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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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House Republicans Meet to Discuss Budget Priorities
This week, my colleagues and I met with House Republican Appropriations Committee Chairman Representative Jim Struzzi to discuss priorities for the 2026-27 state budget. The Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget impasse was ultimately resolved as House and Senate Republicans advanced key policy initiatives, including permitting reform and withdrawal from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to strengthen Pennsylvania’s energy sector and enhance benefit integrity measures to improve government efficiency.
Throughout the 2026 budget hearings, House Republican Appropriations Committee members emphasized building upon these accomplishments to promote economic growth that enables the Commonwealth to meet its obligations without placing additional burdens on taxpayers. Pennsylvania can become a more affordable and competitive place to live and work, but these goals cannot be achieved through increased government spending. Budget priorities should instead focus on affordability, economic expansion, energy reliability, workforce preparedness and strong government accountability.
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This Week’s Meetings in Harrisburg
On Monday, I met with Carlisle Borough Community Co-Responder Luray Schlegel to discuss the importance of mental health treatment, support services and community resources in the district. She and I agree that housing and full-time support are needed and prison is not the place for some of these individuals. I look forward to meeting again and coming up with possible solutions that work on the state level.
Prior to Tuesday’s House Education Committee hearing on the need for teacher mentorship, I met with a member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators to discuss various ways we could help teacher retention and the teacher shortage. One of the main topics was the fact that Pennsylvania has one of the most arduous processes for certifying teachers in the nation. Reducing the time it takes to become certified in this profession would save everyone a lot of money.
On Wednesday, before the Blessing of the Balers, and as part of Small Business Day, I met with a couple from near Philadelphia who owns the oldest small market in health supplements in the nation. Their concern was being able to save $125,000 in credit card fees if the percentage dropped from the 4% fee they are currently spending. The money they save would go back to higher wages for their employees. Most small businesses in our region also have this issue, and NFIB (National Federation of Independent Businesses) is looking to help small businesses work with lawmakers across the state.
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Honoring Our Fallen Police Officers
Our Commonwealth will mark National Police Week next week, from May 10-16, and Peace Officers Memorial Day on Friday, May 15.
First established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, the designations pay tribute to the brave local, state and federal peace officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.
We are blessed by the men and women who have taken an oath to serve and protect, and particularly by those who have sacrificed their lives to protect public safety. Thank you to all who have served and continue to serve.
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Thank You, Teachers
Teacher Appreciation Week provides an important opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and enduring impact of our educators. In an ever changing educational landscape, teachers continue to demonstrate adaptability, expertise and an unwavering commitment to student success. This week, we express our sincere gratitude for their service. To all educators: thank you for your dedication and the lasting impact you make each day.
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Visiting Carlisle High School
Following productive meetings in January and again Thursday, I look forward to continuing to work alongside Carlisle Area School District leadership to support and strengthen Carlisle CTE programs and opportunities for students.
A special thank you to Dr. Colleen Friend and the culinary students for preparing an incredible lunch. Your hard work and talent were truly appreciated!
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Celebrating Nurses, Hospitals
This week and next, we are celebrating the importance of our nurses, hospitals and hospital personnel who help keep us safe and healthy.
Each year, from May 6-12, we celebrate National Nurses Week, honoring the hard work, dedication and sacrifice nurses make every day. Nurses are essential members of America's healthcare workforce who provide care through every stage of life, working with patients at their most intimate and vulnerable moments.
From May 10-16 we celebrate National Hospital Week in Pennsylvania. In fiscal year 2024, the Commonwealth’s hospitals provided more than $10 billion in community benefit. In calendar year 2024, those same hospitals provided 1.5 million instances of inpatient treatment and more than 5.4 million instances of emergency department care.
Be sure to thank the hardworking professionals who keep our local hospitals, health systems and doctors’ offices running around the clock, always ready to provide top-notch care to us and our neighbors.
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Improving Energy Affordability
With the demand and cost of electricity continuing to rise, the House this week gave unanimous approval to legislation that seeks to improve the efficiency and capacity of our electric distribution system.
House Bill 2223 would require electric utilities to evaluate and consider the use of advanced transmission technologies (ATTs) on new and existing service lines within their transmission siting applications filed with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). This could potentially lessen or even eliminate the need for new infrastructure in some areas, ultimately helping to lower costs for consumers. The bill is pending action in the Senate.
Energy affordability remains a top priority for House Republicans as we work to advance policies that will increase energy production, stabilize our electric grid and keep prices down for consumers. Additionally, we have proposed House Bill 2373, which would suspend for six months the gross receipts tax on people’s electric bills. That measure was referred to the House Finance Committee for consideration.
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Save for Education, Opportunity to Win $5,529!
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the fifth annual 529 Day Promotion is running May 1-31. Pennsylvania families who make a contribution of at least $10 to their PA 529 account during May could be eligible to win one of six regional awards of $5,529 to boost their education savings!
The PA 529 College and Career Savings Program is a tax-advantaged way for families to save for a wide variety of education, including technical training, college, apprenticeship, credential program and K-12 expenses. Saving with a PA 529 does not impact eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid.
There are two PA 529 plans for families to choose from – the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP), which helps families save at today’s tuition rates to cover tomorrow’s tuition expenses, and the Morningstar Gold-Rated PA 529 Investment Plan (IP), which offers a wide variety of investment options to choose from.
For the official rules and to learn more about how to make an eligible contribution, visit pa529.com/529day.
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PA Preferred Marketing Grants Available
Grants to help Pennsylvania farmers and agricultural producers market their products are now available from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and its PA Preferred Marketing Grants Program.
Applications for grants of up to $10,000 to reimburse promotional costs are due by May 16. Funding is available to reimburse product promotions under the PA Preferred, PA Preferred Homegrown by Heroes®, or PA Preferred Organic™ programs.
More information about the grant program is available here.
To find PA Preferred products in your area, visit PAPreferred.com. Look for the blue and yellow checkmark!
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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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