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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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Setting the Record Straight on Felony Murder Sentencing
Public safety and victims’ rights are being threatened in the Commonwealth because of the actions of House Democrats, who hold the majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Late last week, we were called back into session one day before a deadline established by the PA Supreme Court to correct sentencing guidelines for second-degree murder, also referred to as felony murder. The court ruled the current guidelines, which call for a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison without parole, unconstitutional, and gave an effective date of the order after 120 days of the decision.
A bill to rectify the situation, which had passed with bipartisan support in the Senate, was poised for a vote and could have been reviewed, amended, and signed into law within the timeframe. Instead, Democrat leaders chose to play politics with this crucial public safety issue, risking the release of hundreds of people convicted of felony murder. I don’t have to imagine being the loved one of a murder victim because I am one. For victims, learning the justice you thought was secured is now at risk because of this failure by Democrat leaders to act responsibly is unconscionable. I have spoken with victims of felony murder this week in central Pennsylvania and they are very angry and hurt by the democrat leadership actions, and unanimous vote for a horrible bill.
The House bill that was ultimately put up for a vote significantly waters down the sentences in these cases – cases where real people lost their lives and families and loved ones continue to suffer because of those actions. The bill also provides loopholes through which these criminals could avoid serving their sentences. All republicans voted no to the unserious charade.
I value public safety; I am tough on crime; I support the criminal justice system and police; and the rights of victims and their families to find justice, and I will always defend them.
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New Telemarketing Law to Benefit Consumers
Telemarketing companies will be prohibited from “spoofing” and limited in when they can make calls under a new law unanimously approved by the General Assembly and signed into law by the governor.
Act 47 of 2026 specifically bans telemarketing companies from faking their name or spoofing a local phone number on a caller ID in an attempt to trick people into answering. It also limits calling hours to between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, instead of the current 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Calls will be prohibited on Sundays and holidays as well.
Additionally, the law requires clear, upfront disclosures about the purpose of the call, the telemarketer’s identity and what’s being sold. It requires immediate cessation of a solicitation call when requested and expands to prohibit all deceptive or abusive telemarketing acts.
The law takes effect in 90 days.
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This Week in the 199th District
I had the honor of attending Wednesday’s Assumption of Command Ceremony for Brig. Gen. Antwan L. Dunmyer at the U.S. Army War College. Recently, two star Gen. Michele Bredenkamp moved from commandant of the college to president and commanding general of Army University, also residing at the War College. Brig. Gen. Dunmyer assumed his position as the 55th Commandant of the War College. His awards and decorations are too numerous to account for here; however, a short visit with the General and his wife left no doubt we are in good hands.
I also attended a Hopewell Township meeting to discuss the food processing residuals policy that was included in the state budget fiscal code. I was able to answer many questions, but also have a list to follow up on with them as these management practices change and certifications are acquired. Thank you to everyone who came out. It is a pleasure to work together.
I met with a small group in Newville Friday to discuss a source water protection area for the Big Spring. The discussion included representatives from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission; county water and planning; the Historical Society; Newville, North Newton and West Pennsboro townships; and Sen. Greg Rothman’s office. Topics included recharging ground water after building projects are complete.
There are other areas of the state which have municipal and zoning plans that take into account a water protection area. Our next steps will be to review those plans and consider their approach.
Also on Wednesday, representatives from United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Central PA stopped by our district office and presented us with framed art honoring America 250.
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Veterans Temporary Assistance Available
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is reminding veterans of the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) program, which provides financial relief for necessities of life such as food, shelter, fuel and clothing.
Since the inception of the VTA, DMVA has awarded more than $8.6 million to assist over 9,650 service members, veterans and their families with emergent financial needs.
Eligible veterans or their survivors can qualify for an amount not to exceed $1,600 in a 12-month period. For more information about the program’s criteria, eligibility and needed documentation, go to Veterans Temporary Assistance. To apply, eligible veterans should contact the county veterans affairs director in the county in which they reside.
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National Night Out
This Tuesday, Aug. 4, is National Night Out, a day set aside to promote police-community partnerships and engage all of us in the effort to support the health and safety of our friends and neighbors.
Millions of people across the country will take part in National Night Out events, including block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and more.
My staff and I will be at South Middleton Township’s event, which will be held Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Spring Meadows Park, 640 West First St., Boiling Springs. Other National Night Out events will be hosted on Tuesday by the Carlisle Borough and North Middleton Police departments from 6-8 p.m. at the Carlisle Expo Center, 100 K St., as well as the Middlesex Township Police Department, same date and time at Middlesex Township Park, 50 Beagle Club Road.
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Saturday is PA Donor Day
On Aug. 1, 2020, Pennsylvania’s first-ever PA Donor Day was recognized as a moment to galvanize the state and rally behind the more than 6,000 Pennsylvanians waiting for a life-saving transplant. The date was chosen because one registered donor has the power to save eight lives.
PA Donor Day will be celebrated this Saturday, Aug. 1. All Pennsylvanians are encouraged to take a moment to register, knowing they could someday save someone’s life. Please click here for more information.
Also, the Red Cross is looking for donations of blood. I hope you’ll read the information above and consider donating at this critical time.
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Ice Cream Anyone?
If you’re planning to attend our event on Wednesday, Aug. 26, please register in advance by clicking here.
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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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