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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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Budget Talks Continue
The House will caucus on Saturday evening and be in session on Sunday at noon. Senate leadership and the governor’s office were in meetings all week to find a final budget dollar figure to which they both could agree.
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Caught Off Guard by Extreme Weather?
As we celebrated the nation’s 250th birthday last weekend, many areas of the state were hit by severe thunderstorms, high winds, heavy rains and even tornado warnings. For some, the recovery from those storms continues. PPL has been giving frequent updates as power is being restored.
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) is urging people who experienced property damage to report it. More information about reporting damage is available here. PEMA also notes state and local officials are out assessing damages. If you have questions about the legitimacy of someone asking about your property, please ask for identification. Government officials will always have ID and be happy to show it to you.
It’s also a good time to remember how dangerous floodwaters can be. If you approach a flooded roadway, turn your vehicle around. It only takes a few inches of water to sweep a vehicle away, putting your life in danger, as well as the lives of first responders who come to your aid. Never drive around “road closed” signs and use detours instead. The message is simple. Turn around; don’t drown.
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Bill to Boost Mental Health Access OK’d by House
Recognizing the importance of access to mental health care, I joined a majority of my colleagues in the state House to approve a bill that would authorize the Commonwealth to join the Interstate Counseling Compact.
The compact permits a professional counselor’s home state license to be mutually recognized by other states based on criteria laid out within the language of the compact. The agreement would enhance access to care by providing counselors and their patients more opportunities as to where and how they provide treatment.
More than three dozen states already have compact laws, including the neighboring states of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio and West Virginia. This Compact is particularly needed within our transient military community so spouses traveling from other states can find employment in this field while stationed here.
Senate Bill 604 is pending the governor’s signature to become law.
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Legislation to Increase Penalties for Prostitution Advances in the House
I plan to support legislation authored by Sen. Cris Dush that would increase penalties for crimes promoting prostitution, promoting prostitution of a minor and patronizing prostitution. Under Senate Bill 45, penalties for promoting various types of prostitution would increase to a misdemeanor of the first degree for a second offense. Promoting prostitution of a minor would increase from a felony of the third degree to a felony of the first degree.
The bill would also significantly increase grading and penalties for patronizing prostitution. Half of all fines collected under the bill would be deposited in the Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Children Fund and the other half would be directed to the Prevention of Human Trafficking Restricted Account.
Senate Bill 45 awaits a vote on final passage in the House.
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Important Student Aid Deadline!
First-time applicants planning to attend a community college, trade school or other eligible school have until Saturday, Aug. 1, to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for a PA State Grant in 2026-27.
The PA State Grant Program is offered through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and provides funding to eligible undergraduate students that does not have to be repaid. Complete your FAFSA now at StudentAid.gov.
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Nominate Your Favorite Trail
If you have a favorite trail that provides unique opportunities, encourages and celebrates diverse user groups, or enhances your community, please nominate it for Pennsylvania’s 2027 Trail of the Year.
Each year, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and its Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee (PTAC) designate a Trail of the Year to help build enthusiasm and support for trails and raise public awareness about the economic, environmental and health benefits trails bring. The winning trail will be recognized through a commemorative poster for statewide distribution, a trailhead marker along the trail, and a grant for educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection on the trail.
Click here to nominate your favorite trail. The deadline for nomination is Friday, July 31.
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Local Events in the Area
There are several fantastic events happening in our community this month!
Meadowbrooke Gourds will be hosting its Summer Celebration this Saturday, July 11, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Carlisle at their 200-acre farm located at 125 Potato Road. This free festival features wildflower picking, live music, craft vendors and more!
Bluegrass on the Grass returns to Dickinson College this Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. The lawn may be accessed starting at 8 a.m. on the day of the festival. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets, vendors will be on site serving a variety of food.
The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals Car Show is underway at the Carlisle Fairgrounds and will continue through this Sunday, July 12. Chrysler Nationals is the world’s largest Mopar event and features nearly 3,000 vehicles from all ears of Chrysler. Gates open daily at 7 a.m.
The final day of the Newville Lions Club Fair is this Saturday, July 11. Be sure to stop by Friday (tonight) for a fireworks show beginning at 10 p.m. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a summer evening with friends and family.
The Upper Frankford Township Volunteer Fire Company will host its 77th-annual Fireman’s Fair from Thursday, July 16 through Saturday, July 18. Come out for delicious food, live music and a fun community atmosphere that’s become a beloved local tradition.
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This Sunday is National Barn Day
National Barn Day is coming up this Sunday, July 12, offering a wonderful opportunity to recognize the historic barns that are woven into the landscape of our rural communities. These iconic structures tell the story of generations, provide shelter, support local agriculture, and serve as enduring landmarks of craftsmanship and tradition.
Whether it’s a favorite barn you pass on your daily commute or one preserved within our local farmland, take a moment this Sunday to appreciate the role barns play in our region’s heritage. National Barn Day is a simple reminder of the value of preserving these timeless pieces of our countryside for future generations.
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North Newton Township Ice Cream and Issues Event
You are invited to attend the Ice Cream and Issues discussion I’m hosting next Wednesday, July 15, from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at North Newton Township Park, 528 Oakville Road, Shippensburg.
The event will provide brief updates from the state Capitol and an opportunity to discuss topics of concern to you. I hope you will join me for conversation and complimentary ice cream.
Please click here to register.
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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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