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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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Strengthening PA’s Competitiveness
On Tuesday, I attended a public hearing as a member of the House Republican Policy Committee on ways to strengthen Pennsylvania’s industrial competitiveness. The hearing was held in Franklin County’s Manitowoc Crane Manufacturing facility, the last US crane manufacturer in the nation. Vice President and General Manager of North American Operations Mike Reed spoke, as did General Manager of Volvo Construction Equipment Gustavo Casagrandi and Mike Ross from the Franklin County Area Development Corporation. They focused on three main areas of concern: foreign competition and fair-trade enforcement, the impact of tariffs and workforce development. We learned that Japan is “dumping” cheap crawler cranes into the market, making it more difficult to operate their US company at the scale that makes them profitable. Why are American infrastructure projects being built with foreign equipment when Americans can build it here at home and provide the much-needed jobs to our next generation? Tariffs on imported cranes can offset some artificially low pricing, but the measure has been insufficient to change the course of this industry. We must restore fair competition.
Lastly, skilled trade workers like those in welding, painting and electrical work are the backbone of Pennsylvania manufacturing, including Manitowoc, but the pipeline isn’t sufficient. “If the United States is serious about restoring manufacturing and strengthening supply chains, workforce development must be treated with the same urgency as trade policy and infrastructure investment,” said Reed.
As an advisory member of the Cumberland Perry Area Career and Technical Center, and a member of the House Labor and Industry Committee, I am well aware we have backlogs and bottlenecks within the technical schools around the Commonwealth. We need to consider an alternative fast track to get young workers into the pipeline for these high paying jobs. Manitowoc is a company that has more than 400 domestic suppliers, and if their business suffers, everyone downstream suffers as well.
Please click here to watch a recording of the hearing.
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Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors’ Discussion
On Thursday, I attended the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors Breakfast where I served on a panel with many of my neighboring colleagues in the House. The topics of discussion included concerns about how current building regulations affect housing affordability, development timelines and overall supply across the commonwealth.
There are housing bill packages being proposed in both the House and Senate related to this issue; however, many feel the impact will be minimal. Over the last decade, site development costs have nearly doubled due to stringent land development regulations, increased Uniform Construction Code fees and regulations and the rising cost of building supplies. I will continue to work with elected officials and industry partners to ensure our policies meet the needs of families across the Commonwealth as our own economy fluctuates.
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UGI Gas Proposed Rate Increase
On Jan. 28, UGI Utilities’ Gas Division (UGI Gas) asked the Public Utility Commission (PUC) for authorization to increase gas distribution rates for its customers. If the PUC grants the requested rate increase, UGI Gas could collect an additional $99.37 million, or 8.05%, more per year from its gas distribution customers.
This proposal would impact customers by increasing the residential fixed customer charge, a charge paid no matter how much or little a consumer uses, from $16.25 to $23, a 41.5% increase. The total bill for a residential customer purchasing an average of 68.7 ccf per month would see an increase from $113.64 to $123.55, or 8.7%.
The PUC has scheduled 10 public input hearings to hear testimony from consumers about the request for a rate increase. There are telephonic call-in public input hearings scheduled for Friday, April 3, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Click here to learn more about the Public Input Hearings.
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Carlisle Fire and Rescue Awards Banquet
Carlisle Fire and Rescue Services held its annual awards banquet last Saturday evening, bringing together members, families and community supporters to celebrate outstanding service throughout the past year. As part of the evening’s recognitions, I attended the event to present official certificates honoring several award recipients for their dedication and achievements.
The evening served as a meaningful reminder of the strength of Carlisle Fire and Rescue Services and the individuals who help uphold its mission. Congratulations to all this year’s honorees. Thank you for your continued service to the community.
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Mooreland Elementary Visits the Capitol
I had the opportunity to spend part of my Friday morning with students from Mooreland Elementary School in the Carlisle Area School District as they visited the state Capitol for a firsthand look at the historic building and the work that takes place there. It was great to see their interest as they toured the Capitol and learned more about state government!
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March 25 is National Medal of Honor Day
National Medal of Honor Day, celebrated annually on March 25, recognizes all recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest military award for valor in the United States.
Created in 1861, the first medals were awarded to six members of “Andrews’ Raiders” for their volunteering and participation during an American Civil War raid in April of 1862, commonly known as “The Great Locomotive Chase.” The medal has since been awarded to 3,533 of our nation’s finest, including 19 recipients who have received two medals.
Pennsylvania is second only to New York in the number of Medal of Honor recipients at 380, according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
Let us remember the gallantry and sacrifice of every recipient of the United States Armed Forces’ highest military decoration.
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Honoring Our Women Veterans License Plate
In recognition of Women's History Month in March, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is reminding drivers that purchasing a women veterans license plate both recognizes the importance of women who served and supports programs assisting the more than 62,000 women veterans in Pennsylvania.
The Honoring Our Women Veterans registration plate costs $42, with $15 going directly to the Pennsylvania Veterans' Trust Fund (VTF). The VTF regularly issues grants to statewide charitable organizations assisting veterans service organizations and county directors of veterans affairs. The grants are used to aid veterans in need of shelter, essential goods and other services.
The Women Veteran Registration plate is available to women veterans for a fee of $28. Both plates are also available for motorcycle owners.
To learn more about how to purchase plates honoring women veterans, or other military-related license plates, click here.
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Introducing Our Youth to Trout Fishing!
Next Saturday, March 28, is Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day across the Commonwealth.
To participate, youth anglers (those under the age of 16) must have either a free Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License. More information about the mentored youth program, as well as a link to obtain a permit or license, is available here.
The following Saturday, April 4, is the first day of trout season. If you haven’t already, be sure to buy your fishing licenses and permits and get your gear organized. Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) online at fishandboat.com or the FishBoatPA mobile app for more information.
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It’s National Ag Literacy Week!
National Ag Literacy Week spotlights the crucial role agriculture plays in Pennsylvania’s economy, heritage, and daily life. With the Commonwealth leading the nation in the percentage of farmers under 35, it's a pivotal moment to highlight both the impact of agriculture and the exciting career opportunities it provides.
By fostering agricultural literacy, Pennsylvania encourages informed consumer choices, inspires future generations to explore careers in farming, agribusiness, science, and sustainability, and strengthens support for its diverse agricultural community. Thank you to the educators, volunteers, and partners who are cultivating passion for agriculture through this week and beyond.
Together, we’re growing the next generation of informed consumers and innovative agriculture professionals across the Keystone State.
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Grants Available to Grow Ag Exports in PA
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has opened the latest round of funding for Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Grants.
The program will make available up to $381,810 in competitive matching grants to support nonprofit organizations engaged in market research, education, promotion and export development for agricultural products grown, raised or produced in Pennsylvania.
Preference will be given to nonprofit organizations with experience in marketing products internationally. Click here for more information.
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License Plate Replacement 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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