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| The Barb Wire |
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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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Session Update
12 Days to Election Day
On Wednesday, we ended session until Nov. 12. This last week before election saw a flurry of bills brought forth by the majority party in the House, and a few bills from the Senate. I voted “yes” to the motorcycle lemon law bill, to workers’ compensation for first responders with PTSI, for local tax flexibility for EMS, and much more. More controversial votes stemmed around House Bill 1371, COLA increases for municipal police, firefighters and retired teachers. I voted “no” because the total fiscal impact was $1 billion, which would have been just another tax increase year over year on working class workers who don’t have a pension. This issue needs to be solved within the system where they reside, PSERS for example, and/or by reducing inflation where we bring goods and service prices down to a level where people can afford to live comfortably again.
Other good news on the horizon, both bills that concern food processing residual regulations passed out of the House and are in the Senate now. Here's my update on the issue.
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Employment Skills Center Tour
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| Today, I toured the Employment Skills Center in Carlisle and got a first-hand look at the facility and the programs they provide to our community. Their English as a Second Language program is packed, the GED program is vibrant, and the nursing skills program is expanding. Thank you, Mindy Tremblay, staff and students for your hospitality! |
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Carlisle Halloween Parade
Last night was one of the best Carlisle Halloween Parades I can remember. Thank you, Carlisle Parks and Recreation, Rotary, law enforcement and volunteers for all your hard work to make this event so successful. It was amazing to hear “Trick or Treat” as we passed out candy and see familiar faces among the crowd as we passed by!
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Big Spring Clean-up
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| I had a great time cleaning up the Big Spring with the Big Spring Watershed Association, local Boy Scouts, and volunteers this week on a crisp fall morning. I urge local motorists to stop littering by throwing trash out their window. Rain carries this litter into the Big Spring and could potentially harm fish life. Litter also lures animals into the road, which isn’t good for the animal or motorist. Thanks to all who helped clean up. |
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Trick or Treat Times in the 199th
Thursday, Oct. 31, from 6-8 p.m.
Carlisle Borough
Hopewell Township
Lower Frankford
Newburg Borough
Newville Borough
North Middleton Township
North Newton Township
West Pennsboro Township
No Date/Time
South Middleton Township
Lower Mifflin
Middlesex Township
Upper Frankford
Upper Mifflin
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Policy Committee Concludes Hearings on Inflation Impacts
The House Republican Policy Committee recently completed a series of hearings titled “Relief is Possible: Combatting the Crisis of Cost” to discuss the widespread impact of inflation on local communities, small businesses and households across the Commonwealth.
As revealed by the testifiers, every segment of Pennsylvania’s population is stressed because of inflation. Small businesses face skyrocketing prices, labor shortages and supply chain disruptions, while many households struggle to afford housing prices, energy, childcare and groceries. Pennsylvanians need relief.
According to Pennsylvania’s Joint Economic Committee (JEC) State Inflation Tracker, in 2024, “the average household in Pennsylvania is paying $984 more per month to purchase the same basket of goods and services as in January 2021.” Also, compared to January 2021, the average household in Pennsylvania is currently spending $140 more on food per month.
To watch the hearings, which were held in Allegheny, Erie and Dauphin counties, visit www.PAGOPPolicy.com.
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National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
With cybersecurity threats on the rise, Treasurer Stacy Garrity and the Pennsylvania Bankers Association have teamed up to highlight steps consumers can take to help keep their personal information safe. They are as follows:
• Check your account at least once a day so you notice suspicious activity faster. Report any suspicious purchases as soon as possible.
• Change your online banking password regularly; use passwords that combine letters, numbers and symbols; and never share your username and password.
• Avoid doing online banking or shopping over public wi-fi.
• When shopping online, use reputable merchants and make sure the webpage payment screen begins with “https” and has the tiny padlock symbol at the bottom of the page.
• Don’t open emails that appear suspicious, especially if the message contains links to websites.
• Always log out of your online banking website when you’re done.
• Lock your computer or your smartphone when you’re not using it.
Read more here.
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October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, which is a time to celebrate our friends with Down syndrome and make others aware of their many abilities and accomplishments.
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition, which is associated with delays in physical growth, characteristic facial features and intellectual disability. Approximately 5,700 babies are born with Down syndrome in the United States each year. However, due to improved research and medical treatments, children born with Down syndrome can live happy, long, productive lives.
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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 2025 Trail of the Year.
Each year, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and its Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee (PTAC) designates a Trail of the Year to help build enthusiasm and support for trails and raise public awareness about the value of Pennsylvania’s Trail network. 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.
To nominate your favorite trail, click here. The deadline for nomination is Friday, Nov. 1.
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Upcoming Office Closings
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Last Call for Veterans in the 199th
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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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