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| The Barb Wire |
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The latest news from the State Capitol |
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You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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Working Toward a Responsible State Budget
The House Appropriations Committee’s annual budget hearings came to an end this week. The hearings gave lawmakers the opportunity to ask questions about the governor’s funding proposals for each agency and assess the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations.
During Monday’s hearing with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), members focused their questions on how various funding streams are used and their long-term sustainability to maintain and improve the Commonwealth’s roadways. Members also asked for an update on REAL ID, commercial driver license testing and mass transit funding.
Additional sessions with the departments of Revenue and Aging featured conversations about the governor’s tax proposals and efforts to protect citizens against elder abuse, respectively.
Video of the hearings, along with a short summary of each, is available at PABudget.com.
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Harvest & Horizons Breakfast Agriculture Update
The Carlisle Chamber of Commerce welcomed community and business leaders Thursday for the Harvest and Horizons Breakfast at the Carlisle Country Club. Guests gathered to celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage while looking ahead to new opportunities for growth across Cumberland County and Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding delivered the keynote address, discussing the meaning of agriculture. One area that always seems to get missed when discussing agriculture is forestry. Secretary Redding also mentioned that veterans make up 2% of the population and farmers make up 2% of the population (so, 4% of our population takes care of us every day). He offered insights into the state’s agricultural priorities and the vital role local farms and agribusinesses play in strengthening both the economy and the community. Secretary Redding’s remarks emphasized collaboration, innovation, and the importance of continuing to invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders.
The event provided a valuable space for conversation, connection and shared vision, once again highlighting why agriculture remains a cornerstone of our region’s future.
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Celebrating National Agriculture Week
Next week, we will join communities across the country in celebrating National Agriculture Week, a time dedicated to honoring the people and innovations that keep our food system strong. Agriculture touches every part of daily life, from the meals on our tables to the clothing we wear and the products we rely on.
National Agriculture Week reminds us of the vital role played by farmers, ranchers, researchers and countless others who work behind the scenes. Their commitment to sustainability, land stewardship and continuous improvement ensures that our resources remain abundant for future generations.
As the industry evolves to meet new will be an opportunity to express our gratitude, learn more about where our food comes from and celebrate an industry that sustains us all.
To everyone who contributes to agriculture in big ways and small: thank you for feeding our communities and fueling our future.
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Breaking Ground on the Army Heritage Center Pavilion Enhancement Project
The Army Heritage Center in Carlisle stands as a vital institution dedicated to preserving and honoring the history of the United States Army. Through its exhibits, archives and educational programs, the Center provides a unique space where past and present converge, enabling visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences, sacrifices and contributions of American soldiers throughout the nation’s history.
Earlier this week, my staff attended the Army Heritage Center Foundation groundbreaking ceremony for enhancements to the outdoor event pavilion at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle. Congratulations to the Army Heritage Center Foundation and thank you for contributions to the community!
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PHEAA Hosts Scholarship Sweepstakes
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is giving away $2,500 no-essay scholarships through its PA Forward Student Loan program!
The scholarship sweepstakes is for Pennsylvania college students, graduate students and their parents for the 2026-27 academic year who opt in to receive communications from PHEAA between now and May 1. The communications are designed to provide students and families with tips on planning and paying for college.
Twelve people will be selected for the scholarship. Winners will be announced in May. Click here to enter the PA Forward sweepstakes.
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Asphalt Patching and Overlay Project to Begin on I-81
Patching and resurfacing of Interstate 81 near Carlisle will begin Sunday, March 22. The project area runs from mile marker 47, just north of the Hanover Street/Route 34 exit in South Middleton Township, to mile marker 52, just north of the Route 11 exit in Middlesex Township.
Work is scheduled Sundays through Thursdays. Crews will operate both day and night during the first week, then transition to nighttime hours – from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning - the following week and continue on that schedule for the remainder of the project.
Drivers can expect short-term lane closures, along with longer-term shoulder closures as crews complete parapet repairs on several bridges within the work zone.
The project includes resurfacing and patching, minor drainage upgrades, guiderail improvements, line painting, sign updates and structural repairs. Motorists traveling through the area are encouraged to stay alert and use caution.
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Route 233 Resurfacing Project Begins March 23 in Cumberland County
Resurfacing of Route 233/Doubling Gap Road from Big Spring Creek in Newville Borough to Mohawk Road in Lower Mifflin Township will begin Monday, March 23.
There will be lane restrictions under daylight flagging beginning each day, Monday through Friday, at 8:30 a.m. and continuing into the early evening.
The project consists of resurfacing the existing roadway and shoulder, milling in curbed areas, base replacement, minor drainage improvements, guide rail replacement and ADA ramp updates on Route 233 in Newville Borough, and West Pennsboro, North Newton and Lower Mifflin townships.
Paving in Newville Borough between Vine Street/Route 533 and Green Street will take place later in the year as part of this project, which is expected to be completed in late September of this year.
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Another Scam Involving Owed Tolls Making Rounds
A new wave of smishing scam texts is making the rounds. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) advises that the smishing scam is being sent to random individuals, aiming to deceive them to share their personal financial information to settle outstanding toll amounts.
The texts purport to be from “Traffic Division of Philadelphia Municipal Court” and may include a fake QR code for payment and center on an unpaid toll violation, fine and court costs. An example of part of the scam text is above.
People who receive an unsolicited text, email or similar message suggesting it is from the PA Turnpike or another toll agency should not click on the link. E-ZPass account holders and Toll by Plate customers can use approved safe methods to check their accounts such as the official PA Turnpike E-ZPass website or the PA Toll Pay app available from the Apple App Store, or Google Play store.
Those who receive a fraudulent text can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. That is a site dedicated to sharing information on Internet crimes across law enforcement agencies.
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License Plate Replacement Event Flyer & Sign Up
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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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