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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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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I would like to extend the warmest holiday wishes to you and your family. May you have a wonderful and safe season that is full of peace and cheer.
My district office hours may be limited due to the holidays. Please call ahead to be sure my offices are open.
Also, PennDOT Driver License Centers will be closed Thursday, Dec. 25, for Christmas Day and Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, for New Year’s Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.
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House Democrats Pass Extreme Abortion Bill Days Before Christmas
We were in session this past Wednesday, and my Democrat colleagues decided that a constitutional amendment to allow abortion up until birth should be the year-ending effort. Most of the Democrat House members had turned in their proxy and left, as three hours of Republican debate on the subject ensued.
I spoke about the moral aspect and the implications of this bill, while other colleagues agreed and spoke about the constitutional and legal aspects. House Bill 1957 would allow abortion until birth, a barbaric and radical concept. It would remove parental involvement and protections from the Abortion Control Act of 1989 and force our state’s taxpayers to fund elective abortions.
The vote was 102-101 and the bill now goes to the Senate, where it is unlikely to be considered. It was a heartless attempt at Christmas, as many in the Christian faith celebrate the birth of a savior, to highlight such a divisive issue in our culture. You can view my remarks here.
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Cumberland County Conservation District Manager to Retire
I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Carl Goshorn on his retirement after 37 years of exemplary service as Cumberland County Conservation District manager. Throughout his tenure, Carl’s leadership and unwavering commitment to preserving our natural resources has left an enduring impact on both the community and the environment.
I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Carl for more than two decades on numerous projects, and in 2024, I was honored to receive the Elected Official Recognition Award from the Cumberland County Conservation District in collaboration with his efforts.
Carl’s contributions have been invaluable, and I wish him continued success and fulfillment as he embarks on this well-deserved next chapter.
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America250PA Cumberland County Bell Unveiled
I had the honor of attending today’s unveiling of Cumberland County’s America250PA commemorative bell at the Veterans Memorial Courtyard in Carlisle. This distinguished 3-foot fiberglass bell, masterfully crafted by local artist Phil George, stands as a symbol of the rich history of Cumberland County. It is part of the Bells Across PA initiative, a statewide tribute commemorating America’s 250th anniversary by installing unique bells in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.
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Gleim to State House Democrats: “When Will Your Leadership Allow You to Protect Girls in Sports?"
On Tuesday, House Democrats again blocked consideration of legislation that would prevent biological men from competing in women’s sports. Three bills - the Protect Women’s Sports Act (House Bill 158), the Save Women’s Sport’s Act (Senate Bill 9) and the Dads Defending Daughters Act (House Bill 1849) - have now been referred out of the House Education Committee (additionally, Senate Bill 9 was earlier referred to the House Health Committee) and pushed into the Judiciary Committee without advance communication, but rather under the guise of “new business.”
The rereferral took place with support from every Democrat committee member.
State Rep. Barb Gleim (R-Cumberland), a member of the committee and author of House Bill 158, issued the following statement in response to the maneuver:
“Why are House Democrats afraid to debate an issue which 80% of Pennsylvanians support? Why are three clearly education-related pieces of legislation now buried in and incorrectly assigned to the House Judiciary Committee? When will House Democrat leaders allow their members to vote to protect women and girls in sports?
“These bills regulate interscholastic and intercollegiate sports and have nothing to do with legislation handled by the House Judiciary Committee. Democrats are trying to fool Pennsylvanians with a political tactic that allows them to avoid going on record to support or oppose protecting women’s sports and curtail free speech and local representation.
“It’s a commonsense issue that should justly and fairly be decided by the General Assembly. Senate Bill 9 advanced with bipartisan support, a fact that will obviously need to be addressed in the House this session. It’s time to stand with the overwhelming majority of Pennsylvanians who want fair play in PA and protection from physical and mental harm for girls who deserve to have the opportunities afforded under Title IX.
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Wreaths Across America Event at Capitol
Last week I rode with the Cumberland County Honor Guard to the Capitol for a Wreaths Across America event. While we had fun getting the flags through security, we knew the significance of the event being held and we wanted to honor our veterans. The National Anthem was sung by The Christian School of Grace Baptist Church from Carlisle and they were absolutely amazing. Carlisle was well represented!
