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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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Policy Hearing on Reforming the Rain Tax to Make PA More Affordable
On Tuesday, I joined several colleagues for a House Republican Policy Committee hearing on the Pennsylvania rain tax. Under the federal Clean Water Act and related interstate agreements governing the Chesapeake Bay watershed, Pennsylvania is obligated to reduce nutrient and sediment discharges from stormwater runoff. These Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requirements impose substantial compliance obligations on municipalities, often passing this “Rain Tax” directly to local property owners through stormwater taxes.
Commonwealth Court found that the pass-through charge to residents was, in fact, a tax. This leads to other questionable practices, especially as it relates to nonprofits, who are exempt from taxes. Rep. Brenda Pugh of Luzerne County has been fighting this fight, just as we did in the 199th District. While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims these stormwater projects are a “mandate,” they will tell you they are just guidelines and it’s up to individual states to figure out how to comply.
They site other states like North Carolina which do not tax their constituencies. Pennsylvania is one of the most regulated states in the nation, so this doesn’t surprise me. I have written several pieces of legislation that address the inherent falsehoods in stormwater modeling throughout the state. I’ve also called for new testing of our waterways in a joint effort to pinpoint problems that may exist rather than painting with a broad brush incorporating streams that are obviously not impaired and are full of aquatic life.
Not having a baseline for sediment wastes your money through a tax, at a time when affordability is an issue.
Please click here to watch the hearing.
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Behind the Headlines: Protecting Women’s Sports
I recently joined Susquehanna Valley Center for Public Policy for a segment of its Behind the Headlines television production to discuss protecting women’s sports in Pennsylvania.
We covered important topics like Title IX, the Olympics and fairness in women’s sports. Senate Bill 9 was recently re-referred to yet another committee as Democrats continue to hide from this issue that Pennsylvanians overwhelmingly support because protecting our women and girls in sports is common sense.
Click here to watch the video.
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Hugh Henry Brackenridge Historical Plaque Dedication
Last Saturday, I had the honor of speaking on the role of chaplains in the Revolutionary War during the Hugh Henry Brackenridge Historic Marker Dedication hosted by the Daughters of the American Colonists Cymry Chapter.
After earning degrees at Princeton and preparing for the ministry, Brackenridge felt the call of his new nation. He joined George Washington’s Continental Army as a chaplain, preaching sermons that fueled soldiers’ resolve amid the hardships of war. These men were beacons of spiritual strength, bolstering morale, and sustaining hope through eight grueling years of conflict.
From 1801 until his death in 1816, Brackenridge resided in Carlisle while serving as a justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. During these years, he also played a significant role at Dickinson College as a member of its board of trustees, where he helped lead the rebuilding of the main academic building after a fire, now standing as “Old West.” Brackenridge became a prominent figure in Carlisle’s civic and intellectual life. He remained active in judicial and educational affairs until his death in 1816 and was buried in Carlisle.
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Carlisle’s Newest Eagle Scout
Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Addison Haller of Troop 175. Addison officially earned the rank of Eagle Scout last December.
For her Eagle Scout service project, Addison designed and installed a purple “chat bench” to help raise awareness about domestic violence and to offer a safe, welcoming space for conversation and support. She also created an informational plaque describing the purpose of the chat bench, highlighting features of the park where it is located, and providing resources for individuals in need of assistance.
As part of her project, Addison presented an $800 donation to her beneficiary to further advance their mission. In total, she raised $2,500 and dedicated more than 80 service hours to bring her project to completion.
Congratulations to Addison on this outstanding achievement, and best wishes for continued success in all her future endeavors!
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WellSpan Carlisle Hospital
I attended Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new WellSpan Health Carlisle Hospital. This state-of-the-art facility will bring a full-service emergency department, inpatient care and onsite imaging and lab services to meet the growing health care needs of the Cumberland County community.
Patients can expect fast, efficient care. Most are seen by a board-certified physician within about 15 minutes, with average emergency visits lasting 90 minutes or less. The thoughtful building design and streamlined staffing model make access quicker and easier, and the hospital’s smaller footprint means convenient parking and simple entry when you or a loved one needs care most.
We’re excited to welcome WellSpan Carlisle Hospital to the Cumberland County community. This hospital is a tremendous addition that will support the health, growth, and well being of our neighbors for years to come.
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Watch Out for These Scams
Investment scams on social media and attempts to steal state benefits are both making headlines in the Commonwealth.
EBT Fraud
Last week, the Department of Human Services (DHS) warned of electronic benefits transfer (EBT) fraud phone calls in which a caller is leaving voicemails and claiming to be “Pennsylvania EBT Customer Service” in an effort to steal benefit card numbers. The agency emphasized it will never call or text an individual to request personal information.
Please report any suspicious texts or calls about DHS benefits by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477). Find tips to keep your accounts safe here.
Social Media Investment Scams
This week, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is warning about the prevalence of fraudulent investment schemes on Meta platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Citizens are urged to scrutinize social media investment advertisements before investing. Most reputable broker-dealers and investment advisors do not post specific investment advice on social media platforms.
To learn more about the scams and tips to protect yourself, click here. Victims of these types of scams should report them to the Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555 or scams@attorneygeneral.gov.
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Donate Life Month
April is Donate Life Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about the growing need for organ donation across the Commonwealth and the country. According to Donate Life PA, 16 people on average die each day while waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.
Across the country, more than 100,000 people are waiting for a transplant to save their lives, and every eight minutes, another person’s name is added to the national waiting list. In Pennsylvania alone, more than 6,000 people are on the waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant.
About 5 million Pennsylvanians have added the donor designation to their driver’s license, learner’s permit or state identification card, but this represents only half of those eligible to register. If you’d like to register as an organ donor, you may sign up here. You are also encouraged to let your loved ones know of your wishes.
For more information about organ donation, visit donatelifepa.org.
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Eligible PA Veterans: Apply Now for Amputee, Paralyzed Veterans Pension
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is encouraging eligible veterans to apply now for a monthly pension offered through the state’s Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension program. The DMVA is promoting the benefit to increase awareness as the Amputee Coalition observes National Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in April.
Pennsylvania veterans who qualify for the pension receive $150 per month. Currently, there are 2,500 veterans across the Commonwealth enrolled in the program.
For more information about the program qualifications, click here.
To apply, contact Cumberland County Veterans Affairs at (717) 240-6178.
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Virtual Data Center Forum
Many constituents have reached out to request information on the increased build-out of data centers across the state, and in our own back yard. The Cumberland County Planning Commission, Dickinson College, and Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation are holding a virtual information session on Wednesday, April 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Although the local data center concerns are just that, local, a state representative cannot “tell” municipal supervisors what to do or how to vote. There are several bills in the state house and senate that address data centers, which are regulatory in nature. I am cautious to get totally behind any of them at this point, until the amendment process has been completed.
Click here to view Cumberland County Planning Department’s “Planning for Data Centers” information.
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Voter Registration Deadline May 4
Pennsylvanians who are not already registered to vote but wish to participate in the May 19 primary election should be sure to register no later than Monday, May 4.
To be eligible to vote in the primary, you must be a citizen of the United States for at least one month before the election; a resident of the election district in which you register to vote for at least 30 days before the election; and at least 18 years of age on or before the date of the primary.
Under state law, only voters registered as Republicans or Democrats may vote for candidates in the primary election.
Citizens may register to vote online here or visit your county voter registration office. Not sure of your registration status? Check it here.
Voters who prefer to vote by mail-in or absentee ballot have until May 12 to apply for the ballot and until 8 p.m. on May 19 to return it. For more information, click here.
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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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