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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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House Bill Regulating Food Processing Residuals Passes, Moves to Senate
The House has passed food processing residual (FPR) legislation that puts the community’s safety at the forefront by requiring best management practices to be utilized by entities spreading this type of fertilizer on farm ground. My colleague, Rep. Paul Freil (D-Chester) was the prime sponsor of House Bill 586 and I was the co-prime sponsor. This began as an effort by former Rep. Paul Schemel from the Greencastle area and me almost five years ago, and subsequently Rep. Friel entered the monthly meetings with stakeholder groups. We quickly realized legislation was needed to fix the problem.
Since that time, special interests and the current administration couldn’t agree on an amendment setting regulatory authority, as well as specifying what type of proteins we wanted to include in the bill, as not all FPRs have fertilizing attributes. The issue of using FPRs as fertilizer now spans over 10 counties and is growing.
I am grateful for the bipartisan support we received on the bill, and now both FPR bills are in the Senate for consideration.
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House Prepares for Budget Negotiations
In a largely procedural vote, the House advanced to the Senate a $53.3 billion state budget proposal for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The action helps set the stage for real, substantive budget negotiations, which on its face is essentially the same fiscally irresponsible and unaffordable plan outlined by Gov. Josh Shapiro in February. The enacted 2025–26 General Fund budget created a $4.6 billion structural deficit. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2026–27 budget proposal would increase the deficit to $6.8 billion, setting the state for a tax hike on Pennsylvanians. Current state revenues are projected to be $48.95 billion, confirming that this administration has a spending problem.
I look forward to the opportunity to vote on a negotiated plan that funds the core functions of government while respecting our taxpayers.
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Secretary Linda McMahon Visits Capitol
I was honored to meet Secretary of Education Linda McMahon last week and support her efforts to get our Gov. Shapiro to opt-in to the Federal Education Income Tax Credit that was included in the recent big omnibus bill. All schools can use these tax credits of up to $1,700.
If we don’t opt in by September, other states will be able to use those dollars that could reach $1 billion. This opt-in is a no brainer for educational use, and it puzzles both parties as to why the governor is holding out on families and students in the Commonwealth.
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Savings Snapshot: House Republicans Work to Create Economic Opportunity for PA Families
To help alleviate the strain of rising costs, last month House Republicans launched the “Freedom Through Affordability” initiative. This package of bills is aimed at reducing costs in key areas, creating financial flexibility and stability for families across the Commonwealth. The initiative includes bills that would suspend the gas tax; exempt cell phone and energy bills from the Gross Receipts Tax; lower the Personal Income Tax from 3.07% to 2.99%; and more. All proposals would be effective for six months and, when combined, are estimated to save families up to $1,100.
We are working to make the Commonwealth a place where families can afford to plant strong roots. We know that when Pennsylvanians keep more of what they earn, they have the freedom and flexibility to make investments in their future. The Freedom Through Affordability initiative intends to provide relief and increase economic opportunities for our constituents from Erie to Philadelphia and everywhere in between.
While temporary, House Republicans are hopeful these tax relief proposals will facilitate discussion about creating permanent tax relief for Pennsylvanians.
Stay tuned as we continue to delve into more tax relief proposals in the coming weeks.
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Fox Conner Hall Dedication Ceremony at Carlisle Barracks
I had the honor of attending Monday’s dedication of Fox Conner Hall at Carlisle Barracks. This ceremony was such a meaningful tribute to leadership, history and the legacy that continues to shape the future.
Fox Conner graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1898 and served the nation with distinction across more than four decades. As chief of operations (G 3) of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I, he played a pivotal role in planning the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
Following the war, Conner’s mentorship of future military leaders such as Dwight D. Eisenhower, George C. Marshall and George S. Patton Jr. shaped the Allied victory in World War II and influenced American defense strategy for generations.