Maj. General John Pippy spoke about remembering every fallen veteran, honoring those who still serve and their families. Wreaths across America also teaches our youth the value and price of freedom. Taps was played from the second floor of the Capitol Rotunda by a member of the Honor Guard and the sound resonated throughout the Capitol. Thank you to all who participated in this wonderful event on behalf of our veterans.
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War College Spouses Take Christmas Tour of Capitol
It was my pleasure and an honor to meet with spouses of U.S. Army War College students from various nations who were also introduced Tuesday in the House chamber. Another group came on Wednesday, and I was able to discuss the many ways our office helps constituents in the region.
Thank you for your interest in state government and welcome to Carlisle.
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North Middleton Township Eliminates MS4 Fee
After reviewing North Middleton Township’s annual budget and conducting a financial analysis, the board of supervisors has decided to fund the stormwater utility through the General Fund rather than a separate stormwater fee. The utility remains essential for maintaining stormwater infrastructure and meeting MS4 compliance obligations.
Eliminating the fee will reduce administrative costs, collection efforts and inefficiencies associated with invoicing and delinquent accounts. This change ensures a more equitable and efficient use of taxpayer funds while preserving the utility’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities. I commend them for their decision.
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More Than $1.3 Million in LSA Funding Awarded to Local Projects
State Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34) and I have announced more than $1.3 million in Local Share Account (LSA) grants to fund key projects across our local communities.
“I was proud to advocate for these initiatives,” Rothman said. “This investment will enhance public safety, expand recreational opportunities, and ensure our infrastructure meets the growing needs of residents.”
Gleim added, “The LSA program is an essential resource for municipalities working to improve infrastructure and address unique local challenges. These highly competitive grants will make a real difference in the quality of life for our communities.”
The LSA program allocates gaming revenue to support community and economic development projects.
This year’s grants include:
• Cumberland County – $400,000 for a mobile command vehicle to assist with emergency response and serve as a backup 911 center.
• Keystone Trails Association – $171,218 for rehabilitation of the Scott Farm property in Middlesex Township.
• Newburg Borough – $386,000 for construction of a new municipal maintenance garage.
• Newburg Hopewell Joint Authority – $120,000 for upgrades to its treatment facility.
• Newville Borough – $114,918 for equipment to clear stormwater catch basins.
• North Middletown Township – $132,150 to expand outdoor and recreational amenities.
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$17 Million for Chesapeake Bay Watershed Conservation Projects
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) awarded more than $17 million in 2026 Countywide Action Plan (CAP) Coordinator and Implementation grants to county teams across Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The funding will support the Commonwealth’s shared progress in reducing nutrient and sediment pollution to restore the health of local streams, rivers and lakes.
The 2026 CAP Implementation Grant application round resulted in 222 approved projects that counties may complete over the next 12-24 months, resulting in an estimated reduction of more than 113,000 pounds/year of nitrogen, more than 28,000 pounds/year of phosphorus, and nearly 12 million pounds/year of sediment delivered to the Chesapeake Bay.
Pennsylvania has reduced more than 10 times the amount of nitrogen in the past five years than in the previous 10 years, and water quality monitoring data shows significant improvements in nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment levels.
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Celebrate Agriculture at 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show
The Pennsylvania Farm Show – the country’s largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof – kicks off Saturday, Jan. 10, in Harrisburg. The show will run through Saturday, Jan. 17.
This year’s theme is “Growing a Nation,” a nod to the Commonwealth’s role – and Pennsylvania agriculture’s role – in building our country as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America in 2026.
The 2026 Farm Show will feature fan-favorites like the 1,000-pound butter sculpture, delicious Farm Show Food Court, thousands of competitive agricultural events, homegrown celebrity cooking demonstrations at the PA Preferred® Culinary Connection, and more than 1 million square feet of hands-on agriculture education opportunities and chances to engage with the people who are growing Pennsylvania and our nation through agriculture.
Admission to the show is free, but parking is $15 per vehicle. Shuttle service is provided.
For all the latest news about the Farm Show, follow it on Facebook or click 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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