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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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Barb’s Weekly Update
Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of supporting The Arc of Cumberland and Perry Counties at its annual Brewfest and Silent Auction at the Industrial Training Center. The food and prizes were amazing, and it always reminds me to order from the Sassy Gourmet. Special shoutout to Evan Finkenbinder for great conversation during the lunch hour.
Also on Saturday, I attended the Pine Grove Fall Festival and met volunteers from the Newville Historical Society, as well as many other vendors who reside in our district. Thank you for everyone’s participation in this community event.
Monday’s constituent meetings preceded our property tax townhall meeting. State Rep. Wendy Fink (R-York) spoke about her school property tax elimination bill (I’m co-sponsoring House Bill 1649). These town halls are being held across the state as a listening tour for the rest of 2025 and 2026. I will soon be scheduling a telephone town hall so senior citizens who weren’t able to have their questions answered can ask them there. What we know from the outcome of the discussion is that schools are worried about the stability of their revenue, while seniors are worried about the stability of their expenses. These discussions are very important as the senior population grows throughout our state and school property taxes outpace inflation.
This interview was left out of our newsletter last week as we reported on the Senior Expo. The new aquatic center will be a great addition to the community and surrounding areas.
On Tuesday, we had a staff meeting and met with constituents most of the day. On Wednesday, I traveled to Washington, DC for an energy and agriculture policy summit. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright discussed how resources like corn and soybeans can help fuel the economy. Sen. Dave McCormick also sat on a panel talking about the importance of energy independence and how Pennsylvania is leading the way. After the summit, Rep. Dave Zimmerman (R-Lancaster/Berks) and I toured the Department of Homeland Security and met with his previous office manager, who now works in the department.
I spoke about the state budget Thursday on a podcast called “TWIRL.” The day also included a lengthy call regarding data centers, an interview with CBS 21 regarding Kings Gap General Store and assisting a senior citizen with a Medicaid application. After that, I connected with several sources to inquire about senior care in our region.
The House is in session next week. This past week, the Senate sent an amended House bill to us with a supplement of $330 million to their $47.9 billion budget proposal. Since we are bringing in $46 billion both last year and this year, we will still realize an approximately $4 billion shortfall. While this is not ideal, it is better than Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $50 billion proposal request. I look forward to reading about the changes and working on a solution to passing a state budget.
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Route 34 Improvement Update
Resurfacing of Route 34 from Lindsay Lane in South Middleton Township to High Street in Carlisle Borough will begin this Monday, Oct. 27 (it was previously scheduled to start last Monday, Oct. 20) and take seven days to complete.
All work will be performed between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following day. When possible, one lane will be open in each direction; however, traffic will occasionally be restricted to a single lane with alternating directions of vehicles passing through the work zone with flaggers.
Milling will be performed at night and paving during the day.
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Drug Take Back Day Saturday
This Saturday, Oct. 25, is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the event is aimed at reminding citizens across the nation and the Commonwealth that safe disposal of unused prescription drugs is one of the best ways to fight drug abuse.
In addition to prescription medications, DEA regulations allow for the disposal of over-the-counter medications; prescription patches and ointments; vitamins; and pet medicines. Please note, each take-back location has the right to determine what items it will accept.
To learn more about Pennsylvania’s drug take-back program, including finding a take-back location near you, click here.
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DCNR Seeks 2026 River of the Year Nominations
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is calling on Pennsylvanians to nominate their favorite waterway for the 2026 River of the Year. The winner is featured in a year-long series of events and activities to celebrate the river, including the popular River of the Year Sojourn.
All Pennsylvania waterways are eligible for nomination, except for the past five years of winners: Delaware River (2025), Allegheny River (2024), Susquehanna North Branch (2023), French Creek (2022) and Shenango River (2021).
The nomination period is open through Friday, Nov. 21, at 5 p.m. Selected nominations will be voted on by the public beginning in late November. For more information about the River of the Year program, visit the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers’ (POWR) website.
To nominate a river or waterway, visit the Grants and Awards webpage and scroll down to “Apply.”
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Department of Human Services Partisan Messaging
Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS) blames Republicans for the federal shutdown and the ensuing issues with SNAP benefits. This partisan messaging is erroneous and not helpful. DHS is tasked with helping those in need. Republicans in Congress have tried 13 times to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government and need six Senate Democrats to vote yes. Sen. John Fetterman also stated he would vote to reopen the government while they worked on supplemental healthcare issues. Discussions on the state budget are ongoing as we prepare for session next week. The state may need to temporarily help fund the SNAP gap that the federal government can’t fill at this time, so I look forward to those answers.
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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 diagnosed in the United States and is associated with delays in physical growth, characteristic facial features and intellectual challenges. 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 long, happy and productive lives.
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Stay Safe this Halloween
Halloween is a fun time for many kids and families, but safety must always remain a top priority. According to the National Safety Council, the following are some tips to keep in mind while trick-or-treating:
• All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.
• If children are out after dark, fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks.
• Opt for non-toxic Halloween makeup over masks, which can obscure vision.
• A responsible adult should accompany young children on neighborhood rounds.
• If older children are going alone, plan and review a route and establish a return time.
• Teach children never to enter a stranger’s home or car.
• Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stay with friends.
• Tell children not to eat any treats until they return home, where they can be inspected by an adult.
Motorists traveling on neighborhood trick-or-treat nights should remember to stay alert, slow down, and enter and exit all driveways and alleys carefully.
For more on these and other safety tips, click here.
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Veterans Breakfast
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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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