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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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How May We Help You?
My district office serves as your local connection to state government. My team and I are happy to hear your questions or concerns about state and local issues. We are also available to assist you with an array of state programs and services, including:
• PennDOT paperwork, including driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and renewals.
• Information and applications for senior citizen benefit programs, including Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE/PACENET prescription drug programs.
• Information and applications for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
• Help with securing birth and death certificates (photo identification required).
• Information about legislation.
• Assistance with resolving matters relating to state agencies.
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Honoring the First Responders of Newburg-Hopewell Volunteer Fire Company
It was an honor to attend the Newburg Hopewell Volunteer Fire Company’s annual members appreciation banquet, an event that highlights the dedication and service of the volunteers who keep our community safe. This year’s event brought together firefighters, fire police officers and their families for an evening of gratitude and recognition.
I had the privilege of presenting certificates to the company’s top emergency responders and top fire police for 2025. Their commitment, professionalism and willingness to serve are essential to the wellbeing of our community.
The fire company continues to exemplify the true meaning of volunteerism, and it was inspiring to celebrate the individuals whose efforts make such a meaningful difference.
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UPMC Child Advocacy Center Policy Discussion
This week, I joined colleagues, the YWCA, our county district attorney, the executive director of PennCAC and representatives from Cumberland County Children and Youth Services for a tour of the Carlisle Children’s Advocacy Center. We met with UPMC employees, forensic interviewers and victim advocates to hear all the center is doing for child victims of abuse and their families.
There are 40 centers in Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, and they were advocating for House Bill 2443, a different way to self-fund centers through charging convicted defendants of child abuse. Those funds would then flow into a “child victim recovery fund,” which would be dispersed through a formula-based grant application.
These centers are currently funded by the Sandusky indictment funding, as well as an increase in fees for birth certificates. The center provides a much-needed service in our area and they need sustainable funding.
I look forward to reviewing the house bill in more depth before it is taken up in the House Judiciary Committee.
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Jim Thorpe Sports Day Opening Ceremony
On Thursday, I attended the Jim Thorpe Sports Day’s opening ceremony at Carlisle Barracks. This annual event brings together students from the nation’s senior service colleges for a weekend of athletic competition and joint camaraderie. Named in honor of legendary athlete and Carlisle Indian Industrial School alumnus Jim Thorpe, the event underscores the values of teamwork, resilience, and military professionalism.
Teams from the Army, Air, Navy and National Defense University communities gathered at Carlisle Barracks to compete across a variety of sports, including softball, soccer, golf, bowling, cycling and relay races. It was also great to have Cumberland Valley Jr. ROTC at the opening ceremonies for the presentation of colors.
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St. Patrick’s Church Breaks Ground on New Narthex
I attended a groundbreaking ceremony for Saint Patrick Church’s long anticipated narthex expansion. The morning’s celebration marked an important milestone for a church community that has clearly invested well in shaping its future.
The new project will add a 5,200 square foot narthex designed to serve a variety of important parish functions. This space will provide accommodations for funeral visitations and fellowship gatherings, as well as a mass-viewing area.
The broader scope of improvements included in the project speaks equally to the parish’s commitment to accessibility and long term sustainability. These upgrades include ADA-compliant restrooms and confessionals, updated flooring within the sanctuary, a new standing seam metal roof over both the narthex and sanctuary and improved ADA-accessible entrances and exits.
Thank you to the parish for the invitation to be part of this significant event. I look forward to seeing this project come to fruition and the many ways it will serve and strengthen the Saint Patrick community for years to come.
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Boosting Autism Awareness, Acceptance
April is Autism Acceptance Month, formerly recognized as Autism Awareness Month. The designation aims to help empower autistic individuals and their families, and to ensure improved support and opportunities in education, employment, housing, health care and long-term support services.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Programs works to provide an array of support services for individuals of all ages, as well as their families. The Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training Collaborative (ASERT) is a statewide initiative to provide streamlined access to information for Pennsylvanians living with autism.
To learn more, visit paautism.org.
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PHEAA Announces Financial Aid Webinars
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has announced four upcoming seminars to help students explore their financial options to cover the cost of college:
• Borrowing for Higher Education – A seminar about loan options will be offered Thursday, May 7, from noon to 1:45 p.m. and Tuesday, June 23, from 6:30-7:15 p.m.
• Deep Dive into Covering the Gap – A seminar about understanding your college bill and making informed decisions about how to finance your semester will be offered Tuesday, May 19, from 6:30-7:15 p.m. and Thursday, June 11, from noon to 12:45 p.m.
For more information and to register, click here.
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Inspection Planned on I-81 Bridges over Route 11 (Harrisburg Pike) in Middlesex Township
Be prepared for delays next Tuesday, April 28, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Interstate 81 near Exit 52 in Middlesex Township as PennDOT inspects the bridges over Route 11/Harrisburg Pike.
Inspectors plan to use a crane from the roadway. Please be alert for these operations, obey work zone signs and use caution when driving through work zones. Drivers can check conditions on major roadways by visiting 511PA.com.
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Voter Registration Deadline May 4
Time is running out! 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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Spring Gobbler Season Nears
Pennsylvania’s 2026 spring gobbler season begins this Saturday, April 25, with a half-day hunt for junior license holders and eligible mentored youth. The regular statewide season kicks off on May 2 with half-day hunting hours through May 16 and full days from May 18-30.
Read more here.
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Trout Stocking in Opossum Lake
Last week, my staff and I had the opportunity to roll up our sleeves and spend the morning at the Huntsdale State Fish Hatchery, lending a hand as Pennsylvania’s trout season continues in full swing. Our team assisted hatchery staff with loading stocking trucks with thousands of trout. Once the trucks were loaded, we traveled to beautiful Opossum Lake, where we helped release 3,200 rainbow trout into the water.
As we continue through the spring season, this is the perfect time to prepare for your own days on Pennsylvania’s waters by purchasing your 2026 Pennsylvania fishing license, registering your boats, or picking up a launch permit.
If you haven’t already, take a moment today to secure the licenses and permits you need. Visit the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission’s website to get started.
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Gleim, Rothman to Host Free Document Shredding Event
Local residents are invited to safely dispose of personal and confidential documents at a free community shredding event on Saturday, May 16, from 9-11 a.m. at the Carlisle Expo Center, 100 K St., Carlisle, The event will include secure on site shredding services for individuals looking to protect themselves from identity theft and responsibly dispose of unwanted paperwork.
Participants may bring personal documents such as old bank statements, medical records, tax forms and other paper materials containing sensitive information. To ensure fairness and manage capacity, there is a limit of five boxes of paper per household.
Staff will be on-site to ensure all materials are handled and shredded securely. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as shredding services will be provided on a first come, first served basis.
This event promotes safe document disposal practices and raises awareness about the importance of protecting personal information.
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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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