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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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Governor to Give Budget Address on Tuesday
Gov. Josh Shapiro will deliver his 2026-27 state budget address this Tuesday, Feb. 3, before a joint session of the General Assembly.
It’s important to remember the governor’s address is only a starting point for the budget process. After reviewing the budget, the House Appropriations Committee will hold three weeks of public hearings to review the budget line by line with agency leaders. This will be the first opportunity for House Republicans to provide feedback and develop a fiscally responsible plan. At the conclusion of the budget hearings the House will return to session and begin the work of crafting a budget for the new fiscal year, which begins July 1.
As always, Tuesday’s House session will stream live at PAHouseGOP.com. Session begins at 11 a.m. with the governor’s address to follow.
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Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Hearing
Last Friday, I attended a public policy hearing at St. Anselm School in Philadelphia to examine the new Federal Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program adopted in the Trump administration’s Big Beautiful Bill. The testifiers were Rachel Langan, senior education policy analyst at the Commonwealth Foundation; Patrick Graff, Ph.D., a senior fellow at the American Federation for Children (AFC); and Keisha Jordan, president and CEO of Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia.
Under federal guidelines, the governor needs to opt into the program, which allows each student to receive $1,700 through state scholarship organizations when an application is approved. If Gov. Shapiro doesn’t opt in, our students’ funding will go to other states. So far, 31 states have chosen to participate. In PA, if we see at least 30% participation rate, we could realize more than $1 billion for students, according to AFC. All families, regardless of background, are eligible. According to Jordan, 78% of Democrats for Education Reform want the opt in to happen as soon as possible. The stumbling block is misinformation relayed by activist groups that this is a “voucher” program. It is not. These funds are open to all students, including public school students, and qualifying is easy. In the Carlisle Area School District, for example, their 501©(3) Bison Foundation could apply for the tax credit and students could use the money to help pay for the summer programs.
Anticipating the governor may not want to opt in. I’ve partnered with EdChoice Attorney Leslie Hiner to author House Bill 1763, which basically says in PA, we don’t have to opt in because we already have a robust state EITC program, and the federal program would fall under that purview. Please call Gov. Shapiro at 717-787-2500 and urge him to opt in. For more information, please visit csfphiladelphia.org.
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Telephone Townhall a Success
Thank you to everyone who joined Wednesday’s telephone town hall meeting. During the call, we held a poll asking whether cell phones should be banned in schools. The results were clear: 66% of participants supported a ban, while 34% were opposed. Your feedback helps guide important conversations and decisions, and I appreciate your engagement. I look forward to continuing these conversations in the future.
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America250PA Kick-off in Cumberland County
I was honored to speak at the Cumberland County America250PA kick-off event yesterday alongside Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34) and Congressman Scott Perry (PA-10), marking Pennsylvania’s celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary. This initiative highlights the rich history, diverse communities and shared values that make our Commonwealth strong. The event brought together local leaders, organizations and residents to reflect on our past while looking ahead to the opportunities that will shape our future.
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YMCA Aquatics Ribbon Cutting
Friday morning, my staff attended a ribbon cutting for the Carlisle YMCA Aquatic Center and presented the YMCA with a certificate. Located at 103 Midway Drive in Carlisle, this complex features an eight-lane, 50-meter indoor pool, spectator seating and locker rooms. This incredible facility is a great asset for the community and will serve local residents and swim teams well.
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Greenlight Operations Human Trafficking Study
Also on Friday, I attended a study on human trafficking at Messiah University led by Greenlight Operations and Sen. Cris Dush (R-25). Among those in attendance were local organizations, law enforcement agencies and fellow elected officials. The discussion focused on expanding public education on human trafficking, strengthening prevention strategies and improving support for survivors. Collaboration at every level is essential to address this critical issue, and I am committed to ensuring our community has the resources and partnerships needed to protect the most vulnerable. Thank you to all who participated and continue to lead the fight against human trafficking.
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Heating Assistance Program Available
If bitter cold temperatures have left you struggling with your home heating bills, help may be available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service.
To qualify for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania, you must meet income requirements, which are set based on your household size. For example, the maximum annual income for an individual is $23,475 and for a family of four it is $48,225. For each additional person, add $8,250 to the income limit.
Residents may apply for LIHEAP online at dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS, by phone at 1-866-857-7095 or by contacting the County Assistance Office at 717-240-2700.
Click here for additional information. The program runs through April 10th.
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2026 Trout Stocking Schedules Now Available!
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has its 2026 adult trout stocking schedule available online at FishandBoat.com .
“With spring fishing opportunities right around the corner, every angler can benefit from knowing when their favorite stream or lake will be stocked with trout, starting in just a few weeks,” said Brian Niewinski, director of the PFBC’s Bureau of Hatcheries. “Reviewing the stocking schedule now can help you plan a day of volunteering to help stock trout or simply plan ahead for a successful Mentored Youth Trout Day, Opening Day or some early trout fishing along a special regulation water.”
The trout stocking schedule is searchable by county, lists the waterways in alphabetical order, and indicates stocking dates, meeting locations for volunteers and the species of trout that are planned to be stocked at each location. In 2026, Pennsylvania's statewide Opening Day of Trout Season will be held on Saturday, April 4. Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day will take place on Saturday, March 28.
To prepare for the start of the season, trout stocking operations are set to begin during the week of Monday, Feb. 16. Fishing is not permitted on lakes and streams designated as stocked trout waters from 8 a.m. that day to the opening day of trout season, with the exception of March 28, unless waters are included in the stocked trout waters open to year-round fishing programs.
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Protecting Your Identity
This week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) marked Identity Theft Awareness Week to help educate people about this growing crime and steps you can take to protect yourself.
Be sure to pay attention to your credit card and bank statements, health insurance claim statements, and your bills. A bill that doesn’t show up as it normally would can be a sign of identity theft. Review your credit reports at least once a year to look for any accounts you may not have opened, and always shred documents with personal information to keep it out of the wrong hands.
The FTC also recommends asking questions before giving out your Social Security number. While it is necessary information for the IRS, your bank and your employer, not every organization needs this sensitive information. The organization also encourages using strong passwords and two-factor authentication to protect your information from scammers online and on your phone.
More tips about identity theft protection are available here.
A person who falls victim to identity theft may find help from IdentityTheft.gov.
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Construction-Related Scholarship Program Accepting Applications
The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) is encouraging Pennsylvania students with an interest in the construction industry to apply for its scholarship program.
Applicants must be Pennsylvania residents; attend a Pennsylvania college, university or trade school with focus on a construction-oriented degree; and pursue education and careers with the goal of building and strengthening Pennsylvania's communities, economy and infrastructure.
This scholarship program is open to graduating high school seniors, as well as current college students who plan to work in the construction industry. The one-year scholarship of up to $10,000 is renewable for up to three years for a student in good standing.
The deadline to apply for this year’s scholarship program is March 1. For more information, click here.
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Traffic Delays in South Middletown Township
This Monday, Feb. 2, through next Sunday, Feb. 8, utility pole replacement work is scheduled for York Road/Route 74 between Fairview Street to Connector Road in South Middleton Township from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
There will be lane closures under flagging on York Road. Please be alert and drive with caution through the work zone.
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Pizza & Policy
On Thursday, Feb. 12, I’ll be hosting Pizza and Policy from 6-7 p.m. at Newburg Hopewell Fire Company, 121 Lovers Lane, Newburg.
This is a legislative event and an opportunity for you to catch up on the latest news from Harrisburg, as well as ask questions on various topics.
If you plan to attend, please click here to register for the event.
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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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