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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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Cumberland County Aging and Community Services Office Moving
The Cumberland County Aging and Community Services office will be moving from its current location on Claremont Road to 1615 Ritner Highway, Carlisle.
The office will be closed for all in-person services from Monday, Feb. 16, through Friday, Feb. 20. The new office location will open on Monday, Feb. 23.
My office will continue to assist our seniors in the district during this transition period to the best of our capacity.
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Offices Closed for Presidents Day
In observance of Presidents Day, our offices will be closed on Monday, February 16. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, February 17. Presidents Day, originally established in 1885 to honor George Washington’s birthday, has since evolved into a day recognizing all U.S. presidents and their contributions to our nation’s history. We wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday as we celebrate this important tradition.
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Western Cumberland Council of Governments Meeting Update
Once a month on Mondays, staff or I attend the Western Council of Governments meeting. This is an opportunity to speak with multiple townships at the same time and give a legislative update, which I did this week. The governor’s budget address, data centers, food processing residuals and weather- related issues were just a few items we discussed. Thanks to all who attended.
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PA Fish and Boat Commission Legislative Breakfast Briefing
I attended Wednesday’s Commissioner District 6 Legislative Briefing. Fish and Boat Executive Director Tim Shaffer gave legislators an update on trout season: Stocking begins this Tuesday, Feb. 17; Mentoring Youth Day is Saturday, March 28, statewide opening day is Saturday, April 4, and Fish for Free days are Monday, May 24, and Saturday, July 4. Director Shaffer reviewed the 2025 highlights and the commission’s legislative priorities. He gave regional updates and spoke about how dangerous ice fishing is and how we need to encourage everyone to use proper attire and safety gear if they go out on the water. Tim has been speaking with legislators about a plan to save on redundant licensing systems between game and fish, when one business sells both. There is an ongoing analysis happening in this area with a report coming on June 1.
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Pizza and Policy Recap
Thursday night, we held a Pizza and Policy event at Newburg Hopewell Volunteer Fire Company. It was great to meet and speak with constituents on issues impacting the community and current legislation moving through Harrisburg. Thank you to all who attended and to the fire company for providing the venue!
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PGC Seeks Help for Winter Turkey Survey
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is asking for your help finding turkey flocks to trap for ongoing projects. Pennsylvanians are encouraged to report the location of any turkey flocks they see across the state. Please click here to file a report by March 15.
Visitors to that webpage are asked to provide the date of the sighting, the location and the type of land (public, private or unknown) where birds are seen.
Trapping turkeys during winter is part of the commission's ongoing population monitoring, and it provides information for large-scale turkey studies.
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Helping to Address PA’s Declining Workforce
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is now accepting Grow PA Grant Program applications for the 2026-27 school year. Established by Act 89 of 2024, Grow PA is designed to address Pennsylvania’s declining workforce and the need to fill certain in-demand occupations.
The maximum award is $5,000 for qualified students and may be received for a maximum of four years. Here’s a link to more information including an application.
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Hope Station Annual Black History Month Celebration
Hope Station is celebrating Black History Month and the history and contributions of the Black community tomorrow (Saturday, Feb. 14) at the Carlisle Expo Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free to the public. It should be a beautiful day – above freezing – to visit this event and downtown shops as well.
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High Electric Bills
We heard from several constituents regarding the high cost of electricity and the idea that it is due to data center construction. As you can see from the image above, Pennsylvania’s costs exceed the national average. These costs are higher because PA is in a three-state consortium called PJM and literally propping up New Jersey and Maryland. If the governor were to opt out of the consortium, your electric bills would drop. We are exporting our energy to the detriment of our taxpayers, and it is due to bad policy decisions, mostly in other states, and not data center construction.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is here to help during the coldest months. Through April 10th, you can apply for a one-time cash grant to help cover your heating costs. Depending on your household size, income, and fuel type, grants range from $200 to $1,000 and are sent directly to your utility or fuel provider to be credited to your bill.
Click here to learn more.
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House Archives Internship Opportunity
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives Internship Program is currently accepting applications for the summer 2026 semester.
The 13-week internship is based at the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Interns work with archivists and learn several facets of the job, including processing paper collections, crafting exhibits for display in the Capitol Complex, conducting research for inquiries and more. Interns gain a better understanding of the PA House of Representatives and its members through opportunities such as meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, as well as tours of some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces.
At the time of the internship, students must be attending a college or university in Pennsylvania OR be a resident of Pennsylvania; be a second-semester junior, senior or graduate student; and have a GPA of at least 3.0.
For more information or to fill out the application, click here. Applications are due by Sunday, March 1.
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PennDOT Hosts Highway Safety Survey
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking input from Pennsylvanians on traffic safety and driving behaviors through an online survey open now through Feb. 28 at pa.gov/dotsafety.
The voluntary survey covers several topics, including seat belt use, impaired driving, speeding and distracted driving, as well as bicycle, pedestrian and motorcycle safety. It takes approximately five minutes to complete.
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Driver License Centers Close for Presidents Day Holiday
PennDOT’s driver license and photo centers will be closed Saturday, Feb. 14, through Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of Presidents Day.
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.
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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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