The dedication of Fox Conner Hall at the U.S. Army War College appropriately honors his legacy, as the building houses the Army Strategic Education Program and features exhibits commemorating his life and service. It was a privilege to present a House citation to the family of Maj. Gen. Conner, recognizing his enduring impact and service to our nation.
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Arche Classical Academy Breaks Ground at New Location in Carlisle
Arche Classical Academy held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday at its new location on Suncrest Drive. This ceremony marked a significant milestone in the school’s growth and long-term vision. School leaders, families and elected officials gathered to celebrate the new location and the start of the addition being built this year.
The academy will continue classes at its current location through the end of the school year. When the 2026–27 school year begins, Arche Classical Academy will officially open its doors at its new home.
Congratulations to the entire Arche community on this exciting new chapter!
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Aspiring Teachers Take Note
A state program that provides stipends to qualified student teachers in the Commonwealth is now accepting applications, according to the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).
The PA Student Teacher Support Program provides $10,000 to eligible student teachers and up to $2,500 to cooperating teachers who will be working with and mentoring student teachers throughout the student teacher experience. Program recipients must commit to teaching in Pennsylvania for three years following the completion of their teaching certification.
Pennsylvanians who will be student teaching in the fall and spring semesters of the 2026-27 academic year are encouraged to apply. Stipends are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date and time a completed application is received.
Learn more at pheaa.org/StudentTeacher.
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Protecting Children from Abuse
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. While state laws have identified people, such as teachers, health care providers and clergy members, who are mandated to report suspected cases of abuse, we all have a role to play in protecting our children.
Signs of potential physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect may include sudden changes in a child’s behavior or school performance; being overly compliant, passive or withdrawn; always being watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen; and a reluctance to be around a particular person or to return home from school or activities.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call PA ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.
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2026-27 Hunting, Trapping Seasons Set
The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) met recently and gave final approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for the 2026-27 hunting season. According to the announcement from the PGC, all 2026-27 seasons include the Sundays that fall within their listed start and end dates. Also, seasons that previously ended on Saturdays largely will end on Sundays, providing additional days of opportunity throughout the year. The lone exception is for migratory game birds. There will be no Sunday hunting for migratory game birds – including waterfowl, woodcock and mourning doves – this coming season.
Detailed information about the new seasons and bag limits, as well as notable changes, is available here.
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Frequently Asked Questions for License Plate Replacement Event
Join us tomorrow (Saturday, April 18) from 9-11 a.m. for our Illegible License Plate Replacement event at the Tree of Life Church, 50 K St., Carlisle. This is a great opportunity to get your worn or damaged plate replaced. We look forward to seeing you there and making the process as smooth as possible.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you prepare.
Q: What do I need to bring?
A: Current registration card, valid driver’s license, and the plate needing to be replaced
Q: Is it free to replace my license plate?
A: It is free to replace standard issue and specialty-style plates with the next-in-series plate numbers. It is free to replace personalized plates.
Q: My plate isn’t personalized, but I like my plate number. Can I keep it?
A: You can opt to “personalize” your replacement plate with your existing number for a fee:
o Ex-Prisoner of War, Disabled Veterans, Severely Disabled Veterans and Persons with Disability - $68
o Standard issue registration plate - $103
o All other registration plates - $136
Q: Do I have a specialty plate or a personalized plate?
A: A specialty plate charges a fee for a specific registration plate style related to a special organization. Your specialty plate will be replaced with the same style. Please note that a few specialty plates are no longer available, and alternatives will be offered. A personalized plate charges a fee to pick the number/letter configuration of your registration plate.
Q: Will I receive my new plate at this event?
A: No, we will submit the replacement application to PennDOT. PennDOT will send us the new plates, and we will call you to coordinate pick-up at our district office.
Q: Will the replacement license plate be the old blue, yellow, and white design or the new Let Freedom Ring, Liberty Bell style?
A; All standard and personalized plates as well as most specialty plates will come back in the new Let Freedom Ring style. Motorcycle plates are not in the new style yet.
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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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