.jpg)
|
|
|
|
| |
| 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.
|
Rally to Support Women in Sports
Earlier this week, I drove to Washington DC to support women’s rights and privacy in sports. We need to continue to support Title IX, otherwise we lose more than 50 years of advancement in women’s sports. I met with many prominent women fighters who also attended the rally outside of the Supreme Court. You can view my comments from Washington here.
In a recent article written by state Rep. Joe D’Orsie (R-47) and Paula Scanlan, a former UPenn swimmer, and published by Broad + Liberty, they stated:
“In Pennsylvania, girls have endured well over 200 days of Democrat delay tactics in the House, blocking the consideration bills that would ensure their safety and privacy in their sport. Since the genesis of this fight five years ago in Pennsylvania (my House Bill 972), girls have waited for justice and Democrat politicians have stood in their way at every crossroad…from then Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of a broadly bipartisan bill to Democratic House leaders now repeatedly re-referring legislation to avoid a floor vote. Pennsylvania dads reject the delays and obstruction. Our daughters matter more than political games and a handful of extreme ideologues who are on the wrong side of history. We’re no longer riding the pine; we’re in the game – and we won’t stop until our daughters have fair play.” You can read the full article here.
To show your support for the Pennsylvania women in sports, go to defendingdaughters.com and sign the “I Believe Promise.”
|
Newville First Church of God Celebrates 190th Anniversary
I recently visited the Newville First Church of God – The Connection Place to present the council members and pastor with a citation to honor their 190th anniversary. I would like to congratulate the church and its congregation and hope that they will continue to thrive for many years to come.
|
2026 PA Farm Show
Tomorrow is the last day for the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. My staff and I attended the PA Preferred Reception last Friday and had the opportunity to taste some incredible Pennsylvania foods and connect with those who help make Pennsylvania agriculture great!
On Wednesday, I attended the Public Officials Luncheon. It was great to hear from the PA Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, visit with local public officials and give a toast to whole milk.
Thursday night, I volunteered at the PA Dairyman’s milkshake booth. While serving the iconic Farm Show milkshakes, I had the opportunity to connect with other volunteers and Farm Show attendees to celebrate Pennsylvania’s rich agricultural heritage. It is always great to support our farmers and enjoy one of the Farm Show’s most beloved traditions.
|
Scott Farm Project
Also on Thursday, I met with Karen Lutz, vice president of Keystone Trails Association’s (KTA) Board of Directors and a board member for the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy (CPC). We discussed a land swap between the National Park Service and the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy. The planned transaction will give the property to the CPC who will then bestow it to KTA.
KTA plans to transform the site into a vibrant trail hub featuring administrative offices, a visitor center, retail space and a conference room for programs and meetings all while keeping the property looking like a traditional Pennsylvania farmstead. Planned improvements will enhance access to the Appalachian Trail and Conodoguinet Water Trail, including expanded parking, ADA walkways, signage, picnic areas, bike racks, native plantings and permanent restrooms.
The National Park Service will be taking public comments on the swap through Feb. 6. This can be done here.
|
2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Now Open
The application period for the state’s 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is now open for eligible Pennsylvanians to begin claiming rebates on property taxes or rent paid last year.
Income limits increased again this year to $48,110 for both homeowners and renters. This is due to a 2023 law I supported that calls for adjusting the income limit based on annual increases in the Consumer Price Index. Remember to exclude 50% of Social Security when determining your income. The maximum rebate is $1,000.
The program is open to residents aged 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older.
Remember – you do not need to pay anyone for assistance to apply for the rebates. Apply online at mypath.pa.gov or contact my office for help. Additional information about the program is available here.
|
America250PA Embarks on Statewide Tour
On Thursday, Jan. 29, America250PA’s Cumberland County Kick-Off event will be held from 1-3 p.m. in Carlisle at the Historic Courthouse, 2 Courthouse Square.
Light refreshments will be served. For planning purposes, anyone who plans to attend should RSVP by clicking here.
|
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month: We’re Fighting Back
Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in the nation. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the top states in reported trafficking cases.
To help fight this horrific crime, I recently joined fellow legislators in supporting House Bill 1286, which would establish training requirements for employees of public lodging establishments who have contact with guests or access to guest rooms, and for operators of short-term rentals. Ensuring people who may have the opportunity to intervene on behalf of a victim know what to look for can help save lives. This bill is now awaiting consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
People of all ages and demographics can become victims of human trafficking. Children are especially vulnerable to traffickers reaching them through various online platforms. If you are a victim of human trafficking in need of help, or you suspect someone else is a victim:
• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
• Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
• Text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733) to reach the National Human Trafficking Resource Center.
Click here to learn more.
|
PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
All PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed Saturday, Jan. 17, through Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, dmv.pa.gov.
|
Register For Telephone Town Hall
You’re invited to take part in a telephone town hall meeting I’m hosting on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Just before 5:30 p.m. that afternoon, you’ll receive a recorded message inviting you to stay on the line and participate in a discussion of state and local issues.
In addition to providing an update on the latest news from the state Capitol, I’ll be answering questions on various topics. You may stay on the call as long as you like; however, the discussion will end at 6:30 p.m.
To ensure that you receive an invitation, please click here to register your name. I hope to speak with you on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
|
|
| Office Locations |
| District Office: 437 E North Street | Carlisle, PA 17013 | Phone: 717-249-1990 |
|
| 427 Irvis Office Building | House Box 202199 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2199 | 717-772-2280 |
|
|
|
|
