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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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Where are the Protect Women in Sports Bills Now?
If you’ve been following our efforts to protect the rights of girls and women in sports, you will see a Democrat juggling act to keep the bills from being considered in committee.
Last December, the House Education Committee again dodged a vote on the measures by re-referring both the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act (House Bill 158) and the Dads Defending Daughters bill (House Bill 1849) to the House Judiciary Committee. My Women in Sports bill has been passed around for almost 360 days…an entire year.
Earlier this week, without notice and without identifying the names of the bills or allowing debate, majority House Democrats on the Judiciary Committee re-referred the bills to the House Health Committee, where the Senate’s Women in Sports bill (Senate Bill 9) was recently referred out of to the Children and Youth Committee. I encourage you to click here and watch the chaotic House Democrat majority leader of the Judiciary Committee silence the Republican chairman and other members of the committee.
Multiple House Rules were violated in the committee this week in order to avoid discussion on the bills.
Polls indicate 80% of people, regardless of political party, support women’s sports being for biological women only. Athletic competitions give women, based on their anatomy and genetics existing at the time of birth and NOT identities, the opportunity to demonstrate their strength and skill while also providing opportunities for recognition ranging from accolades to college scholarships. We owe it to our female athletes to ensure these rights and opportunities are protected.
We owe it to these women that safe and fair competition prevails in our state.
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PIAA to Establish Separate Playoffs Goes to Senate
With bipartisan support, the House passed legislation (House Bill 41) that would allow the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) to establish separate playoffs and championships for public schools and private, charter or parochial schools.
Because private, charter and parochial schools (also known as non-boundary schools) are able to actively recruit student-athletes from virtually anywhere, they are able to stack their teams and hold a significant competitive advantage over public (boundary) schools. This has been especially noticeable in basketball and football championships, but it can affect any school sport.
Parents, coaches and athletes are understandably concerned about this because these kids work hard at their sports and deserve a fair shot at winning. I supported this bill because I believe it will level the play field for our athletes and ensure fair competition for all.
House Bill 41 now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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Key Dates for Upcoming Election
Pennsylvania’s primary election is coming up on Tuesday, May 19. Voters will have the opportunity to choose their party’s candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. House of Representatives, state House and Senate (in even-numbered senatorial districts), as well as state and local committee members.
This Monday, May 4, is the deadline to register to vote. You may register online here or visit your county voter registration office. Not sure of your registration status? Check it here.
Tuesday, May 12, is the deadline to apply for mail-in or absentee ballots, which also may be done online or at your county elections office. Ballots must be completed and returned to your county election officials by 8 p.m. on May 19.
More information about voting and elections in the Commonwealth is available here.
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Honoring PA’s Gold Star Families
A new memorial paying tribute to fallen military heroes and their families was officially dedicated at the state Capitol last week. The Gold Star Memorial was created after passage of Act 145 of 2024, which I was honored to support.
This permanent fixture gives Gold Star families a place to gather, reflect, pray and share in fellowship with one another while honoring the sacrifice of their beloved service members. It also serves as a powerful reminder to all of us that our heroes live on through the impact they made. We honor the bravery of those who served and the steadfast strength of the families who supported them. Freedom is never free, and we remain forever thankful.
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Watch Out for These Social Media Scams
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), people reported losing $2.1 billion to social media scams in 2025.
Shopping scams were the most reported scam on social media. Scammers post ads offering high-priced items for cheap. If you click, you might end up on a site that’s impersonating a well-known brand.
More than half of the reported losses came from investment scams. Scammers use ads and testimonials offering to teach you a fool-proof way to beat the stock market. But investing always comes with risk.
Nearly 60% of people who reported losing money to a romance scam in 2025 said it started on social media. Scammers use what’s in your profile to build a connection only to later invent a problem that requires you to send them money.
To avoid scams on social media:
• Limit who can see your posts and contacts. Visit your privacy settings to set restrictions so scammers have less to work with.
• Never let someone you meet on social media direct your investment decisions. Instead, learn more about spotting investment scams.
• Before you buy, check out the company. Search online for its name plus “scam” or “complaint.”
Learn more ways to spot and avoid scams at consumer.ftc.gov/scams. If you spot a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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Road Repair Planned in North Newton, South Newton and Hopewell Townships
A PennDOT maintenance crew is scheduled to conduct base repair operations next Monday, May 4, through Friday, May 8, from approximately 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. There will be single lane restrictions under flagging during work hours.
Work will be conducted next week on the following state routes:
• Monday, May 4, on Ridge Road in North Newton Township,
• Monday and Tuesday, May 4-5, on Booz Road in Hopewell Township,
• Wednesday and Thursday, May 6-7, on Oakville Road in North Newton Township,
• Thursday and Friday, May 7-8, on Stoughstown Road in South Newton Township.
Travelers should be alert and drive with caution through the work zone.
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Upcoming Session Week Ahead
In a year that the governor’s budget exceeds the incoming revenue by $6 billion, with very little additional revenue on the horizon, it is difficult to vote for any legislation that expands programs, establishes additional regulations or new regulations, that cost additional taxpayer dollars.
If we don’t reign in state spending, your taxes will go up without question. Most of the bills up for a vote next week establish commissions, expand authority and add additional regulations that require additional state department staffing.
Many of the bills from last week, as well as the week ahead, have amendments attached that, based on the bill name, do not do what the bill purports to do.
You can look up any bill and their amendments here.
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Free Document Shredding Event
You’re 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.
Personal documents such as old bank statements, medical records, tax forms and other paper materials containing sensitive information will be accepted. 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. Please 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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