. Turn it on for your email, bank, social media and shopping accounts.

Watch Out for Phishing: Be alert for fake emails or texts that try to trick you into clicking links or sharing personal information. Signs include urgent messages (“Your account will be closed!”), misspelled addresses (like “Amaz0n.com”), or requests for personal info. When in doubt, delete the message and contact the company directly.
 
 
Halloween Parade in Carlisle and Newville
We will have a table set up in our parking lot for participants in the Carlisle Parade on Wednesday, Oct. 22, with hot chocolate and snacks; however, we will not be participating with a float this year. I will be in Newville the following week judging their Halloween parade and I look forward to seeing everyone on these eventful evenings of fun.

 
Property Tax Townhall Flier
 


Veterans Breakfast Flier
 

Let's Get Connected

Our District

Web Site


RepGleim.com
[[Opt In Wide]]
Office Locations
District Office: 437 E North Street | Carlisle, PA 17013 | Phone: 717-249-1990
427 Irvis Office Building | House Box 202199 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2199 | 717-772-2280

Sign Up to Receive Legislative Email Updates

Keep up-to-date on the latest legislative and community news. Your email address will be used strictly for legislative purposes.