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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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Barb’s Update
We started the week with a solemn remembrance for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I attended three Memorial Day services on Monday, in Carlisle, AHEC and in Newville. Thanks to all the musicians, guest speakers, organizers and attendees for recognizing this important day. I welcomed two new interns into the office, Kaitlyn from Carlisle High School, and Austin from Weidner Law School. Training for these two helpers has begun. I worked on a lot of constituent services this week, attended the opening of the Ice Cream Tour across the state with Sen. Greg Rothman, Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger at Destiny Dairy Bar. I had multiple meetings regarding education and health care funding.
Next week, we are in session for more budget legislation that just adds to the state spending insanity. In our current 2024-25 budget, we have spent $3.5 billion more than we get from taxpayers. This deficit is covered by the remaining surplus of the governor’s proposed 2025-26 budget, which if enacted, would spend $6.5 billion more than projected revenues. They will either raid the Rainy Day fund or raise your income taxes by 52%. The big push outside of the budget seems to be taking cyber funding from cyber schools and capping the amount they receive; however, no one can explain how the cap was calculated. Over 60,000 students in the state use cyber schooling. Also, I am hearing that a Sunday hunting bill will be moving in some fashion.
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Newville Water Issues
I was disappointed to see the angry signs go up in Newville on Memorial Day, and the ensuing protest along the parade route, regarding Newville’s water. After two years, these individuals picked a day of remembrance, with Gold Star families in the crowd, to make their issue first and foremost. I didn’t know which issue the protestors were talking about actually, since I have been working on four issues for Newville related to water quality. I am working on the historic Newville Bridge project, the food processing residual best management practices issue, the stormwater tax issue coming your way, and the warehouse issue. The water issue being protested, come to find out, was about the warehouse in West Pennsboro Township. I have met multiple times with the group not satisfied, as well as the developer, in order to make this project, which was already approved by the township when we first met a year ago, amenable to both parties. I met twice with both sides and visited the site. However, on Memorial Day in Newville, I was accused of not helping, taking bribes and protested, which is absurd.
I am all about free speech and everyone’s rights under the Constitution; however, this was a case of false disparagement. We have a borough arguing with a township, and we have the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issuing the draft permit, which falls under the jurisdiction of the governor, not the Legislature. However, I was glad to help, if possible. I have a great interest in the Big Spring and am aware of the work that went into restoring it over the years.
Here is the state of affairs as they currently exist: A draft permit for the NPDES permit to build was issued by DEP. DEP will be offering a public hearing and will notice this hearing in the PA Bulletin and local newspapers soon. The public comment period will be extended to consider the public hearing comments. I sent the four remaining issues that certain residents have to DEP for its consideration.
Newville is also bankrupt and under Act 47 remediation. It recently received a $1 million state grant to restore its water infrastructure.
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Eagle Honors
Last Saturday, I had the honor of presenting Nathan Bado, from Scout troop #173 based out of Carlisle Barracks, with an official Pennsylvania House of Representatives citation in honor of his achievement of reaching Eagle Scout. Eagle Scout is the highest rank in the Scouts program. It represents a significant achievement, demonstrating his dedication, leadership and commitment to service. Congratulations, Nathan!
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Sweeten This Summer’s Made-in-PA Getaways on Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail
We recently kicked off the 2025 Ice Cream Trail at Destiny Dairy Bar, one of 51 sweet stops for a Great American Getaway.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger, Sen. Greg Rothman and I had a sweet start to summer at Destiny Dairy Bar, one of 51 PA Preferred® creameries featured this year on Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail.
Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail has inspired Pennsylvania dairy-centered adventures, connecting farm families and ice cream lovers, every summer since 2018. A partnership of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s PA Preferred® program, DCED’s Tourism Office, and Center for Dairy Excellence, the 2025 trail will take visitors all across Pennsylvania to more exciting dairy destinations than ever.
Destiny Dairy Bar, at Stover Farms in our district, offers visitors a chance to feed calves, pet animals in a petting zoo and experience a slice of life on a working, third-generation dairy farm. A rotating menu of ice cream and milk flavors is served with a side of education about the benefits of A2 milk and how it differs from other products.
“I'm honored to host the kickoff of the Scooped Ice Cream Trail right here at Destiny Dairy Bar. This trail is all about celebrating the small, local creameries that pour their heart into every scoop,” said Destiny Dairy Bar Owner and Stover Farms Herd Manager Amy Brickner, “For me, it’s about more than just great ice cream — it’s about helping families connect where their food comes from and create memories that last a lifetime. We love seeing kids meet the cows, try new flavors and experience the farm in a hands-on way. Hosting this event is a sweet way to share our passion for dairy and community with visitors from all over the Commonwealth!”
Travelers on the Ice Cream Trail can plan their adventures, learn about participating creameries, and sign up for free at visitpa.com/scooped. Dedicated dairy lovers can accumulate points by visiting trail stops and making purchases. Points accumulated from May 30 to Sept. 7 earn prizes through the digital passport. Prizes include a commemorative metal tumbler for six stops, and for 10 stops, an entry into a grand prize drawing to win an overnight getaway to Lancaster County to experience “life on the farm.” Redeeming points from 16 trail stops can earn both the tumbler and an entry to win the grand prize.
