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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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Defending Our Daughters: Make the Promise
Continuing our advocacy for fairness in women’s sports, I invite you to join the “Defending Our Daughters” campaign to show support for the Commonwealth’s female athletes.
All Pennsylvanians are invited to sign the “I Believe” promise to highlight the rights of girls to have a safe, fair and equal playing field; to compete to win games, championships and titles; to earn scholarships; and to have private locker rooms spaces, without males being present.
The promise also reinforces the shared responsibility of all Pennsylvanians, and specifically the state’s leaders, to get off the sidelines to protect and defend female athletes. Since 2020 in Pennsylvania alone, girls have lost medals or placements to boys in at least 66 separate instances – from swimming to fencing to track. That is unacceptable.
Majority House Democrats continue to play shell games with three bills that would address this issue by ensuring only biological females can compete in sports designated for women and girls. Let’s show them, and Gov. Josh Shapiro, that Pennsylvanians stand with our girl athletes.
Sign the “I Believe” promise at defendingdaughters.com or stop by my office for a hard copy. The site is secure and the compilation of signatures will be used for statistics and advocacy in 2026.
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New Eagle Scout for Troop 173
Last Saturday, I had the honor and privilege of awarding Joseph Bailey of Troop 173 a House citation for his Eagle Scout achievement. As a young citizen, Joseph put service above self for many years, culminating in a brick wall flower garden at the community park, located at the center of Mt. Holly Springs, next to the borough office and baseball field.
Joseph also makes very good curry, which he served after the ceremony.
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The Residence at Carlisle
We met with Executive Director Karrie Guiles, and Community Relations Director Heidi Lyons yesterday at our area’s new senior living community, The Residence at Carlisle. We missed their open house before the holidays, so we were thankful to give them a new business certificate and receive a tour of the facility. We discussed ways to get the word out that they want to bring the community in for fun events.
The facility is spacious and inviting.
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Thanking Those Who Keep Us Safe
Today is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Thank you to the men and women in blue who keep us safe and put their lives on the line every time they walk out the door. Time and again, when our office needs assistance, no matter where we were, we receive it. Many constituents have expressed similar experiences. We are very fortunate in our region.
We’d especially like to recognize the Pennsylvania State Police and these local police departments that all serve residents of the 199th Legislative District:
• Carlisle Borough Police Department
• Cumberland County Sheriff's Office
• Middlesex Township Police Department
• Newville Borough Police Department
• North Middleton Police Department
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2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show Starts This Weekend
The Pennsylvania Farm Show – the country’s largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof – kicks off this Saturday, Jan. 10, in Harrisburg.
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 this year. To highlight that celebration, America250PA will have its interactive mobile unit on-site at the center of the Giant Expo Hall. Be sure to check it out!
The 2026 Farm Show also features 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. The show closes on Saturday, Jan. 17.
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Kick Off America’s 250th at the PA Farm Show
America250PA, Pennsylvania’s Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, is inviting residents to kick off the 250th birthday of the United States at the Farm Show!
The mobile unit is a rolling celebration of our country’s 250th birthday and Pennsylvania’s proud place in the American story. This unit is a custom-built experience on wheels designed to bring the semiquincentennial directly to Pennsylvanians no matter where they live. From immersive games like Pennsylvania Pursuit and Keystone Quest, to meaningful storytelling with The Commonwealth Chronicles, and so much more, this experience connects Pennsylvanians of every age to our shared past, present and future.
The Farm Show runs from Jan. 10-17 at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, 2300 N. Cameron St. in Harrisburg. Find the unit just north of the Food Court and Lancaster Farming Stage in the center of the Giant Expo Hall.
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High School Seniors Eligible for America250PA Scholarship
An application window is open for 25 scholarships of $10,000 each available to Pennsylvania high school seniors who will be attending a Pennsylvania college or university in the 2026-27 academic year. Recipients will be selected based on a demonstrated understanding of civic values as America marks 250 years of American independence.
The scholarships are available through the Semiquincentennial Scholarship Program. In addition, some educational institutions are offering to match America250PA scholarships with contributions up to $10,000. America250PA is Pennsylvania’s official commission to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States this year. It highlights how the Commonwealth helped shape American history and creates opportunities for residents to take part in this historic milestone.
More information can be found here. The deadline is Jan. 31.
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Carlisle United Cerebral Palsy Visit
It was a pleasure to welcome United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Central Pennsylvania to my office yesterday. For more than 70 years, UCP of Central PA has been delivering innovative, comprehensive services and support to individuals of all ages with diverse diagnoses and conditions.
Their dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities and promoting independence is truly inspiring. During their visit, they shared updates on their impactful programs and presented a thoughtful gift, which I deeply appreciated.
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More People Can Save Through PA ABLE
The PA ABLE Savings Program, which provides a tax-free way for people with disabilities to save, now has expanded program eligibility, allowing more Pennsylvanians to open a PA ABLE account.
Individuals can now open an account if their disability began before age 46. Previously, the disability must have occurred prior to the age of 26. The expansion is the result of a change in federal law.
Since 2017, PA ABLE has helped provide financial security for Pennsylvanians with disabilities. It allows people to contribute up to $20,000 annually without impacting eligibility for important disability benefits like Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Savings can be used for a wide variety of disability-related expenses, and contributions can be deducted from PA state income taxes.
To learn more about saving with PA ABLE, visit paable.gov or call 855-529-ABLE (2253). |
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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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