With 4,940 dairy farms and 468,000 cows producing 10 billion pounds of milk each year — about 2,501 gallons per cow — Pennsylvania ranks eighth in milk production nationally. Pennsylvania’s dairy industry provides more than 47,000 jobs and supports our state economy to the tune of $11.8 billion annually. Pennsylvania also ranks sixth in number of dairy cows, second in butter production, third in ice cream and Swiss cheese, and fourth in sour cream.
Those who embark on the Ice Cream Trail are encouraged to share every sweet stop with #PAScoops on visitpa.com’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest.
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Education Excellence in the 199th
I am happy to share with you that teacher Ashley Oldham, from Big Spring School District, is one of 12 statewide nominees to become a finalist for the 2026 Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Teacher of the Year Award.
Pennsylvania’s 2026 Teacher of the Year will be announced at a state awards ceremony in early December and will represent the Commonwealth at various local, regional and national functions culminating in the National Teacher of the Year ceremony at the White House.
Through the National State Teacher of the Year (NSTOY) program, PDE identifies and honors exemplary teaching and classroom practices across the Commonwealth. NSTOY annually recognizes a professional who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn; who has the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues; and who plays an active and useful role in both school and community.
Congratulations, Ashley, and thank you for your exceptional service to the Commonwealth and our community!
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Sportsmen’s Listening Tour Stop in 199th Next Thursday
Please join GOP chairman of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, Rep. Dave Maloney, this Thursday!
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Deadline for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Extended to Dec. 31
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) filing deadline has been extended to Dec. 31, eligible seniors, widows and widowers, and residents with disabilities have extra time to file their rebate applications.
The PTRR program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Eligible applicants must reapply for a rebate every year because rebates are based on annual income and property taxes or rent paid during the prior year.
Submitting your application online through the myPATH.pa.gov website is easy and does not require you to sign up for an account. Filing online gives you instant confirmation that your claim has been successfully filed. Applicants also will have access to automatic calculators and other helpful features that are not available through the paper application.
It's free to apply for a rebate and assistance is available at hundreds of locations across the state.
To make the application process even more accessible, Department of Revenue employees are also visiting senior and community centers across Pennsylvania to provide in-person filing support for the PTRR program.
An event list is available online on the Department of Revenue’s website, and applicants are encouraged to contact their preferred location in advance to confirm availability and schedule an appointment. Eligible Pennsylvanians should visit the website regularly for the most up-to-date information on event schedules.
The easiest way to check the status of your rebate is to use the Where's My Rebate? tool on myPATH.pa.gov To check on the status of your claim, you will need your Social Security number, claim year and date of birth.
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Your Summer Electric Bill
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is reminding consumers that nearly every electric distribution company across the state will be increasing electric generation prices on June 1 for non-shopping, or default service, customers.
While you are encouraged to shop for options at PAPowerSwitch.com, PUC officials note rising wholesale energy prices have reduced the number of available offers below default rates.
For a list of new residential default rates, as well as tips to conserve energy usage and save on your energy bills, click here.
The price hikes underscore the need to boost energy production in the Commonwealth so our supply can keep up with demand.
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Education Aid for Military, Veterans
In recognition of May as National Military Appreciation Month, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is encouraging veterans, service members and their families to take advantage of the financial aid opportunities available to them, especially through the PA Military State Aid Programs.
The PA National Guard Military Family Education Program (MFEP) is a tuition assistance program for dependents (spouses and children) of PA Guard members who commit to an additional six years of service with the National Guard. More information is available at pheaa.org/MFEP.
The PA National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP) provides financial assistance for guard member students who enter into a six-year service commitment with the PA National Guard. More information is available at pheaa.org/EAP.
Additional resources on funding opportunities available to service members and their families can be found at pheaa.org/militarybenefits.
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PHEAA Announces Financial Aid Webinars
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is hosting free webinars in June and July aimed at helping students and families.
The webinar titled “Deep Dive into Covering the Gap” aims to help students and their families understand their bill and financial aid package, and determine what, if any, borrowing is needed to cover the difference between aid and actual cost.
The one-hour session will be offered twice in June, at noon on Tuesday, June 10, and 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 26. It will also be offered twice in July, at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, and at noon on Tuesday July 29.
For a full schedule of webinars, and to register your participation, visit pheaa.org/virtual.
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Virtual Job Fair
To fill critical public service vacancies, the Governor’s Office of Administration is collaborating with Work for America, Inc.’s Civic Match to host a virtual job fair with state agencies and local governments across Pennsylvania. Civic Match is a talent-matching program connecting experienced federal workers with jobs in state and local governments nationwide.
Recruiters will be on hand to talk to job seekers about hundreds of job openings across state and local government, along with how to apply, career pathways and employee benefits.
Civic Match Live: Pennsylvania
Tuesday, June 3
1-2 p.m.
View details and registration
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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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